Far Beyond the Abyss

Chapter 11: Village of the Carefree



After relieving some of the constant stress, Ethan and the group resumed their journey across the desert of black sands. They were all gathered on the flying carpet, which seemed to be in an unusually strange mood today. It hummed a haunting melody, its lyrics an incoherent jumble of words, like a fever dream put to music.

Ethan sighed, listening as the carpet murmured something about "floating sandwiches" and "lost clocks in eternity." "What else can you expect from a carpet?" he thought, shaking his head.

The group was focused, discussing their next steps. Zeta 4, sitting rigidly on the carpet as if the idea of relaxation went against his programming, initiated the discussion.

— Staying still is not an option — stated Zeta 4, his metallic voice echoing. — Exploration is the only way to find a way out of this desolate world. Efficiency demands constant movement.

Everyone agreed, but the conversation quickly shifted to a more complex topic: the division of roles within the group. It was clear that each of them had unique abilities, but aligning those strengths into a coherent strategy required some discussion.

— Seryne will be in charge of strategy — Lian Xuan announced. — Her vision is clear, and her ability to foresee situations is valuable.

Seryne gave a slight nod, accepting the role without objection.

— I agree with that — Ethan said, trying to contribute something useful, but his voice was nearly drowned out by the distant golden lightning.

Lian Xuan continued: — In battle, I will lead. My experience is sufficient to make quick and precise decisions.

Zeta 4 tilted his head, clearly displeased. — I disagree, but I accept. Logic dictates that organic beings have more ease in commanding other organic beings. It is inefficient for me to lead.

Ethan, sitting next to Korrak, felt slightly offended by the remark. "Really? Are we that… basic?" he thought, but had to admit it made sense.

Kaerith, the insectoid, was designated as support and sensory. Her antennae vibrated slightly in agreement, and she said:

— Predicting danger is something I can do well.

Seryne added:

— With my gifts and Zeta 4's drones as scouts, we can avoid trouble before it happens.

When the discussion reached the Bizarre Sorcerer, everyone exchanged glances.

— He is not trustworthy — Lian Xuan admitted after a long silence.

— But he is useful — Seryne added. — His knowledge and… madness… might turn situations in our favor.

The Sorcerer seemed not to hear, busy scribbling something onto a spoon with a quill that had sprouted from his hat.

And as for Lenora—although she still spent most of her time on Korrak's shoulder—she was starting to draw Ethan's attention. He noticed that the others didn't seem too concerned about her, but something about her unsettled him. "She's not just a simple little girl," he thought, watching her idly play with a piece of wood.

Korrak, on the other hand, was unanimously recognized as the group's defense. He wasn't just a giant; his sheer strength and resilience were terrifying. Ethan recalled how he had sparred with Kiyoshi and Zeta 4 early on and had barely taken a scratch.

The frontline fighters were decided: Zeta 4, Lian Xuan, and Kiyoshi. Support was left to Seryne and Kaerith, while the unpredictable wild cards were the Bizarre Sorcerer and Lenora. Korrak, of course, would be the shield, while Ethan…

Well, Ethan knew where he stood. He sighed internally, accepting that his role was simply to be protected. "I'm dead weight," he thought, though at least he didn't argue about it.

The flying carpet drifted over the endless dunes of black sand. The star-filled sky remained motionless and silent, while golden lightning occasionally illuminated the horizon. To Ethan, it was a beautiful yet oppressive sight. He sighed with relief, noting that, for once, no colossal silhouettes emerged beneath the golden bolts.

But then he saw something in the distance. Small, indistinct, but… a sign? Ethan frowned, leaning forward.

He thought about calling Seryne to check, but quickly realized his mistake. "She can't see," he reminded himself, feeling awkward. So he turned to the cultivator, who appeared to be meditating mid-flight.

— Master Xuan, what is that? — he asked, pointing.

Lian Xuan slowly opened his eyes and looked toward where Ethan indicated. After a moment of analysis, he spoke calmly:

— It is a sign. It says… Village of the Carefree.


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