Problem and contributions

Mei explained that their low supplies were due to increased difficulties the village faced in gathering food and materials from outside. The area around Fangwood Hamlet had seen a rise in creature activity; though these creatures were not particularly ferocious, their presence made it riskier for villagers to venture out. Consequently, only the stronger warriors could safely gather resources, limiting the overall amount collected. Since Leon and Mei were young and less capable compared to adults, they hadn't been able to contribute to the resource pool, leading to a decrease in their household's allocation.

At just five years old, Leon had never participated in any gathering or other village duties. Meanwhile, his sister Mei, despite her youth, had previously contributed by foraging around the edges of Fangwood Hamlet. However, the situation had changed dramatically. The increasing presence of creatures near the village made it perilous for anyone, let alone a young girl like Mei, to venture outside the safety of the village boundaries. This new danger effectively halted her ability to gather resources, further straining their already limited supplies and increasing the siblings' dependency on the periodic resource allocations from the village.

As the reality of their situation sank in, Leon began to panic, overwhelmed by their dire circumstances. It took Mei a considerable amount of time to soothe her younger brother, employing gentle words and reassurances to calm his fears. Once Leon had settled, he, with a sense of resolve uncharacteristic for his age, suggested that he should start doing something productive to help their situation. The suggestion, coming from such a young child, visibly pained Mei. She was heartbroken that her little brother felt the need to take on responsibilities far beyond his years. However, recognizing the severity of their predicament, she reluctantly agreed. Both siblings understood that their survival might depend on every extra effort they could muster, no matter how small, as they faced the harsh realities of life in Fangwood Hamlet.

After calming down, Leon, eager to contribute despite his young age, asked Mei what would be the most effective task he could undertake with the least risk involved. Mei pondered this for a while, considering their limited options. Eventually, she decided that the best course of action would be for both of them to consult the village chief. The chief was not only the most knowledgeable about the needs of the village and the specific requirements for various tasks, but he also held a unique connection to their family.

Their parents had assisted the village chief during their time in Fangwood Hamlet, helping him with tasks and decisions that benefited the community. Because of this past assistance, the chief had always shown a degree of kindness and willingness to help Leon and Mei, a courtesy not commonly extended to other villagers. Mei believed that by speaking directly with him, they could gain insights into how best to contribute in a manner that was safe for Leon and beneficial for the village. This approach would also reinforce their relationship with the chief, possibly securing more support during these challenging times.

After a hurried breakfast, Leon and Mei set out for the village chief's house. As they walked through Fangwood Hamlet, they passed by men and women engaged in their daily tasks or simply walking along. Despite the proximity, the villagers seemed to ignore them, each person wrapped in their own concerns, contributing to an atmosphere of isolation.

The scenery of the village reflected its current state: rundown and lacking vitality. Buildings showed signs of neglect, with weathered walls and roofs in need of repair. The paths were uneven, overgrown with weeds that no one had bothered to clear. There was no laughter of children playing or the usual chatter that animates a community; instead, a heavy silence hung in the air.

The overall spirit of the village was dim, mirroring the hardships and the constant threat from the surrounding wilderness. This sense of dreariness was palpable, as if the village itself was weighed down by a collective resignation to their hard and precarious existence. The lack of interaction and the subdued nature of the villagers underscored a community struggling to hold onto hope, each day a repetitive cycle of mere survival.

When they reached the village chief's house, a middle-aged man with a well-muscled build emerged. Mei introduced him as Chief Han. Leon observed the chief closely; he had a sturdy frame that hinted at many years of physical labor, and his face, marked by lines of both age and concern, bore an expression of weariness that seemed to weigh him down.

Chief Han greeted Leon and Mei with a lukewarm "hello" but his tired eyes and the slight furrow of his brow suggested he was preoccupied with more pressing matters. "I don't have much time today," he said in a gentle but hurried tone. "There are urgent matters at hand, so please, tell me quickly what brings you here."

Mei nodded, understanding the gravity of his tone. She ventured to ask, "What's happening, Chief Han? Is there something wrong outside the village?"

Chief Han sighed deeply, the lines on his forehead deepening. "Yes, the situation is worsening each day. The creatures around our borders are becoming bolder, venturing closer than ever before. It's making it difficult for us to gather even the basic necessities. I'm currently trying to devise a strategy to ensure our safety and manage our resources more effectively. It's a critical time for Fangwood Hamlet, and we need all the help we can get."

His words painted a stark picture of the challenges facing the village, emphasizing the dire need for solutions and the importance of community effort. The atmosphere grew heavier with his admission, reflecting the uncertainty and danger that lay just beyond the village boundaries. His attention was clearly stretched thin, balancing the immediate needs of the community with the looming threat that seemed to grow day by day.

Upon hearing Mei's explanation of their dwindling resources and their inability to contribute significantly due to their young age, Chief Han sighed deeply, his face reflecting a mix of sympathy and concern. He acknowledged the debt of gratitude owed to their parents, but he also emphasized the necessity of being pragmatic under the current circumstances.

"Look," he began, his tone earnest yet firm, "I truly want to help you because of what your parents did for us. However, the reality is that in times like these, we must prioritize resources towards those who can contribute the most strength. It's just the sensible thing to do."

Mei nodded in understanding, though the reality stung. She quickly shifted the conversation towards finding a solution, asking what she and Leon could do that would be suitable given their limitations but still valuable to the community. Despite their relative strength compared to other children their age, they couldn't compete with the capabilities of adults.

Chief Han rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering their situation. "In the past," he explained, "people your age would normally help by hunting or foraging for meat, vegetables, and fruits. But now, with the increasing dangers outside, not many can safely do that. We've started to adapt by focusing more on farming within the village limits."

He went on to explain that farming was challenging due to the surprisingly tough soil in and around Fangwood Hamlet, which required significant physical strength to cultivate. However, it was a safer option for the children and would still allow them to contribute and earn their keep.

"I can use every hand we have, even if they aren't the strongest," Chief Han assured them. "It's safe enough for you two and it will help you build up your contribution to the village."

Accepting this proposal, Chief Han led Mei and Leon to the farming area to introduce them to the head farmer. They walked past the central part of the village, observing the quiet and almost desolate ambiance, until they reached a small, enclosed field.