Chapter 70: Chapter 70 – Civil War

They continued on for another hour. The dense forest opened up into a small clearing. Light bounced and reflected against a shimmering pool of liquid.

“Water!” Jorge, one of the first years, waltzed forward.

Josh was quick to reach out his hand and yank him back.

Astrid glanced at Jorge’s equipment. It was of common materials that most of the military used for the beginning of their hopefully long journey. Adding to the fact that she couldn’t remember his face meant he was in the Lower District.

Unlike the nobles who underwent strict training and leadership classes, the Lower District civilians lacked the same level of education.

“Astrid,” Josh said, “anything crawling around the waterhole?”

“Nothing.”

“Alright, walk in formation.” Josh crept forward with his shield pointed towards the source of potential danger.

Astrid gazed at the pool of water. The back of the bank’s walls were steep, and tree roots poked out from the dirt. However, the front had a gentle slope that allowed one to enter with little trouble. Animal markings were visible in the mud; claws, little feet, and hooves. They also didn’t seem to care about leaving their droppings by the water.

Using her Psych Domain, there was nothing in the water. An idea popped up into her head once she looked at the apprehensive expressions on the first year's faces.

Do they think it’s a waste of time to be so cautious? Astrid wondered. She touched Mina’s shoulder and flashed a mischievous smile.

“Oh no,” Mina muttered under her breath.

Astrid put her plan into action. She formed a perfect illusion within the water that had an uncanny resemblance to the alligator that she had dealt with in the swampy town before. The muddy water mostly covered its visage. She [Crashed] the water, exploding. The scaly monster appeared fully for the first years.

The alligator’s maw widened and displayed its savage teeth and powerful jaws that allowed it to exist for an incredible amount of time.

Astrid exploded small clusters of matter within its mouth and created the illusion of a powerful roar. It wasn’t perfect and anyone with a lick of experience could tell that it was fake, but that wasn’t so for the young Wayfarers.

The first years brandished their weapons and shield in a flash of panic. The monster disappeared as the water splattered and covered the Wayfarers in murky water.

“Wow, that was a big one,” Astrid said in shock.

Josh let out a relieved sigh and broke out into a grin.

Gloria let out a puff of air as she stifled her laugh, but she didn’t care for the feelings of the first years. Her laugh broke free and held her stomach.

“Wh-who did that?” Jorge spun around as his hands still trembled.

“Doesn’t matter who did it.” Tony took a step forward. “Although that was just a test, the fact remains that anything could lurk within the waters. Scouting abilities aren’t perfect, after all.”

Jorge gnawed on his lips and nodded.

You are reading story [Psychokinetic] Eyeball Pulling – A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG at novel35.com

“Alright, fill your containers, then we’ll be off,” Tony said as he approached the water.

Astrid approached and took her bottle from her waist and filled it up. She took out a pure white tablet from her pocket and dropped it into her water bottle. With a little shake, it was ready to be consumed.

With a higher constitution, one could stave off hunger for far longer than average, also water. But for the lower levels, and especially the mage or dexterity users it was different. Although they needed less than an un-awakened person, it was a major part of keeping one's mana regenerated and empowered.

Leena formed a container from her metal control and gathered an enormous amount of water. She hoisted it up with one arm and placed it securely on her shoulder.

“Let’s head back,” Tony said.

With a water supply obtained, they returned to camp. At one side of the camp lay many raised rectangles in rows. Judging by some of the second years resting upon them, they seemed to be the beds. They had made use of their bedrolls and rolled them across the raised dirt for a more comfortable sleep.

Many Wayfarers had different ways of making camp. Some used their earth mages to raise the earth like the second years on this mission had done. Others willed the plants and trees to create nature's very own hammock. While the ones that didn’t have the luxury of having a utility mage had to sleep on the cold hard floor, or hand-craft their own shelter from sticks and rope.

With all the jobs done and with enough water to last for a week, most of the Wayfarers settled down. They rotated the manpower around to scout out the area, but Astrid wasn’t too fussed about going. She was waiting until nightfall to make her move, and nightfall soon arrived.

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Astrid waltzed out of the camp under the gaze of Calum and the other second years, with Leena trailing behind her.

Being deep under the ocean meant that there was a lack of light, and with it being a stormy night above, meant that the moon struggled to illuminate the Town.

Thanks to her training before the Underbelly subjugation, Astrid relied on her matter control and sight to make out all of her surroundings.

Leena illuminated the surrounding area with multiple light stones attached to her shoulder. Although they risked being seen from a distance, it was better than not being able to see at all. It was a necessary risk, especially since Leena couldn’t see in the dark.

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“Excited, Leena?” Astrid held her hands behind her back.

“I am,” Leena said. “I’m itching for a good fight.”

Astrid heard a slap. Turning around, Leena had her fist placed against her palm.

“Ah, sorry, my lady, was that loud?” Leena bowed her head, but she couldn’t hide her excited grin.

“Just a little–”

A flash of red appearing interrupted Astrid's words. From the corner of her eye, blots of red rushed towards them.

The moment the newcomers interrupted Astrid’s words, Leena had already taken her position at the front. Her right hand seeped with metal and a massive metal lance appeared. A shield emerged from her left arm and protected her side.

A beastly howl scratched at Astrid’s ears.

The light from Leena’s shoulders illuminated the area in front and a large group of green, shining pearls flashed from within the trees. The bravest of the monsters crept forward and showed off its magnificent fur. The four-legged beast was arrogant, or perhaps confident in its strength as it sauntered to the side. Its enormous paws thudded against a twig. Snap.

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