Back to Mihon and the others—they were still on the shore. The place was filled with rocks and trees, and a small river ran between them, weaving through the stones and greenery.
Mihon said, "Let's explore this place."
Amis asked, "By the way, Mihon, we never asked you before—do you know that red-haired girl we met in the Kingdom of Randor?"
Mihon replied, "No, I've never seen her before."
Youray said, "But I heard her say you two are family."
Amis added, "I heard that too. It's really strange. Do either of you know who that girl is?"
A hidden curiosity crept into Mihon's features as he looked at Amis, and Youray also asked, "Who is she? Do you know her?"
Amis answered, "Yes, she's not from this continent—she's from another one. And her family… they can't be provoked. That's what I heard people saying in the royal platform. And on top of that, she's strong. Didn't you see how she was fighting the king? It was incredible."
Youray laughed and said, "Yeah, I saw it. I couldn't have stood against her."
Mihon smiled and said, "It seems we'll run into more people like that girl—or even stronger. That's why we need to become stronger. The stronger we get, the less burden we carry."
Then Youray suggested, "What do you all think—once we finish restocking from this island, we have a duel, the four of us?"
Amis said, "Yeah, that's exactly what we should do."
Mihon replied, "Alright. We'll see what we'll do once we're done with this island."
Youray asked the Silent One, "What about you? Are you in?"
She shook her head to show she wasn't, but smiled.
Youray said, "What a letdown."
Amis added, "Don't worry, the three of us are enough for a fight."
Mihon and the others were talking as they walked. They gradually approached the village. Their clothes were the same as before, but something had changed—each of them now bore a small emblem over the heart, stitched by the Silent One herself. It was a miniature version of Mihon's banner.
They entered the village, where the houses were made of bamboo. All the homes looked alike, and people were walking between them. There weren't many villagers, but the place wasn't empty either.
As they walked in, many eyes fell upon them, but they paid no attention and continued on their way.
Mihon said, "We need to find a place to eat. I'm hungry. After that, we'll decide what to do."
Amis said, "I'm hungry too."
Youray echoed, "So am I."
The Silent One raised her hand, signaling that she was hungry as well.
As they walked, a group of small children appeared before them, holding little sticks and stones in their hands, their faces full of anger.
Immediately, they stood in front of Mihon and the others, and one of the kids threw a stone toward them. The stones were aimed at Mihon's face, but Mihon tilted his head and the stones passed by harmlessly.
Mihon watched the children with surprise, as if wondering: What are these kids doing?
Suddenly, the boy who threw the stones spoke up: "Where do you think you're going, you damn rebels? Leave our village at once! What brought you here? Do you want our people to work for you too? Go to hell!"
The boy had black hair and gray eyes, and looked about ten years old.
Amis said, "What are you talking about, kid? Who told you we're rebels?"
Mihon stepped closer to the boy, then bent down and extended his hand to shake: "My name is Mihon. We came here because we're hungry. Would you really want to chase away someone offering you help?"
"How can I trust you?" the boy asked.
Mihon replied, "Do you see any weapons in our hands?"
The boy took a step back, his face flushed, and said, "You're not lying to us, right?"
Mihon answered, "Why would we lie to you?"
The boy, sweating, asked, "Are you going to eat and then leave?"
Mihon smiled and said, "Yes, we won't stay long—only three days. Can you show us a restaurant?"
The boy looked at the other children, shook his head, then turned to Mihon and said, "Alright, follow me."
They started walking, with the children leading the way and Mihon and the others following behind, smiling.
Only moments passed before they reached the restaurant, which looked small but was full inside. There were some tables outside the restaurant. Mihon and the others sat at one of them, while the children went near a house and sat watching them.
Youray began laughing: "Looks like we're being watched."
Mihon said, "Don't pay them any mind."
The waiter came, and they ordered their food. Moments later, the waiter brought all their orders, and they began eating.
---
While they were eating, a loud bell rang from the center of the village: Srrrrrrr.
Everyone in the restaurant, and throughout the village, stood up. Each person stopped what they were doing and started running toward their homes.
Amis said, "What's happening?"
Youray replied, "It seems something is about to happen."
Mihon said, "Didn't you notice the kids' reaction earlier? It seems this island is hiding something."
No wonder — in this world, wherever your eyes turn, you'll find trouble.
After a short while, the villagers came out wearing strange light green clothes and breathing masks. They began to leave the village.
Youray said, "It looks like they're going somewhere."
Mihon looked at Youray and said, "That smell is the same."
Youray replied, "That's exactly what I was going to tell you."
These words sparked looks of surprise from Amis and the Silent One.
Amis asked, "What smell are you talking about?"
---
As the people left the village, only minutes passed before others arrived wearing the same clothes, but covered in purple dust. They began entering the village and heading toward their homes.
A few more minutes passed before the bell rang again, but this time it was different from the first ring.
When they heard this chime, the villagers came out of their homes and started moving toward a certain place.
The team finished their meal, all stood up, and began following the people.
Youray said, "That chime a little while ago signals something. Did someone arrive? Are they going to receive him, I wonder?"
Amis said, "Maybe yes, maybe no."
Youray replied, "We'll understand when we get there."
Upon arriving at the place, the people had gathered. In front of them stood an old man wearing glasses and a yellow hat—the village chief—looking toward a certain direction.
Mihon said, "It seems they're waiting for someone."
Youray said, "That person must be very important to make all these villagers come out to welcome him."
Amis asked, "I wonder who this person is?"
---
While Amis was asking, a group of people appeared from the direction the villagers were looking toward.
As they approached, their shapes became clear.
Mihon said, "They're from the army."
Youray asked, "What brings the army here?"
Amis said sarcastically, "Are you stupid? Of course they're everywhere."
Youray smiled, "I forgot, and I also forgot you used to serve them."
Youray started laughing.
Amis said, "What are you saying, you scoundrel?"
---
The Silent One cast them a sarcastic glance and then looked away.
Mihon said nothing; he just smiled.
Youray and Amis stopped and directed their gaze toward the soldiers who had arrived in front of the villagers.
In front of the soldiers was a man who seemed to be the leader of the group, wearing clothes similar to those Blue ran used to wear.
That man said, "Have you prepared your tax for this month?"