The Forsaken Heir's Ascension
Chapter 69: Guests or Prey?

Chapter 69: Guests or Prey?

In a lush green field, surrounded by scattered tall trees, five people and a massive wolf stood.

In the distance, a small village lay nestled in greenery. The houses, seemingly made from the very plants around them, stood clean and graceful, surrounded by vibrant flowers.

After a moment of silence, Alex voiced the question on everyone’s mind. "Where are we?"

Meika glanced at the sky and muttered, "There’s no sun here."

Everyone looked up. Their expressions shifted from curiosity to alarm.

Kaelan, still shirtless, clenched his fists. "We’re not outside," he growled.

Lyra’s eyes narrowed. "We fell. We didn’t teleport here." She paused and pointed directly above them. "We came from up there."

But the sky looked normal—blue and cloudless, the same as any peaceful forest. There was no sign of a hole, portal, or anything unusual. Just an ordinary-looking sky that somehow didn’t feel right.

Then, two silhouettes appeared in the distance, walking toward them.

Instinctively, the group readied themselves—blades drawn, elemental power surging, muscles tense.

As the figures approached, their appearances became clear: two elderly men with grey hair, wrinkled faces, and walking sticks. They wore spotless white robes, free from even a single crease or speck of dust.

The group slowly relaxed, sheathing weapons but remaining alert.

One of the old men finally reached them and, with a raspy breath, spoke. "H... Hell..."

Rina stepped forward with a bright smile. "Hello!"

The old man exhaled, a bit steadier now. "Ah... yes. Hello, young ones."

The second elder joined him with a warm grin. "Hello, kids."

"Hello," the group replied in unison, their tension easing just a little.

"My name is Haron. I’m the village chief," the first man said, then pointed to his companion. "This is my brother, Karon."

Rina beamed. "I’m Rina Roarhart." She quickly pointed to each companion. "That’s Kaelan, Lyra, Meika, Alex... and the big wolf is Hati."

"Welcome to our village," Haron said, voice creaking with age. "You are the first outsiders we’ve seen in over a hundred years."

Alex’s eyes narrowed. "Where is this place?"

Before Haron could answer, Karon spoke with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "This is our world. Peaceful. Far from bloodshed. We’ve never wanted to leave, and we’ve never tried. We know little—and desire even less."

Alex’s suspicion deepened. They’re hiding something, he thought. He didn’t answer me at all.

"Come now," Haron said, brushing off the tension with a chuckle. "No need for questions. Let’s go to the village and welcome our guests properly."

With that, the old men turned and began walking toward the village.

Rina immediately followed, curious and carefree. The others exchanged glances—uncertain, wary—but eventually fell into step behind her.

They’re old. What harm could they possibly do? they thought.

As they reached the village, they saw neat wooden houses surrounded by blooming flowers. From each house, elderly people stepped out to greet the newcomers. Every couple was old—faces lined with wrinkles, hair grey or white, some bent with age, others leaning on walking sticks.

Alex scanned the village, suspicion growing in his chest. He searched for children, young adults—any sign of youth. But there were none.

They were led to an open space at the centre of the village, where the old villagers gathered around them, smiling with eager eyes and excited expressions.

Haron stepped forward and, with a warm smile, said in his aged voice, "Everyone, these are our new guests. Tonight, we shall have a feast!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd. Despite their frailty, the old villagers cheered with an energy that made them seem young again.

Confused, Alex turned to the nearby Karon and asked, "Why do they look so happy?"

Karon smiled—too wide—and a strange glint passed through his eyes. "We haven’t had guests in a long time. Of course they’re happy."

Alex frowned. Do they love outsiders that much? But hadn’t they said they had no desire to leave or know about the outside world?

Beside him, Hati growled low. Alex leaned down, patting the massive wolf’s head.

"What is it, buddy?"

But Hati kept growling.

Karon’s smile twitched as he cast a brief, displeased glare toward Hati. Alex noticed it and whispered, "Calm down for now."

Hati quieted instantly but stayed close to Alex, never taking his eyes off the villagers.

Alex smiled apologetically. "Sorry about my wolf. He’s just not used to crowds."

Karon nodded, still smiling.

Then the sky began to darken.

All five of them immediately stood close, unsheathing their weapons. Rina glanced around and asked, "What’s going on?"

Laughter erupted from the crowd. A voice called out from somewhere ahead, "Don’t worry! The Thunder God controls our sky!"

Karon’s expression hardened momentarily, and he shot a warning glare at the speaker.

