Ari stayed near the training circle long after Kael left to speak with the Elder. The sun had climbed higher now, filtering through the treetops in shimmering patches of gold and shadow. She traced idle lines in the dirt with her staff, her small fingers dusted with soil.
Liri was sprawled across the grass beside her, chewing on a piece of sweetroot. "So," she began, glancing at Ari with a mischievous grin, "what's a human like you doing here, anyway? You don't look like a wanderer."
Ari blinked. "I… don't remember much," she admitted softly. "I woke up in the forest, and Kael found me."
Sena's ears drooped slightly. "You don't remember anything at all?"
"Just bits and pieces," Ari murmured. "Like… flashes of light, voices, and a feeling like falling."
The other two exchanged a look — half curiosity, half unease. Even in their world, falling stars and strange arrivals were omens.
Liri shrugged after a moment. "Well, you don't feel cursed, so that's good."
Ari blinked. "Cursed?"
Sena shot her friend a glare. "Liri!"
"What? I'm just saying!" Liri protested. "Last time someone fell from the sky, it was cursed."
Ari's face paled. "W-what happened to them?"
Liri tapped her chin, thinking. "They exploded. But don't worry! You're too cute to explode."
Sena groaned. "You have no sense of tact."
Ari laughed nervously, but her heart was still pounding. "I really hope I don't explode…"
The air was heavy with heat as the afternoon stretched on. The tribe moved in rhythm — hunters returned with their catches, smiths worked on sharpening bone blades, and children carried baskets of herbs to the healers. Every role flowed like water around the heart of the camp, a living system of strength and survival.
Ari watched with fascination. Every movement seemed purposeful. Even laughter here had weight — a small spark of light in a world that demanded endurance.
"Stop staring and move," Rhoan called from a few meters away. He was balancing a long spear across his shoulders, tail flicking lazily. "Kael said to keep you active."
Ari blinked. "Me?"
"Yeah, you," Rhoan said, walking toward her. "You said you wanted to learn, right?"
"I… did," she said hesitantly, standing and gripping her staff again.
"Then come on," he said, leading her toward a narrow path behind the huts. "If you're staying here, you need to know how to walk quietly. We're not rabbits."
She puffed her cheeks again but followed.
The path curved through dense undergrowth, the smell of pine and moss thick in the air. Sunlight pierced the canopy in faint streaks, casting the forest in shimmering green and gold.
Rhoan moved silently, his steps light and deliberate. Ari tried to imitate him — heel first, then the edge of her foot, placing each step carefully. The first time, she snapped a twig. The second time, she tripped on a root.
"Again," Rhoan said patiently.
"I'm trying," she whispered, cheeks flushed.
"I know. Try softer."
"Try… softer?" she echoed, confused.
He grinned. "Yeah. Think less. Feel more."
Ari frowned slightly, then closed her eyes for a moment. The world hushed — just the whisper of wind, the chirping of insects, and Rhoan's faint breathing. She exhaled and took another step. This time, no sound.
Rhoan smiled. "Better. You're learning."
> [Skill Progression: Stealth (Basic) +5%]
[Perception +1]
Ari's eyes widened slightly at the faint shimmer in her vision. "I… did it?"
"Yeah," Rhoan said, surprised by her genuine excitement. "You did."
They continued practicing for nearly an hour. Ari's steps grew lighter, her movements smoother. Eventually, she began to notice things she hadn't before — the subtle tremor of leaves when a squirrel darted past, the faint hum of insects under a log, the change in air pressure when a bird took flight.
Everything here felt alive. Connected.
> [Environmental Awareness increasing. Trait 'Adaptive Spirit' evolving... progress 37%.]
When they finally returned to the camp, her legs ached, but a faint pride bloomed in her chest. She had learned something — no matter how small.
Kiro greeted them with a wave when they passed his cooking pit. "Back already? Thought Rhoan would lose you in the woods."
