Realm Wars

Chapter 139: The Left Oasis

"Thank you for showing us around, Echbert," said Seraphina as they were guided inside the Left Oasis.

"It's my pleasure, my lady." Echbert fluttered his brows and shot Seraphina a shy look.

Ryu wanted to knock the dopey smile off his face but decided against it.

"What's with those stones near the water?" Seraphina asked, pointing at the stones with engraved symbols surrounding their only source of water.

"Those are spell stones to ward off those who attempt to steal the water. Since water is scarce, we distributed it around camp only one time per day. Sometimes we haven't even taken water for two days. It might be embarrassing, but we haven't taken a bath in weeks."

No wonder the foul stench. Ryu thought especially that their companions consisted mainly of furry beasts. Though the other race's life span was longer than mortals and could leave with little to no water for weeks. But if they suddenly found themselves trapped in the desert with the scorching heat, they might last a week or at most a month without water. And not to mention that most of the residents here were halfbreeds. Their lifespan was much shorter than purebreds.

Echbert's face brightened, and he clapped his paws together. "But now that Miss Seraphina is here, our water problems are finally over! It's truly is such a blessing!"

"I'll do my best." Seraphina beamed.

"What about food?" Ryu asked as he looked at the halfbreed and slaves scattered throughout the Oasis. Some were planting trees while the others were harvesting fruits and vegetables. They were also who plowed the grassland and converted them into tiny fields. 

Most of them didn't have their master, but the seal didn't react as well as the collars. So it really just be meant that the seal and collar didn't work in this dimension.

"Our food supply already depleted a month ago. Nobody expected that we would stumble at an ancient lost Islet like this and be trapped here without any chance of getting food from the real world. To conserve food, we only eat two times a day or sometimes just once." The corner of Echbert's mouth curved downward. "Most of our food goes to the storage supply guarded by my master Claire. So in times that the trees and herbs didn't bear food, we have reserves."

"There are also halfbreeds, who knew how to fight, they're in charge of securing beasts meat outside the protective zones together with some slaves who are quick on their feet to gather materials and whatever they can salvage in the dessert. But they don't go too far in case Tiamat spotted them. They can easily return here." Echbert shrugged and grunted. "Though the meat they bring is either poisonous or leftover scraps since they mostly eat it themselves."

"Is that okay?" Seraphina asked, concerned.

Echbert shrugged. "Marcus couldn't exactly punish them since they're among the few who could fight. We should just have to suck it in and be glad that they even bring leftovers." Echbert then grumbled, "Though most were just bones."

Echbert then shook his head and put on a happy face. "In addition, the weaker ones are in charge of miscellaneous duties like cleaning and laundry and helping the planters and harvesters while the stronger ones usually go out in search of the exit. But didn't return. .. ," Echbert explained, voice fading at the end.

Seraphina placed a finger on her chin. "It seems pretty organized. Everyone has a role."

Echbert nodded and smiled. "It was sir Marcus who did everything. He's an amazing guy. He delegated everyone with jobs based on their abilities and strength. So even if we are just made up of halfbreeds and slaves, we get by this two months because of him. We are truly grateful that he's here with us."

Then Echbert's smile fell off his face. "I could only wish that we could do more."

While Seraphina and Echbert were engaged in conversation, Ryu observed their new environment. The Oasis was large but was enough to circle in two hours. There was nothing much but clamps of trees and vegetation and a small pool of water at the center. Scattered throughout were groups of huts and tents. Based on what he saw, he estimated about thirty halfbreeds.

"How many mortals do we have?" Ryu asked.

Echbert looked in the sky and counted in one paw. "Including sir Marcus, Lady Seraphina and my master and that. . ." Echbert scratched his head and released an embarrassed laugh. "Just four. Three Rank-A mercs while my master is the only Rank-B."

"Where's the other one?" Seraphina asked curios. They've seen Marcus and Claire but no other human.

"Oh. .. he is in charge of bringing beast meat here from outside of the protective zone. Their group usually returns around noon or near dark."

"How about the other race?" 

Echbert sighed. "We don't have a single demon nor elves nor purebred beast in here or even a sprite. Most are within the right and north Oasis."

The group stopped at the wooden barricade surrounding the left Oasis. They have stationed posts at every column of the fence, but the ones guarding were frail servants on the brink of dehydration.

Ryu frowned. "Do the barricades even work?"

Echbert attempted to laugh but failed miserably. "Sadly no. but it does provide a sense of comfort."

".. ."

".. ."

Ryu was starting to get worried. He didn't trust the right and north Oasis, especially if demons were the ones leading them. With a weak group such as this, they'd become prey to the other groups sooner or later.

But he also didn't want to leave Marcus because he owed Jane and Theodore that much. And besides, the man treated them with kindness. It might sound inviting to join the other groups, but who knew what was happening behind its closed borders, especially that another race was leading them.

Sensing the depressing mood, Echbert clapped his hands and beamed. "Anyway. I think your tent is ready about now! We should go and check it out!"

Seraphina tilted her head and smiled. "Sure. lets."

Ryu briefly shot a look at Seraphina. She was awfully relaxed and calm. He was sure that she also knew their current predicament. They had to find the exit fast before the other groups decided to attack them. They didn't have the leisure of time to wait for here much longer.

But the woman didn't seem to worry about it too much. Was she confident about her strength? She was strong indeed, but if a group of Demons and higher rank beings rallied against her, even she wouldn't stand a chance even she had Tethyt's Tiara.

Ryu was having a headache just thinking about it. Sighing through his mouth, he followed Seraphina and Echbert towards their tent.