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46.34% The Red Lands / Chapter 19: Pests

Capítulo 19: Pests

Chu remembered watching a nature documentary one night back on earth.

It was one that showed life in the African continent. Farms that were cultivated near the edges of the forest and rivers were ravaged overnight.

The villains were not humans but wild animals living nearby. Hippos would wreak havoc on crops, wild hogs would damage root tubers and deers would decimate leafy vegetables.

Back then it was no real concern to him. The convenience store was always open late at night and had boasted well stocked shelves. He never suffered a loss of that kind.

Now he finally felt the sorrows of those villagers. Only when you experience it does the bitterness become more apparent.

He felt helpless looking at Clod. The guy had turned into an old broken back farmer carrying a world of worries.

The teen would be walking around with a wooden staff and a sheathed sword like a robust farmer. This time he did not have a grass stalk in his mouth or that cheerful face.

Mr Thomas and Lucy soon returned from conducting their investigations.

Chu waited until Clod and the others circled around.

"No doubt about it, it was an Inyoni mob. Came from the south over the grasslands."

Thomas raised his hands and pointed to the south.

Chu was standing with his mouth open still confused.

'Mob of Inyoni?'

'Was this some bandit group or something?'

Mr Thomas gave a wry grin. The boy may be sharp in certain aspects but he was still lacking in worldly experience.

Sometimes he felt the boy displayed a mentality of a six-year-old when it came to common knowledge. It was like he had spent his early years in some isolated jail.

"Inyoni, large birds that can't fly. They roam the grasslands during the summer months and head south during the winter. A pack of them is usually called a mob."

He looked at Chu and continued.

"Normally they stay away from people but they have a tendency to use hit and run tactics on isolated farms. There is a rather large stretch of grasslands between us and the next group of farms to the south. There are large swaths of empty grasslands until you reach the interior of the Empire."

"So what does this have to do with us?"

Chu asked.

"Most likely this area was abandoned for a period of time. Also its like a free meal for these birds. Once they see an opportunity they would take it. Seems like our farm falls within their feeding range."

Chu grimaced at the reply. This was their first summer on the barn. He really had no idea of what to expect. Worse yet those damn neighbors did not warn them of this.

Maybe they were not aware of it or just too afraid of confronting the creatures at night. Farmers out in the frontiers don't make a habit of venturing out after sunset.

He glanced at Clod who had that sorrowful look.

"How do we catch them?"

Mr Thomas gave a forced laugh.

"Boy you really are a pup in this world. Do you know what Inyoni meat sells for in the city?"

"Huh?"

"It sells by the pound, one silver piece per pound."

"Why do we have to care how...What?! One SILVER?"

"That is correct, one silver per pound. A normal sized Inyoni weighs about two hundred pounds. Do you want to know why such a large flightless bird is so expensive?"

Chu nodded his head. It was indeed strange for a bird that large to cost so much. He might understand the cost of a Snow bear. Those suckers were huge but they were rare and too dangerous.

"Speed."

"Speed?"

"Yes speed, they can run faster than a horse and have endless stamina. They have a keen sense of danger. Since they move in a group you can imagine the difficulties one has to take to ambush them."

"Why don't somebody just find the eggs and raise them?"

Mr Thomas scoffed.

"You think nobody thought about it? Those birds are hard to track and have an entire kingdom to hide a nest. A few times scouts came across the eggs, five pounds and worth its weight in gold.

Unfortunately it needed some link between the parents before it can hatch. A captured and raised Inyoni can never reach the quality of those in the wild. And they do not breed or lay in captivity."

Chu nodded as he soaked in this information.

He looked across the vast expanse of grasslands stretching to the south.

'Holy Shit!'

An epiphany!

Did he not have all this grasslands as his own? If he could form a large stockade and funnel these suckers into a corral. Would he not be rich?

He gave a deep look at the wolf cubs trotting around the perimeter.

'Didn't he have his own brand of sheepdogs?'

Given the right incentive the boss and her thugs would do anything.

This had the making of a profitable adventure so it required some thought.

Hehehehe.

But first this bird mob had to be dealt with. They had to know this was the wrong turf to waltz into.

He walked over to Clod and picked up a ball of young corn.

"Clod, I swear by this piece of corn. Those birds are going to pay the moment they decide to set foot here again. If I cannot catch them before winter then next summer I will milk them for all the gold they...I mean I will milk those pest!"

Clod was grateful that Chu was so adamant on seeking revenge for him. As a simple farmer, those words offered comfort during this disaster. He really misunderstood those fanatical dollar sign eyes.

