Chapter 1838

The explosion rocked the isolated beach, its power far exceeding that of a conventional bomb.
In its wake, Zaydens forces lay scatteredmore than half either dead or wounded, their blood staining the pristine sand.
Moss, his breath ragged from carrying Melon, knew time was of the essence.
His gun, tucked away with precious few bullets remaining, offered little comfort.
Fatigue gnawed at his muscles, threatening to slow him down.
With a swift motion, he reached into his bag and unleashed a barrage of smoke bombs.
These werent ordinary devices; he had painstakingly modified them, packing each with a potent chili powder concoction.
The results were instant.
Piercing screams erupted as the smoke enveloped Moss pursuers.
Men writhed on the ground, their eyes burning as if set ablaze.
Seizing the moment, Moss set Melon down gently.
Fear gripped the childs heart.
Moss, Melon whimpered, where are you going? Dont leave me alone here. Im scared.
I wont abandon you, Moss reassured him, his voice firm and gentle.
Stay put.
Ill be right back.
He then darted towards a nearby cave, emerging moments later dragging a concealed boat.
Melons eyes widened with excitement.
He momentarily forgot Moss instructions.
He scurried over, eager to help.
His small hands pressed against the boats hull.
Despite his determined efforts, the vessel didnt budge.
Overexerting himself, Melon tumbled onto the cold sand, wincing.
Moss couldnt help but chuckle.
Im the one doing all the work here, kiddo.
Youre not exactly helping here, he teased.
Silently, he vowed to grow bigger and stronger in the future.
One day, he would show Moss that he was strong.
In the past, Melon might have voiced his indignation.
But the gravity of their situation-enemies in hot pursuit-kept him quiet.
He obediently stepped aside, watching as Moss inched the boat towards the water.
Moss meticulous planning became evident.
Despite the constant surveillance, he had managed to procure and hide this escape craft.
As the boat finally bobbed in the gentle waves, Moss called out to Melon, What are you waiting for? Come here now! Melons excitement got the better of him.
He sprinted forward, only to trip on the soft sand.
Panicked, he rubbed at his eyes, inadvertently making things worse.
Tears welled up as he cried out, Moss! In an instant, Moss was at his side.
He scooped up the boy, gently wiping away the sand from his face. After a few moments of careful cleaning, Melons vision cleared.
Moss looked at Melons tear-streaked face with a mixture of concern and resignation.
Thats enough crying, he said, his voice gruff but not unkind.
Lets get you on board.
As the boat drifted away from the villa and the chaos on the island, Melons eyes shimmered with hope.
Moss, he asked tentatively, where are we going? Can you take me back to Mom? Moss glanced back at Melon, then swiftly turned his attention back to the control panel, remaining silent.
His frustration was at its peak; he felt that Melon was truly ungrateful.
Despite his kind treatment during their time together, the boy seemed unappreciative, focused only on returning home to his family once they escaped.
Noticing Moss silence, Melon continued to barrage him with questions.
Irritated, Moss finally replied with a hint of coolness, What? Are you tired of having me around, and thats why youre eager to leave me as soon as we escape? Melon quickly replied, No, Ive never been tired of you, Moss.
Ive just been gone so long.
My parents and sister are surely worried about me.
I need to go back and see them.