Chapter 107: Surgery (1/2)
Shioko clutched the yellowed sheet that covered the bed in her hands, resisting pain like a true war veteran. She did not say a word, covered in a cold sweat and gritting her teeth.
”I drew a map some time ago. It shows the Blackvault Mines and the surrounding areas,” a man from the stairway exclaimed. ”I... well, I could give it to you” he smiled, hoping to help.
Yoichi smiled back, seeing in that gesture a sincere offer of help. ”You'd make our task easier, my friend. Knowing the layout of that place, we will look for the source of that dark energy more easily, avoiding losing the way”, he replied, accepting the offer.
”There's only one problem... the map I was talking about is somewhere in my house, and... uhm... I should check through the rubble,” the bearded man continued, looking a little creepy but with a docile and sociable character.
”You can go out. The threat has been contained. I know a lot of huts have been destroyed, but we've been able to save the others,” he affirmed. ”I suggest you to retreat to your homes and recover a few hours of sleep”, he exclaimed aloud, addressing the crowd.
”You have nothing to fear. As long as we stay here, no monster can attack you. We will be back from the Blackvault Mines on time, and slowly, you will be able to rebuild the village. I promise”, the young tamer repeated, speaking with the confidence of a true experienced leader.
The people around him calmed down, lowering their voice and looking at Yoichi with hopeful eyes. That unknown warrior, along with the other members of his team, had saved them and their families from certain death.
The help he asked for was the slightest thanks for his gesture of disinterested solidarity. One at a time, each of the villagers who had more or less useful information about the Blackvault Mines came forward.
Before exiting the front door of Uncle Kuno's house, men and women of all ages thanked Yoichi and Enatsu in person. The two travellers learned that in addition to the Komoerus, other species of demons such as dark and rock types inhabited the dungeon. Besides, the interior of the caves stretched for almost two square kilometres, and they would not have missed the chance to meet rare and dangerous demons.
None of the citizens seemed to be a tamer: Blackborough welcomed ordinary people who had decided to spend their lives exercising the ancient arts of fishing and agriculture, building a solid community.
Despite recent events, which had darkened the faces of all those who had lost their loved ones, the united family vibe had never disappeared, making a damp hut like that a warm and welcoming place.
Kuniaki's house emptied noticeably, and about a dozen people remained upstairs. Yoichi, without saying anything, realized that they were the most unfortunate.
”The snake demon took everything from them. I know them; they're going to take a while to get back on track. I think I'll host them here for as long as they want,” the village chief explained, uncorking a jug of sakè and filling his empty cup.