The survey of the damages were completed and they spent the entire day tending to the farm.

A corner of the corn field was totally destroyed, not a corn cob could be found. Some parts on the inside were damaged. Clod estimated that about an eighth of the harvest was gone.

It seemed like a small portion but considering that the yield of that lost piece could feed someone for the winter it was marked as a huge loss.

This was a heavy blow to the boy who dedicated his time and effort in managing the farm work. The farm was his only means to prove his worth to the others.

Luckily for him, he underestimated his companions. Chu would never let him wallow in self defeat,

Clod received support that would make any psychiatrist proud.

Chu's first priority was to secure the remaining crops. It would be devastating for them if all their hard toils were to be in vain. Especially when the time was nearly ripe for harvesting.

'Now is the time that the supervisor jumps in to pacify and calm the subordinates.'

"I want first dibs on all large animals caught. If Lucy bags any predators then the heart, head and liver are all mine. The book says I need the kidneys and the lower spine to make a concoction to strengthen a Hounds 'spine'. I want Sue and Clod to help me get the herbs needed."

"Deal. I will consider the foxes Lucy caught as a down-payment."

The girl nodded simultaneously along with three other heads. Chu could swear these bastards were like modern-day gangs. It was like negotiating with ruffians who were trying to extort you.

He was noticing a clear pattern, this girl was always accompanied by her wolves whenever she had to conduct business. Mafia, he was raising a godfather.

"Fine. Just to be clear, we are acting as a deterrent only. If anything besides those birds appear, my wolves are not going to risk their lives."

"Yes, yes. Now go get some rest, I want your troop fresh for the night."

The night passed by uneventful.

***

In the evening Chu brought out two stuffed dolls before the archery training.

"Today Elder and I am going to talk about using ranged attacks on different and tougher foes."

"Ahem...yes, yes. But Chu what are those stuffed cloth things for? Are we doing a guessing game?"

"Wait until I finish. Now pay attention. Elder please..."

Mr Thomas got up and went to the front. Today his class contained all of the battle fanatics.

Chu placed the first stuffed cloth doll beside him. It had the likeness of a wild boar. He had commissioned this from Sakura and Amanda. It was large like a barrel.

"We have practised our archery and even our sword skills. I have no doubt you kids can hit or strike a target. However it is time I teach you about the real world."

Chu placed the other stuffing beside the fence. This time it had the likeness of a human.

"Beast will take your life in a flash. But out in the real world there are somethings even more deadly you have to face."

"People."

After much discussion with Thomas, Chu decided to get everyone familiar with fatal points for both beast and humans. This was because of what he remembered that day when facing the boar.

Sure everyone knew about aiming for a target, most of all aiming for the head to kill.

But did they understand why or the reasoning behind it?

It was time to learn about the weak spots of animals and humans. Sooner or later they will have to face and maybe kill other humans.

Chu knew without some form of training and preparedness that would be a daunting task.

Most of this training was for him as well. To take a person's life was not something that could be done easily. At least not for the faint hearted. A moment of hesitation could lead to one loosing their life.

As for the beast in this world, it was time to start learning to figure out their weakness. Most kills were accomplished because of Lucy's flawless execution. The boar would have simply lumbered off that day if it was not for her.

Knowing when to aim at the heart or weak places in the head was a must. Once he remembered something he had to share it. Better late than never for something useful.

Chu took over and gave a brief run down on the vital points. He also pointed out the places he remember from his memory. Thomas nodded and even asked some questions to clarify some issues.

The Military did not have training programs like this. Most of the information was from word of mouth by veterans.

'Shoot the eyes.'

'When large cats pounce slice under the exposed necks'

This was a first for him, and it was a very good experience for new trainees.

When Chu pointed out the reasons for shooting the ears instead of the eyes of the boar he was surprised. More so, when the boy got a bleached skull of a Jaga to prove his point.

Chu marked the places of interest on the animal figure with a large ink dot for reference. He did the same on the Human figure.

Mr Thomas took over and explained his experience in dealing with bandits. He shared some stories of how his companions nearly died when they left ruthless people alive.

"The heart is the place to shoot just like an animals. However people, especially ruthless people are cunning. Some of them even have a small iron breastplate under a leather armor.

That wasted shot can be the difference between life and death."

Chu felt the children might have become depressed having to learn this sort of things. He was mistaken though, they were more than enthusiastic in soaking in this knowledge.

He finally understood that he was not raising some sheltered kids.

