Chapter 274: Sang Family Village - Battle for Survival I (2/2)

”The beast stampede happens three months before the steelbats migrate, right?” Ye Chong asked suddenly.

”Yes,” Old Sang De answered carelessly.

”Three months …” Ye Chong muttered as he made a quick estimation. If they migrate now, no one knew when they would reach safety. His plan to safe Mu and Shang would also be ruined.

”Those d*mned steelbats!” Ye Chong cursed inwardly at the species that he had never even met before.

According to Old Sang De, the steelbats were very formidable. However, Ye Chong believed that no matter how powerful animals were, they were still animals, and could never compete against humans. If they had mechs, they would never be so afraid of the steelbats! In the Five Galaxies, there were even adventurers who specialized in hunting mutants.

”Mechs!” Ye Chong realized then. ”That’s right, mechs!”

Ye Chong did a quick calculation in his mind, and made his decision.

Ye Chong asked Old Sang De, ”The migration this time, how many do you think will survive it?”

The question was the centre of Old Sang De’s worries. He replied in a frail voice, ”If we’re lucky, maybe a third of us. The mayaberries still need another two months to ripen. We don’t have enough food.” However, he quickly gathered himself and said, ”Don’t worry, sir, we will ensure your safety. Once we reach our new home, you’ll be able to help us thrive again, sir.” Old Sang De looked to Ye Chong sincerely.

”I have a plan,” Ye Chong said plainly, looking straight back at Old Sang De.

The atmosphere in the Sang Family Village was hectic. Everyone busied themselves with their tasks.

At the bone dumping site, the villagers made a long line, with Sang Ling and Sang Fan at the entrance to organize them. Every villager received some skeletons from Sang Fan, and an animal hide with a picture drawn on it from Sang Ling.

Sang Fan raised his voice and said, ”Everyone listen up, once you get your skeletons, carve them based on the drawings that Sang Ling pass to you. You must have received the tools from our good sir. You’ve all made skeleton love tokens before, so this will not be hard. However, remember, you must follow the drawings exactly when you carve. Once you’re done, pass the skeletons to me for inspection. If you ruined your skeletons, come here and find another one yourself. I believe you all know what’s happening now. Yesterday, the beast stampede had begun. Right now, what we’re doing is for the protection of the Sang Family Village. Everyone, please work as fast as you can. Our survival depends on it. The more skeletons you carve, the better our chances to survive this. Understand?”

”Understood!” The villagers promised in reply.

The 300 most skillful carvers of the village were gathered together. They worked like students, silently and intently. Leading them was the second most influential person in the village, the healer Sang Rubei.

The short, old man looked solemn. He spoke lowly, ”Your tasks are key to our plan. The drawing you see before you is your carving objective. Everyone is assigned with only one kind of part. From today onwards, your job is to carve, and only carve. Food will be sent to you. All you need to do is carve and carve. The fate of the village lies in your hands. Let’s work hard!”

”Yes.” The reply came not too loudly, but in perfect sync.

All the women and children were assigned with other tasks by the village head. ”Those in charge of the mayaberries, your tasks remain unchanged. We are two months from harvesting, do not slack in your duties. The village depends on you.”

A middle aged woman answered for the rest, ”Don’t feel sorry, Village Head, we’ll be diligent.”

Old Sang De nodded, satisfied. He then turned to the younger people around him and said, ”Children, it’s time for you to contribute to the village, are you afraid to work hard?”

”No!” The innocent, young voices replied in waves, but there was the unmistakable quality of youthful vigor.

”Alright, you’re all good children!” Old Sang De look at them warmly, patting one of them on the head in gratefulness. ”Now this grandfather here has a mission for you. You see those mildstones? You’ll each get a box later. All you have to do is to shape them such that they could fit inside the box. Remember, they must fit exactly.”

”Okay,” the children answered with determination.