the dark king

by Call me Ryder-0001

this book does not belong to me. i am only posting this here to use the app's text to speech feature.

2. Chapter 2

The Dark King – Chapter 11

Back to slums

This chapter was edited by MrMartinke.

Fernando was driving the carriage. They didn't stop at "scavengers" castle seen by Dudian previously. Instead, they directly went to residential district. Although the carriage stopped at the wall separating commercial and residential district. Dudian had to get off and go back on his own.

"Do I fail to be a "scavenger" as well?" "Dudian had some doubts so he directly asked.

Fernando jumped back to the carriage and impatiently answered: "We have your results so there is no point in going to check it again. You should wait for few more days and someone will come to report." He flicked the whip and the black carriage sped away.

Dudian frowned slightly, turned and walked down the street towards the Jura couple's house. Fortunately, he had previously followed the Avril house carriage to return once, so he knew his way or he would have got lost.

He was very tired by the time he returned to 108 Lin Kang street (it's the Jura and Gray house address). His breath was rough, body was sweating and legs were sore. Although the Jura couple's house was not far from the wall, only seven or eight miles, but hist body has not recovered fully as he was in frozen storage for long time. Right now, his physical strength was much weaker than the average child.

Jura was looking out the window when she saw Dudian turn the street corner. Immediately her eyes lit up and she quickly went outside followed by Gray.

"How come nobody sends you off? Why did you come back alone?"

Gray saw Dudian's unnatural tired condition. So he immediately picked up Dudian's tired and weak little body and quickly returned home. After closing the door, Jura found a cotton towel to clean up Dudian and asked in a concerning tone: "Are you alright? Didn't they like you?"

Dudian, seeing their reaction, knew that both Jura and Gray knew that he was taken from the law school, "Did you know?"

"An official came over to inform us that you got the qualification to join the guard." Gray's face was red as he suspiciously asked: "Did you fail the test?"

Dudian knew that "hunter" and "scavenger" identity should be kept confidential so he said: "I passed. After a few days someone will come to report. But I do not want to go, can I refuse this?"

If he can choose, he is willing to study the law first. More or less he is clueless about the current world so he wants to master more things before going outside of the giant wall.

Gray was relieved. He laughed and said: "Don't you know that many people crave for a position such as that? Oh my! You want to refuse? If you join to be a guard, you do not have to worry about eating and drinking for the rest of your life. It has a great salary, moreover nobody dares to bully you!"

Jura looked softly at Dudian and said, "Do you still want to study the Law?

Dudian nodded earnestly.

Jura smiled and said: "If you go over there to train, you will learn law too. Your studies won't be limited to only law but medicine, geology, sewing and so on. It is a comprehensive school. "

"SCHOOL?" Dudian was confused.

Many people could not tell the difference between colleges and schools! In short, the college is specialized one, such as the Law School, Sewing College while school is composed of multiple colleges, and learn something very comprehensive!

"Nothing to worry about! You will learn the law when you join the guards." Gray patted Dudian's shoulder. There was a wide smile on his face and he continued to encourage Dudian: "I heard there will be a training camp for elimination. So just concentrate on the camp!"

"Auntie." Dudian seize the opportunity to speak to Jura: "I want to borrow some pocket money!"

Jura was surprised for a moment, then smiled and said: "How much do you want? I'll give you! Don't ever talk about borrowing and repaying, we are a family!"

Dudian had prepared a reasonable answer: "I want to buy some food and go back to slums to visit the children in the Meishan orphanage. I had already planned to borrow money from you, visit the orphanage and come back afterwards".

Jura smiled and said: "Alright." She took out a pile of green paper notes out of her wallet and counted them. She gave bank notes amounting to a hundred coins to Dudian.

Since the invention of printing technology ten years ago, under the management of the Bank of Silva large amounts of banknotes were issued. In just a few years, they had replaced the coins and circulated to various households in residential and commercial district. Everyone has gradually become accustomed to using paper notes to trade. Nevertheless, people still addressed the amount using the word "coins" even though the payment was in paper notes.

"Thank you!" Dudian immediately took bank notes and put them into his pocket.

Gray saw this and did not say anything. He told to Jura to prepare dinner.

The next morning.

Dudian woke up early, Ate his breakfast after washing himself and left the house. Although he did not know when the "scavengers" would send people to pick him up, he knew that he did not have to go to law school for a few days.

"Sulfur … …" Dudian vaguely remembered the content of gunpowder. It was a festive when his sister told him how to make firecrackers at home. He was not so much interested in gunpowder so he could not remember the exact formula in addition to sulfur.

Dudian did not go directly to the purchase the sulfur. He hired a carriage and went to slums.

In the slums, Dudian went directly towards the Meishan orphanage. He passed the orphanage and then went over another four streets to enter unused streets. Along the way he smelled scent of feces and saw rotten bodies of insects. Not long after he reached a huge garbage dump.

The garbage dump of the Silva was located in slums.

There was nothing valuable in here to anyone.

Therefore, even the poor people would avoid this garbage dump, because all items that were discarded here has long been rotten.

Dudian standing far away, could still smell rancid odor of feces mixed with the smell of urine. Excretion problem of the Silva world was solved by directing it over here.

There were seven or eight garbage heaps standing like huge mountains. He couldn't see what was behind. He looked around to confirm that no one was around. He came near a rubbish filled area. Dudian removed the large garbage piece from the area. Later he bent down, took out a piece of cloth and began to clean around a small black hole. It was big enough to accommodate his small and thin frame.

It was not a coincidence that he came to this place.

The Dark King – Chapter 12

Super Computer

I would like to thank MrMartinke for doing an awesome job by editing the 12th chapter!

Dudian took off his coat. The next moment he found a slightly dry spot on the ground. He used his bare arms to crawls in the cave. Fortunately, there is not steel or glass in these garbage dumps. After all steel is recyclable so no poor people will be extravagant enough to throw it away. As for the glass, the poor can not afford it.

The pungent smell was constantly suffocating Dudian. He was at point where he almost throws up everything in his stomach. Time to time he touched wet soft objects. In the dark, he could not see but many ideas such as lump of feces or rot body of a mouse came to his mind. Even the poorest of the poor would avoid a place such as this one.

Dudian clenched his teeth, crawled seven or eight meters and finally touched a hard object. It was his frozen storage apparatus!

He touched along the edge of the shell, soon found a button and pressed it.

"Fingerprints are being verified…" The mechanical sound echoed in darkness.

'Click', frozen storage opened. The door of the storage slightly arched the garbage upwards. But more garbage fell into the storage room, filling most of the free space inside.

Dudian glanced at the door, where a red colored figure was present.

This was the year.

It is this that let him know that he regained consciousness in three hundred years.

The other reason for him to understand that a full three centuries had passed is that the energy tube of the cold storage could only supply for a full three hundred years. That time span was the limit.

Dudian reached out to the inside and soon touched a raised button. Click sound echoed again. A built-in palm-sized screen popped up.

"Scaning the eyes …"

The previous mechanical sound talked again as a beam shot onto Dudian's eyes from palm-sized screen.

