The New Exchange System

The essence from the previous catch lasted only for three days. The yield was much more than they had expected, and they also learned a some what simple ratio between the essence and the product it produced. As per their plan, their next step was to move the formations to a more hidden and open field where they would both keep it away from watchful eyes and also to increase the size of the formations; for greater productivity. A lot many guests were expected on the island that day. Dansih's father had also sent Abdul, his loyal subject, with the message that he has already started what they had asked for. So shortly, they were expecting helping hand at the island.

Meanwhile, chief Kamal Khan gathered a big crowed at his residence, he was instructing them of few the new developments that he had introduced. He told them that in order to feed everyone, and for the well being of the Saltmarsh, a new trading system was introduced in the Saltmarsh market system. He had opened a new department that would specially deal with those who were ready to trade living animals and plants of all kind for corn and other food supplies that chief Kamal had in store for them.

There was obviously an exchange system at the new department. For every thirty kilograms of animal mass there were fifteen scoops of corn, and for plant mass of thirty kilograms there were eight scoops of corn. A scoop of corns was almost one and a half kilograms of corns.

As soon as the news of this development spread in the village, people rushed with their tools towards the woods. All these people were mainly the new settlers who had no means of earning. 'something is better than nothing' they thought to themselves.

In the the beginning, only few catches were brought as people wanted to confirm whether the system really worked or it was just a cooked up lie. Soon there was a rise in the trade for corn. More and more people were coming for the exchange of their catch. The situation got fiery when a man, as a joke, brought a monkey for the trade, and he was given a fair trade. Another man brought few plants, and he too was according to the exchange rate given his fair share. The news spread like wildfire, people rushed in greater number towards the forest, as they had now taken the offer very seriously.

A group of herb gatherers was coming to the exchange center when they saw a large crowed before the old mud structure. They joined the crowed, and inquired about the situation.

"They have no more corns to offer. It seems my efforts were for nothing." a man was heard talking to a younger boy to his left.

"I guess we were late." the boy was now speaking to himself as they passed him.

Soon the gatherers were in front of the building. "What should we do?" one of them asked from a man who apparently seemed like their leader.

"Lets wait and see what happens." the leader replied.

Soon, Abdul appeared from the front door of the exchange department. He waved few times until the crowed turned towards him. There was a complete silence by that time. Everyone was eager to learn what has happened, and what will happen. They were the poorest of the class, and they hoped that such deal shall stay there forever.

"We apologies for all the inconveniences." there was a silence as Abdul spoke. "It was because of our negligence that our fellow brothers are facing the situation at hand." Abdul spoke very slowly. He pronounced each word with stress and pain. "We weren't expecting that the exchange for corn would be of such a scale. We miss calculated this time, but I assure everyone here that this will not happen in the future."

He also explained that there was still corn in the main market at the standard price for those who were interested and could afford. "As from starting tomorrow," he continued, "there will be a lot for everyone to feast on." He also promised that Saltmarsh will make sure to provide other necessities with such an exchange system.

People cheered upon what was being said to them. They hailed Saltmarsh and the chief. There was sheer happiness on everyone's face. Abdul also was ecstatic at such developments. He already gave his loyalty to chief Kamal Khan and to this village. There were even some tears of happiness in his eyes, as he had never seen this class of people cheer so happily.

Kamal Khan was also shocked when was briefed of the situation. He was both happy and sad at the same time. He was happy for the success of his plan, and felt a tinge of sadness at the poor state of so many of his subjects. He knew what has happened and had been happening was bad, but there was a silver of hope with the Lili on their side. He was already dreaming so many things, so many changes for his people and this village.

Meanwhile, the formations were already moved to a safer location on the island. Danish, on his father's message, was bringing Abdul and two of his most trusted aid to the location where they had set up the Lifeflow Matrix and the nurturing formation.

"As you already know this location and the function it performs, where I am taking you, must remain a secret at all cost." Danish was talking with the trio. "This is the reason why we are taking all the precautionary measures."

The plan was simple. There were to be three teams on the island that would be operating at all the times. Those who were brought to the island would be staying there until the needed time. These people were not to, under any circumstance, leave the island. The first group was of Danish and his friends. The second group was of those who under the watchful eyes of Abdul and his companions brought sacrifice to the first group. And the last was of the villagers who managed livestock on the island, loaded and unloaded it, and also helped with transportation to and from main island.

Abdul and his companions were stunned when they saw the huge field with its magical effects. Their eyes popped out when they saw the corn grow at the tremendous speed. Dansih and his friend clearly saw that there was happiness and hope in those eyes of the trio.

Abdul and the rest of the people were told a fabricated version of the reality. It was cooked up one that they came up with, which was that while they were exploring the island, they accidently came across the magical place. They later called all those on the island, who were originally from the Saltmarsh, to the magical field and showed them the abilities of the place.

Soon another batch of the production was ready. This time it was greater than the previous three days' yield, as both the sacrifice and the formation had increased in their size. Everyone was very happy at what they were seeing. They had great hopes for the magical field. They now had some real hope and a future in the Saltmarsh.

As the sun sank below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the village of Saltmarsh, the tired but fulfilled faces of Danish, his friends, and the villagers reflected a sense of satisfaction. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly harvested corn, mingling with the sweet scent of the ocean breeze.

The magical field stood proudly, bathed in the soft moonlight that illuminated its expanse. The corn stalks swayed gently in the cool night breeze, their vibrant green leaves shimmering as if dancing to an enchanting melody. Each ear of corn glistened with dew, reflecting the moon's radiant light like a thousand tiny stars.

In the heart of the village, the inhabitants gathered around a large bonfire, its crackling flames reaching towards the heavens. Laughter and merriment echoed through the air, as families and friends shared stories, feasting on the bountiful harvest of the day. The sound of joyful chatter blended harmoniously with the distant lull of crashing waves.

Above them, the sky was a masterpiece of celestial beauty. Countless stars adorned the deep indigo canvas, twinkling with a brilliance that seemed to match the gleam in the villagers' eyes. And there, amidst the starry tapestry, hung a radiant full moon, casting its gentle glow upon the village, as if bestowing a blessing upon their newfound prosperity.

As the night grew deeper, a sense of peace settled over Saltmarsh. The worries and hardships of the past seemed distant, replaced by a glimmer of hope and the promise of a brighter future. The villagers, sated and content, found solace in the embrace of the night, grateful for the magic that had breathed life into their land.

And so, beneath the watchful gaze of the moon, Saltmarsh embraced the dawn of a new era. A night that marked the beginning of a journey towards prosperity and unity.