Essence flared to life around the surrounding group of men as they walked closer to Austin’s group. Despite Austin’s level, the group seemed to have confidence. They did not immediately attack. Instead, they moved to surround the group as they entered battle stances.
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“We have you outnumbered,” one of the men said. “And two members of your group are a woman and her child. Just give up now, and we may show you some mercy. Luke might even over-“
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Before the man could finish, Austin shot his arm forward and sent his shield flying. The flying silver disc moved in a blur as it struck the man right in the jaw. Its speed was so quick that the man could not even react before he was hit. As the man’s body hit the ground, Austin already channeled his Essence to pull his shield back to him.
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“Quick point of correction, that boy is our child,” Austin growled. “And that woman, as your friend referred to her, is my wife.”
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For a moment, the group of men stood in awe as they saw their companion struck down with one blow. Austin assumed that they did not realise the true gap in their strength. While he could feel them flare their Essence to life, it felt so much weaker than his own. He could tell that they had some training in their Essence, but they were not even remotely close to Copper.
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The group of men looked at each other as if they were trying to decide what to do. As they looked back and forth from each other, one of them eventually sighed and walked forward to address Austin. It seemed like the leader of their group was the man that Austin took out, and now they scrambled to see who would take his place.
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“I’m sorry about that,” the man stuttered. “We, um, didn't mean to insult you. I’m sure you heard about the Three Kings situation, and we were worried about Natasha gaining more power. Maybe we could negotiate?”
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Austin’s eyes stayed in a glare as the man spoke. Austin struggled to control his Essence as wisps of silver came off his body like hot steam. It was as if his heightened emotions made it harder for Austin to control his Essence.
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“Your first reaction was threats, and you just expect me to go along with you?” Austin’s voice was filled with deep anger. “But fine, I’ll negotiate with you. Run away now, and I won’t attack.”’
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“But if you just consider,” the man begged. “Luke is very powerful and with your stre-“
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“That’s not running,” Austin interrupted. “I’m not feeling patient.”
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The man turned to look at the other group, and they all seemed to nod in agreement. The group did not say another word, and they all started to run away into the forest. They only stopped to pick up the man that Austin knocked out.
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As they ran away, Austin took deep breaths to calm himself. His Essence responded and stopped rising from his body. Once he was satisfied with the distance of the men, Austin’s shield disappeared in a flash of light.
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As Austin turned to Maya, he noticed that she held Elliot tightly against herself. She seemed unable to relax. In response, Austin moved closer to her and placed her hand on her shoulder in comfort. For a moment, they stood in silence as she tried to relax.
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“I know you told me about the people you’ve encountered,” Maya spoke up. “But I never imagined they would really mean harm to us like that.”
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“I don’t think everyone is like that,” Austin said. “But there are people who do think like that, and that’s why I am so concerned about your safety, especially when I am not with you.”
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“I think I understand better now,” Maya replied. “We should probably hurry to that camp then.”
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Austin and Josh nodded in agreement, and the group continued forward. While Maya held Elliot and had her pack on her back, Josh held Elliott’s pack. The decision was made so Austin could have his hands free in case someone came after them. Especially after encountering Luke’s men, they could not be sure if they were going to be attacked again.
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As they walked, Josh started to make conversation with Austin. “I know you said you were Copper level, but I didn’t realise how big a difference it was from Lead until just now.”
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“Honestly, I didn’t either,” Austin admitted. “It didn’t really become apparent to me until I saw them flare their Essence. It was strange, like their Essence felt so much weaker than mine.”
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“I wonder if it’s the same way at each level,” Josh said.
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“I was wondering the same. If that’s the case, then Artas probably saw me as like an ant,” Austin laughed.
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“Or at the very least, maybe he saw you the same way that you see Elliot,” Josh joked.
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“Maybe,” Austin laughed. “But I’m sure he doesn't think I’m as cute as I think Elliot is.”
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“It’s hard to be as cute as Elliot,” Maya chimed in. “But you’re cute in a different way.”
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“You’re the cute one in this marriage,” Austin responded with a smile.
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“You know the best part of going to this camp?” Josh asked the group.
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“What’s that?” Maya said.
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“I’ll get a little separation from you guys doting on each other,” Josh laughed.
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“Maybe you can find a girlfriend there,” Maya teased.
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“There was this girl, Jess. What do you think of short bleached hair?” Austin asked. “She might kick your ass, though.”
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“I’ll worry about a girlfriend after I catch up with you,” Josh responded.
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“You might die alone then,” Austin teased.
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“You guys are jerks!” Josh jokingly responded in false outrage.
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It did not take much longer for the group to arrive at Natasha’s camp. The camp was abuzz with chatter and incredibly lively. Austin did not realise on his first trip to the camp how much of a community was created within the camp. While adults talked amongst themselves and joked, Austin noticed there were several children playing in the camp as well. It was almost hard to believe that such a lively and joyful camp was within the forest. Austin was so used to being on edge and serious that he could not imagine that people relaxed in such a way.