"Verification: Pass …" mechanical voice resounded. The screen ejected a three-dimensional hologram. There were two options, start and exit.

Dudian said "start."

A the outbreak of the original disaster, he wasn't just frozen. In addition, the storage had a super-computer in it. It can be said that his super-computer was the essence of the old civilization. It stored information regarding science, technology as well as social history. These are the informative things and do not account for much memory. Nevertheless, super-computer included informations regarding social, scientific and technological development of every country, which required at least tens of thousands of gigabytes of storage.

Doudian thought of his father's last words: "Remember, you must rebuild the human civilization … …"

Obviously frozen storage capsule meant to escape the disaster, but his father also took into account the survival of the humanity after the disaster. The outbreak of the global nuclear bomb caused a devastating blow to the human civilization. This super-computer had all the wisdom of the old world!

The basic principles of manufacturing gunpowder and firearms, naturally also include within the data.

"The world has no" electricity ", but fortunately the remaining energy in the freezer is enough to run the super-computer even though the body can not be frozen anymore. But at least it is enough to maintain the basic operation of the cold storage. It was enough to study for few months. Dudian didn't know the exact power voltage but he estimated that the super-computer's energy consumption was less than a laptop's.

However, Dudian did not have so much time to stay here. There is no time to often come here to watch, as he would cause Jura couple to have suspicions.

"Enough time to learn how to make gunpowder, generators and check out the tools of the steam engine era" Dudian lying on the edge of the cold storage, began to study instantly.

He resisted the foul smell of feces and rotten animals. Gradually his body seemed to adapt. His mind was focused on the contents that were displayed by the super-computer.

"Sulfur decomposition … …"

"Electricity improved steam engine …"

In this small and dark garbage cave, Dudian concentrated on learning. Unwittingly, Dudian was not completely absorbed by studying. His concept of time was very harsh. At dusk, he rubbed sore eyes and stopped the super-computer teaching. Not eating and drinking for a whole day, he felt his belly burn.

"I do know when I will come over here the next time. If an earthquake happens and capsule is uncovered, someone may notice and excavate it." Dudian made the decision that it would be too dangerous to the super-computer over here.

Previously, he did not bring in the Meishan orphanage. Because in the orphanage there was a high chance that it would be exposed by the children.

Now though the conditions were different. He lives in residential areas where for residents a small piece of metal is not worth to care for. Even in the "scavengers" training camp, it would not cause any attention.

Crack, Dudian opened the cover. He used his small nail to eject the small, chip-sized super-computer. The energy tube is connected to the circuits of the capsule so it would be very hard to dismantle it out.

Dudian looked at this little chip and sighed. Thousands of years of human history and technological inventions are compressed inside this a small object. If the rulers of this world know the value of this chip, he did not know how crazy things will become.

Duncan carefully put away the chip. He closed the storage's door and hoped that he will see it another time. He began to crawl back to the surface. As soon as he left the garbage heap, he felt as if he was baptized from the hell and made into heaven. In comparison to the air inside, even though everywhere was filled with feces and urination he felt very fresh after he climbed out.

He took a few deep breaths and looked around. He noticed no one around and coat was still on the ground. He picked up the coat and quickly left the dump.

Not far away from the garbage dump, the rain water had amassed together into a small lake because of continuous fall of rain. Dudian did bother to control the radiation. He put away his coat and began to clean his arm and chest. As long as he could produce stable power supply, he will be able to find ways to reduce the body radiation from super-computer.

Previously, he found a bit of information in the supercomputer. There was information that documented the method to purify the radiation. But time was limited so he did not read it. After all, even if he knows now it is practically useless.

Soon his body was slightly cleaner. Sticky things have been wiped out. Especially his left hand which was stained with feces. He had bursts of nausea.

Dudian he knew his hair and body still exude a strong stench. He had to go home to wash properly, because if he continued to use this rain water he would get sick.

The Dark King – Chapter 13

Gathering

Dudian went back to the neighborhood. He spent five copper coins, in the vicinity of the wall to call a carriage so that he could directly go to the Lin Kang street. Today was too late, so he did not have enough time to go to buy sulfur and saltpeter. Moreover, after a few days he would have to go to the scavengers training camp. In regards to confidentiality kept by the organization, everything brought to the camp would be checked closesly so he avoided purchase of those materials.

Although in this world, people only knew how to use sulfur for dyes and pesticides. Nevertheless it also belonged to the low-risk dangerous goods.

The Jura couple were apparently anxiously waiting for Dudian to return and they were noticeable relieved the moment he came back. Because of the strong smell coming of Dudian's body, Gray frowned and began to distance himself: "What is this dirty smell coming off your body?"

Dudian coughed and said: "the usual smell of slums."

Jura pinched her nose and said "You should wash. Wait a moment, I'm going to bring hot water for you" and went to the kitchen.

Dudian went into the bathroom. He hid the super-computer in a crach on the corner off the floor and wall. Soon Jura brought hot water and asked: "You gotta wash properly. Do you want me to help you?"

"No," Dudian quickly refused.

"OK. Slowly wash up and clean properly." Jura put the water on the ground, turned to leave.

Dudian looked at the small basin of water. He had a slight smile on his face. He missed the showers of the old era, unfortunately in this world even water radiation could not be filtered. At least in residential district it was so, which made him to desire to enter the commercial district as soon as possible.

…

…

Three days later.

A tall carriage sprang to Jura couple's house. A two meters high, covered in exquisite armor,strong black horse was pulling the carriage.

From the carriage a youth jumped down. He looked at the house number and knocked on the door.

The Jura couple and Dudian were having breakfast. They saw the carriage from the window and all of a sudden they had understood the reason guest had come. Jura immediately opened the door and warmly said: "Come in."

The soft-haired youth saw that she seemed to know her purpose. But still he showed the identity card which was a medal that had a double crossed swords, representing the "guard" identity. He did not enter the room, said: "No. I'm sorry but my time is tight. I have to take your child to the commercial district for military training. You must have received the notice so please make it fast as I'm in a hurry.

Jura did not think he was so anxious and busy: "Officer, how long is the child going to be in military training?

"The training period is three years" he said. "During the three years, he will be able to come back to home only on holidays. But my suggestion is that he should avoid doing so and study if he wants to complete his studies in three year period.

Jura's face changed, "So hard? What if he can't complete?

"You can rest assured. Even in case that he is eliminated he will be referred to small position. " The youth said in an indifferent tone.

Gray heard their conversation and his heart was relieved. He turned around and saw Dudian slowly dine. He could not help but be stifled, said: "Are you going to prepare?! Do not let the officer wait for you for long. Come on!"

Dudian sighed. He hated the most to be interrupted while dining. Looking at Gray's eyes, he could only lay down his rolls, clap his hands, and return to his room. He have already folded the two sets of changing clothes and received the linen backpacks. Of course, the most important one was his uniform which he had received beforehands.

Dudian brought his backpack to the door. He looked up at the the youth, said: "Let's go."

