The Stone Carver.

Summary

The protagonist faces a dire situation when a man threatens to detonate explosives at the village unless they transcribe a book's contents. Despite the fear and pain from being kicked, they try to stall for time, hoping for rescue. The man, showing impatience, ultimately puts away the remote control, allowing the protagonist to eat. They cleverly sow doubt in the man's mind about the book's value, claiming it was a priceless treasure. As tension rises, the protagonist reveals that both the man and his companion are mere pawns in a larger game, causing them to reconsider their position. The protagonist's words create a shift in dynamics, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Full content