The storm outside had ceased, and in the deep shadows of the forest, pairs of blood-red eyes watched us greedily.
As the creatures outside drew closer to the cave, I finally saw them clearly: giant rats, their skin sleek and smooth, each about the size of a person's hand.
Zhuoya turned back to the campfire, pulled out two torches, and handed one to me.
"Little Ye brother, our survival today rests on us two."
I glanced back at the huddled women by the fire, my resolve hardening instantly.
I knew all too well that if Zhuoya and I couldn't hold back this rat tide, everything in the cave would be devoured.
For these lovely girls behind me, I would fight to the death and never let these rats approach the cave!
Closer, they were even closer!
My ears were filled with the terrifying, dense screeches of the monstrous rats.
They were like a black ocean; I dared to bet that if I fell into them, I would be reduced to a skeleton in under three seconds.
The first of these rat monsters, forming the vanguard of the black tide, was less than five paces away. Through the fence, I swung the torch with all my might.
The rat monster let out a shriek. Their fur seemed highly flammable, and with just a slight touch, it became a small torch, spreading to its surroundings.
A wave of relief washed over me. This made the monstrous rats much easier to deal with.
Zhuoya and I stood like two steadfast guardians before the fence, preventing the rats from coming any closer.
Time passed, I didn't know how long, perhaps an hour, perhaps only a few minutes.
My nerves had grown numb, and I mechanically swung my arms to drive back the rats.
I had no idea how many there were, obscuring my vision like a dark canopy.
A flicker of despair crept into my heart, and for a fleeting moment, I considered giving up. But a glance at Zhuoya's determined expression dispelled that thought.
After what felt like an eternity, a light shone on my face. It was the sun!
The sun had risen!
Its rays pierced through the thinning clouds and shone directly onto the earth.
The rat horde seemed to fear the sunlight, abandoning their assault on our defense line and scattering in all directions.
We had finally endured this heavenly punishment and lived to see the sun break through the clouds!
I let out a sigh of relief, my senses suddenly hazy.
Then, pain shot through my hand!
Damn it, I had been careless!
A monstrous rat had sneaked in while I wasn't paying attention and bitten my hand fiercely.
Zhuoya, seeing this, yanked the rat off my hand and crushed it underfoot. Then, she asked me anxiously, "Little Ye brother, how are you feeling?"
I felt a tingling sensation at the bite, followed by intense pain.
Sweat poured down my face from the agony, my vision darkened, and the world seemed to fade away. Before I could even answer Zhuoya, I collapsed.
I was plunged back into familiar darkness. Faintly, I thought I heard Shangguan Yao's weeping.
I struggled to open my eyes, but found I could not control my body, only my consciousness.
Was I dying?
I felt like a spirit, floating in mid-air. My soul could see my body and the people gathered around me.
Zhuoya was applying some unknown herb to my hand, and Shangguan Yao, with red eyes, was calling my name. The others looked deeply distressed.
How had I ended up like this?
I mulled over this question in a daze, but no answers came.
Perhaps I was truly about to leave them.
I looked at everyone with regret, wondering what they would feel if I were gone.
I slowly closed my eyes, filled with regret and a sense of release, as if this would free me from the torment of this nameless island.
Gradually, I felt weightless, drifting upwards. A faint light seemed to beckon me.
Was I going to heaven?
I reached out to embrace the light, but before I could get close, my body suddenly plunged downwards.
"Lu Ziye, wake up! Don't joke with us!"
I weakly opened my eyes to find Shangguan Yao leaning on my chest, crying and calling my name.
Big Sister, if you want to cry, pick a different spot. You're crushing me, and I can't breathe.
I feebly wiggled my fingers and gave her a nod.
Guan Hai'er, noticing my movement, exclaimed with delight, "Look everyone! Brother Ye is awake!"
Shangguan Yao lifted her head from my chest, disbelief in her eyes. She stared at me for a few seconds, then suddenly hugged me tightly.
"Lu Ziye, you scared me to death! What would I do if you died like this!"
Oh, for crying out loud!
You're smothering me to death!
Big Sister, loosen your grip, or you'll be the one who sends me to my grave, and I'm not even dead yet!