Chapter 20: The Current Life In The Village of Maya
Year 0002, III-VI Month: The Imperium
---
Regaining Lost Strength: New Recruits
A week had passed since the incident, and the rag tag group led by August had finally found their roles within the small community of Maya Village. The integration was going smoothly, though not without challenges.
August had returned to his hunting duties, partly because he needed to stretch his body and to level up his skills again after the injuries he sustained in his deadly battle against the Commander Ranked Boarat. Most of his wounds had healed remarkably well, allowing him to regain his strength through rigorous stretching and exercise.
He reinstituted his morning routine with renewed vigor, but this time, he had four new recruits accompanying him. At first, the newcomers—Erik, Bren and Betty—were bewildered by his habit of rising before dawn, something that only Gel had previously shared with him.
The morning regimen was comprehensive: a series of push-ups that left muscles burning, sit-ups that tested core strength, grueling squats, and a long jog around the village perimeter. On the first day, the newcomers merely observed through sleepy eyes, unaccustomed to such an early start.
When August and Gel returned from their extended jog, flushed with exertion but energized, the newcomers finally mustered the courage to question them.
"So what is the purpose of this morning routine of yours?" Erik asked, stifling a yawn.
August smiled warmly before responding, "It's difficult to explain properly. Originally in this village, everyone participated in this morning exercise—it became a tradition, a habit ingrained in our daily lives. There were no exceptions; even the elderly did modified versions with fewer repetitions."
He paused, considering how to convey the importance of the practice. "As for why I continue, it's simple—I've grown stronger because of it." His eyes gleamed as he added, "These exercises have improved my physical stats significantly. Without them, I could never have defeated the Commander Ranked Boarat."
Gesturing toward Gel, he added, "As for why Gel joins me every morning, well..." He chuckled. "I actually forgot her original motivation. You'll have to ask her that yourselves."
The trio pondered his words carefully. Their savior performed these exercises to become stronger—shouldn't they follow his example? Even Gel, who had been with August the longest, participated without complaint.
They didn't bother asking her directly; somehow, they instinctively felt it was the right path to follow. After exchanging meaningful glances that conveyed their silent agreement, they nodded in unison.
Satisfied with their decision, August left them to their assigned tasks, knowing that tomorrow's dawn would find them all exercising together.
---Returning to the Forest Floor: A New Company
When August felt he had recovered approximately ninety percent of his health and strength, he resumed his forest activities: hunting, foraging, and exploring the mysterious woodland that surrounded their settlement.
He began taking Erik and Bren with him on these expeditions, patiently teaching them the intricacies of trapping small game. He showed them the optimal locations for placement, how to construct different types of snares, and most importantly, how to avoid the dangerous predators that dominated certain territories.
During his absence due to recovery, August had neglected to reset his traps. When they visited the sites, they discovered sprung mechanisms and bloodied scenes where predators had claimed his catches. He could only sigh at the waste, but it provided a perfect teaching opportunity.
Now that their numbers had grown to five, August decided to expand their trapping operations. Upon returning to the village, he meticulously demonstrated trap construction techniques, ensuring that Erik and Bren could replicate them independently. Later that day, they returned to the forest and set new snares in August's carefully selected locations.
His lessons extended beyond hunting. August proved to be a knowledgeable guide to the forest's botanical resources, teaching them to identify and differentiate between helpful edible plants and dangerous poisonous varieties. This knowledge could prove life-saving if they ever became separated from the group.
He mapped out the territory for them, describing the various beasts that inhabited different regions—both predator and prey—and provided detailed instructions on how to react during potential encounters. The most valuable skill he imparted was the art of stealth: how to blend into the environment, how to move silently through undergrowth, and how to remain undetected by the forest's more dangerous inhabitants.
These lessons continued for several weeks until August felt confident in their abilities to assist him. Still, he wouldn't permit them to venture into the forest unsupervised until he was absolutely certain they could handle the dangers lurking among the trees.