These were roughnecks who took pleasure in stalking and ambushing beast more dangerous than them. It dawned on him that nearly every few days Mr Thomas or Clod were butchering and skinning some type of beast.

Nearly everyone in this household had personally killed an animal. Even Amanda was sometimes covered in blood when she helped in the butchering. Somewhere along the line they were all hardened by the sight of blood because of their lifestyle.

The small storeroom near the stables was filled with stacks of pelts. They did not hunt daily, but it was far more frequent than other villagers along the forest. Now that he thought about it, there were few instances when they actually ran from something.

He realized that maybe it was him who was so naive.

His kids had already grown up.

'I need to turn these savages into vegetarians.'


REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES
ForestRage ForestRage

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Capítulo 20: A well oiled team.

"This might be the last hunt before Autumn. Don't disappoint me brat."

"Hehehe...old man, you should face the facts. Your disciple has already long surpassed you."

The cocky boy folded his arms and tried to stare down the man with a look of disdain on his upturned face.

The 'young master' pose was swiftly broken in the dangerous forest.

Slap!

"Surpassed in what? Focus and stop bickering with Elder. Lucy is ready."

The group quieted down and looked towards the girl quickly moving into the forest depths.

Lucy was now as nimble as a deer in this forest. Even without activating her abilities she was like a fish in water.

They had not gone deep into the woods when she held out her hand indicating to stop.

After a time she beckoned them over.

"To the east, at our backs. Its stalking the trail and keeping its distance."

Ming turned serious and whispered a reply.

"Seems like it wants an opening to take us down. What about I give it one."

"You up for it?"

"Sure, Just let Lucy tell me when. How do you want to play it?"

Chu held his hand to his chin and thought for a little.

"It will come in hard and fast. Don't block, it's too big for you. Roll to the side and I will flank it. When it aims at me, the neck is yours. Final kill should be yours. If not Lucy will step in with a shot under the shoulders to the heart."

"Sounds good."

"Ready"

The replies came in positive and they dispersed. Ming began walking in the back hobbling as if injured. He kept calling out softly to the others now leaving in front.

Soon he reached an opening between some trees and sat on the ground. His stance was like an injured animal. He sat whimpering clutching his unsheathed sword and foot.

Chu and Lucy were nowhere to be found. The faint walking sounds of Mr Thomas could be heard in the distance.

"Now!"

On the shout Ming rolled on the ground and crouched into position.

As if by magic a large cat leaped through the air and landed on the exact position he was sitting before. The Jaga only had time to turn its head following the rolling boy.

Before the hind legs even touched the ground a shadow burst out from the thickets at the side and a sword stabbed the beast just behind the front shoulders.

The beast let out a roar and turned quickly swatting this ambusher. Chu did not waste time and had moved away after the attack. The beast had now focused on this new enemy when the wounded prey suddenly moved in with a burst of speed.

A well-aimed stab pierced the skin near the neck. The Jaga roared and backed away as its vision suddenly turned blurry. Blood squirted out from the fatal wound in its neck.

With a vicious howl it turned and fled back towards the east.

Lucy jumped down from the tree nearby and grouped up with them. Soon after Mr Thomas walked out from in front and met them.

"Well played brat."

"Lets go."

With Lucy as a companion they did not have to rush to find the creature. They never had to worry about unsuspecting ambushes.

Eventually they found the creature lying on its side, struggling for its last breaths.

Ming released it from its misery with a swift strike to the neck.

Mr Thomas gave a quiet laugh.

"Good job. You guys played your strengths well. A foe this big would have been serious trouble if you had to face it head on. Ambushing tactics are much suitable for kids who are relatively weak.

You have to learn from every experience you get. A beast this large and even faster than you can only kill you. Even better you actually goaded it into running close to the forest edge instead of deeper."

Mr Thomas was very well pleased but he knew better than to give the kids a swollen head. Heaven knows one of them already had a 'big' head.

He was amazed at how efficient the plan was executed. It all hinged on Lucy and her abilities. Ming and Chu were equally amazing. Both had made their strikes count, hitting the vulnerable areas. A product of endless practicing that consequently increased their chances of a lucky strike.

They had been using their time hunting to hone in the skills of striking those fatal spots. The days when they were trying to beat an animal to death by chance was something of the past.

All they needed was the strength to follow through and complete those attacks. Then this team would be even better than most adventurers.

"Chu this kill is mine right?"

"Yes, yes it counts as yours."

Chu answered him for the umpteenth time as they made a makeshift sled to drag the beast back to the forest line. The hand cart hidden there would make the trip to the barn easier.