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“You didn’t tell me there were other children here,” Maya commented as they walked into the camp.
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“I wasn’t paying much attention, I guess. I was kind of on edge,” Austin admitted. “I mean, they did tell me that I was going to meet their king.”
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“Fair enough,” Maya replied. “I would have been more willing to come if you mentioned the children, though.”
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Natasha was speaking with someone when they arrived, but almost immediately noticed them. She walked over to the group with a smile and waved. Austin could not help but be reminded of a politician with the way she held herself. He could not decide if that meant she was dishonest or not.
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“You must be Austin’s family,” Natasha said as she approached. “My name is Natasha. I sort of lead the camp here. What are your names?”
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“I’m Maya, Austin’s wife, and this is our son, Elliot,” Maya responded with a smile. Despite her smile, Austin could tell that she was being wary as she tried to determine if she could trust Natasha.
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“And I’m Josh. I’m not a family member. We just sort of teamed up early on,” Josh said with a smile.
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“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Natasha said. “Your son is adorable. We have several families in the camp. It might be good for you to get acquainted with them.”
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“We’ll do just that, thank you,” Maya said.
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“If it’s okay with you, may I steal your husband to talk?” Natasha asked. “I promise, I won’t be long. Just some business discussion.”
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“You could tell both of us,” Austin said. “Anything you tell me, I will tell my wife.”
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“Are you sure? I just figured she could get you guys settled in camp while we talked,” Natasha said.
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“Yeah, I can go ahead and do that. I don’t want to be a bother,” Maya agreed.
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“You are no bother,” Austin insisted. “And more importantly, she is my wife and partner, not my attendant.”
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“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you,” Natasha said sincerely. “I was just making a suggestion.”
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“Don’t mind him, sometimes he gets protective like that,” Maya said to Natasha before turning to Austin. “Go ahead and talk with her, then tell me later. It’ll let me get Elliot settled and meet with the other families.”
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“Are you sure? You can stay if you want to,” Austin said.
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“I’m sure,” Maya nodded. “Elliot will be much more comfortable if I get him back lying down.”
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“Right, that makes sense,” Austin said. “I’ll update you later.”
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“Good,” Maya kissed Austin. “I’ll see you soon. Josh, will you come with me and help get things set up?”
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“Yeah, I can do that. Let’s me get these packs set down,” Josh replied.
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Austin watched as Maya and Josh walked further into the camp to find a place to settle before he turned to Natasha. “What did you want to talk about?”
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Natasha sat on the ground and motioned her hand to direct Austin to do the same. “I just wanted to talk about how this camp operates and your role in it.”
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Austin followed suit and sat down next to Natasha. “What do you mean by my role?”
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“Above all else, the two of us need to protect the people of this camp,” Natasha explained. “As you can see, there are children in this camp and even people who refuse to fight. Because of this, I have stayed at the camp since I set it up. That way, I could always make sure the people here were safe. With you here, that changes things slightly. I want one of us at the camp at all times, but the other one may explore the forest if they want. I believe there are still plenty of secrets in the forest to uncover, and the best way to do so is to explore.”
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Austin nodded along in understanding. “I can agree with that mentality. I would like to explore as well, and knowing you are here would make me more comfortable about my family’s safety.”
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“Exactly, I hoped you would understand,” Natasha said with a smile. “I believe there are places in the forest that are too dangerous for our subordinates to go to, but they could provide great benefits.”
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“What makes you think that?” Austin asked.
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“I have had scouting parties tell me about beasts that they believe are almost at Copper level,” Natasha explained. “A few of them were able to sneak past and find some herbs, unlike others in the forest.”
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“Interesting, have people in your camp been practicing alchemy then? Personally, I have not practiced it much,” Austin said.
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“Yes, I have gotten several people practicing since I returned from my master,” Natasha confirmed. “Also, there may even be treasures throughout the forest. At least the other two kings think so.”
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“What do you mean by treasures? And what makes them think there are some?” Austin asked.
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“Just enchanted tools and weapons, the sort of thing that could really increase someone’s combat capability,” Natasha responded. “As to why they think there are some, well, there are two reasons. The first reason is more of an assumption; this place was created to force people to learn Essence and become somewhat proficient. With the fact that there are definitely herbs and fruits that help with growth, the assumption is that there would be hidden treasures as well.”
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“Okay, that feels like it may be a bit of a stretch to me,” Austin said. “So what is the other reason?”
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“Apparently, there are reports of a group of three individuals who have discovered some treasures,” Natasha said. “These individuals have already made themselves a great threat in the territories of the other two kings. They have ruthlessly attacked people in those areas, and the few that have survived have found their Essence damaged.”
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“Wait, three people?” Austin thought back to his encounter from early on in the Survival Game. He was much stronger now, but that encounter had still given him a chill up his spine. The group had no regard for human life. “Could one of those people be named Chet?”
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“Yes, how do you know that name?” Natasha raised her eyebrow in shock.
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“I’ve met them,” Austin admitted. “And if they are stronger now, then they are definitely a huge threat.”
