Sajid was watching every move of that boy like a hawk. Sajid was fully concentrating on the boy's movements and tried to learn as much as possible from the boy. But the boys were very quick, and he climbed the tree very quickly. Sudip, understanding that Sajid might not get a good understanding of the tactics, instructed the boy to go slower and do it again this time.
But Sajid said that it was okay and he would like to practise it alone now. Saying that, Sajid went out to find a secluded area and sat down to meditate. He closed his eyes and started using his powers to review his past self. This time, Sajid watched in slow motion as the boys used their hands and feet cleverly to climb the tree. Sajid reviewed it all using his powers, and he was finally excited to try it for himself.
Sajid then found a tree that was normal in size and tried to do the same as the boy had done. First attempt, failed. Second attempt, failed. Third attempt, he somehow managed to climb to a branch of the tree. But he was still far from reaching the top and climbing like an expert. Sajid was pretty hungry and tired. Sajid realised that he did not hunger like other normal people. Most would have been hungry if they did not eat for even a single day, but Sajid did not. He realized that he had not even eaten the previous day after he got his powers. Sajid did not have any food to eat, nor did he know how to cook.
Sajid decided to visit Annaya to ask if she could arrange some food for him or show him the way. He had not seen her since the temple incident, where he got the Jinns' power. Sajid soon reached her house. Her hut was unique among the other villagers, as there seemed to be some kind of barrier protecting it, and a unique smell was coming out of it. The hut is decorated with various flowers.
Sajid knocked on her door. Annaya opened and was surprised to find Sajid at his doorstep at his hour. But as shrewd as she was, she quickly calmed herself down and invited him to his house. Sajid entered her house, and the first thing he noticed was that her house was pretty neat and pristine. Everything was organized, and there were a lot of herbs in her house. It seemed to Sajid that Annaya likes to plant herbs, and she is very much attracted to planting trees.
Annaya told him to sit at the table and asked him if he would like anything. Sajid said that he was fine and proceeded to tell her about his problem with food. Annaya listened carefully and told her that everyone in this village cooks their own food, and the ingredients come from the village kitchen. She said that the hunters are responsible for finding ingredients like edible fruits, vegetables, and meat and then they submit them to the village cook. The chef cooks the food for the man, and the rest is distributed among the villagers according to their contribution.
Sajid then proceeds to ask how the food is distributed among the other villagers. Annaya told him that every villager has a quota of work that they have to do daily, like soldiers clearing the village neighborhood areas of dangerous wild plants, the farmers growing a certain amount of crops, etc. If they fulfill their quota, then they get their portion of food.
Sajid proceeds to ask about him and what his daily quota is to get food. Annaya told him she would have come to him to tell him about all these, but he did not open the door when she knocked on his door twice. Sajid was embarrassed and told her that he was very tired yesterday and did not hear anything.
Annaya told him that it was okay and then proceeded to tell him about his work and daily quota. First of all, as he had already decided to walk the path of strength, his ideal work would be that of a hunter. Means he should do the work like all the hunters do, like gather ingredients, kill animals, and collect sacrifices. When sacrifices talk came u, Sajid's mood dimmed a bit. Then she proceeds to tell him that his daily quota is to bring at least one animal meat or bring enough vegetables and fruits for five people to eat.
She then also proceeds to tell him that his sacrifice quota must be brought within one month, or he will face terrible backlash from the power of the Jinn. A renewed urgency hit Sajid like never before. Although he is not bound by the Jinn's power, there is no telling what the villagers will do to him if they find out he was not cursed and is not bound by the power of the Jinn.
Sajid thanked him for all the information and asked her if there was any nearby town or other villages where he could find a library. Annaya said it is very rare for a village to exist in this part of the region, especially in the forest of the unknown. As this forest is surrounded by mystery and is very dangerous. This forest is almost cut out from the rest of the world, and those who could live and thrive are all very dangerous. She then proceeds to tell him he should find the forest on his own to explore more about the forest. Many have tried to leave this forest, but they have never returned.
She then advised him to build up his strength and then to try to explore this forest. Sajid thanked him for his advice and went out of the house. He was hungry, but to hunt animals by going outside of village was out of the question. He was still very weak and did not have enough strength to contend with the horrors of the village.Sajid decided to use his powers in the trees surrounding the village to see which fruits can be taken to give it to the village chef for the exchange offer.