Jura worriedly asked: "Have you taken everything? Clothes, shoes… "

"Everything is in the backpack." Dudian waved, said "do not worry."

"Be careful when you go there. Do not fight with other children." Jura added.

Dudian heart warmed. Although the last time when they tried to marry him into Avril house made his heart cold towards them. But seeing Jura to be so sincere and care for him as for her own son changed previous cold feelings. After all, he has been adopted. He was grateful for everything that they had done for him.

"I will." He answered back " You have to take good care of yourself too, 'Black Death Season' is coming up and the temperatures will sky-rocket. Ventilate the house a lot or you will catch the diseases!"

Jura was a perceptual and sentimental person. She didn't know how long it would take to see Dudian again. There were tears flowing down her eyes.

"Let's go." The youth turned towards carriage. He helped Dudian to put his backpack onto the carriage.

Dudian climbed the carriage, looking at Jura and Gray. He waved his hand, there was a hint of dismay in his heart. But soon, this strand of feeling was suppressed in the bottom of his heart. His palm gripped the backpack, eyes cold he 'looked' towards the future. His soft heart has become cold and strong.

…

…

Carriage sped into the business district. Turned a dozen streets and gradually went into a little remote street. Continue to move forward it came to stop in front of a huge wall. The huge iron gate was unlocked and carriage went inside. On each door side there was a massive sword carved. On top of the swords there were to words engraved..

"Loyalty" and "Guardian"!

"Get off!" Youth told to Dudian.

Dudian jumped out of the carriage, quietly watching the surrounding environment.

"Come with me." Youth man glanced at him, release the reins of the horse, not afraid of the carriage to ran away on its own. They walked towards a small door.

After passing through the there a huge school field appeared in their vision. There were school building around the field. They passed the field onto a remote building. As they were passing through the hall they heard a low cry.

The youth, accompanying Dudian, frowned. He opened the wooden door. There were seven or eight children at the same age as Dudian. At the moment one of the little girls was holding her knees, squatted on the floor and was crying. Next to her stood few boys with embarrased faces who did now know what to do.

The youth asked in a cold tone: "What happened?"

One of the boys was shocked to see the youth: "Mi,Mi, Minnie said she is homesick."

The youth frowned: "is she?" He came up to the little girl in front, ordered: "I'm going to give you two seconds. Stop crying and stand up!"

The little girl heard his cold words, as if scared timidly stood up. She was trembling and tears were still flowing through her face.

The Dark King – Chapter 14

Orientation

"Although I am not your instructor, but I hate to see someone crying in front of me." The youth spoke in a cold tone: "Go in to your room in the dorm. You can enjoy crying with no effort. "

Children turned pale, afraid to say anything. Minnie's clenched her hands and clutched her clothes. She bowed her head to fight back her tears.

The youth took another glance at the children. He was to lazy to rebuke anything. He came up to the counter, opened a drawer and grabbed string of keys from inside "Come with me" he said and left the hall.

Dudian immediately went after him to keep up the youth. Other children picked up their backpacks from the ground and walked after the youth and Dudian.

Along the trail through the woods, the crowd come to a low, dilapidated wooden shed. The youth opened the door and said: "This is the place. Pick and empty bed and get ready because tomorrow morning special training will begin." Finished talking, the youth threw the keys towards Dudian and then directly left.

Dudian clutched three keys in his hand. He looked at wooden shed and slightly frowned. The wooden shed most probably was deliberately built for them. It could not be compared with the gorgeous and unique buildings that were around the place. Even within the standards of slums, it was a relatively poor house to live.

"Is this how they are going to treat us?" Dudian knew, special training was not going to start tomorrow. It began the moment they came to wooden shed.

There were three rooms inside the wooden barrack. All three of them were identical. There were four beds in each room, mats and some dark stains on the boards. He quickly checked all the beds and picked a relatively clean wood bed. He put his backpack on the bed and waited for the rest to choose their beds so that he can go out to find whisk leaves or large weeds to wipe the bed.

At this time, the other children had entered the wooden shed. They were stunned at the sight. Even for boys it was unbearable to live inside the barrack. Minnie squatted down to cry.

The kids grew up in residential areas and have not seen such a harsh envionment.

Instead of wasting his time. Dudian gave the other two keys to the children. He went outside to find and gather dried whisk leaves. Later on he came back to wipe the bed. If he had known that this was going to be happening, he thought he should have brought a mattress to cover the bed.

The other children watched Dudian busying himself with the cleaning. Having stopped the self-pity, they began to choose beds. One of the children bit his teeth and talked out to rest of them: " Temporarily bear with it, certainly it will get better in the future!" Desperate people always need hope to encourage themselves.

As time passed they began to compromise with the situation and began to adapt to the current conditions.

One of the bigger boy's went to Dudian 's room. He seemed a bit curious about Dudian, "My name is Mason, what' s your name?

"Dudian."

"You seem unafraid of dirtiness." The child was direct.

"In fact, there is moss-like things over the top of the bed." Dudian said.

"What is it?", Mason asked.

"…It's nothing."

Macon scratching his head, did not know what to say. He he saw a few pieces of mildew on the bed board. He thought of Dudian's previous approach. Immediately left the room to the outside to pull some green grass to wipe the bed, but the pieces of mildew on his bed were too much. It didn't matter how hard he tried to rub, the spots were still covered in dark.

Dudian looked at him, said: "We have to dry them in sun."

Macon surprised for a moment and said: "We can put the bed boards outsite for sun to dry them out, so that they do not rot." He called out to other children.

They immediately mobilized.

Mason looked at Dudian, "Don't you want to dry your bed?"

"I can not move it alone."

"I'll help you," Mason said at once.

Dudian, because of his temper, did not ask for help directly. Nevertheless he replied: "Thank you." With Mason's help they took the bed outside the wooden shed.

Before long, another youth wearing the officer uniform led a group of children over.

The officer looked at the beds in the open space slightly frowned, but did not say anything. As the previous officer did, he too casually opened a few rooms, so that children pick their own, leaving the key left.

The children looked curiously at Dudian, Mason, and others and then one by one looked at their own bedrooms.

…

…

"Are these children's dwellings ready?" Dasha came to the window. She was wearing a white thin silk gloves and holding a metal tube. If Dudian would be here, he could recognized at sight that it was an old-fashioned telescope. She took it up to her eyes level and began to watch situation outside the wooden sheds.

"Everything is in accordance with your instructions. The housing environment is not unchanged. We will stop supplying hot water soon.." Tobu respectfully: "I believe they will soon adapt to the pain and hardship. This time, I am confident that we will 'produce' more than hundred "scavengers"! "

Dasha nodded slightly. Suddenly she saw group of children carrying the beds from the wooden sheds into the open space. She was confused for a moment as she didn't expect them to act so. After a while, she put away the binoculars and said: "These children, you have to discipline them good. The number of passing children is declining each year. We have to improve teaching methods and tactics in order to maintain stable number of scavengers. In addition, do not forget that in case their mental state is not up to par then eliminate them instantly. "

Tobu bowed his head: "Yes!"

…

…

In the evening, the children worked together to help each other to move the beds back to their respective rooms.