"She nearly lost herself," Rhoan teased, plopping down beside the fire.
Ari frowned. "I didn't!"
"Almost," he said, grinning.
Kiro laughed. "Don't tease the cub too much, boy. She might cry."
"I won't!" Ari said quickly — though her voice came out higher than she meant it to, earning another laugh from Rhoan.
Sira approached then, tossing a bundle of herbs into the fire pit to burn off insects. "You three are loud," she muttered, but there was no real bite in her tone. "Ari, come. Elder Therin wishes to see you."
Ari blinked. "M-me?"
"Yes. Move," Sira said simply.
Rhoan's grin faded slightly. "Don't worry. He's not that scary."
Kiro coughed into his hand. "He's terrifying."
Ari froze mid-step. "...Huh?"
Sira sighed. "Ignore them."
The Elder's hut stood near the center of the camp, carved partly into the roots of a massive ancient tree. Its trunk rose so high it seemed to pierce the clouds. Moss and luminous vines crawled across its bark, glowing faintly like veins of light.
Inside, the air was cool and thick with the scent of herbs. Crystals hung from the ceiling, pulsing faintly.
An old wolf-man sat near the center, his fur white as snow and his eyes pale silver, almost blind. Yet the moment Ari stepped in, those eyes turned toward her with piercing clarity.
"So… this is the girl," he said slowly. His voice was deep but steady, carrying the weight of countless winters.
Ari bowed quickly. "Y-yes, sir. I mean— Elder-nim."
Therin chuckled softly. "Polite. Good. You may rise."
She straightened carefully, clutching her staff for comfort.
Kael stood nearby, silent as ever, his presence steady but protective.
The Elder's gaze lingered on Ari for a long moment, studying every inch of her face. Then, almost gently, he said, "You do not carry the scent of our world."
Ari froze. "I… don't?"
"No," the Elder murmured. "You carry something older. Something faint, but powerful. The forest itself listens when you breathe."
Ari swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.
Kael spoke then. "She appeared after the storm. Near the old ruins."
Therin's expression darkened slightly. "The ruins… have been stirring. If the seals are weakening again, this may not be coincidence."
The old wolf reached forward slowly, placing a single clawed finger beneath Ari's chin. His touch was surprisingly gentle. "Child. Tell me — when you close your eyes, what do you hear?"
Ari hesitated, then obeyed. The world seemed to fall silent for a moment… then—
Whispers. Faint, melodic, echoing deep beneath her consciousness. Like wind through stone, like memory.
"I… hear voices," she whispered. "They're not words. More like… songs."
Therin's eyes gleamed faintly. "Then the forest has chosen you."
Kael's jaw tightened. "That could mean danger."
"Or destiny," the Elder said calmly. "Either way, we must watch her closely."
Ari's pulse raced. "Chosen me? For what?"
Therin smiled faintly. "For survival, perhaps. For purpose, certainly."
He turned his gaze toward Kael. "You will guide her. Teach her as you would your own."
Kael nodded, though his eyes betrayed the faintest flicker of uncertainty. "Understood."
Therin leaned back slowly. "That will be all for now. Rest, little one. The forest's eyes are upon you."
When Ari stepped outside, the evening wind greeted her with a cool touch. She exhaled shakily, looking up at the towering branches above the camp. Fireflies drifted lazily between leaves, glowing like tiny stars.
Kael walked beside her in silence for a while. Finally, she asked quietly, "Was… was that bad? What the Elder said?"
He shook his head. "No. But it means your path will be heavier than most."
"My path?"
Kael looked down at her, his eyes softer than before. "You may not be a warrior yet, Ari. But the forest chose to keep you alive when it could have swallowed you whole. That means something. Never waste that chance."
She lowered her head slightly, gripping her staff tighter. "I'll… try not to."
He nodded once. "Good. That's all anyone can do."
