214 Seed of potential
Considering that the vast wooden fences already acted as a boundary between the farm and the forest, it was not far-fetched to imagine that the rest of the forest could yield additional edible fruits. The only hurdle we needed to overcome was the Vylkr Vines, but once we dealt with them, it would no longer pose a significant problem.
“And what about the water?” the man in his sixties interjected, his voice filled with concern. “We can transport food, but water, on the other hand, poses a major challenge if we intend to build another village.”
Acknowledging his valid point, I nodded and proceeded to address the issue. “If our warriors have already discovered numerous clay reserves during their explorations, which can be used to rebuild our village, it stands to reason that they would have also come across other water sources. It could be smaller rivers, or perhaps even larger ones, comparable to our own water supply.”
I paused for a moment, allowing my words to sink in and contemplating the implications. The discovery of additional water sources would be crucial in sustaining the growth of a new settlement. With multiple rivers at our disposal, we could divert the water flow to support both the main village and the secondary settlements.
“Furthermore,” I continued, my voice gaining confidence, “if we strategically position the new villages near these water sources, it would ensure a steady and sufficient supply for each settlement. We could implement systems to collect and distribute water efficiently, guaranteeing that all our villages thrive without putting undue strain on our main water supply.”
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As the village Chief finished speaking, I noticed a peculiar exchange of blank stares between him and the old man. It was evident that something was transpiring, something of which I was not yet aware. Sensing this underlying tension, the old man turned his gaze towards me, his eyes narrowing with a probing intensity. He posed a crucial question, one that had implications for the success of the new village.
“We have addressed the issues of food and water, and we have identified a suitable location for the new village,” the old man began, his voice filled with doubt. “However, what we truly need are villagers willing to leave the comforts and security of our current village to venture into uncharted territory, amidst the ever-present threat of the Vylkr vines. Do you know anyone who would be willing to take such a risk?”
I beamed at the old man, sensing a moment of realization dawning upon him. Before I could even utter a word, his eyes widened as though a lightbulb had flickered to life in his mind.
Just as he was about to interject, the other older elder sitting across from him suddenly spoke up, his voice filled with awe and admiration. “I see. Brilliant… I see,” he exclaimed, shaking his head in a mixture of defeat and exhaustion. A smile emerged on his face, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, yet radiating a genuine sense of joy. It was as if his countenance had been revitalized after years of solemnity.
The man turned his attention to the Village Chief, his smile growing even wider. ‘What do you think of this, Chief?’ he asked, excitement lacing his words. ‘While we can certainly agree to this plan and start planning for this vision in the coming years, it still requires your approval.’ The Village Chief, weariness evident in his sigh, nodded in response. He shifted his gaze from the old man to me, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and gratitude. It seemed that my proposal had surpassed his expectations.
“When you mentioned wanting to see the Caretakers, when you hinted at another option,” the Village Chief began, his voice tinged with exhaustion, “I never anticipated something as intricate and brilliant as this. While implementing such a plan will demand years of careful planning, it brings me reassurance to know that we have talented and creative individuals like you among us.”
Although I quietly acknowledged to myself that my unique perspective as someone who had transmigrated from Earth allowed me to see the bigger picture, I deemed it unnecessary to reveal such information. Thus, I buried those thoughts deep within the recesses of my mind, focusing on the task at hand.
“However, correct me if I’m mistaken,” the Village Chief interjected, his voice filled with curiosity, “but are you implying that you want to be responsible for the growth in these new villages?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, I nodded in response to his question. “Yes,” I affirmed, my voice persistent. “Considering the fertility of my semen, which can impregnate women, just after penetrating them once, regardless of age, I see this as a perfect chance. If none of the villagers is willing to take the leap and establish these new settlements, then my family, children, and their mothers will gladly step forward to develop this new village.”
The Village Chief’s brows furrowed in concern. “And you believe you can make that decision for them because…” he trailed off, seeking an explanation.
I met his gaze with persistent decisiveness. “Because I know that once I present this plan to them, they will choose to follow me willingly,” I asserted. The conviction in my words was genuine, as I could vividly imagine the range of emotions that would play out on the faces of my loved ones upon hearing my intentions.
From my mother, my sisters, Sura and Ursa, Grandma Vivian, Ingrid, and Celia, to Derry, and even Fiona whom I had yet to meet, the thought of informing them that I intended to leave and settle in a new village with fellow volunteers from our village would surely elicit a fierce response.