During the past few days this Jaga had began to roam around the edge of the forest near the barn in the late evenings. Within the last two days Miki had spotted it near the stockade used to butcher the animals.

This was too close to the barn for Chu's liking. Only a few feet and the palisade separated them from a powerful, climbing beast. A fence was not much help against something like this.

A cat this big could ambush someone like Sakura and leap over the fence as if it was a step. Nobody would know when the victim was killed and dragged to the forest.

Thus the hunting party quickly sortied out to eliminate this threat.

Chu could only feel elated.

'Holy crap, I am actually doing this amazing shit!'

Soon they dragged the prize back to the barn. Chu was not too worried about another trail again. Unless it was a demon beast, he was prepared for anything.

It was ironic that the beast was placed on the same butchering block it had been lurking around for just the past few days.

Mr Thomas got to work on the beast and had Ming help him in removing the pelt.

Chu sat at the side in thought.

How could he prevent those predators from following those blood trails back to the barn?

No matter how much he tried, they still ended up luring predators. It was like he still had to accept that those beast would be roaming around his front porch.

Only when they were active near the forest and did their scouting were they able to keep the threat at bay. As soon as they concentrated on the farm the forest slowly became repopulated with danger.

Location, location, location.

He should not try to live in Siberia if he wanted to avoid snow.

For the next few days the hunting group scouted the forest. They fought foxes, a small wildcat and ambushed another Jaga. The smaller beast were the ones that provided the most experience due to head on fighting. Because of this the forest area around them became a little less dangerous.

During this time, Clod stocked up on lumber, firewood and stones. He made stockpiles near the stables and in the forest.

Since this type of activity was going to be the norm, Chu decided to make the best of it.

Furthermore he did not want to loose this chance to improve on his combat skills. He had made some obvious improvements, instead of running from a dog he was now facing a wildcat that was twice as big by himself in confidence.

One day Chu went with the group into the village for their routine trip. He did some negotiation with the Trading Post Master and left the young man with tears of joy.

The following week he arrived at the village with a wagon filled with pelts and another with firewood.

"John what do you think?"

Chu was inquiring as the young man took his time and checked all the pelts thoroughly. He left the firewood for the workers to empty it into the yard.

The both of them were now in the old Trading Post receiving shed outside the south gate.

"I must say they have been even better processed and dried than ours. Of course the quality is better, most of the trappers focus on old animals. Tell you what, give me two sacks of feathers and I will see what I can get sending it to the city. Those dressmakers love those kinds of raw materials."

Chu had a better knowledge of the prices and cost of these raw materials in the inner cities. Merchants since time immemorial had always made money moving goods from one distant lands to another.

In the modern world the profits were dependent on the bulk of the cargo, and in this middle ages civilization it was even more pronounced.

"No problem, tell you what, give me some quality pots and tableware at discount price and I will only take half the profits. Use the other half to boost your sales ledger."

John gave a low whistle.

"You sure? I don't know, that's a lot of profits you will be missing out on."

"Stop fretting, just add-on the usual discounts when winter comes along. At summer prices of course."

"Of course."

John could not begin to contain his joy. Just like Griz, Chu made him register his own merchant company to begin netting his own profits. Afterwards he and the boy made their own arrangements.

This worked out better when they found a merchant to help in the transportation. Chu not only boosted the Trading Post profits in the village but now cut deals with this newly formed merchant company. He also had another reason to engage in trade with John.

It was because he actually had a share in this newly formed company.

"And the pelts?"

"Full price and I have a shipment of lumber heading out later today. I will get the best quality without fail. I have an acquaintance in that field."

If the delivery was a success they were entitled to a hefty profit. John naturally sought his own interest in this matter.

"Pleasure doing business with you Master John."

"No, no, the pleasure is all mine young master Chu."

The both of them laughed with the dollar signs glittering in their eyes.

"Hey I hate to interrupt but Master John I believe you owe me an apology. Not only am I filthy rich, I am here to buy that bead!"

Chu shook his head and gave a wry smile. He was sure 'filthy rich' Ming only possessed twenty coppers to his name.

John gave the boy a glance and turned to Chu.

"I wont bully him. But business is business you know."

Chu waved his hands indicating it was not his problem.

"Do what you want, I already limited him. My paymasters know better than to pour money down a drain."

The next day the group left the village house and returned home.

Not bad for a new farm near the forest.

Instead of being steam rolled by the forest, they were using it to make additional gains.

A wonderful beginning.


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