A voracious world...

Chapter 5

Ilythia led the group to a small room in the cottage filled with various weapons, both mundane and magical.

"These weapons have been passed down from generation to generation in my family," Ilythia said as she gestured to the collection. "They have magical properties that can protect you from beasts and other creatures."

She picked up a silver dagger and handed it to Evie. "This dagger has the ability to create a temporary force field around you when you're in danger."

Next, she gave Sam a wooden staff with a crystal on top. "This staff can emit a powerful beam of light that can temporarily blind any beast. It won't hurt them, but it can give you an advantage in a fight."

Tony's absence was felt as Ilythia handed out the rest of the weapons - a sword that could ignite in flames for Jake, a bow that always hit its target for Molly, and a shield that could absorb any magical attack for Aislinn.

"Thank you," Aislinn said, looking at Ilythia gratefully. "We'll be sure to use them well."

"I hope they serve you well on your journey," Ilythia replied with a small smile.

With the weapons in hand, the group set off once again, leaving Ilythia's home behind. They were determined to find this safe zone, no matter the cost.

As they trekked on, the group took a moment to stop and assess the map. The distance they had to travel was immense, and the trials they had to overcome to enter the safe zone seemed daunting.

Jake sighed and looked over to Evie, who was examining the map intently. He couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for her. He had been crushing on her for a while now, but he wasn't sure if she felt the same way.

Aislinn, who had been walking behind Jake, noticed his gaze and felt a twinge of jealousy. She had been crushing on Jake since they first met, but it seemed like he only had eyes for Evie.

Meanwhile, Sam and Molly were joking around with Digby, who was regaling them with tales of his own adventures. Sam couldn't help but admire how brave Digby was, despite being alone in this dangerous world.

"Hey, Digby, have you ever faced a cyclops before?" Sam asked with a grin.

"Only once," Digby replied with a chuckle. "But it didn't end well for the cyclops."

Molly rolled her eyes at Digby's bravado. "Don't listen to him, Sam. He's just trying to show off."

'Oh yeah? I've even got the scars to prove it.' Digby chuckled, lifting his shirt to show a small scar. It was obvious the scar wasn't from a cyclops, and Digby was lying, but Sam believed it.

'Wow.' Sam smiled, as him and Digby already seemed to be blooming a quick friendship. Sam admired how manly he thought Digby was, as he aspired to be the same way. Molly shook her head in amusement, as tension arrived between Molly and Digby, as Digby enjoyed taunting her.

The group continued on their journey, with the love triangle between Jake, Evie, and Aislinn simmering just beneath the surface.

As they set up camp for the night, Jake found himself sitting next to Evie by the fire. He nervously cleared his throat and turned to her.

"Hey, Evie, I was wondering...do you maybe want to go on a walk with me? Just the two of us?" he asked, trying to hide the butterflies in his stomach. She looked at him, as he looked back at her, blush appearing in his cheeks. 'F-for firewood of course, I think we-were almost out.' Jake said, scratching his head and offering a smirk.

Evie smiled and nodded. "Sure, Jake. I'd love to."

Aislinn watched them walk off into the darkness, feeling a pang of sadness in her heart. She knew she had to tell Jake how she felt soon, but for now, she had to keep it to herself.

Sam and Molly teased each other mercilessly, while Digby sat quietly by the fire, lost in thought. Despite the danger that surrounded them, the group had formed a bond that was unbreakable. And they were all determined to see this journey through to the end.