---
Teacher August and His New Disciples
As days turned into weeks, Erik and Bren shadowed August every day, absorbing his knowledge like parched earth that drinks the rain. He still prohibited them from hunting independently—they primarily observed his techniques from a safe distance—but he now trusted them with simpler tasks like checking traps and gathering edible plants.
Despite their growing competence, August recognized they remained novices compared to his hard-earned expertise. The boys accepted this hierarchy naturally, eager to learn rather than prove themselves prematurely.
When they returned to the village before sunset at earliest at high noon, Erik and Bren would assist the girls in tending the garden fields. Through this daily routine, they gradually mastered agricultural techniques as well.
August observed their dedication with quiet approval. Their consistent effort convinced him they deserved greater responsibility. He began formulating plans to assign each of them their own garden plot after the current harvest—a sign of trust and acknowledgment of their progress.
---
Girl Empowerment!
Meanwhile, Gel had taken Betty under her wing, mentoring her in domestic skills that August considered beyond his expertise. Together, they maintained the gardens, managed household affairs, and supervised various aspects of village upkeep.
These arrangements characterized the first two to three weeks following August's full recovery. The division of labor proved efficient, with each member contributing according to their strengths and gradually improving their weaknesses.
---
Taking Another Look at a Previous Project
As the routine settled, August's thoughts returned to a project previously abandoned due to insufficient manpower: the construction of proper wooden palisades to replace their rudimentary fences.
One evening, as they gathered around the communal fire, August unveiled his plans to the group. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows across his face as he described his vision for improved defenses.
[ … ]
"Oh, I knew you would react to it," he said with a smile when he noticed the system notification appearing in his field of vision. A smug expression crossed his features. "You seem a little happy with this news. How about it? Do you want to pass me a new mission for it?"
---
A Happy System is A Generous System
[SYSTEM: DING! MISSION DETAILS: UPGRADE AND INCREASE THE CURRENT OVERALL DEFENSE OF THE VILLAGE.
NO DEFINITE TIME REQUIRED TO FINISH THE QUEST; THE HOST CAN START ANYTIME.**
**REWARDS: NOVICE HUNTER I (JOB)
+ 5 SPEED
+ 5 DEXTERITY
+ 5 AGILITY
+ 2% STEALTH
IT INCLUDES A SET OF CLASS V - NOVICE HUNTER CLOTHING SERIES:
• CLASS V - NOVICE HUNTER CLOTHING
~An armor set crafted and tailored to the host's current style.~
[STAT]
+ 25 DEFENSE × 6
+ 25 AGILITY × 6
+ 25 SPEED × 6
[SUB-STAT]
+ 10% STEALTH WHEN CAMOUFLAGED IN THE SURROUNDINGS
A/N: AVERAGE STAT/SUB STAT IN INDIVIDUAL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
• CLASS V - NOVICE SET OF BOW, QUIVER AND ARROWS, SWORD AND SHIELD
~A well crafted novice equipment that fits the needs and combat style of the host. The raw items used are taken from the hosts storage~
[SUB-STAT]
+ 100 ATTACK × 3
+ 100 DEFENSE × 1
+ 10% CRITICAL DAMAGE
+ 10% CRITICAL CHANCE
+ 10% INCREASE IN ARROWS
+ 10% ARROW DAMAGE**
- 10% ARROW WEIGHT
*CRITICAL HIT MAY TRIGGER WHEN HOST IS IN COMPLETE STEALTH FROM ENEMY*
• ADDITIONAL SUB-STATS WILL BE GIVEN WHEN HOST WEARS THE FULL SET:
[SUB-STAT]
+ 100 ATTACK,
+ 100 DEFENSE
[STAT]
+ 25 AGILITY
+ 25 SPEED
ADDITIONAL POSSIBLE REWARD: RECEIVE A RANDOM SKILL.]
