Chapter 14 - Meeting the Enemy (1/2)

Hei, while transporting Ye, Xing, and Lei Lei, was running at his maximum possible speed between the crops fields.

However, with the weight of a person on his shoulders, he found it difficult to move at ease. But it wasn't the time to make a complaint. The quantity of smoke seen from the grassy area where they were before, was the tangible proof that something had happened, even though they hoped with all their hearts that the inhabitants had just lighted several bonfires to celebrate the night.

However, their expectations weren't met. When they finally were able to see the village's houses, they discovered that they were set ablaze while intense flames were running rampant. It seemed as if the fire wanted to wrap the village denying any way out completely.

Also, there was a strong burning smell in the air, along with another scent that Hei knew well.

'Blood and burnt flesh... this, it's certainly not the work of someone in the village.'

It was unthinkable that someone or a group of people from the village had staged all this. Therefore, the only possible explanation was that the culprit was someone from outside with bad intentions.

At this, Hei, by instinct, extended his left hand towards his back to grab his spear, but he only found Lei Lei, who flinched due to the contact while recovering from the shock of seeing her village in flames. Because of that, Hei gritted his teeth, blaming himself for not having brought his spear.

It must be known that during these years, apart from training and hunting, there had never been other occasions where Hei was forced to use his weapon.

Therefore, since today was a day of celebration, he had asked his mother to leave his spear at home. After all, it would have been inappropriate to bring a weapon to a party.

Bao Bei, after having reflected on his request, thought to herself that it was a valid reason and agreed to it. Therefore, Hei had no weapon with him at this moment. His various knives also, which he received as a gift from Lei Bai, couldn't be used for the same reason.

This meant, therefore that, if they went inside and met someone who wanted to harm them, Hei would have to use only the several close combat techniques taught by his mother.

Because Hei's body was still developing and his spiritual power wasn't awakened, he couldn't bring out his full strength in unison with his martial art techniques. So, he wasn't entirely confident, but in this situation, this was still better than nothing.

While he was reflecting, Lei Lei, with a dry voice, said, ”Hei, please, let's go inside. I know what you're thinking, but if there are injured people, then I have to help them. I'm also worried about my father. I don't want to lose him too.”

Hearing her expressing her desire to go inside, Hei took a deep breath before replying. ”All right, but whatever happens, you have to remember to do as I tell you. I promise I will protect you at any cost, and I will save both your father and the other villagers. Xing, Ye, get ready to go hunting. The preys of this hunting session will be quite dangerous, so pay close attention and don't hesitate. ”

Ye and Xing lightly pulled Hei's hair to say they had understood. All those flames had scared them a little, but they still resolved themselves. Although they weren't as well seen in the village as Hei, they were still welcomed and treated with kindness by Lei Bai and Lei Lei. Their mother had taught them always to repay their debts, whether it was with compassion or violence, so they couldn't hold back now.

At that moment, Hei started running again, entering the sea of flames. Fortunately, there were empty spaces between the fire; otherwise it would have been practically impossible to come inside.

Inside, the scene was even more surreal than outside. The burning houses were emitting creaks while the wood was contracting itself and collapsing. The streets were stained with crimson blood, and here and there you could see some corpses lying on the ground.

At that sight, Lei Lei came down from Hei's back to vomit from the disgust on the ground. Hei approached her while looking at her with a worried expression.

”I'm fine. It's nothing. Really. Let's continue.” Lei Lei replied as she stood up. Her face had turned to a white ash color, and she was shaking everywhere. Nevertheless, she resolved herself to go forward and to examine the bodies to see if they were already dead or they were alive.

Hei followed her closely, worried that she might feel sick again. As for Hei, although it was the first time he saw a human corpse, he wasn't so upset that he couldn't continue.

It must be clarified that this wasn't because Hei was insensitive. Instead, he found sadness for all this destruction and for those who had died. However, it must be remembered that a spirit beast had raised him. So, the weight of an animal or spirit beast's life, in his eyes, was the same as a human life.

This differed entirely from the concept of human superiority, which put human beings first, even at the expense of other creatures.

Therefore, since he had killed many animals over the years and witnessed their carcasses, Hei wouldn't be so impressed to see the body of a person.

Fortunately, after several minutes as they advanced, Hei and Lei Lei were able to find several children still alive, hidden in a corner with tears in their eyes as they did everything they could to remain silent.

Lei Lei, seeing them, immediately ran towards them, and, once the children recognized her, they burst into tears again on her lap.

”It's okay, everything's fine. Don't be afraid, now your big sister and big brother are here, okay? Tell me what happened. ”

”They... they... sob... they came suddenly... they were so many. They did bad things to those they saw and started burning houses... Dad said to take my little brothers and hide somewhere. I don't know where my parents are. I want my mother and my father boo-hoo ... ” replied the oldest of them, who was more or less 7-8 years old. In their eyes, you could see the fear and the sadness they felt.

”Lei, listen to me carefully. I want you to take these children and find a safe place nearby. I'll go to check out the situation, all right?. ”

”Hei, what?! No! It's too dangerous for you to go alone, you'll get killed. ”

”No, on the contrary. If I am alone, I will have more chances to get out alive. At the moment, the children are scared, and taking them with us would be only a risk. You're a doctor, aren't you? Then your job is to help those in need. Leave the rest to me, okay? ”

”Okay, but come back safe and sound. All right? ”At that point, Lei Lei took the children and started to look for a house that wasn't set on fire where to hide temporarily. Hei, meanwhile, got on all fours, ready to run at his real maximum speed.