Chapter 8: The Map

The youth entered the entrance of the hidden cave to receive a heated welcome from his awaiting comrades. Standing in place the young man took a few minutes to observe the condition of each person presented.

Seven and Xiao Mei are fine without injuries or signs of fatigue. The same could be said for Zhitao and Cipher except for the droplets of blood clinging onto their clothes. However, careful inspection tells that the blood does not belong to them and only Cipher has a curious handprint on the back of his shirt.

In conclusion, everyone is well. 

Though in comparison to their almost perfect image, Xiao Fanyu displayed a more pitiful and dirty appearance.

A body coated in blood as well as injuries marked his face along with his bare arms. Smudges of dirt including pieces of leaves stuck either on the surface of his skin or inside his hair. The blemish of blood wiped away from his lips stained the skin a light red. It was almost as if he had put on lipstick then haphazardly rubbed it away, leaving a faint smear. 

"Leader! You're back!"

"Brother Xiao!" 

"Big Brother Xiao!"

"Leader."

The four rushed forward in happiness and apprehension.

Xiao Mei instantly called out a faint light of green to hover over the wound on the arm. Tears twirl in the corner of her eyes as she spoke in a tender tone. "Brother Xiao you're back.. I don't know what to do if you don't return."

Giving a slight nod in response to the concern the young man turned towards Cipher with questions in his eyes.

Understanding the wordless inquiry, the youth gave out an equally quiet shake of his head.

Earning a flash of disappointment shown only for a few seconds on his Leader's face.

The displeasure lasted for a mere second before Xiao Fanyu decided on the next course of action, "we'll explore the unmarked territory tomorrow morning after rest."

Pondering for a couple minutes he continued, "Xiao Mei and Zhitao should try to collect as much food supplies as possible from outside. I think there were wild berries growing around here on my way back. We don't know what type of dangerous plants or animals are thriving in the unmarked terrain. It's better to prepare as much as possible, Seven and Cipher will remain here to discuss tomorrow's strategy with me. Any questions?"

None spoke in objection.

"Good." The young man acknowledged while striding away, hands moving to disrobe the ripped shirt from his body. Throwing the rag aside the youth racked the stands of loose hair away from his face as a low sigh of respite breathed out. Reaching into the inventory in search of new clothes, the muscles shown on his back undulate along the movements of shifting arms. Clothing himself with a different set of black attire the young man turns with a roll of his tense neck and shoulders.

Lowered eyes rise to collide with the dazed stare of the only female in the group. 

"...Need something?" The Leader asked while raising a brow in inquiry, 'didn't you agree to search for supplies?'

"N, no…." Skin flushing into a bright red the young woman grabbed the teen beside her and ran out. Leaving three bewildered gazes gawking behind with the enraged yells of the young teen, "let go of me!" 

_____

Holding onto a flickering lamp, the small lighting from the lantern barely illuminates the road through the forest.

Finding herself once again journeying in the dark woods alone, Xin Yue pinched her lips into a straight line. Taking careful steps to avoid slipping the young lady tightened the cloak around her as shivers of unease ran down her stiff back.

Hours ago, thanks to the golden opportunity given to her by Xiao Fanyu's group. Xin sneaked into the ruined settlement and proceeded to loot from the miniscule supplies available. A small pouch to carry on her waist, two tiny bundles of dried meat, a small dagger, and a cloak nabbed from one of the dead bodies. Although it carries a slight smell of sweat and fishiness, out of all the clothes she searched this one was the cleanest. 

Also before the two members of Xiao Fanyu's team left, she overheard the young man with mid-length hair inquire about a door. Using her many years of reading detective novels, the young lady was able to assume that door to be the mission's goal. The only way to escape from the forest of thieves.

Perhaps the reason that group of players raided the camp was to find out whether or not the so-called door was located there. Though in fact, it was not. 

Now here is the question, where could it be?

It might have something to do with the map she stole on the way out of the encampment.

Glancing down at the flimsy parchment in her hand, Xin Yue drifted the lamp closer. On the surface of the parchment is a detailed record of where certain landscapes are located. For example, the bandit's hideout, bodies of water, dangerous areas where beasts gather, and a large "X" circled in red. Under the circled marking are the words, [forest guardian!!!] written with multiple exclamations. The young woman felt the answer to her problems lies in these words. Isn't there a saying that the most dangerous place is in fact the safest? Assuming that the guardian of the forest is the most threatening out of every living being here. Wouldn't that mean the door's location is being protected there?

Of course these are all just a series of guesses but for her at this time, it's the most feasible source of hope.

En.

Concealing the map back inside the pouch, Xin Yue proceeded forward with cautious steps. Listening for any sounds that do not belong to the natural murmurs of the night.

So many hours have past the bandits must have retreated back to their hideout in order to clean up the aftermath of the explosion. Under normal circumstances they shouldn't be wandering out at twilight searching for prey.

