Chapter 99: Please Leave.

Chapter 99: Please Leave.

The kid that I had healed earlier continues to pull his older sister up to the line. She seems to follow reluctantly, looking suspiciously around. The sister actually looks to be more malnourished than the brother does. They appear to have slightly more beast characteristics than most, with a panda nose and ears. Their hands are more pawlike, but still have human fingers.

The child quickly speaks up as he reaches the group.

Are you sure, that we wont have to worry about food or water anymore?

Gong goes up to the child and his sister, squatting down to look them both in the eyes.

Yes. We have all that we need and more to be able to take care of everyone.

The older sister looks at Gong in surprise, but then gains resolve. She is now the one leading her brother to the group.

As the little boy moves with his sister, his eyes catch mine and recognizes me.

Huh? Where could ah, he was in the alley during the fight with the brute. Looks like they were able to get away. Thats good.

Interrupting my thoughts and refuting Gongs words, a lone voice speaks up at this time.

Humph, do you really have the capability to feed all these people? Some people do not seem to know the immensity of Heaven and Privilon.

Gong eye twitches at this voice.

Its clear that these two have bad history. I should take a look and see what this person looks like.

I focus my scan over to the demi human that spoke.

This demi human appears to be of the rabbit variation. If not for the scars around his eyes and lips, one could even call him somewhat cute because of the dominance of the rabbit features on his face. It is clear that he is older than most around here. In a society like this, that means hes wily enough to get to that age.

Nonetheless, Gong immediately responds to the statement.

In fact, we easily could feed several times more people, even just at this point in time. When more people join our group, well be able to feed even more, starting farms within the walls of our area.

Thats not a joke, there are an absurd amount of poiyos stores all over the cavern. That doesnt even include the poiyos farm shes added to the non-secret underground cavern. My guess is that if she actually wanted to feed the entire slums for a few days, she probably could.

A scoffing sound erupts from that demi human again. Clearly showing themselves to be an antagonistic relationship.

If you had all this food before, why didnt you give it away earlier? Why hold on to it this whole time, now acting like youre some kind of savior?

Gong straightens up proudly, addressing the group as a whole, while admonishing the rabbit demi human indirectly.

As you all know, it is dangerous to have something of value out here and to advertise it. Even more so, as a demi human. To do so, is to invite it to be taken from you, if you dont have the power to protect it.

She then turns to face his direction, to where he is obscured in the crowd.

You, Ling, should know that best of all. Especially, considering the fact that youve already sold out two such communes that were trying to create a farm.

She continues, still addressing the concern.

One of the old women left in that group asks a question. Her cat ears are partially cut, both drooping lowly onto her forehead. Her voice shakes, as she struggles to speak.

Are there any reasons old people like us should join? As you already know, theres no reason for us to go further. Our lives are coming to an end.

She takes a pause to catch her breath.

Im too tired, to do the manipulations of my youth. To struggle beyond the day to day. Not only that, but theres not much we can do at this point. Im weak and cant speak that much.

Gone gives her a smile, clearly knowing this woman.

There are plenty of reasons. In terms of benefits, we can make sure that you live a longer and healthy life. That things, such as your voice weakening, will be fixed. Theres plenty that you can teach all of us. Including me. Youve seen things that we cant even imagine. You can direct us in ways that will help us prevent failure for our group.

She points over to me.

As proof of the healing, as you can see, we have an alchemist in our group. While he is unable to teach us his trade, because of the obvious restrictions, he is able to heal us. For people who are part of our group, making sure that you are doing well is a small cost for us.

Her eyes peer deeply at the old woman. Communicating something personal between them.

Just because youre older, doesnt mean that you arent worth something. You matter to us.

The old woman gives a smile back and begins hobbling over to our side. Many of the older people join her and moving off into the group. There are around 30 or so people left in the group that havent joined us, yet.

It appears most people were taken in by the fact that they could have protection and food and water. Ultimately though, theres still people who have their reservations. Other loyalties though likely have to be beholden to.

Gong looks at both groups, the ones who have decided to join and the ones who have not.

Surprisingly, she turns to the group that has stayed.

Before we continue, I want to warn you, that joining our group is no simple thing you can come back from. There are many things that we will be doing that we cant allow others to know. There may even be some things that you personally will be uncomfortable with, making you want to leave the group. If you make this decision do know that there is no coming back from it. There are consequences for attempting to leave or share information.

If you cant handle that, I would suggest leaving now.

She pauses for a while. Clearly expecting for some people to leave at this explanation. Potentially targeting certain people, with these words.

Some people from the group that was going to come with us hesitantly head back over to the other side to leave the group.

In a sense, this is actually the best thing to do. Even though we lose some people, this means fewer people who arent truly supposed to be with the group, will not die because they would betray the group.

After we do this, things turn pretty streamlined. Around 60 people ended up coming with us, far more than I assumed would be coming. Gong begins leading them down into the tunnels, to the next section. The proving grounds. The last chance for them to leave.

I hope not too many people die in this round.

Why do I feel like this is like a cult?

Probably just my imagination.