Camp

He needed to gather more information to understand the situation better.

"Village Chief, what year is it?" Lin Xiao asked, hoping for some clarity.

The village chief, Lei, looked puzzled. "Year? I think you mean day. It is the 14th day of the year. A day can last for a month or just a few hours."

Lin Xiao's eyes widened in shock. "A day can last for a month?" he thought, his initial suspicion that he had time-traveled quickly fading.

The system said he had to survive for 3 days, what if one day lasts for 1 month, would he have to stay here for 3 months?

"When did these ghost raiders come last time?" Lin Xiao inquired further.

"Last week," Chief Lei replied solemnly.

Lin Xiao nodded, processing this information. "I need to rest now, Chief Lei. You can go out."

The village chief bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him. Lin Xiao sat back, deep in thought.

"Should I help these villagers?" he pondered. On one hand, this was a dungeon, a simulation of sorts, but the people here felt real for some reason.

As the thoughts swirled in his head, Lin Xiao decided to get some rest. He looked at his cats, Xiao Bai and Lil' Blackie, and instructed them, "Keep watch over me while I sleep."

The cats nodded in unison, their eyes alert and ready.

Lin Xiao lay down on the simple wooden bed, his mind still buzzing with uncertainty. Slowly, he drifted off to sleep.

...

...

Lin Xiao woke up, feeling disoriented. It was still daytime, yet he felt as if he had slept for a full eight hours.

The village chief's words about the unpredictable length of a day echoed in his mind, making him realize that time here operated differently.

He quickly got up and went outside, his cats trailing behind him.

Stepping out, Lin Xiao saw Mei training with a bow in the open area near the village center.

There was something strikingly familiar about her, but he couldn't place it.

Deciding to approach her, he walked over, watching as she loosed arrows at a makeshift target with impressive precision.

"Good morning, Mei," Lin Xiao greeted her. "I noticed you're quite skilled with that bow. How did you manage to hide when the raiders took the village's women?"

Mei paused, her expression darkening.

Anger and pure hatred flashed in her eyes as she replied, "I hid because I had to, for the sake and survival of the village. I'm the only hunter here. Everyone else is too old to hunt."

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.

She wiped them away roughly, her voice thick with emotion. "Yesterday, I was unwell. Otherwise, I would've never asked for your help. I want to kill those raiders with my own hands."

She took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Lin Xiao. "I'm sorry if that offends you. It's just my wish. I know we need your help, but please don't take my words to heart."

Lin Xiao felt a pang of empathy for Mei, "Don't worry Mei," he said gently.

Suddenly Lin Xia had an idea, "Do you know where the raiders' camp is?" he asked.

Mei nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, I do. It's not too far from here."

"Can you take me there?" Lin Xiao asked.

She hesitated for a moment before nodding again. "Yes, I can. Follow me."

The two set off, making their way through the dense forest and rugged terrain.

After a while, they reached a mountain overlooking the raiders' camp. Lin Xiao crouched behind some bushes and peered down at the scene below.

The camp was chaotic.

Women and children were confined in crude cages, looking frightened and despondent. Raiders lounged around, drinking and eating, while some forced women to massage them.

Lin Xiao's attention was drawn to a rough-looking man who emerged from a large house in the center of the camp. His appearance was menacing, with a hardened expression and a cruel demeanor.

He roughly threw a woman out of the house. She looked shriveled, as if her life had been drained from her.

The man spoke loudly, his voice carrying across the distance. "Send me some virgins! These married women's blood is too bitter."

Lin Xiao's blood boiled at the sight and sound of the man. He knew he had to act quickly and decisively.

He turned to Mei, who was watching the scene. She was shaking with fear, as if she had gone through some stuff.

"Stay here," Lin Xiao whispered to Mei, his voice trembling with anger.

He could feel the rage boiling inside him, threatening to take over. Just as he was about to leap into action, Mei grabbed his arm, her eyes pleading.

"Stop, Lin Xiao. Don't rush in. We need a plan," she urged, her grip firm.

Lin Xiao took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. He knew she was right.

Charging in without a plan could get them both killed and wouldn't help the captives. He nodded, and they crouched back down to observe the camp more closely.

As they watched, the leader raised his hand, and to Lin Xiao's horror, two of his men suddenly began to convulse.

Their mouths opened in silent screams as blood was sucked out of them, flowing through the air and into the leader's outstretched hand.

The sight was horrifying, and Lin Xiao felt a chill run down his spine.

"What the hell..." Lin Xiao muttered under his breath. He turned to Mei. "Do you know any weaknesses this guy might have?"

Mei shook her head. "No, but I do know one thing: he's a womanizer. He has a thing for young women, especially those who are... well, you know."

Lin Xiao's mind raced, considering his options.

The leader's apparent ability to drain life force was terrifying, but knowing he had a weakness for women might provide a way to exploit his arrogance and overconfidence.