As they walked back to the firelit clearing, the sounds of the tribe surrounded them again — laughter, music, the crackle of flames. Somewhere, Kiro was singing an old hunting tune. Rhoan and Liri were arguing about who could climb trees faster.
And for the first time since she arrived, Ari felt like she belonged.
> [System Notice]
Emotional Resonance: +12%
Trait "Adaptive Spirit" – Progress: 62%
New Quest Unlocked: Echoes Beneath the Roots
Objective: Investigate the forest ruins with Kael. (Locked until Level 2)
She smiled faintly, whispering to herself, "Maybe this world isn't so scary after all."
The fire had turned into glowing embers by the time the tribe started to quiet down. The rhythm of life here flowed like a song — one she didn't yet know the lyrics to, but somehow could feel deep in her chest. Ari sat cross-legged near the flame, tracing shapes in the dirt.
"Sleep," the System finally said, its usual monotone softened. "Your energy is low. Tomorrow will require more than curiosity."
Ari puffed out her cheeks. "I was just starting to understand things."
"You've spent half the day following a hunter, accidentally intimidated a young beast, and helped in cooking meat you couldn't even eat. Productive enough."
She laughed quietly, the sound light and childish. "You sound like my teacher back home."
"Then listen like you did not listen to them either."
"...Hey!"
Her small pout was interrupted by a yawn she couldn't suppress. Kael, sitting across the fire sharpening a bone dagger, glanced up at her. The firelight glinted against his eyes — a sharp, amber glow.
"You'll fall asleep right there if you keep fighting it," he said.
Ari rubbed her eyes, voice muffled. "I'm not sleepy."
He didn't respond, only tilted his head toward the hut. "Then you can keep not being sleepy inside, before you catch a chill."
Reluctantly, she stood and padded to the hut. It wasn't large, just enough space for a sleeping mat of woven furs and dried grass. The smell of smoke and pine lingered in the air. Ari settled under the blanket she'd been given, pulling it up to her chin.
Outside, she could hear low voices — Kael talking to another adult.
"...She's small. The Elder may not approve of keeping her."
Kael's reply came, low and firm. "She's under my responsibility. If she can't adapt, I'll be the one to decide it."
Silence followed, then the faint sound of footsteps fading away.
Ari stared at the roof beams, her chest tightening.
She didn't know why hearing that made her feel small — smaller than she already was.
She whispered softly into the blanket, "...I'll adapt."
The System made a faint chime, almost approving.
> [Personal Objective Set: Survive and Adapt in Wolf Fang Tribe – Stage 1]
Progress: 0/100
When dawn arrived, Ari woke to the sound of laughter. Not from adults this time — higher-pitched, playful. She sat up and peeked outside.
Three children — two boys and one girl, all roughly her height — were gathered near a shallow pit, tossing small carved stones like a game of marbles.
The girl noticed her first. "Hey! You're the new one Kael-seon brought!"
Ari blinked. "Um… yes?"
The smallest boy grinned, sharp little canines peeking from his mouth. "She talks funny."
The other boy elbowed him. "Don't be rude!"
Ari tilted her head. "I do?"
"You sound… soft," the girl said thoughtfully, as if that explained everything.
Ari wasn't sure whether to take that as a compliment or not. "I'm Ari."
"Rin," said the girl proudly, pointing to herself. "That's Joon and Miko. We live in Kael-seon's hunting den area."
"Seon?" Ari repeated curiously.
Rin nodded, puffing her chest. "It means he's respected! He trains warriors and teaches the young how to hunt."
"Oh…" Ari blinked, impressed. "Then he's really important."
Joon laughed. "He also scolds us when we skip chores."
"Not important when he's angry," Miko added solemnly.
Ari giggled quietly. "Sounds scary."
They shared a conspiratorial grin — the instant kind of understanding only children could form. Within minutes, Ari was crouched beside them, learning their odd stone game.
"Like this!" Rin said, flicking her thumb. The stone bounced off another, rolling into the dirt. "If you hit one, you get to keep it!"