Mason pulled out a bedding from his backpack and lay it on the mattress. Some of the children looked at him in envy. He laughed back and comfortably lied down in a proud manner because of his 'foresight'.

Dudian changed his closes and lied down too. He closed his eyes to review the knowledge he got from super chip.

Unknowingly, he fall asleep. He woke up at 5 am next morning because of harsh strange sounds coming from outside. Dudian and other children got up and came together to look at source of strange voice. They saw a meter tall bird creature with a crooked neck. It was emitting a very sharp sound almost breaking their eardrums.

The Dark King – Chapter 15

As long as you stay alive!

To begin with it was an unbearable place to live, so the children were not adapted to the new environment. They barely had any sleep yet. At the moment to hear an ear-piercing sound such as this one, it felt as if lots of needles were stuck to their brains. One after another they got out of the room. The sky was still dark, and the nighttime temperature was cold. Most of them could not help but shiver because of the having gone out in pygamas.

At this time, that strange bird called out three more times and stopped.

Some children wanted to go back to sleep.

In vain, though. "I'm going to give you three minutes to be ready to stand in front of me." A brown haired brawny person of two meter height cried out loud.

Many children were confused first but they remember about the special training.

Dudian's biological clock was destroyed, can not help but have some headaches. He restrained his emotions, turned back to the room to wear a coat but gave up. There was cold water near the door which he used to wash his face and later come out of the wooden shed towards the brawny man. Only two and half minutes had passed.

Other children gave up on washing themselves but instead put on clothes to go out. They wanted to give a good impression to the instructor so they did their best to be as early as possible. But there were others who even in three minutes still had not changed, especially girls, holding a lot of luggage full of clothes, hesitating what to wear today look good.

Instructor did not urge anyone, but quietly waited.

Time went by, about five minutes later everyone was out near the instructor.

"Since today is the first day, I set up a special alarm for you to get up from sleep. But from tomorrow I hope that when I come over here I can see all of you ready and set!"

"Yes!" Answered several bold boys loudly.

The brown-haired man nodded slightly. "Well, today you are five minutes late. So everyone will come go to school field and run five laps."

Many children face slightly changed. They had seen the huge school field. Let alone five laps even a full circle was going to exhaust them.

"Teacher, why is everyone?"

"We came over within three minutes!"

"Even if it is because of being late. Some were late for two minutes, why is it five minutes?"

Several boys could not help but speak out their thoughts.

Instruct spoke in an indifferent tone: "First of all, even if you all were ready in three minutes time, you would still run three times around the field. Secondly you are a group! A collective, if one of you is left behind the rest of you gotta bear the consequences!"

"Teacher, I am not satisfied!"

"There will always be people dragging their feet, I refuse to follow such a ridiciluos idea!"

A few boys suddenly spoke out in anger.

Instructor licked his lips and said in a rhetorical manner: "not satisfied, are you?" Without waiting for a response, instructor kicked the boy who talked first in stomach. The kick was so hard that the kid was pushed backwards, hit few other children and fall down in pain.

"You do not agree?" Instructor kicked another dissatisfied boy in the same way as the first one. Unfortunate for other he didn't stop but continued to kick another three or four boys.

As soon as he was finished with kicking them, instructor turned to speak"Here you don't ask anything. You only obey the orders! Anyone who refuses to act but will be hit by me. I may even kill you. Believe me nobody will care" there was a trace of indifference in his face as he sneer and continued "The previous session I killed one. Unfortunately you didn't see it. It's better to kill the garbages instead of wasting time and resources to nurture them!"

All the children who heard the vicious words coming out of instructor's mouth were scared and turned pale.

Some of the girls had their legs trembling because of the fear. Tears poured out, but not dare to cry.

Instructor gazed at them before saying: "If you haven't finished in ten minutes, then no breakfast! " then suddenly smiled "This can not follow the collective idea. Those who don't finish those are the ones who won't eat. I do not want to let individual garbage pull down the level of the whole."

Hearing this a lot of sturdy children suddenly felt relieved.

Dudian sighed, almost crying in his heart. He knew that he certainly won't finish the run on time.

Soon, the instructor brought all of them into the school field to begin to run.

However the school field was too big. Even the children with the best physiques failed to finish in ten minutes. Some were late for a minute, some for two minutes and some for four or five minutes. In short everyone lost the opportunity for breakfast.

Some frail girls finished five laps 20 minutes over the time limit. But Dudian's result stunned everyone. He had spent thirty whole minutes over the time limit to finish the run.

He won the nickname "indisputable" from other children. Mason and the other two boys who lived in the same room as Dudian pulled away from him as if he was a total stranger to them.

Although Dudian was relatively calm, but to see all the strange eyes cast at him he couldn't but blush a bit because of shame. He knew that having slept in a frozen storage capsule for three hundred years had slowly weakened his body. It would take many months to recover.

He got tired from walking let alone to run for five laps.

Instructor looked at Dudian and did not say anything.

"Everyone gather!" Instructor ordered as soon as Dudian finished. This time instructor's order was not left deft by anyone. Soon everyone was arranged in neat rows.

"A self-introduction first. My name is Tobu." Brown-hair instructor continued in an indifferent tone: "The next three years I'll be responsible for training you. I have only one rule which is to obey any of my orders! Of course, I do not want to teach people who are a group of puppets that listen to orders only. Any question, except the ones towards my orders, is welcome"

"Teacher what are we here to learn? Only exercises?" A boy immediately asked with disturbance on his face.

Tobu indifferently smiled, said: "As long as you learn to stay alive in here, you can graduate."

"Alive?"

All children surprised a moment.

Dudian mind turned cold. He knew that graduating from scavenger camp was going to be hard as the situation outside the giant wall was very vulnerable to a normal human being.

The Dark King – Chapter 16

The stupid questions

"In here, I will teach you how to survive in hard conditions and environments." Tobu indifferent spoke: "Today is your first day. I'll give you rewards if you can answer few simple questions. "

Eyes of the children were focused on him.

"The first question." Tobu calmly said: "How can we stay alive?"

All of them could not help be surprised for a moment.

How to stay alive?

They never thought about it. From small age they were protected by their parents. Afterwards everyone planned to choose their favorite college during the adminissions. Later on work to earn and continue their lives.

"Make money!" A girl immediately raised her hands to answer.

Other children, suddenly sighed, yes ah! Of course you have to learn to make money if you want to live. Such a simple answer and they let a girl to take the advantage of situation to answer first!

Tobu still had an indifferent and unimpressed look, he spat out a word: "wrong!"

"Work?" Another boy tentatively spoke out.

Tobu glanced at him: "Wrong! By the way, everyone only has one chance to answer."

All the children looked at each other.

It's not making money, and it's not working too?

"Teacher, you just 'live'. Is there any situation to live?" A white skinned tender girl frowned.

Tobuu looked at her: "There is no situation to live."

Hearing this, all children can not help but looked at each other.

Dudian also frowned slightly. His brain fluttered up to his observations. The answer should not be tricky. Actually the answer should be an easy one.

