Primitive Man

The air in the village became tense as Garnt observed the approaching group. Recognizing familiar faces from Baktou's group, he felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The villagers gathered, exchanging worried glances as Garnt, with a furrowed brow, descended from the wall to confront the unexpected visitors.

"What's going on here?" Garnt questioned, concern etched across his face. "Why are you all here? Is something wrong with Baktou and the mining village?"

The group exchanged uneasy glances before one of them, a man who was supporting Baktou, stepped forward hesitantly. "Patriarch, things have changed in the mining village since the last battle. Baktou... he's not the same."

Garnt's eyes narrowed with worry. "Not the same? What happened?"

The man took a deep breath, recounting the unsettling events that unfolded in the mining village after the last battle. "After the battle, Baktou became obsessed with power. He started implementing plans without consulting anyone, focusing on aggressively creating more weapons and expanding our territory. At first, we thought he was just trying to secure our village's independence and self sustainability, but then he banned anyone from leaving and began separating us from the main village."

Garnt's expression darkened as he processed the information. "Separating the mining village? Why would he do that?"

"He believes it's for our own good," The man explained with a heavy sigh. "But it's getting out of control. Baktou's acting as if he's the sole leader, making decisions without considering the consequences. He's isolating us from the main village, and we fear it won't be long before he turns against you entirely."

Garnt clenched his fists, a mix of frustration and worry building within him. "This is not what we fought for. Baktou's intentions were never to create divisions. We need to talk to him, and understand what's going on."

But others looked like they had more to add to the story. 'We tried, Patriarch, but he won't listen. He's become ruthless, even towards those who oppose him. We thought you should know, as his brother and the leader of the main village.'

'How did all of you come here if he banned you from leaving?' Garnt asked, and a woman answered him.

'He gave us a single chance. He said from now on all the villagers should act on his orders, and anyone who is not going to do that could either leave or he will kill them if they go against him.'"

Unami who was listening to this whole conversation looked like she swallowed something rather bitter, as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her brother who was following Garnt like he was the sole reason for his life is trying to separate himself from the main village. Is that even something possible? Unami kept questioning herself.

"Haha~ that's not possible... I will talk with my brother; he will understand!" Unami muttered, while Garnt just looked at the people in front of him and asked all of them to get back to the main village. He also requested Ayra to assign new homes to them.

The same man who had initially been speaking turned around abruptly, revealing a rather shocking piece of information—one that Garnt had never expected to hear from anyone.

"Patriarch! Do you remember the woman who betrayed us in that battle? The one who claimed she was a slave of Moga's group? She is now supporting Baktou. I don't know why, but they are together now."

This revelation was the final straw for Garnt. He realized it was time to confront Baktou. Quickly, he asked Rona to prepare some warriors so he could personally go and see what was happening with his brother.

Garnt, accompanied by a group of determined warriors, made their way towards the mining village. Unami walked beside him, her face reflecting a mix of confusion and concern.

"Garnt, my brother won't betray you, I can promise you that. He loves you more than anything." Unami whispered, her eyes fixed on the dimly lit path ahead. She was anxious, but she had her trust placed in her twin brother.

Garnt nodded solemnly. "I'll know, Unami. I raised you two as my own siblings, so I know Baktou better than anyone." Suddenly, his face showed a rough look, like he was being stung by hundreds of bees. "But be prepared for anything. If what they said is true, Baktou might not be the brother we once knew."

As they approached the mining village, the air became heavier with tension. The differences were apparent even from a distance—structures hastily erected, watchtowers overlooking the perimeter, and an eerie silence that replaced the usual sounds of a bustling community.

It didn't look like an economic hub anymore, rather it looked like a fortress built to protect some kind of a dictator.

The realization hit Garnt like a punch to the gut when he saw the village's defensive ballistae turning towards them. Panic flickered in his eyes, and he motioned for his warriors to be on guard.

"What's happening?" Unami questioned, her eyes widening as the ballistae aimed in their direction. "He might have mistaken us for Moga's people, Yes that's the only reason he is doing this,"

Before Garnt could respond, a commanding voice echoed through the night. "Garnt! You shouldn't have come. Didn't I send all the villagers who were once obedient to you without any harm? You should have stayed in the village."

Baktou stood on the village wall, flanked by Kalina who had a slight smile on her face. His eyes, once warm and familiar, now held a cold determination. Unami's heart sank at the sight of her brother, seemingly transformed into something she didn't know.

"Baktou, what is the meaning of this?" Garnt demanded, his voice carrying a mix of anger and hurt.

Baktou sneered. "I've had enough of being in the shadow of the main village. The mining village will stand on its own, under my rule."

Garnt's eyes widened, disbelief colouring his expression. "Baktou, this is madness! We are one people. Why would you separate yourself from us? If you wanted more control I would have given you that."

A chilling laughter escaped Baktou's lips. "You were always the favoured one, Garnt. But I won't be in your shadow any longer. Kalina and I have made alliances that guarantee our independence. The mining village doesn't need the main village. Baktou doesn't need Garnt."

Unami stepped forward, her voice filled with desperation. "Brother, this is not what we envisioned. We fought together for the freedom of all our people. Why are you doing this? Did that woman do something? If so tell us, and we will help you."

Baktou's gaze shifted to Unami, his expression hardening. "You always followed Garnt blindly. It's time you see the truth. The mining village will rise, and the main village will fall. Garnt is not the only man in this world. I will prove that I am capable of surpassing him."

Suddenly, the tension escalated as the ballistae aimed more aggressively. Garnt realized the severity of the situation—he was facing not only a brother-turned adversary but an imminent threat to the unity of their people.

"So, does this mean you declare war against me?" Garnt shouted for one last time, knowing his question would forever change his relationship with Baktou. For a moment, silence enveloped the atmosphere, but then Garnt heard Baktou's answer.

"Yes! Baktou and the mining village declare war against Garnt and the main village. From now on, you're not allowed to invade our borders, and if we see something like that happening, we will take necessary actions and kill anyone that invades us," Baktou shouted, waving his hands to signal Ballista to shoot.

Everyone in the army, except Garnt and Unami, started to panic, and suddenly the giant bolt was released, causing the soldiers to shout. It was directly aimed at Garnt, but before it could land, Unami quickly jumped and led Huta in a different direction.

And at that moment she knew, her relationship with Baktou was going to change forever. "He shot! He really ordered to kill Garnt. My beloved husband. That wretched man orders to kill my husband."

She started to twitch in anger, but Garnt still kept looking at Baktou even though he was being forced to retreat. It was almost like he was too shocked by this turn of events and didn't know what would be the proper reaction to all this.

[Garnt...I don't know what is happening!]

Eva was out of words, but Unami was not the same, as she knew all the love she had for Baktou instantly went down the drain as soon as he ordered his men to kill Garnt.

"That man! He is out of his mind... that man is not my brother...my brother is dead, that's not Baktou!" With her final words, her voice started to get weak and tears started to leak from her eyes and everyone in the group looked like they were witnessing something impossible.

Garnt still looked like he was trying to process everything that happened, but then he came back to reality and gave his orders.

"Let's go back! Our mission is done here; we have confirmed that we have a new enemy. We will get ready for a battle to reclaim our mining village and replace the leader. Anyone who betrays the main village is not a part of the village anymore."

Unami found herself at a crossroads. She couldn't erase the memories of the brother she once knew, but the present reality demanded a different allegiance. With a heavy heart, she steeled herself for the battles that lay ahead, determined to defend the village she now called home and her most beloved person in this whole world.