Ari tried, but her flick sent the stone straight into her own knee. "Ow—"
The three burst out laughing. Even Ari couldn't help but smile, rubbing her leg. "Okay, okay, I'll get it next time."
She did, after about five attempts. By then, Kael appeared at the edge of the clearing, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Rin noticed him first. "Kael-seon! We're teaching the new one!"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Teaching her what? How to destroy her knees?"
Ari's cheeks puffed up. "I did hit one!"
Kael's lips twitched. "I saw." He turned, gesturing to her. "Come. The Elder wants to see you."
Rin gasped. "The Elder? Now?"
Ari froze mid-motion. "The… Elder?"
"Don't worry," Miko said seriously. "He only yells when people lie."
That didn't help.
The Elder's hut sat near the tribe's center — larger, its roof lined with beast bones carved into runic symbols. Smoke drifted from a small vent at the top, the smell of herbs thick in the air.
Kael motioned for Ari to wait while he spoke with someone inside. A moment later, a gravelly voice called, "Bring the child in."
Ari stepped inside cautiously.
The Elder sat near a low firepit, wrapped in a heavy pelt, his eyes sharp beneath snow-white brows. He studied her without a word, and Ari fidgeted under his gaze.
"You are small," he finally said. "And you smell… strange."
Ari's shoulders shrank. "I-I washed!"
Kael stifled a cough that sounded suspiciously like laughter.
The Elder hummed. "Not bad. You understand our tongue."
"She learns fast," Kael added.
"Hmm. We shall see."
The Elder leaned closer. "Tell me, little one — what do you remember before coming here?"
Ari hesitated. What could she say? The truth — that she'd woken up alone in the middle of nowhere with a floating System voice — would probably make them think she was cursed.
"I… was somewhere else," she said carefully. "And then I wasn't."
The Elder frowned. "Not a good omen."
Kael's tone grew sharper. "But not her fault."
For a long moment, the two stared at each other — then the Elder sighed and leaned back. "Very well. She may stay… for now. But she will learn, Kael. If she does not, she will not survive winter."
Ari bit her lip and bowed clumsily. "I'll learn! I will!"
The Elder's eyes softened slightly. "Then let us hope the spirits listen."
Outside, Ari exhaled in relief. "That was… scary."
Kael chuckled under his breath. "That went well, actually."
"That was well?!"
"If he wanted you gone, he wouldn't have spoken twice."
She blinked. "Oh."
Kael smirked. "Come. You'll start training tomorrow. Today, learn the tribe's work — you'll help Rin and the others prepare food."
Ari brightened instantly. "I can help!"
"Try not to burn anything," he muttered.
"I only burned one thing yesterday!"
"Exactly."
By midday, Ari had helped grind herbs, wash roots, and even stir a stew under Rin's careful supervision. Though she made mistakes, the others didn't mock her — they teased, laughed, and shared stories that made the day fly by.
The System chimed occasionally.
> [Adaptation +3]
[Cooking Proficiency +1]
When she accidentally dropped a ladle into the pot, it added helpfully,
> "Ari, the correct technique does not involve submerging the entire utensil."
"Shh!" she hissed at it, earning a confused look from Rin.
As the sun began to set, the tribe gathered again — this time for a communal meal. Meat, roots, and thick broth passed from hand to hand. Ari sat between Rin and Miko, trying everything she could.
Kael sat across, quiet but watching — the faintest hint of amusement flickering whenever she struggled with unfamiliar flavors.
When the meal ended and the tribe settled under the stars, Ari leaned back on her hands, staring at the night sky. It was deeper than she'd ever seen — scattered with countless stars, wild and bright.
The world here was primitive, strange, sometimes harsh. But as laughter echoed softly around her, she thought maybe… it wasn't so bad.
> [Progress: 14/100 — Adaptation: Stage 1 Continuing]