"To eat!" He raised his hand.

As soon as the words came out from Dudian's mouth the children turned over to him with stunned expressions. It did not take long before 'puchi' sounds were echoed. All of them were laughing out loud.

To eat?

Is there more idiotic answer than this?

"Right!" replied Tobu indifferently.

Children were stunned and perplexed: "…"

Looking at all the children stunned expression, Toby cold smile: "The simple answer. I was worried that no one would answer correctly and I will not give out a reward. In your minds in addition to lack of water what is more fatal to human life?

All the children had ugly looks. Some were not convinced. But having the experience of Tobu's previous atrocities, no one would dare to question.

Dudian was relieved. Like other children he thought that the answer couldn't be so simple but nevertheless his bet won him a reward.

"The second question." Tobu continued: "How can we eat food?"

All children were confused. What kind of stupid question is this?

"Make money!" A voice quickly echoed. It was the little girl who was first to answer the first question. This time she choose to reply with the same answer.

Other children suddenly want to stomp. Damn the first one they missed and this chance was robbed by the girl.

"Wrong!" Tobu replied.

The little girl was surprised for a moment, how can you eat food with buying it?

Other children are also startled. But soon they quickly raised their hands to answer so that they not loose the chance for getting the reward.

"I know, I know. It is by working!"

"I know. My mother!"

"Use the upper and lower teeth to chew!"

The last boy thought of the simple answer to the previous Dudian's contrarian thought, and immediately said tentatively.

Tobu could not help but look at him, his face showing a trace of ridicule, "Is there anyone who uses their ass to chew the food?

The boy's face was embarrassed, blushing like blood.

"All wrong, a bunch of rubbish," said Tobu.

Dudian did not expect to be last one to answer again as everyone had wrong answers. He was lost in thought, thinking back to previous thinking way. According to that kind of logic the first step to stay alive is to eat. So the first step to eat is …

"Find food!" Dudian once again raised his hand.

Tobu lightly looked at him, said: "Right!

All the children were again dumbfounded.

It's that simple?

It's that simple? ? .

"Here's the last question." Tobu indifferent: "How to find food?

All the children can not help but look to the Dudian.

Dudian saw the eccentric eyes of children focused on him. His heart was frustrated. This time he really did not know the answer.

As they saw Dudian being silent, the children began to think their brains out. One after another raised their hands to answer. The answers were similar to the previous one. Especially the "make money" little girl. The third answer was still to make money, it seemed that she won't stray from her thinking style. Ultimately all the answers were wrong.

Soon, after a round of answers, almost no one answered correctly.

Tobu looked around and said: "So no one knows?"

Several children standing near Dudian can not help but look to him, as he was the only one who has not answered.

Dudian felt their eyes, and even felt Tobu to look at him. It seems Tobu waited for him to answer. But this time he really does not know, can not think of an answer as all the other children have said out possible answers that he could think of.

"It seems that there is no one to answer." Tobu saw Dudian did not answer so he no longer waited and explained: "The first step to find food is to learn to identify food. Today's first lesson is to teach you to know which food to eat."

Dudian understood the purpose of the three questions. Through the conversation with Mason yesterday, he confirmed his guess. No one knew about "scavenger" special training, all of them thought that it was just a guard training camp. Dudian knew from his previous conversation with Fernando that "scavengers" had to go outside the giant wall into the wilderness to look for resources. Their own resources to eat and drink would be limited while going out so they had to learn how to survive in the wilderness outside the giant wall.

Understanding the food was their first class!

"Teacher, what is my reward?" Dudian saw Toba has not yet announced, can not help but raise his hand to asked.

Tobo glanced at him and said: "Every answer is to be rewarded with a single breakfast. Congratulations ,you get two breakfast rewards. Today we have passed the breakfast time so you can only wait until tomorrow to use it".

A breakfast?

Dudian some stunne. He did not know yet but in a short period of half a month after the special training, he profoundly realized that how valuable those two breakfasts were!

"Now, the end of the rest, run ten laps around school field!" Tobu suddenly shouted.

All children can not help but startled, this has just finished but also have to run?

"Time is half an hour. For every five late minutes, plus a lap!" Tobu declared the rules indifferently.

"Teacher, do not ah … …"

Some of the children could not help crying, but soon took the lead to run at full speed because Tobu did not seem to be joking about extra laps.

Dudian's mouth slightly convulsed. This rule was simply ruthless to him. But he had a faint guess, Tobu did this exercise to increase their endurance. According to Tobu's argumentation and login, since it is learning how to survive then they should not exercise power and strength but speed and durability!

The Dark King – Chapter 17

Survival training

Time flies, in the blink of an eye three months has passed.

These three months, on daily basis they had long-distance endurance training. In addition they had "survival teaching program". It was a general term. It referred to methods and tactics tested over a long period of time. It was divided into two main categories, namely "foraging" and "collection of resources"!

This was the basic ability that had to be mastered by every scavenger.

"Foraging" is subdivided into "water", "shelter", "access to food" and "subsistence".

Each course contains a wide range of content. The first is the "Water Source" course, which focuses on finding water sources in different environments. These environments are divided into four broad categories: jungle, desert, mountain and swamp!

In the jungle looking for the water is much easier in comparison to the other environments. But organisms lurked in the jungle. "Survival" course to taught how to avoid these dangers too.

In addition to looking for water, there are water filters and different water quality testing and so on.

Obviously, scavengers not only have to survive outside the giant wall. They also need to collect different parts of the water samples and bring back to the giant wall for the studies. Entire giant wall of Silva was a huge solid shelter.

In addition to "foraging", the "collection of resources" is also broken down into four major classes. The amount of knowledge is extremely large, namely "mining", "collecting herbs", "geological survey" and "exploration".

Each of these ones, in normal condition is a separate course specializing in a college!

In other words, in the college one needs to study for three years one of these courses and they can graduate. But in here within just three years, all of them have to learnt!

According to Toby, only after mastering everything they can survive.

The three months for Dudian, the most difficult is not eight courses, but endurance training and "mining" course physical training. Nevertheless his progress in the last three months is extremely obvious. The first week it took him 30 minutes for full five laps of run. In half a month time he used 20 minutes for five laps. After half a month his timing decreased to 15 minutes.

After two months he was given the right to eat breakfast but he still the last child to arrive during five lap runs.

His physical abilities were affected during three hundred year sleep in the frozen storage. However his willpower was not affected at all.

In the second month, the physical consequences of the frozen storage were completely eliminated. It would normally take another three to four months to completely eliminate. But in this month's super-strength exercises sped up the process. His speed and endurance were amazingly upgraded as a result of daily trainging and he was able to secure a place in the top ten!

At the end of the third month, he was already in top three according to the performance!

This amazing pace of progress was noticed by all the other children. Especially Mason and two other boys who lived in the same with Dudian. They gave him a nickname, "mad cow".

"The law, the second chapter, the normative role of law … …"

In quiet library, Dudian was standing in front of the books of the law section. In his hands he was holding an introductory law book. Since the beginning of the third month he was out in library for ten minutes every day, which was the longest time he could squeeze out.

