Primitive Man

General Oswald's gaze bore into Garnt, though his words seemed directed elsewhere as if he knew something existed inside Garnt that was not ordinary. "So, Eva, how have you been faring lately? It's been quite some time since we last spoke or does the concept call time not exist anymore? After all, no one would have thought we would meet here in a Stone Age world like this."

"I still remember, when we used to work together for government. I always thought of you as someone that I could place my trust in Eva." Oswald made another comment, but this time it was less aggressive almost as if he was reminiscing about the past.

"You were one of those rare individuals, destined to be etched in the annals of our country's history as one of its greatest women. I saw potential in you, and an unwavering dedication to our cause. I believed you would rise above the rest, a beacon of loyalty and integrity."

His tone shifted subtly, carrying a hint of disappointment. "But here we are, Eva. I never expected to see your name tainted like this, branded a traitor. It's disheartening to witness someone I once held in such high regard fall so far from grace. What happened to that promising agent I once knew? What led you down this path of betrayal?"

There was a mixture of sadness and accusation in his words, as if Oswald couldn't comprehend how someone he once trusted implicitly could end up on the opposite side of the conflict.

Garnt tensed, realizing the hidden message within Oswald's words. He glanced inward, feeling Eva's presence stir within him. "Eva... he's addressing you," Garnt whispered internally. "What should we do?"

Eva's voice resonated in Garnt's mind, her tone guarded yet defiant.

[Tell him to get to the point, Garnt. Why is he here?]

Garnt did just that and asked why Oswald was there since he didn't want to stay in the forest any longer knowing the danger of leaving Gundo and others all alone in the cage.

Oswald's lips curved into a sly smile as he heard Garnt's response. "Ah, always so direct, Eva. Well, to answer your question, I'm here for you. You see, you possess invaluable knowledge regarding the meteoric phenomenon that our country is currently facing, also this boy, he had done a lot of damage to our properties, so you could say I am here to take both of you to our camp."

Garnt relayed Oswald's words to Eva, who remained silent for a moment before responding.

[He wants to take me back to the project, well I expected this because only three people had the full access to the important information and I am the only person remaining now.] Eva muttered, her voice tinged with resignation.

Garnt felt a surge of defiance rise within him, mingled with concern for Eva's well-being. "We can't let him take you, Eva. Not after everything we've been through. That woman called Mia, isn't she trying to take revenge on you for whatever happened? We couldn't possibly-"

Eva's response was firm. [I won't go back there willingly, Garnt. You know that but look around you...how do you think we can get out of here? If we refuse to go with them, they could possibly massacre all the people here. You have your women here and they need to go back to your children."

Meanwhile, Oswald observed the exchange with keen interest, sensing the tension between Garnt and Eva even though he could see the changes in Garnt's face. "Ah, the bond between you two is truly fascinating. But I'm afraid sentimentality won't change the situation at hand."

Garnt gritted his teeth, his resolve hardening. "What do you want from us, Oswald? Why are you really here? Don't tell me, your group can't do anything without Eva?"

Oswald's expression turned serious as he spoke. "I'm here to ensure the safety and stability of our country. The meteoric events have thrown everything into chaos, and we need all the knowledge we can gather to navigate through this crisis. Eva's expertise is crucial in this regard."

Garnt's mind raced as he considered their options. "And if we refuse?"

Oswald's gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained resolute. "I'm afraid I can't allow that, Garnt. You understand the stakes. The safety of our nation comes first. In case you refuse, I will order and open fire. We just need you alive, but if you willingly come with us, I will let others leave this place."

Eva's voice echoed in Garnt's mind once more, her words laced with determination. "Garnt, let's do what he says for now. It's our only option now."

Garnt nodded silently, his mind racing with possibilities. As Oswald continued to speak, outlining the consequences of their refusal, Garnt knew that they were facing a difficult decision. But one thing was certain – he wouldn't let anyone harm Eva, no matter the cost but also his family.

Rona and Unami who was beside Garnt this whole time quickly objected to what they heard.

Rona's voice trembled with urgency as she stepped forward, her eyes pleading with Garnt. "Garnt, please. We can't just give in to their demands. We've fought too hard to let them dictate our fate now. There has to be another way."

Unami nodded vigorously, her usually serene demeanour cracking under the pressure of the situation. "She's right, Garnt. We can't abandon everything we've built here. Our community relies on us. We have to find a way to resist."

Garnt glanced between Rona and Unami, torn between his loyalty to them and his concern for Eva. He knew they were right, but he couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders. "I understand what you're saying, but if we resist, they could unleash hell on everyone here. I can't risk that."

Eva decided to help Garnt to make a decision, her voice and determination unwavering.

[Garnt, it's okay. We'll figure this out together. We've faced worse odds before, remember? It's not like they are going to kill us. We will find a way to escape.]

Despite her attempt at reassurance, Garnt couldn't shake the feeling of dread gnawing at him. He knew the weight of Oswald's words, and the potential consequences of defiance weighed heavily on his conscience.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, Garnt made his decision. "I can't risk the lives of everyone here. We'll go with you, Oswald."

Rona's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice barely above a whisper. "Garnt, no..."

Unami's shoulders slumped in defeat, her voice barely a whisper. "Please, reconsider..."

But Garnt's mind was made up. He squared his shoulders, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "I'm sorry. But this is the only way."

With a heavy heart, Garnt turned to Oswald, his voice firm but tinged with resignation. "Let the others go, Oswald. I'll come with you."

Oswald regarded Garnt with a nod, his expression unreadable. "A wise decision, Garnt. Your cooperation will not be forgotten."

As Rona and Unami were escorted away by Oswald's men, their reluctance palpable in the tense air, Garnt couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. "Take care of the village," he whispered to them, his voice barely audible over the commotion.

Rona's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "We will. And we'll be waiting for you to come back."

Unami placed a hand on Garnt's shoulder, her gaze unwavering. "Stay safe, Garnt. We believe in you."

As they disappeared from sight, Garnt's resolve wavered for a moment. But he knew he had made the only choice he could in that moment.

Meanwhile, Toga stood amongst the leaving crowd, his gaze fixed on Garnt with a mixture of conflicting emotions. He couldn't deny the resentment he harbored towards the man who had caused his father's downfall, yet seeing him in this vulnerable state stirred something within him.

For a fleeting moment, Toga questioned whether he should feel satisfaction or sadness at Garnt's predicament. But as he watched Garnt being led away, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach.

"No way! Is he going to die? But-but he needs to be alive. He is my revenge target. Yes, that's the only reason I feel like this. He needs to be alive, so I could take my revenge." He kept muttering to himself, as if he was trying to convince himself.

With a heavy heart, Toga turned away, his thoughts consumed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead for them all, while Garnt climbed onto the same truck that had Baktou tied to a metal bed.

"What is this....what have you done to him?" Garnt didn't have words to say seeing the disfigured look of his brother, and Oswald also climbed onto the back of the truck and shook his head.

"It's not something we did. We just wanted to use him for direction. I heard he kept tearing his skin after that incident and- to be honest, I don't think there's any point in keeping him alive, after all, he is just a beast now." Oswald replied to Garnt who listen to everything with a calm demanour, but his heart was enveloping in anger and sadness seeing the state of his brother, whom he was supposed to be protecting.