Creating Civilization In My Private Island

Kael swallows hard, feeling the weight of their new reality settle on his shoulders. His father, the one who had always been their protector and provider, was now crippled. They were on their own. He looks at his mother, seeing the fear and hopelessness in her eyes. His heart clenches, but deep inside him, something else begins to stir—resolve.

"We'll find a way, Mama," Kael says quietly, though his voice shakes slightly. He steps closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll get through this. I'll help. I'll… I'll start hunting. Whatever it takes."

His mother looks up at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Kael, you're still just a boy," she whispers. "You're not ready."

"I have to be," Kael replies, his voice firm. "We'll figure it out, and we have to survive."

Kael kneels beside his mother, gently squeezing her hand. "Mama, you don't have to worry," he says, his voice soft but filled with determination. "You already know I've been training since I was ten, and I'm sixteen now. I've learned everything Papa and the others taught me. I'm ready."

His mother's eyes search his face, as if trying to see the boy who had once clung to her for protection. But instead, she sees a young man—a strong, determined figure with the same fire in his eyes as his father. Still, her heart aches with fear for him.

"Kael… it's dangerous. You've never faced the deep waters alone. What if something happens to you?" Her voice trembles, the thought of losing him unbearable.

Kael shakes his head, his resolve hardening. "I'll be careful. I know the risks. But if I don't do this… who will? We need to eat, we need to live. I can't sit here and do nothing."

His mother looks away, the weight of their situation pressing down on her. She knows he's right. With his father injured and the tribute still looming, they need someone to provide for the family. And Kael, despite his age, is their only option. She nods reluctantly, tears brimming in her eyes. "Just… promise me you'll come back everytime."

Kael squeezes her hand again, his heart aching at the sight of her fear. "I promise."

The next morning, Kael makes his way to the village's center, where the chief's home stands tall among the coral dwellings. The chief, an older Merlan with grizzled scales and a hard-set face, sits near the entrance, his sharp eyes surveying the village.

Kael approaches, his heart pounding, but his resolve unshaken. "Chief Duran," he begins, bowing his head respectfully. "I've come to apply for the hunting team."

The chief raises an eyebrow, his gaze immediately narrowing in scrutiny. "You? You're still young, Kael. I can't send you out there, it's too dangerous."

"I know I'm young," Kael replies, his voice steady but firm. "But I've trained for this. My father taught me everything he knows, and now he can't hunt anymore. I have to take his place. We need food, and I'm ready."

Chief Duran sighs, shaking his head. "It's not just about knowing how to hunt, Kael. Out there, it's survival. You'll face things no training can prepare you for. The Abyssian's presence has made everything more dangerous. I can't risk sending someone your age."

Kael clenches his fists, frustration boiling inside him. He takes a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "I'm not asking for special treatment. I know the risks, Chief, and I'm willing to face them. My family… we don't have a choice. Please, let me prove myself."

The chief studies Kael for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Silence hangs between them, heavy and tense. Finally, Duran's stern gaze softens just a fraction, as if seeing the desperation behind Kael's words. He sighs deeply, rubbing a hand over his weathered face.

"You're stubborn, just like your father," the chief mutters. "Alright, fine. I'll allow you to join the hunting team… but you'll be on probation. You follow the lead of the experienced hunters, you stay within the safe zones. Do you understand?"

Kael's heart leaps, his face breaking into a relieved smile. "Yes, Chief. I understand. Thank you."

Kael rushes back home, his heart pounding with excitement and nerves. The moment he steps inside, his mother looks up from where she's tending to his father's bandages, her eyes wide with concern. "Kael?"

He beams at her, unable to contain his joy. "Mama, I did it. The chief approved me for the hunting team."

Her mouth falls open in shock, and she quickly rises, crossing the room to stand in front of him. "He… he approved you? You're really going to hunt?"

Kael nods, his smile widening. "Yes. I'm part of the team now. I'll be careful, just like I promised. But this… this is our chance, Mama. We'll be okay."

Tears well in her eyes, but this time they're a mix of fear and pride. She pulls him into a tight embrace, her voice thick with emotion. "Oh, Kael… I'm so proud of you. But please… please, be safe."

Kael hugs her back, feeling the weight of his promise in his chest. "I will, Mama. I'll come back. I promise."

On the first day of the hunt, Kael stays at the back of the group, observing the seasoned hunters closely. They move through the water with quiet precision, their fins barely stirring the currents as they stalk their prey. Kael watches in awe as one of the hunters, a tall Merlan with scars across his arms, spots a large fish and within moments, strikes with his spear. The fish doesn't stand a chance, and the hunter's movements are swift, controlled, and lethal.

Kael feels a rush of admiration. These hunters are not just skilled—they're masterful. He realizes how much he still has to learn. He keeps his distance, taking mental notes of their techniques: the way they navigate through the coral reefs, how they communicate silently with hand signals, and how they set up ambushes. He's determined to learn everything he can.