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XX, XX/XX/XXXX | maybe noon |

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Divide and conquer was an approach with which Jubus Cesar used to defeat the Bauls. This, however, required a great understanding of the side one wanted to manipulate. From his observation, there were two major forces in the area he was in--namely the fire oxen and two horned wolves.

Luckily, they were hostile to one another. The two horned wolves hunted the fire oxen for food and the fire oxen fought back to stay alive and protect the young. It was a fascinating, yet never-ending cycle of life.

Ivan chose to get to know the fire oxen more, seeing how one of them managed to one-hit kill a two-horned wolf, as well as having such fiery fur for added protection. It was such a beautiful shade of blue it reminded him of home--well, his stove to be exact, but still reminded him of home nonetheless.

Where are they going?

The sight of them leaving broke his train of thoughts. Quickly Ivan followed the herds, curious but afraid. This reminded him of Bon Jansen who stated how curiosity killed the cat in his play, Every Cat in His Catnip. Since he was already in the danger zone, however, Ivan had nothing to lose and was willing to take the risk.

He followed and followed. The herds showed no sign of stopping, until he saw a small light in the distance. Then everything grew brighter, the trees became sparser, and the sky....

He could see the sky.

Oh my God...

His mouth went ajar as he marveled at the vast sky above him. It might not meant much to these herds, but it was a testament of hope and life for him. He lifted his arms, feeling the warmth of sun caressing his skin. Yes, this was what he missed... the sun, the sky, the sense of time that he could feel through his senses, not through his phone...

Suddenly one ox lifted his head as if sensing danger.

Van quickly dived into the nearest bushes.

Did he sensed me? What, they have strong nose?

His hand moved rather clumsily for someone who used to take notes. Like a soldier, he lied prone and carefully made a hole in the bush, small enough for him to observe the herds without alerting them to his presence.

Now that he had a clear look about the fire oxen, he felt that the name didn't actually reflect on their appearance. He needed to call them something else. Instead of an ox, they closely resembled a bison with a huge pair of horns jutting upwards.

They looked like a certain brute wyvern from a certain hunting game. Instead of green colored leathery skin due to moss and algae, they had fur and it was blue and in flame! Thank God they didn't have a giant, club-like tail.

Right. He had decided. He'd call them Duram from now on.

He continued to observe them like some sort of cameraman of NatMeo.

Then something poked his interest.

What is that they're eating?

Oh, he wished he had a binocular. Ivan and the Duram were separated by a great distance that made it nearly impossible to see clearly what they were eating. It looked like some kind of wide leaves?

He noted the location and drew the rough sketch. This might be vital for the success of his plan...