The rest of the hunting party exchanged uncertain glances. Normally, Theodor was the one with foresight, calm, rational, and wise. The one who spotted danger before it came and guided them with steady hands.
But now? He seemed narrow-minded, blind to the risk standing right before them.
"Sure, he looks like a teenager—but did you see what he did? That kind of power doesn't belong to a child," said Trion, his voice edged with unease. "And honestly, we should be getting back to our main objective. Who knows how many people are already looking for the Fire Mushroom down in that valley?"
Here is a natural and accurate English translation of your paragraph, using proper grammar and a fluent, human-like fantasy adventure tone:
Bringing a stranger into the settlement was already a risk, but what if the person they brought turned out to be incredibly dangerous? What if he attacked their companions the moment he woke up? And then there was the matter of how suspicious Aaron's presence truly was. No child his age had any business wandering alone through the Forbidden Forest.
Even worse, if Aaron really was an Archon, they could all be accused of kidnapping him—and executed before they had a chance to explain. There were simply too many potential dangers tied to this boy's existence.
That was why the more objective hunters-the ones thinking with clear heads—refused to bring just anyone back to their settlement.
Reluctantly, they began to argue. Some sided with Theodor, driven by gut instinct or a sense of duty. Others rejected the idea outright, citing the dangers of dragging a living mystery, potentially a threat, back to civilization.
Eventually, Theodor raised a hand, silencing them all.
"All right," he said firmly. "Fred, Jhon, and I have agreed to bring the boy. Tomas and Trion are against it. That's three to two. The decision stands. We're taking him with us."
"Fine!" Trion snapped. "Then you carry him. I'm not going anywhere near that walking time bomb—or his gear."
Though his reasoning made sense for their safety, Trion chose not to press the issue further. There wasn't time for endless debate. They had a goal to reach—and quickly.
With a grunt, Theodor slung Aaron onto his back. He moved the heavy broadsword he normally carried to his hip to make room. Fred took Aaron's bow and sword, strapping them to his pack.
Before they moved on, Theodor turned to the others.
"Maybe you're right, Trion. Maybe this is reckless. But we came into this forest to try and save lives. If it all amounts to nothing… at least we saved one."
The five of them set off again, heading toward the valley between the twin peaks—toward the shimmering pool nestled at the base of the mountains.
"Oh, is that you, Theodor?"
The voice was too familiar—and far too smug.
Theodor's expression darkened as a group of men stepped into view. He knew that voice.
"Hahaha… Don't worry, Theodor. We were just on our way out. The place is all yours," the man said with a theatrical grin.
"What are you doing here, Frank?" Theodor asked, his voice flat, unreadable.
"Hmm... Just gathering Fire Mushrooms," Frank replied, the smugness in his smile practically oozing from his face.
"Hah. I doubt anyone in your party could tell the difference between a Fire Mushroom and a poisonous toadstool," Trion sneered.
The grin vanished from Frank's face, replaced by a scowl.
"Tch… Whatever. Come on, boys. Let's go. Some people clearly aren't interested in fair trade," Frank muttered, masking his irritation behind forced calm.
But as they began walking down the same narrow path—both groups converging at the forest's only entrance and exit—Theodor stepped forward.
"Wait."
He blocked Frank's way.
"You looking for a fight, Theodor?" Frank growled, glaring at the man in his path.
Weapons were drawn in a heartbeat.
Frank's group numbered ten, twice as many as Theodor's. Bows were raised. Blades unsheathed. The air thickened with tension.
But then Theodor broke the silence with a question.
"How much?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Frank's face. Then he smiled again.
"That's more like it. Knew you were smart, Theodor. A fight would only cost both of us, though your side would suffer more."
He leaned in, his voice slick and practiced like a merchant's.
"I know why you want the Fire Mushroom. So I'll give you a deal. A friendly price… one Fairy."
"What?! That's outrageous! You're robbing us!" Trion barked.
Fairies were rare—far rarer than even Fire Mushrooms. And far more valuable.
But Frank just shrugged. "Take it or leave it. Eventually, your settlement will fall to the plague. And when it does, the Fairy you've been hiding? It'll be ours—one way or another. At least this way, you get something in return."
Theodor clenched his jaw. Then exhaled.
"Fine. But I'll need to speak with my people first. That's not a decision I can make on my own."
Frank laughed, triumphant.
"Good decision, Theodor! I'll be waiting for your message. Once you're ready, we'll finalize the deal in—"
"Hand over the Fire Mushroom."
The voice cut through Frank's sentence like a blade.
It wasn't anyone they knew.
Frank turned, irritated—but then he saw an opportunity. Another customer.
"Oh? Of course. Two Fairies—"
"I said, hand it over. No negotiation."
The stranger's voice was firm, unwavering.
Frank bristled. His chance to manipulate the moment was gone. The deal he had worked so hard to control was snatched away by a newcomer.
"Hmph. Even beasts understand the value of exchange. But you? You walk in here, demanding like a common thief? That's laughable."
The stranger didn't answer. He stepped forward slowly.
He was a man in his late forties. Broad-shouldered. Towering. Curly brown hair framed a weathered face. His armor gleamed faintly beneath the forest light—heavy steel, worn with use. He looked like a knight pulled from legend.
Then, without warning—
"Blergh!"
Frank doubled over, gasping for air. The man had struck him in the stomach with what looked like a casual jab, but the impact left him retching, breathless, broken.
Both groups froze.
No one moved. No one spoke.
Theodor watched carefully, his thoughts racing.
'This man... he's strong. Is he connected to the boy I'm carrying?
Could the Archons not only possess power but also the ability to heal?
If so... maybe—just maybe—strangers could help us save our people.'
Hope flickered in his chest.