Death Cast

02.5 | He Who Sleeps, Dreams

It was still bright when they arrived in the village. True to their words, it is indeed quite near to where their bus got stranded. Anyone who is unfamiliar with the area would not be able to see it since thick foliage covered the main entrance. A natural wall made up of thick shrubs and thorny vines created a curtain-like structure that stalled most of the way.

“It’s huge,” Isaac said, looking up from his seat.

The thicket covered most of the sky as it was filled with mottled light that managed to sneak in between the spaces of the leaves. The brightness of the sun left the world in silhouettes and shadows under the shades, giving off ‘darkness’ under its rule of light. It resembled the night sky filled with infinite bulbs of fire.

It is easy to get lost in this kind of place where the north looks very similar to the south. Jaerim thought that it was difficult to escape from the village in this kind of environment. It is either one who will die from the beasts or die from getting lost.

“How about trying Hansel and Gretel?” Noel interrupted his thoughts. He is referring to the style of the siblings using pebbles to keep their tracks while walking in the woods.

William scoffed. “Instead of using the pebble trails, isn’t using Ariadne’s thread much more convenient?”

“As if we could find enough thread that could contest the length of the woods.”

Jaerim completely ignored William’s responses and gave Noel a frown. “Are you reading my thoughts?”

“It’s quite clear from your face. You should try looking in the mirror. The creases on your forehead are getting clearer.”

William turned his head around and looked at Jaerim’s average face. “Are you really planning on leaving the village once we arrive?”

“He is,” Noel answered as if he knew Jaerim like the back of his palm. “This guy is always thinking of a lot of strange things. He’s more dangerous than you think.”

“Is that so?” William made a gentle smile while looking at Jaerim. “Are you really dangerous?”

Jaerim rolled his eyes. He somehow missed the company of the white-haired grim reaper. Even though that person always gives off a scary aura, he is at least quiet. He also has a good impression of Silvester, who would never mind him asking several questions. While Noel and William are both pains in the ass.

“I have no plans for leaving the village,” Jaerim stated. “However, one more route for escape is not bad.”

The tourists had been moved from the bus to the village. Although the village is considered near, it is still a distance by foot so the villagers somehow managed to create a makeshift vehicle that could carry them in batches. Each ride could take as many as ten people thus, all the Death Casts decided to just team up.

As of now, the eight of them were riding a unique wooden carriage pulled by a beautiful brown horse called Kalesa. There are two large wheels on each side of the cart that are covered only by an open roof while leaving the rest open. It should only be able to hold up to three people, but the modified Kalesa was able to carry them all in one sitting. The cart has an extended back part with an additional three rows that could fit four people.

Jaerim naturally sat together with Noel. William is together with the twins before Jaerim’s while the remaining female members took the front. The ride is kind of bumpy since the roads are still unpaved and bumpy. They have to buckle in their seats or else they will be thrown up if ever the horse suddenly speeds up.

The one controlling the horse, the coachman, turned his head around to give the tourists the basic information about their village with a broad smile.

He easily captured the attention of all the people riding the cart.

“Hello, my name is Juan and I’m one of the people responsible for the transportation in the village. Our place is called San Isidro and I’ve been living here together with my extended family for many years. Currently, the village is being developed, so you might see some areas that are undergoing some construction.”

Juan further explained about the facilities that have already been constructed, boasting that it must be one of the best places anyone could ever visit in this world. Noel secretly chided him, saying how he was able to decide that it was best if he had never been out in the wild? Jaerim rolled his eyes, ignoring Noel’s bickering, and focused on listening to the coachman. There are not many interesting words, really, but he still continues observing the guy.

Information comes in many forms.

It can be from the most important person to the least known one. The best example would be the previous trial world where Jaerim almost ignored the jester’s existence. If not for his natural cautious nature, he would really miss the most important character and focus on looking for Bella.

Juan might be just an NPC that explains the basics, but that is enough to determine his importance, especially since nobody knows about the village. William is also doing the same. He never asks questions but one can see that he is listening intently.

The ride lasted for a while. The moment they arrived at the village gate, Juan had already explained everything about who was living in what house or who had more daughters and sons that were getting married within the year. The entire trip has been full of gossip that Jaerim has to pass the baton to Noel after enduring for so long. It was rather a fruitful encounter. They now know most of the information they need.  

They exited the modified Kalesa. An elderly man that had a slouchy back, grey hair, and eyes stuck in a narrow squint welcomed them. Juan hopped down from the coachman’s seat and greeted his respects to the old man by kissing his hand and raising it in his forehead. The elderly obliged, giving his blessings to the young man. Juan faced the tourists and introduced the old man.

“He is my grandfather, the village head. You can call him Ingkong Pedro or just plain grandpa.”

“Welcome, welcome,” Ingkong Pedro enthusiastically called them. His small figure, exhibiting his old age, is quite slow in his steps. He tried to give the guests the best welcome possible, nonetheless. “This is our village, the small yet beautiful village of San Isidro. I hope you will enjoy your stay.”

Noel walked forward as he volunteered to become the representative of the group. He didn’t show respect as Juan did, but he still held the elderly person’s hand and shook it a little. There was a smile on his face, eyes glinting from excitement, showing a rather youthful and happy look. Of course, Jaerim knows that it is his scamming looks.

“What a scam,” William openly commented.

Noel is quite good at handling conversations, so he took all the pleasantries towards the village head. Ingkong Pedro was quite pleased as he told Noel about their lodgings. It was already late afternoon and the village heads knew they had some stuff to prepare, so they only exchanged a few pleasantries before Juan took the place of the guide once again. They are headed towards a wooden house with modern-type architecture. It’s quite an eye-candy compared to the houses used by the villagers.