Jinn BLADE
Chapter 72 | Astray

Chapter 72: Chapter 72 | Astray

The new group of slaves stood still as their eyes swept over Jinn’s companions.

Then, all at once, their expressions shifted.

"H-Hey, is that a Drakkar...?"

"Careful! I heard they eat people. Raw!"

Whispers spread around like a wildfire, some were even subtly gripping the hilts of their weapons tighter in instinct at the sight of Garan.

*Sigh...

The girl leading them let out a long sigh and moved forward—slow and steady as she walked towards Jinn’s party.

Before she halted just a few feet away.

*Shhhk!

The sound of blade leaving its sheath cut through the air as Jinn stepped forward, his sword pointed at the girl’s neck—the crimson hue of the blade glistening as she stared at it.

"State your business."

The girl froze.

Slowly, she raised her arm in a sign of peace.

Her gaze then shifted, not towards Jinn’s blade but to the group behind him.

"We’re just a group of slaves... just trying to survive this cursed trial," she said with a steady voice despite a blade aimed at her throat.

She then turned briefly to glance behind her, she saw the faces of the people she’d brought—exhausted, bruised, yet looking at her with unshaken trust.

She faced Jinn again, this time with her eyes narrowing into a serious and firm expression.

"We’ve gathered those that were scattered, lost, and were alone in the forest. And we’re asking..."

She took a small breath.

"Let us travel with you. We don’t want trouble. We just want to live another day."

Jinn didn’t lower his blade.

Not yet.

He then turned subtly, his gaze shifting back towards his group, taking a look at their expressions.

Ophelia gave a small nod.

Quiet, but with meaning.

It was a silent answer which was to let them travel with them.

Jinn returned his gaze towards the girl, pausing for a brief moment before exhaling subtly.

*Shhhk!

With a sharp motion, he sheathed his sword and turned his back on her, walking towards his group.

He then paused halfway, the girl was still looking at him.

Without turning, his voice cut through the silence.

"Fine. But if even one of you moves or acts the wrong way—head will roll."

The girl then exhaled, her shoulders relaxing as the tension disappeared.

A faint simple then tugged at the corner of her lips, half gratitude and half exhaustion—as she turned and waved for the others to follow.

"Trust me, we won’t do anything funny!" she called out, her tone light and cheerful, but was filled with gratitude.

"Now then, let’s move," Biyo said, his eyes looking towards the sky as the hues of morning began to slowly disappear.

"Darkness will come soon."

As if on cue, one of the survivors from the girl’s group stepped forward—a lean man, a bow in his back, wearing a cautious but hopeful expression as he looked towards Biyo’s hulking frame.

"Our group has actually found a good place to set up camp," he said before offering.

"If you’ll follow us, it’s not far."

"Mhm!" the girl chimed in eagerly, raising both her hands in an exaggerated gesture.

"It’s a really huuuge clearing! Flat ground, natural walls around, and even a high ridge nearby—we could use it for scouting!"

Biyo paused to think before nodding once.

"Very well," he said, gesturing with a subtle wave of his hand.

"Lead us then, to this so-called camp of yours."

The man then gave a respectful nod and began walking, pushing a low hanging and broken branch aside as he moved forward.

Verhedyn shrugged, starting to walk just behind them.

"Guess we’re letting them take the lead this time, instead of Biyo."

As the group of slaves began to move, Biyo knelt beside Kain.

The boy was still unconscious, but was steady as he breathed softly.

Without a word, Biyo lifted him gently into his arm, cradling him in a protective manner within his hulking arms.

As they tread along the unfamiliar forest trail, looming shadows began to stretch beneath the giant trees around, the girl from earlier jogged up beside Jinn—a bright smile evident on her face.

"Heya! It’s me again!" she chirped, waving a hand close to his face.

Jinn didn’t blink.

His gaze remained forward, boots moving with precision along the uneven forest path—one hand of his was hanging loosely, resting on the hilt of his blade, ready to snap when the need arose.

"I’m Emera," the girl spoke, undeterred to get to know Jinn.

She then clasped both of her hands behind her back and began skipping lightly over thick roots and stones.

"What about you? What’s your name?"

No answer.

Jinn’s brow twitched—a silent flicker of annoyance.

"His name is Jinn," Ophelia spoke from behind.

Emera spun around, eyes lighting up at the sight of Ophelia.

"Ohhh!" she gasped, then reached for Ophelia’s hands, clasping them with excitement.

"I didn’t think I’d meet another girl my age out here! This is great!"

"I’m here too, y’know," Orin spoke, stepping up just behind them.

"Let’s not forget about me just because Jinn’s acting like a rock."

Soon, the girls fell into conversation, voices low and quick as they began to exchange names.

Verhedyn, Vox, and Hector followed just behind them, keeping their distance but watching with mild interest.

A few minutes went by and Hector picked up his pace until he caught up with Jinn, who still moved with silence.

"Hey, Jinn," Hector said, eyes glancing sideways as he walked with him.

"Mind if I ask you something?"

"Ask away." Jinn replied with a nod.

"These past few days, all we’ve done is run, fight, survive..." Hector’s voice trailed slightly before continuing.

"But we haven’t had time to train."

Jinn nodded once again, agreeing on the fact that did not get any time to train either their eidra or their bodies.

"I was wondering," Hector continued, "When we get the chance—maybe we could spar. Practice our eidra. Sharpen our edge."

Jinn thinked for a moment, his hand tightening slightly on the hilt of his sword.

He then turned to glance at Hector.

"Sure," Jinn replied with eagerness. "Let’s do it."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Hector’s mouth.

He nodded once, then stepped back into line.