Consuming Fire

Chapter 7: Cleaning the Pest

Helicopters reached the second island, and soldiers hacked the bridge, opening it to allow vehicles, tanks, and trucks to pass. The Private Executioner Army began their conquest of the second island. This island, known as the Golden Island for its richness of gold, has 34 regions. Unlike the first island, Hunchback Island, which is a jungle with 30 regions, Golden Island is an open field with more civilization and fewer trees. The region numbers continue from Hunchback Island’s 1 to 30, followed by Golden Island’s 31 to 64.

As they conquered the second island, the Private Executioner Army halted at Region 44. Meanwhile, in a cave behind a waterfall, Hunter and Sarah watched the sea from outside. "Grimlock's army is growing stronger. If we don’t defeat him soon, we’ll have no chance," Sarah said. Hunter, deep in thought, replied, "Yes, but now is not the time. I’ll get my revenge someday. My mother's tomb is at home, underground. After this war, I’ll bury her on that small island over there."

He pointed to a small island, separate from Hunchback and Golden Island, covered in trees but small enough to only accommodate 20 people. "My condolences, Hunter. Someday, we'll—" Sarah was interrupted by the sound of patrol boats. They quickly retreated into the cave. Hunter ordered everyone inside to turn off their lights. "Everybody, turn off your lights. The patrol boats of the Private Executioner Army are passing by. If they see any light, they’ll find us. And don't make any noise."

As the patrol boats passed by, their searchlights scanned the area. The boats, equipped with turret machine guns, illuminated the ground where people were preparing to escape by boat. The patrol boats spotted them, and the soldiers opened fire. Inside the cave, the people heard the gunfire and panicked, but Hunter whispered, "Shh, don't make a sound. Everything's going to be okay." They could hear the s*******r happening outside as the patrol boats continued firing.

Many people in the back of the crowd tried to retreat, but they encountered helicopters and were killed. The Private Executioner Army turned the towns into outposts, and no one from the island escaped. None survived; old or young, all were exterminated. This chapter in Hunter's life was indeed "Cleaning the Pest." Those deemed pests were shot to death or bombed.

As night fell, Hunter, Sarah, and the others remained in the cave. Hunter leaned against a rock, exhausted and sleepy. "I wonder how many days we have left," he murmured.

– – –

The Private Executioner Army had reached Region 44. Their conquest was methodical, leaving devastation in their wake. With night approaching, they set up camp, resting before the next phase of their mission.

Inside the cave, the tension was palpable. Hunter and Sarah kept a close watch, ensuring everyone remained silent and hidden. The flickering shadows from the patrol boats’ lights danced on the cave walls, heightening the sense of danger. The silence was occasionally broken by distant gunfire, a grim reminder of the m******e outside.

Hunter took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "We need a plan," he whispered to Sarah. "We can’t stay here forever."

Sarah nodded. "I know. But we need to wait for the right moment. We can’t afford to be reckless."

The night wore on, and the sounds of the Private Executioner Army grew fainter. The soldiers outside were starting to rest, unaware of the survivors hiding nearby. Hunter knew this was their chance. "We move at dawn," he said quietly. "We’ll find a way to take them down. But for now, we rest."

As the first light of dawn crept into the cave, Hunter and Sarah prepared to move. They signaled to the others to stay silent and follow their lead. Carefully, they made their way out of the cave, using the cover of the forest to stay hidden.

The Private Executioner Army was still resting, their guards lax. Hunter and Sarah moved swiftly, using their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage. They avoided patrols, creeping closer to the soldiers' camp.

Hunter spotted a group of soldiers resting near a supply truck. He signaled to Sarah, who nodded in understanding. They needed those supplies if they were to survive and fight back.

With precise movements, Hunter and Sarah took out the guards, securing the truck. They loaded it with as many supplies as they could carry before making their way back to the cave. It was a risky move, but they had no choice.

Back at the cave, they distributed the supplies, giving everyone a chance to eat and rest. "This is just the beginning," Hunter said. "We’ll keep moving, keep fighting. We won’t let them win."

The group nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthening. They knew the road ahead was long and dangerous, but they were determined to survive and resist the Private Executioner Army.

As they settled in for a brief rest, Hunter couldn’t help but think about the future. They had lost so much, but they still had each other. And as long as they had hope, they had a chance.

– – –

Hunter, while staring at the sea, felt his phone vibrate. He picked it up and saw Durk's name on the screen. Surprised, he muttered, "Durk? What the hell?" He answered the call.

"Hello."

"Hunter, it’s me, Durk."

"Why are you calling me?"

"I heard a report that your island was conquered by those Private Executioners."

"So, what are you gonna do?"

"I’m coming there."

"What? No, it’s not safe—"

"Hunter, I’m with my troops. There are four of us, and both of them are hunters like you."

"Okay, I’ll wait. We’re here on the shore in Region 4."

"Copy that. We’re coming your way."

Hunter hung up the call and returned to the cave, where Sarah approached him. "Hunter, what is it? Why are you in such a hurry? Are you gonna fight?" she asked.

Hunter answered, "Where’s my rifle… oh, here." He picked up his rifle and headed outside. Sarah followed and asked again, "Hunter, what is it?"

Hunter told her that four of his friends were coming to help them. Sarah breathed a sigh of relief, "Ah! Thank God. They’re coming now?"

"Yes," Hunter replied.

Hunter waited until nightfall. As darkness prevailed, he heard the sound of a boat. He quickly stood, grabbed his rifle, and went outside to check. It was Durk and three of his friends: Joseph, Oliver, and Becker. Hunter hurriedly approached them and shook hands with Durk and the others.

"Oh, s**t, Joseph! Haha! What the f**k are you doing here, man? Haha! Oliver, Becker. s**t, guys, I thought it would be a hundred years before I could kill this Draven," Hunter joked, and they all laughed.

Hunter led them to the cave. Inside, Sarah and the others saw them. Hunter introduced his friends, "These are my friends. They’re gonna help us be free from the hands of the Private Executioners. They’re hunters like me. We’ll bring resources so that we can stay longer while the war is still ongoing."

Durk couldn’t believe how many people were in the cave. He asked Hunter if he was the one who saved the villagers, and Hunter said yes, "With the help of Sarah."

Sarah approached, and Hunter introduced her, "Okay, um, Sarah, these are my friends: Durk, Joseph, Oliver, and Becker. And guys, this is Sarah."

Oliver winked at Sarah. "Hey there, beautiful!" he said, and Sarah just smiled.

After introductions and a brief meeting, Durk announced they would start planning at dawn but needed rest as it was already midnight. As Hunter faced the waterfall, Sarah approached him and asked, "H-Hunter, can I join your plan?"

Hunter stood and answered, "Of course. As long as you don’t get spotted, haha!" Sarah smiled and hugged Hunter, "Thanks for being you, Hunter. Without you, maybe we’d all be dead like Moore in the house."

Hunter hugged her back, "Hm, that’s nothing. I just want to kill that monster." With that, they prepared for Durk’s plan to start at dawn.