The Kaymon fell to the ground; the hunt was over in a matter of seconds.
“Heh, a monster can’t be that smart.”
The four of them began skinning the Kaymon and Giant Bear first and then cut off the meat part by part. Then, tens of soldiers gathered around to harvest the meat and leather. After that, the four of them returned to camp.
“Hah, this is good!”
Jinpok jumped into the spring as soon as he returned to the camp. However, Doral and Hectos were shocked. The spring was really hot, and people here did not soak themselves in hot springs.
“It’s really nice.”
“Yeah. It’s a bit hot, but… it’s bearable. Hey! Come in!”
Hectos reluctantly walked into the water, but immediately jumped up with a yelp. Doral shook his head and checked on the temperature of the water before slowly wading in.
As the four of them relaxed in the hot spring water, the meat was being prepared and cooked. The smell of sizzling meat spread throughout the camp.
“The meal is ready, sir!”
A soldier came to report, and Jinpok stood up.
“This is really nice.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Yeah. Hunting and resting… it’s relaxing.”
“Right. So, have you made up your mind?”
“Yeah.”
Jinpok answered, and Joonbum nodded.
“I did too.”
“Did you?”
Joonbum grinned.
“I’m not going back.”
“Haha, I thought so. You’re the Emperor now. Why would you go back?”
“Haha.”
Joonbum laughed, he wasn’t alone here. There was no going back now.
‘I will not leave this place, but it seems like it is about time.’
It had not actually been ten years, but the Ainos reported that the Gate could open anytime soon.
*
The black train whistle blared, with white smog shooting up out of the smokestack above the engine room as all the Magnos around it tensed up. Following that, the train started chugging and began effortlessly moving out on the rails.
“Wow!”
The Magnos burst into excited shouts as the forest shook. It was a success.
“It’s MOVING!”
“WHOAA!”
They were all excited and overjoyed.
“We now have the Khalodian Mountain Railway to easily transport coal out from the mountain. We will have safe transportation method for coal and iron alike.”
“Yes. Humans are amazing.”
The elder of the Magnos was impressed and bitter at the same time. However, the young Magnos next to him reassured the elder.
“Don’t worry too much. He’s on our side.”
“I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about the other humans. I trust that human, but he will pass away, just like everyone else. And then what will happen next? Gedenkroy, don’t forget that we are still Magnos.”
Gedenkroy, the future chief of the Magnos, nodded.
“Yes, I know. Isn’t that why Khalodian is enforcing birth plans?”
“Yes… I’m aware of that.”
“We have more kids than ever before because of this. We also have a higher survival rate for newborns. Almost all of our kids are growing into adulthood. If we keep this rate up, the Ainos and we will have more numbers than before, and we don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
The elder nodded. Increasing the number of Magnos and Ainos people was proving to be very successful, and their population had multiplied. There was also a lot of mixed races.
“The train is coming!”
Not long after the train full of coal left, it soon returned with food and supplies.
“Food is here!”
“Beer! We have Ainos beer!”
The Magnos and miners became excited.
“Women!”
Someone shouted, and everyone turned toward a train compartment. When the door was opened, women in beautiful dresses got off. The miners began to holler at the women in excitement.
‘Widows!’
This world had a meager survival rate for men due to various hardships and wars. Khalodian allowed polygamy to resolve this issue and all people welcomed it.
Gedenkroy looked at the people and spoke, “We Magnos should move forward. It is the only way we will not be left behind in this age. For our sons and daughters.”