---
The Probability of a New Skill
"Wow! This... this mission is too good," August exclaimed, eyes widening at the promised rewards. "And a possible skill reward? Thanks!"
Although the skill reward would be given at random, August hoped for something powerful that could aid his battles to come. Despite his growing capabilities, he still lacked any formal skills—a consequence of his balanced approach as an all-rounder rather than specializing in one area.
---
Outlining the Planned Wall Improvements
In truth, August had been contemplating this construction project for weeks before receiving the mission. Now, with adequate manpower, he could finally implement his plans.
The next morning, he gathered everyone to explain the project. August and Erik would serve as the primary workforce, while the others would provide crucial support. The strategy was straightforward—August wasn't a trained carpenter or builder, but he had gleaned sufficient knowledge from the previous villagers to execute this project.
He outlined the construction in distinct phases:
**Phase 1.1:** They would venture into the forest to identify suitable trees—young specimens at least fourty-two feet tall. Each tree would be cut into three fourteen-foot sections, allowing them to bury each post four feet deep for stability, with the remaining ten feet extending above ground. The buried portion would be reinforced with rocks for additional support.
**Phase 1.2:** The second phase of part 1 of the project would require the actual felling of the trees and processing of hundreds of these trees into usable lengths—a daunting task for their small group.
**Phase 2.1:** They would dig trenches section by section, gradually removing and preparing the walled areas replacing the current [Level 1 Patched Walls] with their new planned, improved wooden palisades.
**Phase 2.2:** The final stage would involve constructing a new gate and potentially adding a lookout tower nearby, though August remained undecided about the tower's necessity given their current situation.
With this upgrade, they would transform their simple patched walls into a [Level 1 Wooden Palisade]—a significant improvement in their defensive capabilities. August had considered skipping intermediate upgrades, opting instead for this substantial enhancement. The existing materials wouldn't go to waste; he planned to repurpose them as boundaries for the garden fields.
His motivation wasn't purely practical. August's pride had suffered when their previous defensive attempts had proven inadequate. Now, with reliable help available, he could finally rectify that failure and secure their home properly.
---
A Small Team of Determined Children
The work began immediately. Their first task was marking the trees selected for harvesting, identifying specimens with the right characteristics for their palisade. The following day, they started cutting down their first trees.
Progress was initially slow and cumbersome. The team lacked experience in efficient timber processing, managing only one tree per hour on the first day. As they developed their technique, their productivity gradually improved.
By the second day, they had established a rudimentary workflow. Erik proved particularly adept at learning the necessary skills, adapting quickly to August's instructions. Their efficiency increased steadily as the days passed.
After a week of consistent labor, their output had multiplied impressively. August could now fell three trees hourly, while Erik managed two. Their stockpile grew rapidly, soon containing over a hundred forty two-foot logs awaiting processing outside their designated construction zone.
Fortunately, Maya Village's natural geography reduced the scope of their project. The settlement was nestled in a valley-like formation between two small mountains, situated on an elevated plain that gradually descended to the forest below. This position, combined with the surrounding tall trees, provided natural camouflage that had kept the village hidden from unwanted attention.
This advantageous terrain meant they only needed to fortify the front of the village in a semi-circular pattern, with the palisade ends anchored against the mountain cliffs. Their rear flank was already secured by the natural barrier of the mountain face—a welcome reduction in their workload.
---
Start of Phase 2: Nearing its Completion
A month of intensive labor yielded impressive results. They had harvested hundreds of trees, and now faced the painstaking task of cutting each trunk into three equal sections of fourteen feet each. This secondary processing consumed several additional days of grueling work.
With Phases 1.1 and 1.2 completed, they progressed to Phase 2.1: digging the foundation trenches. Each post hole needed to be at least four feet deep to ensure stability. After positioning each wooden post, they filled the surrounding space with rocks to create a solid, immovable base.