But that isn't an excuse to be careless, tightening the cloak around her shoulders, Xin Yue proceeded towards the direction marked with an "X" on the map.

Mind recalling the terrified words written in trembling handwriting on the back of the parchment.

[The Boss took us to explore the other side of the woods.]

[We found a strange cave on the other side of the forest….] 

[Past red ivy leaves that grow in the shape of human ears…]

[There is something there….]

[This part of the woodlands are so eerily quiet..]

[Scary!....]

[Run away..!]

[Only a few of us including the Boss and I survived..]

[I'm never stepping into that area ever again!]

Those were the last of the words written on the map.

"There is definitely something scary in that cave…" So frightening that even the bandits are cautious of the being living in there. "Wonder what I'll find…"

Crack! 

The splitting of a twig under her foot frightened the young lady into stopping. Standing still for a few minutes, Xin Yue took a deep breath before continuing forward, it's okay she muttered under her breath.

Trying to encourage and calm herself, the woods began to shuffle with the sound of her chanting, "amitabha, amitabha, amitabha..." Although not loud, the chanting did manage to calm her pounding heart.

Trying to keep her mind off the scariness of the unknown.

Xin Yue proceeds all the while thinking, since a certain Old Man On The Moon does exist, then other deities might be able to hear her woes as well. Perhaps if she appeals hard enough the other deities might be able to hear her prayers. 

"Amitabha… oh Buddha~ Merciful Buddha~ Your goddamn employee dragged me to this shitty place without caring about me…. Amitabha…. if  you can hear me…. Amitabha…. please tell that fucking old man I'll rip his freaking eyebrows off strand by strand!..... Amitabha ah~ amitabha, amitabha please grant protection to this pitiful soul….."

The merciful Buddha whose large body felt an abrupt shiver run down its spine "... …?"

Nighttime is always the door to a whole new perspective compared to daytime. Striding down the same road and scenery passed by during the day, the cheery green of plants became dark and lifeless. Tree branches look similar to malicious hands stretching out to capture her while sounds of chirping birds are replaced by an occasional croak of frogs and insects.

"If I remember correctly..." Heading deep near the center of the woods, Xin shined the lamp over the branches of a few trees. Red ivy leaves the shape of human ears hung overhead in an uncanny fashion, swaying even without the help of the wind. "Almost there..."

Entering into a clearing, a large lake appears in Xin's sight along numerous cords of red vine swaying like bead curtains. Standing at the edge of this large round lake surrounded by the crimson of spine-chilling plants. Even the water reflected with the help of the moon has the appearance of a pinkish hue.

Almost as if something dreadful will rise from the surface of this reservoir at any time.

Located at the very end of the lake is a dark cave with an entrance the size of three large trucks. Sounds of heavy wind blowing out of the entrance mix with an occasional whiff of rancid decay.

"This must be the place." Preparing herself for the worst, Xin Yue tread on the top of those stone steps floating over the water. Step by step carefully in case she falls, a light jump from the last stone landed her in front of the entrance.

Instantly, a rotten wind blew on her face carrying the nauseating stench of corrosion. 

"Ugh!" Covering her mouth to stop herself from hurling, the young woman turned and collapsed near the edge of the stone steps. Breathing in the clear fragrance of water and clean wind, it took a few minutes before the rolling in her stomach began to subside.

"Ugh…" Closing her eyes with furrowed brows the young lady bit on the bottom of her lips with rising anxiety. Sight dizzy from the sudden attack to her senses, Xin Yue reached out with trembling fingers. Scooping a small amount of water from the gleaming lake. The consideration as to whether the water is safe to drink or not did not mean anything to her at this time. 

Feeling the coolness sliding down her throat and into her turbulent stomach, the young lady let out a moan of relief.

"I thought I was going to die."

Still lying on the ground unwilling to stand, Xin took a few moments to ponder on the situation at hand. 

"... …"

Fingers dipped into the lake, Xin Yue's vision rested on the reflection of herself glancing back at her with an equally tired expression. Black pupils are somewhat dull from worry while her usually healthy skin turned sickly pale due to malnutrition. Lips cracked with traces of blood and peeling skin. Beautiful tresses of dark hair now tangled together with twigs and leaves.

What a pitiful sight.

"... …"

Biting even harder onto the bottom of her lips, the young woman witnessed the person on the lake do the same. Blood dribbled down from the wound now forced open from the constant nibble.

Causing a ripple on the surface of the still lake as well as her cold heart.

"...Hmph. What's a little smell like this going to do? Could it be worse than the time my dog had diarrhea inside the house? Non! This is better, at least I only smell and have no need to touch! It was even more terrible that time because my house is covered in carpet!"

Seemingly gaining courage from that lamentable comparison, the woman entered the cave in slow but steady steps.