After all, given the structure of this Sea of Moisture, they could live normally even outside the Island; there was no absolute need to live on it. Over generations, the concept of an 'island' might have faded entirely, and calling it 'Muddy Land' would seem quite reasonable.
"Of course, we're just a bit curious—after all, it's a village floating on the sea. We will leave shortly. Thank you for your guidance," Alka said, nodding.
It was clear this middle-aged man, who resembled a militiaman, had allowed them a brief tour of the village only because he recognized Alka and the others as followers of the Holy Mother. The village seed extrely exclusionary. Whether this was to protect its safety or for other reasons, it was completely understandable that they wouldn't be allowed to stay overnight.
Hearing Alka's response, the middle-aged n present nodded in relief.
"Quik, you're being too rude," Uncle Keck, who hadn't left, spoke up from the side.
Hearing this, the middle-aged man nad Quik sighed, a little exasperated. "Uncle Keck, this is for the safety of the village. It's not a good ti to be hosting outsiders for sightseeing."
Keck also seed sowhat helpless but didn't refute Quik's words. Instead, he looked at Alka and the others and said, "From here, head that way, and you should reach there in about three to four days and nights. There are more people in the Muddy Land, and they're much more inclusive. You can rest safely there, but you'd better act quickly. If you're too slow, you might not make it in ti."
"What do you an?" Alka frowned. This clearly isn't good news.
Just as Quik was about to explain, an older voice ca from behind them.
"Let explain."
The voice was ancient. A stooped old man, riding a peculiar creature, was carried over. The creature beneath him was the sa kind the militian rode. They had just inquired and learned it was apparently called a crawl fish.
"Village Chief."
"Village Chief."
Hearing their salutations, the old man rely nodded. He looked at Alka and her companions. "Hmm, you don't seem like bad people, but I hope you understand; the village has been rather tense lately."
Then, without waiting for Alka or the others to reply, the old man continued in a rambling tone, "Those creatures from the Land of Profanity are coming again, and we need to be prepared. The Great Gardener sent word it would be in a few days, so if you're heading to the Muddy Land, you'd best hurry."
"Creatures from the Land of Profanity?"
"Yes, it's the area you call the Life and Death Boundary. It's teeming with creatures hostile to all life. Over the years, they've gathered periodically to launch attacks outward, and our village is right on the border, adjacent to that profane place."
Upon hearing this, they understood. The creatures in the Life and Death Boundary were indeed extrely aggressive. They attacked even if you were just passing by on the sea from afar. If those creatures spotted them, the monstrosities—amalgamations of undead and plants—would find ways to attack. Those with ranged attacks would use them continuously, while those without would hurl various vines, or even boulders, at their targets.
Living next to such creatures ant conflict was almost unavoidable. Frankly, the fact that this village had survived at all was quite impressive, especially since Alka hadn't noticed any defensive asures.
Finally, the village chief considered for a mont and said, "If you don't mind, you can travel with the village's contingent to the Muddy Land. This might save a considerable amount of ti, as they travel this route often."
"Village Chief!" the middle-aged man nad Quik called out from the side, frowning. He clearly didn't trust Alka and these other outsiders.
"Don't worry, Quik. They're not bad people. Trust an old man's wisdom."
Hearing this, the middle-aged militiaman could only nod.
Only then did the village chief begin to explain to the group. "Our village needs to transport so supplies to the Muddy Land. It's the primary area in this region that cos under attack and is in need of these resources. The last batch of supplies from our village hasn't been sent yet and is about to depart. If you don't mind, you can travel with them."
Hearing this, Alka turned and looked at her companions, seeking their opinions. Without much discussion, they all nodded in agreent. If it could speed up their journey, why not? As for potential dangers, they would simply need to remain sufficiently vigilant.
"Alright, we can travel together. If we encounter danger, we'll lend a hand."
The old man smiled and nodded. "That would be wonderful. Co with , then."
With that, the old man led Alka and her group to the rear of the village. This route took them through the village center, allowing them a brief tour of the entire settlent. There seed to be many herders like Keck, as half the houses shared a similar construction. They also saw nurous plumpheaded fish swimming about, congregating in this part of the village, apparently a local specialty.
Upon reaching the rear of the village, they saw a large pile of supplies, just as ntioned. The supplies were packed into sealed vine orbs, inside which they could see unfamiliar types of wood and many fish products. More supplies were placed on a long, concave board. This board had a flat bottom and floated on the sea's surface. Pulling the board was a peculiar, slender fish, over three ters in length. Its massive body and long, broad tail clearly indicated its power in the water.
A saddle-like device was fastened to this fish, with two thick vines extending from it, tied to the long board. A person sat at the front of the board, holding a rod similar to a fishing pole. There were three such fish-pulled board-boats in total. If one had to make a comparison, they were sowhat like carriages. They could also be called 'fish-carts,' perhaps.
Accompanying them were six sturdy-looking militian, all around the Second Stage in terms of strength. Their attire, weapons, and the crawl fish they rode were identical to Quik's.
When Alka and her group arrived, most of the supplies had already been loaded, and the convoy was preparing to depart. The village chief led them over and spoke with a bearded man who appeared to be in charge.
"They'll be going to the Muddy Land with you. You can look out for each other."
The bearded leader nodded, showing no disdain or reluctance whatsoever. Finally, he looked at Alka with a smile and extended his hand. "Just call Madru."
"Call Alka. We'll be relying on you for the next few days."
"You look much stronger than I am. We should be the ones depending on your care."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries between the two newly acquainted strangers, they set off together under the village chief's watchful gaze. The village's transport team moved ahead, with Alka and the others following a few ters behind, maintaining a slight distance.
"What a peculiar thod. This place is certainly interesting," Simon remarked with a laugh, watching the transport team ahead.
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