Entering the Monkey King's Village

As they neared, Lassim and Cirra finally stepped into the village where the atmosphere was immediately oppressive and eerie.

The village itself was made up of small huts scattered around. They were primitive, consisting of bamboo poles supporting roofs made from interwoven leaves. The open structures left the interiors exposed to the elements, casting long shadows in the dim light.

Dangling lines connected the huts like a sort of circus act's jungle gym with monkeys hung from them. Yet, these monkeys were the same as the ones they'd observed so far—mind controlled. Their eyes glazed over with the same green hue and glow, staring motionless at the intruders.