"Dean, why are you in front of the law section? I asked the teacher and was told that there is an examination today. Pay close attention to review the past knowledge or else you won't pass and will be eliminated." another child who was reading books next to geology section spoke to Dudian..

Dudian made a hand gesture: "Sshh!" He continued to focus on reading the basic law book.

After ten minutes passed he gently put the book back into it's place in the shelf. He turned towards herbal bookshelf and skillfully took out a book called "Plants". He quickly rolled over the pages for a review. After making few confirmations he put the book away and turned to leave.

"Dean!" Mason quickly caught up, said: "Do you know what today's exam is about?"

"I do not know," said Dudian.

"I hope they won't test the geological survey. I have not had time to study. " Macon eyes a turn towards Dudian and he smiles: "Most of the other things I can help you out with. If you have the chance, how are you going to help me out?"

Dudian snapped at him: "No tricks. Do not even think of cheating. "

"Ohh, come on. We can try to sneakily pass few answers." Mason bitterly said: "I do not want to be eliminated. Teacher said that in case we will lose the qualification to be a guard and be eliminated. We have to pay for the course fee by ourselves. My family can not afford such a high cost."

Dudian shrugged his shoulders and said nothing could be done.

Indeed, on the third day of the special training, Tobu had said these words. But Dudian has long known that the training camp is in fact used to train the scavengers. However in name it is know as selection for guards. Even in case of elimination, most will still be the guards within the Silva's giant wall. As for Tobu's remarks, Dudian's was sure that it was just a speculation.

Of course, for other children that was undoubtly a bad news!

It was also because of these words, most of the children who wanted to quit, clinged their teeth and continued the harsh training.

Soon, both of them came to the school field. All of the children were gathered, talking quietly trying to guess the forthcoming examination.

It was not long before Tobu appeared punctually. As he came over, everyone meticulously stood in neat rows. This was the result of experiencing first hand the pain of being kicked by Tobu.

However, Tobu didn't came alone. By his side there was a tall gravecul girl in her early twenties. Her face was full of mature sexy charm. It seemed as if she had lost her childish naivety long time ago.

In fact, most of the ten-year-old children knew some aspects of knowledge regarding sex. As in this world, it was the legal age of marriage. After all it was not easy for most people to live to sixty when radiation was so corrosive.

Tobu coldly smiled and spoke in a consistent low tone: "After three-month training, you barely have the basic garbage guards qualifications. Starting today, every six month, we will conduct a final exam. All losers will be eliminated!

Everyone was tense after Tobu spoke.

Dudian also realized that the test is not a simple detection of knowledge and soon Tobu's words confirmed his idea: "This assessment is very simple. Instructor Kris will send you to a place where you only need to survive for ten days. If you can you can be qualified to continue the training!"

The Dark King – Chapter 18

The Desert

Can you guess what is going to happen in the next few chapters?

"To survive for 10 days?" All children were confused. Although Tobu said it was "simple", but after three months time spend with him they already knew that his concept of "simple" was very far away from the original meaning of the word. All of them had expected the assessment to be a paper test, but were worried about which subject would be chosen. No one had expected that this time it would be a practical one.

Obviously, to survive for ten days, you must have grasped all the preliminary details of four courses from "foraging" class.

Soon, some calculations were made.

As long as there is water, the body's hunger strike limit is seven days to fifteen days. If the willpower is extremely tenacious, it's possible for a person to live up to for a month without food. That is, children only need to find a water source. There was a hope to pass through the practical exam!

If the person was lucky enough to find a little food, they would be able to survive ten days without any problems!

Such a thought had greatly increased the confidense of many children.

Dudian slight frowned. He was not too optimistic about the situation. If he knew anything about Tobu's style, then it was that Tobu would never test them with such a simple assessment.

"Children, come with me." At this time Kris who was standing next to Tobu spoke: "Sister will take you to a fun place. I guarantee that you will like it."

Some of the big boys heard her words, light burst out of their eyes.

"Line up." Kris smiled and turned to lead the way.

All the children side by side, as a long team, were led by Kris. They came over to the school field. There were dozens of black carriages parked near the field. A single carriage was big enough to accommodate seven or eight adults, as for children around 10 to 11 of them could sit inside.

"Get on to carriages," Kris smiled.

Dudian saw the youth who had came to pick him up from his house as a coachman in one of the carriages.

"Dean, come here," Mason greeted Dudian.

Dudian took a look and walked inside.

In addition to Mason, the other two children who shared the room with Dudian were present in the carriage. Mason had convened them to act together in the test and mutually care for each other. Obviously, as the people from the same room were the most trustworthy ones.

"Damn, the curtains are sewn here." Mason tried to lift the drapery to look out.

A bad feeling poured into Dudian's heart. Is the test venue… outside the giant wall?

…

…

Dudian has closed his eyes, quietly listening and calculating everything since carriage had left the school field about 20 minutes ago. In the beginning he could hear the voices of passer-by people, but gradually noises quited down. After some time nothing but hoofs of horses and crackling of wheels were heard by Dudian.

This silence lasted for another half hour. The carriage speed gradually halt and it came to stop.

Dudian slowly opened his eyes: "Twenty-eight turns, short-stop for three times. The route taken should be to the west of the school … …"

His mind repeatedly recalled the previously felt line. The carriage speed was very fast so it felt very obvious when it was turning to right or left.

If at the moment Kris knew what Dudian was thinking about she would be stunned. It was not difficult to do what he did. As long as enough attention was given any of these children could have done that. However from the moment of entering to the carriage to the blockage of the windows, as well as the pressure by the possibility of the elimination was especially designed to put psychological oppression on them. Thoughts of children were filled with apprehensions and worries, so no one payed attention to small details the way Dudian did. It showed how calm he was.

The was the most important thing. The calmness of mind.

The carriage's door was opened. Dudian immediately knew that it was not to check on them but they had reached their final destination.

The children quickly went down the carriages eager to look forward the place which they have to survive for the next ten days.

It turned out to be … … a desert!

The sand covered any and every place that they looked at.

Survive ten days in the desert? .

All children wanted to spurt blood.

Dudian jumped from the carriage to see this endless hot desert. He could not help but sigh deeply. Sure enough, if Tobu said "simple" it can never be so "simple".

"Kids!" Kris with a charming smile on her face clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention. "For the next ten days you will be here. If you can't hold on then just draw an "X" sign on the ground and you will be rescued. Of course, rescue means elimination. Similarly it means costs of the special training will be burdened by your family. I believe you know the approximate numbers. If you don't want to ruin your homes, then do what you have to do and survive! "

She stopped for a moment, blinked for a few times and said: "I wish you good luck. By the way, this is the first test and the most simple one." Then, turned to jump onto a nearly three-meter-high dark horse. Dudian had seen this type of horse before. It was the same one as Fernando had used.

Obviously this also represented Kris's identity as a hunter!

Dudian narrowed his eyes looking at Kris who whipped the horse and went away. The rest of the carriages also turned towards the same direction, maintaining the same formation, left away. Gradually they disappeared into the horizon.

