Eternal Freedom's Ascension-Chapter 111: Awakened Camp Ground
Among the floating islands of the Aether Skies, the Third Isle was one of the most popular hunting grounds. Nirad Hunters from the Guilds and Clans came here frequently to train and hunt Nirad Creatures.
Although it only served as a low-level hunting ground, the guilds mostly used it for their new recruits. Since a concentrated number of Awakened were gathered on the island, it was only natural that there was a general safe zone.
This place was named Awakened Camp Ground. It was situated among the rocky valleys on the island. Aman and his teammates led the two youngsters to the camp.
Kaiser approached the narrow entrance between the jagged stone ridges. The rocks were piled just high enough to slow a charging beast, but not enough to stop a human. He noted the sharpened stakes planted in the dirt as a crude warning, or perhaps a crude trap.
’Whoever lives here is ready for danger.’
That much was clear.
Inside, the camp was smaller than he had imagined. A low fire pit smoldered at its center, thin wisps of smoke ascending into the night sky. The scent of roasted meat mingled with iron and damp stone. Around it were rolled-up furs and hides—sleeping areas, neatly arranged, each one with weapons laid within easy reach. He counted at least a dozen sets of gear, all organized but hastily, as if prepared for sudden movement.
His eyes drifted toward a ledge along the ridge—an elevated lookout with a single figure keeping watch. Whoever had chosen this position had a clear view of any approaching threat, whether beast or human.
’Hm, not bad. They’re smart.’
Near the far corner, a small supply area held bundles of arrows, dried meat, and spare weapons. Someone had attempted some semblance of order amidst the chaos. Even from here, Kaiser could sense the tension woven into the camp’s layout. Every sleeping spot, every stockpile, every sharpened stake was a line of defense. These people were survivors from different guilds, not friends.
"Welcome to the Camp Ground."
Aman’s team leader smiled broadly, his large frame clad in furry armor. Suddenly, his expression lit up in carefully crafted realization.
"Ah, right. We haven’t introduced ourselves. We’re from the Impact Guild."
His gaze lingered on Alex, completely ignoring Kaiser and the unconscious Anna. He patiently waited for a reaction, perhaps she might recognize the guild.
"Uh... under what nation are you?"
The girl scratched her head, pretty confused.
Klein; the team leader, was disappointed. Still, he didn’t express it and smiled gently.
"We control one of the cities in the Transcendent Domain. We’re just a medium guild at most."
"Oh." Alex gave a flat reaction, not particularly impressed. She looked around, then said.
"Well, we should go in. My sister needs to rest well."
Klein agreed smoothly, then led them through the entrance. Eyes turned to them, sizing them up with open scrutiny.
Some recognized the Emberheart traits in her, becoming less wary. Meanwhile, some others grew disdainful or totally ignored them.
’This place is really a camp of different people. Interesting.’
Klein led them towards his team’s spot, then let Kaiser set Anna on a bed made of fur.
Finally, the woman in the team spoke up. "You guys crossed from that Worship Island?"
Kaiser rolled his shoulders and answered. "We did—using our own methods."
Alex shivered upon hearing the word ’method’. Only she and her unconscious sister knew how harrowing Kaiser’s method was.
Selena gasped in surprise. Everyone understood the difficulty of crossing the Worship Island as mere Awakened.
To be able to pass through that island, it was usually necessary for an Evolved Nirad Hunter to be in the cohort.
"Well... whatever your method was, it must be nice." Selena gave an awkward smile.
’Tsk, if only you knew what this madman’s method is.’
Alex expressed her displeasure internally, but didn’t say a word. Instead, she crouched beside her sister, checking her bandaged wounds.
Kaiser leaned on the wall, closing his eyes like he had lost interest in the camp. He remained like that, silently planning his trip to the next island which was the main island.
After about an hour, his injuries had healed, and he was back to his peak condition.
"So you’ve woken up." He said to Anna. The young woman had risen up and was talking with Alex. As for the other four strangers, they were nowhere to be seen.
Her fiery red eyes shifted to Kaiser, and she smiled bitterly. "Thank you."
Kaiser tilted his head, confused.
Understanding he needed clarification, Anna explained. "You didn’t leave my sister and I stranded on that island. That’s why I’m thanking you."
"Oh." He blinked. "I’m merely returning favor by helping you get here."
He suddenly straightened himself, then flashed a small smile. "Well? That concludes our journey together. I’d be moving on by myself for now."
"What?!" Alex almost shouted, startling herself. Kaiser and Anna gave her weird looks, then ignored her.
"Why? Wouldn’t it be better if we go together?" She asked, brows furrowed gently.
Kaiser calmly shook his head, "No. I prefer going solo—fewer distractions."
The dark image of Anna bathing flashed in his mind like a demon, making him rub his eyes tiredly.
"I see." Anna smiled bitterly, then checked herself. "Even if I wanted to forcefully follow you, I can’t."
She was still injured, and would therefore only be a liability to him.
"Well? If you want to leave, then scram." Alex folded her arms and said rudely. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
Kaiser didn’t mind her attitude, "Hm. Good luck with your findings."
He turned away from them and began to make his way towards the exit of the camp.
’Perhaps if you were colored, or you had the tendency to be colored... I might have stayed.’
He felt the gazes of the Hunters around him, sharp and full of scrutiny. He ignored it all and left the camp easily.
’Hm, I should have eaten something back there.’
His lips curled downwards, feeling a slight rumble in his stomach.
"Oh well, I wouldn’t die."
Shrugging, he made his way through the sparse forest. The trees were green and full of life.
’Irrelevant detail, yeah.’
He suddenly stopped, then said flatly. "Goodness gracious... you didn’t come to kill me, did you?"
The tall grasses parted to reveal three rough-looking Awakened who were glaring at him with sinister smiles.e