Haron chuckled. "Don’t worry. That’s just how night falls in our world."

Meika narrowed her eyes in suspicion and looked toward Alex. He nodded subtly, confirming her unease.

Rina relaxed, forcing a nervous smile. "Ah, I see—that’s how night comes here."

Lyra and Kaelan exchanged glances and let out quiet sighs of relief.

Then a woman stepped forward—older than them, but younger than the rest. Her long black hair, tied in a ponytail, still gleamed with vitality. She wore an apron and had fewer wrinkles, a commanding calmness in her voice as she said, "The feast is ready, Village Chief."

Haron clapped his hands with delight. "Wonderful! Guests, please come enjoy our welcoming feast."

He led them to a grand wooden hall lit by warm torchlight flickering from pillars. The floor was made of obsidian stone, and the roof crafted from polished timber. Inside, four long tables were arranged neatly, each one covered with an extravagant spread of food.

Golden grapes, purple peaches, black apples—fruits of unfamiliar colors filled the tables. Plates of juicy steaks sizzled, their aroma thick and rich in the air. Spices and stews, roasted vegetables, and honeyed pastries—all filled the hall with a tempting fragrance.

Haron gestured toward the nearest table, one filled with the finest food. "Please, esteemed guests, eat with us."

They all sat down at the designated table, cautiously but gracefully. The crowd of old villagers filled the remaining tables, surrounding them on all sides.

Haron extended his hand toward the table and said warmly, "Please, eat with us."

The villagers began to eat slowly, chewing like old people without appetite.

Alex and the others followed suit.

Kaelan, still shirtless, picked up a piece of steak, frowning.

Why hasn’t anyone asked me if I need clothes? he thought. Do they think this is normal for me?

He sighed, shoulders slumping, and took a bite.

Alex and Meika only ate little for appearance’s sake, moving food around their plates. Hati, however, didn’t touch his food at all. He sat still, eyes locked on the juicy steaks in front of him, yet he didn’t take a single bite.

Haron ignored it, just like the rest of the villagers, who seemed unnaturally indifferent to everything.

After everyone finished eating, Haron stood up.

"I hope our guests enjoyed the meal," he said with a warm smile, looking at each of them in turn.

Then he added, "Please, lead them to rest."

Five elderly villagers silently stepped forward, positioning themselves behind each guest.

"Please come with us," they said in unison.

Haron nodded. "They will show you to your resting place. Please follow them."

Everyone rose and followed their guides. Hati stuck close to Alex, unusually alert and cautious.

Each person was led to a different house.

Alex’s guide led him to the outskirts of the village, far away from the clustered homes. The house before him was small and wooden, more like a rundown hut than a dwelling. Shrubs surrounded it, giving it an abandoned look. Without a word, the guide turned and left.

Alex stepped inside. The floor creaked underfoot. The interior was a single room with one window that opened toward the wilderness beyond the village. An old straw mat lay in the center—the only furniture in the room.

"So this is their hospitality?" Alex muttered. "After such a grand welcome?"

Meanwhile, Meika’s guide led her to a large house nestled in a lush flower garden. Inside, the room was cozy and clean. A fresh straw mat, still fragrant with the scent of trees, lay on the floor. A fluffy pillow and a sturdy wooden chair stood near a window that looked out into the blooming garden.

"This is the house of our village chief," the old man explained. "He graciously offered it to an esteemed guest."

He bowed and stepped back. "No one will disturb you. Please get plenty of rest."

The same treatment was given to the others—lavish accommodations and kind words. Only Alex was sent to the outskirts.

Night deepened. In the dim hut, Alex sat cross-legged on the worn-out mat, trying to stay alert. But his eyes began to close on their own, heavy and uncontrollable.

Woof! Woof! Woof!

Alex snapped awake. Hati was barking furiously.

"What happened?" Alex asked, heart pounding.

Hati growled, ears sharp and eyes darting around the room.

"I just closed my eyes for a second..." Alex’s face paled. "I actually fell asleep?"

Hati nodded once, tense and restless.

Alex’s mind raced. "I never fall asleep like that. Not even in the forest. Especially not when I’m in danger."

He reached over and patted Hati’s head. "Don’t worry. I’m going to check something."

Closing his eyes again, Alex entered his mind space.

His peaceful, transparent sea—usually a serene blue—was turning murky. Inky blackness spread like oil in water, tainting the depths. He walked closer, watching the corruption ripple outward.

Something was invading his mind.

Alex clenched his fists.

How do I stop this?

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