Another month passed, and as the days grew longer and the air warmer, it became evident that summer was approaching. Undeterred by the rising temperatures, they continued their construction efforts.
Section by section, day by day, they dismantled the old fences and erected their new wooden wall in its place. The transformation was remarkable, and as they neared completion—approximately ninety-five percent finished—a sense of accomplishment permeated the group. A few more days of dedicated work would see the project completed.
---
The Final Wall Post and A Camaraderie
Finally, the last palisade post was set in place. The defensive wall now encircled their vulnerable flank, presenting a formidable barrier to any would-be invaders. The project had not only secured their village but had also strengthened the bonds between them.
August and Erik had developed impressive physiques from the constant physical labor. Their bodies now displayed lean, functional muscle built through genuine exertion rather than mere exercise. While all team members had grown stronger during the project, the two children who had shouldered the heaviest burdens showed the most dramatic transformation.
During this intensive construction period, August had reduced his hunting activities to conserve energy, venturing into the forest only once weekly to fulfill his modified mission requirements. Despite this decreased frequency, they managed to keep their root cellar well-stocked with preserved meat.
As the wall neared completion, the three newcomers—once reserved and traumatized—had gradually emerged from their shells. Their walls of silence crumbled as they began sharing stories of their past experiences and the harrowing journey that had brought them to Maya Village.
One evening, Betty recounted their terrifying encounter with a giant Centislug, describing the creature in such vivid detail that August and Gel shuddered involuntarily. The creature was infamous in local legends, and hearing a firsthand account of its horrors sent chills down their spines.
August could only place comforting hands on his new brothers' shoulders, while the girls embraced one another, grateful that those dangers now lay behind them.
---
A Dual Celebration
During this period of intense construction, they also harvested their third batch of crops from the 8x8 garden fields. This abundant yield coincided perfectly with the completion of their defensive wall, providing an excellent opportunity for a dual celebration.
The festivities acknowledged both achievements: their successful harvest ensuring continued sustenance, and the completion of their formidable new wall guaranteeing enhanced security. The occasion was marked with specially prepared meals and a rare evening of relaxation for the hardworking team.
Their upgraded root cellars now brimmed with supplies—an almost overwhelming abundance that seemed inexhaustible. Even as they approached harvest time again, their reserves remained substantial. Nevertheless, August emphasized the importance of preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.
With this philosophy in mind, he proposed adding two additional garden plots. These would primarily serve as insurance against a harsh winter, with planting scheduled closer to the cold season.
The newcomers welcomed this plan enthusiastically, excited by the prospect of diverse and plentiful food throughout the winter months. Their only regret was the limited variety of crops available to them. They longed for different vegetables, spices, and fruit-bearing trees to diversify their diet.
Unfortunately, their isolation made trade virtually impossible. Their settlement lay far from established trade routes and other villages, leaving them entirely self-reliant. The last merchant to pass through, rather stumble on the sole settlement in the region had done so months ago, before the attack that had devastated the original village.
The five survivors could only hope that a wandering merchant or lost caravan might accidentally discover their hidden community. Until then, they remained alone in this remote corner of the world.
---
A New Gate, A New Fiery Season
The day after completing the main wall, they turned their attention to constructing the new gate, utilizing the excess timber they had accumulated. August decided to proceed with the lookout tower as well, reasoning that the additional security feature justified the extra effort.
As they positioned the final pieces of the gate and secured the lookout platform, August surveyed their accomplishments with quiet pride. The village that had once been vulnerable now stood protected by an impressive defensive perimeter—a testament to their collective determination and growth.
With the completion of the gate and tower, August declared a well-deserved hiatus from any major construction projects. They had earned a period of rest and recovery before embarking on new challenges.
As summer fully established itself across the land, the five companions looked toward the future with renewed confidence. Their village was secure, their food supplies abundant, and their bonds stronger than ever. Whatever challenges awaited them in the seasons ahead, they would face them together—as a family forged through shared adversity and triumph.