For a time, in this huge desert, only more than 300 children were present.

"Is this how to survive?"

"This is murder!"

"I knew it was not going to be so simple … …"

Children's anger were direct at Kris who led the carriage away.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" A physically strong, tall child loudly called out: "We have to unite! The first thing to do is to find water. As long as we can find water source, we can survive. The strength is in unity!"

Other children who hear him talk did not complain. Some heed his words while few others began to think about a way to survive for the next ten days. They began to skim through the knowledge that they had gained in the previous three months. Everyone had learned not to ask Tobu for advise, because they asked with their mouths but Tobu answered with the fist. It was a kind of mental training too. The point was to raise individuals who could critically think for themselves in cases such as this.

"Dean, let's go with them," Mason told to Dudian. Since the first day, Mason and other children in the room were used to consult Dudian's views. In their room, even though Mason is the most charismatic, but the most prestigious was no doubt Dudian.

"No, the four of us will stay together to form a team." Dudian shook his head in disapproval.

Macon was stunned: "Why?"

The other two children also were puzzled. It was an absolute truth that if they group together with everyone their strength would rise. Even the content of the course was based on this idiom: in harsh environments, if united would have a much better chance to survive!

They did not immediately questioned Dudian.

"It is easy to find water. But do not forget that we are in desert, not a jungle or swam. Even if we find water easily, it would be scarce. It would be enough to supply needs of some and ultimately the unity what you talk about will be disintegrated because of uneven distribution of resources", Dudian directly said.

Macon and the other two children immediately woke up.

"Let's go, we have already wasted a lot of time." Dudian looked around, found a direction and left the place.

The Dark King – Chapter 19

Danger

There is always a plot within the plot…

Mason and the other two children as one tried to immediately keep up with Dudian.

Except Dudian's small team, there were two or three medium sized teams. The rest of the children were hesitant. As if following the herd mentality, most of them formed a single large team.

More than 300 people were formed into a colony-like team which gradually dispersed into the desert.

"Why are we going there? We are walking towards the sun!" Mason raised his hand to cover his face from sun rays. It's been less than an hour but his body was sweating non-stop because of the heat.

"We seem to be at least in the same direction with the sun," another brown-haired child spoke. His name was Sham. One of the four sharing the room with Mason and Dudian. His character was boring but as a person he was a diligent child. In addition to Dudian, he was the only person to stack his bed.

"Even if to avoid competition, we shouldn't have come this way!" Mason smiled.

Dudian whispered: "In desert climate the temperature contrast of day and night is extreme. Even though it is "Black Death" season right now and the highest possible temperatures appear during this season. But in the evening the temperature will drop to the same level as "Black Snow" season. So we have to go to west as much as possible. As it will be the warmest place in the evening. "

Three people heard Dudian solemnly explain. Mason bitterly said: "If we went eastwards we could have avoided withstanding the sun and heat, even in case we couldn't find water source we would have gained more good than harm. And taking into the account the problem of insulation at night, how do you know the temperature will drop at night? My feet are burning, they are on fire! How the heck the temperature will be reduced?"

Sham and the other child named Zach were also very curious. It was so hot right now, so how could it get cold at night?

"You will know once it gets dark." Dudian did not explain the heat-absorbing and heat-dissipating effects of sand. This kind of knowledge was not taught during the studies in camp so speaking about it would inevitable lead to doubt. And the concept of endothermic cooling, even if told would not be understood by them.

"The water is sure to be found, the only thing we should pay attention to is to absolutely avoid getting sick!" Dudian solemnly warned Mason, Zach and Sham.

Zach, Sham and Mason were somewhat surprised hearing Dudian's assured words regarding the water. However they did not question him, but were very curious, how would he find water in this desert that is full of sand. Where does that certainty and confidence come from?

It did not take long before Dudian's team had lost sight of other teams. All what they could see were sand that endlessly covered the desert. They could not but get tensed and nervous at the sight. The only thing that team-mates could do was to continue to believe in Dudian's judgement. He had never let them down during the training in the camp so they hoped his judgement will be right in the desert too.

"Do you still remember the part where they taught us how to find water in the desert?" Dudian stopped, looking around.

"I remember, we first have to look for shady sand and then dig until we find water" Mason said.

Dudian raised his hand and pointed towards the front. There was a hill made out of sand. The side which he was pointing at was protected from the sun because of the angle of the hill. The sun could not illuminate that part even in the morning when it raised from east. Only at noon the sun rays would penetrate the sand but for a small time. "Let us go there". He stepped forward taking the lead. As they reached the hill, Dudian touched the sand. It was very cool.

Mason, Zach and Sham were delighted at sight. They squatted down to prepare to dig.

Dudian waved his hand: "First wrap clothing around your hand, so that it does not get scratched by stones." Then, he tore of fabric and wrapped around his hands and squatted down to start digging.

Mason laughed: "We are lucky that you are thoughtful."

Three of them tore of clothing, covered their hands and began to dig.

It has to be noted that three months of endurance training had greatly improved physical strength of four of them. They had walked for four or five miles under the scorching sun but they still had energy to dig. However this was also kind of a gamble. Because in case they could not find water after digging, they would not be able to support their bodies to find the next possible place to dig for water.

As a result, even Dudian felt nervous. Especially, after digging for half a meter depth they were still touching soft sand.

"Let's end it here! We should move to the next place." Dudian decisively stopped. If they did not touch wet sand in this phase even if they dug for three or four meters, there was a high possibility that they will not find water.

"We have done so much, so why give up now? " Mason asked.

Dudian replied with a sullen face: "We can't gamble and hope to win now. Follow me, let's move on" Finished speaking he turned to move out and walk forward.

Mason and Zach were doubtful. They were unwilling to move on. Sham stood up and said: "Let's go. What Dean said was right. We can't bet now" Then he run over to keep up with Dudian's pace.

Mason and Zach sighed, they shook their hands on their knees to remove the sand.

Now, when God closes a door for you, he won't open another one but will release the dog for you. Suddenly Zach screamed out loud, jumped half meter high and hurried towards Dudian.

Dudian and Sham turned back towards Mason and Zach. They suddenly saw a two meter long snake drilling out from the sand. It's skin was brownish, the scales reflected the shining sun. All of them felt chilled over and over.

"Run!" Dudian was the first to recover. He roared loudly, turned and ran away.

The rest of the team members tried to keep up..

Mason panicked and his feet stumbled. Plop sound echoed and he was thrown onto sand.

Dudian was running in front but when he heard the sound he could not but look back. He saw Mason on the ground and there were a bit more than ten meters between him and the snake. Snake was twisting it's body as if swimming on the desert sand. The situation became precarious, he turned back towards Mason and rushed to him.

Sham and Zach were surprised for a moment. They also noted the fall of Mason. They saw the twisting body of snake and their faces became extremely ugly and they become hesitant.

At this point, Dudian has rushed to the front of Mason, grabbed his arm, growled: "Stand up!

