Chương 86: Sudden events
As the sun began to set, the robust slaver, noticing the slaves slowing down, decided it was time for a break. Continuing to march wouldn't be beneficial if they couldn't walk properly.
"Alright, everyone, we'll take a meal break to rest, and I expect all of you to pick up the pace afterward. If anyone continues to lag behind, you'll face his whip," the robust slaver announced to the group.
Upon hearing the slaver's words, a mix of fear, unease, and exhaustion swept over the human slaves, each reacting differently to the impending meal break.
The lanky slaver ordered one of the human slaves to gather wood for a fire, implying that they would have to eat their meal cold otherwise. In the demonstration, a container of soup was produced, but as it fell, it froze solid.
'A storage-type relic.' thought Adrian to himself.
Pausing by a small lake, the slaves scattered in search of branches and logs for the fire. Though they were no longer chained together, every one of them still wore a collar securely fastened around their necks.
Adrian, too, joined the search for firewood to avoid any unwanted attention or whipping. He had a hunch about the purpose of these collars.
'These collars must be the reason why none of us can use our powers, myself included.'
Adrian observed his fellow slaves, scanning their expressions and actions for any signs of escape or rebellion, but it seemed that none of them were inclined to attempt such a daring move.
"Why are you all taking so long? Are you trying to starve?" The lanky slaver bellowed, delivering a swift kick to the container, denting it in the process.
The lanky slaver's shouting jolted the slaves into action, pushing them to collect firewood more quickly, realizing that their chance for a warm meal depended on it. Having a full stomach in this weather was a must.
The container of soup gradually heated up, and the robust slaver began distributing food to the slaves one by one in the line.
Adrian received his portion of food, but instead of eating right away, he took it and moved over to sit beside a tree.
He still harbored doubts about the food possibly being poisoned, considering that they were already being subjected to harsh treatment, so the idea of poisoning them didn't seem too far-fetched.
The other slaves eagerly devoured the food since it was their first meal of the day, uncertain when they might receive another. They wanted to regain as much energy as possible, except for the two twin kids, who hesitated.
Adrian watched the two twin kids, thinking, 'They're smart, but I don't know if this is the right decision.'
Adrian noticed that even the slavers were enjoying their meal, which appeared to be a large piece of meat.
Seeing that no one was reacting negatively to the food, Adrian finally started eating too. He glanced at the twin kids, who were also eating their portions.
'Were they waiting for me to start?'
"Alright, get up, all of you! It's time to move out," the lanky slaver shouted, giving a swift kick to one of the two human slaves, who stumbled and fell to the ground.
Adrian had to stop halfway through the soup, a welcome interruption as he didn't particularly enjoy the taste anyway.
Chained up once more in a line, they resumed their journey, and this time, Adrian found himself placed right in front of the kids, second from the end.
Embarking on their journey to a destination unknown to Adrian, he couldn't help but notice the eerie absence of any sounds around them.
The forest, already laden with an eerie silence, now seemed to deepen into a profound stillness, as if there was nothing ahead but an endless void.
'Something is wrong.'
The two slavers, who typically positioned themselves differently, now displayed unusual behavior. Instead of their usual positions—one leading at the front and the other guarding the rear—both of them walked together in the middle beside the procession, their hands resting on their weapons, an evident sign of caution.
As the night grew darker, the slaves slowed down, struggling to traverse through the snow-filled forest. However, for Adrian, the journey was notably easier, thanks to his newfound shadow abilities.
Adrian remained uncertain about whether being a shadow of 'Her' was the same as being a shadow manifestor. He couldn't explore his capabilities as he had been chained and collared since arriving in this place.
The tense silence lingered a bit longer, but as soon as the group passed a large rock shaped like a triangle, the slavers noticeably relaxed.
'So, there was something unusual along that stretch of our route.'
Adrian didn't have enough time to contemplate things as one of the humans in front suddenly collapsed.
The lanky slaver lashed him forcefully, "You goddamn slaves really are annoying. Get up already, or the second whip won't leave you with just a single wound." As his words faded, there was no movement from the human slave, as if he was dead.
The robust slaver stopped him just as the lanky slaver was about to swing his whip again. He approached the fallen slave, and just as he was about to turn him over to see his face, the slave's arm shot up, grabbing the robust slaver's arm with surprising strength.
Witnessing this unexpected turn of events, Adrian became increasingly suspicious. It was evident from his earlier observations that the slaves had no apparent intention of escaping, making the situation even more perplexing.
Adrian instinctively created some distance between himself and the vampire slave who was standing in front of him, preparing himself for whatever might unfold and hoping to have enough time to react.
Veins popped up on the forehead of the robust slaver as he attempted to shake off the slave's grip. "What do you think you're doing?" he exclaimed, swiftly slashing off the hand that held onto his arm.
The human slave, still facedown, made no sound, as if he didn't feel any pain whatsoever.
The robust slaver grew a bit agitated, but unlike the lanky slaver, he wasn't as irrational. He attempted to make sense of the situation, as it had never happened before.
Glancing at his arm, where the slave's grip should have been severed, the slashed hand was still intact, clutching onto his arm.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
samandridaku
samandridaku In shadows cast, a hand untethered,
Severed from grace, its tale weathered.
Once a companion in life's embrace,
Now a silent relic, time can't efface.
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