121 Fears
After Grulm’s words ended, everyone stepped forward eagerly to choose their weapons. However, Orion was surprised to see that no one picked the large knife or axe, despite their presence among the other weapons. Even the daughter from the village chief’s messenger, who went first, followed by Gorg and Ursa, decided to skip the spear, axe, and knife. Instead, they all opted for either a machete or a cutlass.
As Orion watched them, he couldn’t help but nod in agreement. After all, Grulm’s words had made it clear that they needed weapons that could cut through the tough Vylkr vines without getting too close. Moreover, it was apparent that none of them knew how to wield a spear or whether it would even be useful in this situation. Therefore, choosing a cutlass or machete, which were long enough to provide distance and precision, was a wise decision.
‘At least they have enough sense not to prioritize looking cool over fighting for their lives,’ Orion thought as he watched his companions pick their weapons. When it was his turn, he confidently walked forward and selected a sleek machete. With his gift, he knew he could deal devastating blows with ease. Therefore, the machete was the best choice for trimming down the Vylkr vines and other obstacles they might encounter.
After everyone had selected a weapon, Mr Tog and the two unfamiliar women gathered the equipment and stowed it away before leaving the room. Within minutes, they returned to their positions. Meanwhile, Grulm cleared his throat and addressed the group. “Although this was not a test,” he began, “it’s encouraging to see that all of you have a good head on your shoulders.” He surveyed the group with a discerning eye and continued, “Now, follow warrior Jean. He will take you to the designated area we have prepared for you.” Grulm extended his hand towards Jean, a muscular man with a stern expression. Jean nodded in response and gestured for the group to follow him towards a wooden door. Each member tightly grasped their weapon and fell into line behind him.
As Orion and Ursa marched ahead, he noticed her shivering ever so slightly at the front. Concerned for her comfort, he quickened his pace and caught up to her.
With a gentle smile, Orion reached out his hand and latched it around her ass. But this time, he wasn’t content with merely holding her buttocks through the fabric of her tulga. He daringly slid his hand beneath the soft material, feeling the curves of her buttocks as he moulded them with his fingers.
Ursa nearly leapt out of her skin when a hand suddenly slapped her buttocks and held on tight. For a moment, fear gripped her heart, but when she saw that it was Orion, she breathed a sigh of relief and quickly calmed herself down.
“How are you feeling?” Orion asked, his keen senses picking up on the anxiety that had suddenly etched itself onto Ursa’s face. Meanwhile, out of the corner of his eye, he could see that the others in the group were also tense, steeling their minds and bodies for what they were about to face.
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Meanwhile, as Grim and the rest of the group were preparing to face a Vylkr vine for the first time in their lives, Orion’s sudden movement caught their attention. However, they didn’t bother to watch what he was doing, too focused on the imminent danger that lay ahead.
Orion’s question hung in the air, heavy with anticipation, as Ursa let out a heavy sigh in response. “I never thought I could awaken my inner strength,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, “so I am completely unprepared to face a Vylkr vine.” Her head drooped down, her knuckles turning white as she tightly grasped her cutlass with her right hand.
Observing her distress, Orion understood her fear and released his hold on her ass. He extended his hand to firmly clasp her hand which held her weapon, a reassuring gesture to let her know that he was there for her. “Don’t worry,” he reassured her, his voice gentle and steady. “You’re not the only one who’s afraid. The others are either hiding their fear or trying to suppress it.” With a quick glance around, he pointed out the nervous expressions on their group’s faces.
Ursa took the opportunity to observe everyone present after Orion’s words sank in. From Tala’s serious expression to Grim’s tightened jaw to Gorg’s fidgety hands, Ursa could see that they were all on edge. Unlike her, however, they were actively trying to calm themselves down.
Feeling a sudden urge to control her own fear, Ursa made a decision to calm down her body. Abruptly, she slightly released her grip from her weapon and then turned her head to the side, refocusing her gaze on Orion. Because, unlike the others, Orion looked unbothered, and even seemed as though he was looking forward to it. A thought which made her gaze widen as she stared at his dazed and wondering expression.
Without hesitation, she stretched out her hand and wrapped it around his waist to draw his attention. “How about you?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. “You don’t look scared or frightened. In fact, you look as though you are eagerly waiting to face the Vylkr vines.”
Orion smiled and turned his head to face her, his eyes alight with anticipation. “Unlike you guys,” he said with a nod of his head, “I am honestly looking forward to destroying some Vylkr vines.” After all, the Vylkr vines were the best way for him to test out his gift without any worries.
Ursa believed every word that Orion spoke, and she could sense the truth in his voice. She merely nodded her head in agreement and kept quiet as they walked, her hand still wrapped around his waist. Together with warrior Jean leading the way, they ventured straight into the dense forest. At first, they assumed that they were heading towards the farm, but soon they realized that they were taking another route that was completely unfamiliar to them.
Despite the deviation from their expected path, they didn’t complain. After all, they weren’t informed of their exact destination. For another thirty minutes, they trudged through the forest, adding to the previous thirty-minute trek from the village chief’s compound. They had been walking for over an hour when they finally arrived at their mysterious destination.