Mason leveraged to climb up and look back. There wer two or three meters between him and the snake. If it jumped it would be able to pounce its body onto him. Mason was too scare, he hurried back.

Suddenly snake jumped towards Mason, it opened its mouth showing two sharp fangs.

The Dark King – Chapter 20

Alchemist

We will be having ads. Please disable your adblocks! KTHX

Moreover, as I wrote in previous post. THERE IS ALWAYS A PLOT WITHIN THE PLOT in this novel.

At this moment, a gray shadow flashed by Mason and knocked the snake onto the sand.

"Run!" Dudian growled.

Macon recovered and run away in a hurry.

Dudian looked at snake which began to twist its body towards him. He turned to run away as fast as possible. His jacket was tightly wrapped around his hand. Previously he hit down the snake thanks to the help of jacket which protected his hand from possible bite by the snake.

Sou! (I assume it's the sound made while passing Mason)

Dudian quickly passed Mason and went to the front. In endurance training his results were the best in comparison to his flat-mates.

Running for a few hundred meters, Dudian looked back, but saw Mason and rest keeping up with him. There was no trace of the snake, it should have known the failed to hunt so decisively gave up on them. After all, in such a harsh environment even animals tried to avoid useless consumption of energy while hunting down the prey.

Dudian was relieved and said: "Stop running. It stopped to chase us."

Mason, Zach and Sham looked at rear and noted that the snake has stopped chasing after them. The next moment they felt deeply tired, their throat were dry. They were thirsty and the weather was awfully hot.

"Scared me." Zach had a lingering fear as he patted his chest.

"Let's take a break, I'm exhausted," Sham breathed fast while panting.

Mason heard the words of two, suddenly looked up to the Dudian. He slightly nodded to Dudian said: "Dean, this time you saved my life, after what … …"

"Do not speak." Dudian patted his shoulder, "Save your energy. Zach, Sham we are not going to stop. It's possible for snake to continue to catch up with us while crawling under the sand. We do not know that we are out of it's hunting range. Moreover it's getting late. We have to find water as soon as possible, otherwise it will be very difficult to get past tonight. "Then, he continue to lead the way in front.

Macon looked at Zach and Sham. He twisted his head right and left in disapproval and followed after Dudian.

Zach and Sham look at each other. Recalling the hesitation in the previous situation they bowed their heads, without saying anything followed after Dudian.

Dudian and crew continued to walk in westbound direction. All what they saw along the way was sand and dry clods. Except Dudian, other three could not help but wonder, if they went in another direct won't they be able to find water?

However, at the insistence of Dudian, they did not change the direction.

By dusk, they were walking forward almost in slower than a turtle. Their bodies were sweating, they were tired, their faces were tanned red.

"Found!", Dudian's sound echoed.

Mason, Zach and Sham's faces were as numb as corpse's. However as soon as they heard Dudian's voice hope burst out of their dry eyes.

"Where?" Mason hurriedly asked.

Dudian raised his hand and pointed with his index finger. There was a small slope in fron. Not far from the slope, there were some dry green grass and cactus, which were common plants of desert.

"Plants, plants!" There of them cried in excitement.

Dudian face was also reflected a smile, said: "If there is a plant then there must be water!" All of them came towards the plants at the same time but Dudian warned them: "Be careful, there may be something lurking here. "

Mason and other two nervously looked around.

It was not long before Dudian began to dig the moist sand beneath the grean grass. After a meter of sand was dug out, finally they got to see water. It was scarce and mixed with sand.

"It's dirty. How can we drink it?" Macon and other two were dumbfounded.

Dudian did not speak. He put the jacket that he previously used to beat the snake onto ground. He used both his hands to grab the water mixed with sand and filled onto the jacket. Later on he began to twist the jacket as hard as he could. He knew that jacket was made out of wool. So he used it to filter the water. As he continued to tighten the coat, the clean water began to flow down.

They were thirsty for whole day. This simple filtered water was as delicious as a heavenly nectar for them.

He drank a few mouthfuls. Dudian did not continue, but licked his lips with water, and then climbed up, said: "Do not drink way too much. It's good as long as the basic consumption of the body is met.

There was admiration exposed in Mason and other two children's eyes.

"This grass could be eaten." Dudian pulled out the green grass. He kneaded the roots of the grass from the wet soil. Later on he broke them off. There was no outflow of colored juice so he immediately bit and gently chewed it up. Faint sweet feeling diffused from the roots of grass and filled his mouth. It was a bit jerky but he chewed carefully and then swallowed it.

The other three saw Dudian and broke off the grass to eat up.

"so bitter!"

"It's so hard to eat!"

Zach and Sham were not happy with the taste but still chewed and swallowed the grass.

Dudian looked at the sky, said: "Tonight we should sleep in here. We should pick some dry wood to make fire through the night. By the way, one of us should stay on duty through the night. Let's pick the one who should stay on duty tonight right now so that he can sleep right now."

"I'll be on duty tonight," Macon said. "If you go to sleep, we won't know what to do."

Dudian nodded: "Then you go and rest., Zach go to find dry wood. Sham come over with me to build a shelter, find some stones." With his arrangement, all of them began to get busy with their allocated jobs.

…

…

Outside the desert, there was a solitary pub.

Because of the erosion of desert, the pub was half-broken. Doors and windows have been repeatedly patched with wood. At the moment a man and a woman was sitting in the pub, drinking iced wheat beer.

"Three hundred and sixty people are to be assessed. How many can stay alive tonight? " Kris asked while she was using dagger to gently fiddle with the ice inside the wooden cups.

Tobu indifferent smiled and said: "Absolutely more than you think."

"Is it?" Kris picked her eyebrows in teasing manner: "Wanna make a bet?

"Are we gambling?" Tobu showed interest.

"How many people can stay after ten days," Kris squinted, "I bet two hundred children."

Tobu smile and replied: "I bet three hundred students"

"Oh?" Kris squinted at him. "You seem to have confidence in your students. But this time you will lose."

Tobu sipped the beer from the cup and asked: "How come?"

"Haha … …" Kris covered her lips with her hand said: "Do not you know, this desert in a decade ago, was the territory of the Ryan family. It was one of the six most prosperous families in the commercial district. Unfortunately, they were destroyed by an evil alchemist. The thing is not only the family was destroyed but it's territories were desertified by that alchemist's evil forces."

"That was ten years ago, I know, because I was there.", Tobu said

Kris giggled, and said: "But you do not know that evil alchemist who was killed by the Holy Church had left few things behind in this damned desert. Now there are some other evil alchemists who are quietly gathering in here. The thing is Holy Church has seen through their little tricks and knows about everything.

Tobu's face expression suddenly changed, "What do you mean?!"

"The Holy Church is ready to wipe out those evil alchemists that reside in here. But the problem is that they are hidden very well. In case church sends a bright knight over suspicions will be raised. So to bring out those rats from their nests another plan was made. It was on purpose that the scavenger examination site is relocated to here. These children will be used as bait to lure them out. And I believe those alchemists will fall into this scheme, as they won't try to miss the opportunity that is in front of them! "Kris said with a smile.