Turning Away

Moke's body seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, and his feet involuntarily wanted to turn and leave. However, just as he was about to turn around, the village chief's voice suddenly rang out, exploding beside his ears like thunder.

The village chief's heart leaped into his throat. He hurriedly shouted, trying to stop Moke from leaving. Hearing him, Moke abruptly stopped and slowly turned around, meeting the village chief's gaze.

He saw the village chief's face filled with conflict and hesitation, an indescribably complicated expression. The old man's eyes shifted uncertainly, as though he were engaged in a fierce struggle deep within his heart.

Moke immediately understood the village chief's dilemma. If he went, the village would have one less person serving as cannon fodder for the pirates, but Moke would surely die. Moke took a deep breath and slowly said, "Village Chief, let me go. The village saved my life. If I can do something for the village, it'll be worth it." The village chief's eyes reddened, his lips trembled, but he could not say a word.

Just then, a frail figure suddenly ran out from a corner of the village. It was Tom, the most timid child in the village. His face was streaked with tears as he shouted, "Brother Moke, I'm going with you!" Moke and the village chief were both stunned. Tom continued, "I don't want to be a coward anymore. I want to protect the village!"

Seeing the determination in Tom's eyes, warmth rose in Moke's heart. He rubbed Tom's head and said, "Alright. We'll go together."

Then, Moke led Tom resolutely toward where the pirates were. Their shadows stretched long beneath the setting sun. Though the road ahead was full of danger, their eyes held fearlessness and resolve, as if they were