The scent of roasted meat hung heavy in the air by the time Ari and the hunters returned. Smoke curled lazily from the central fire pit, where villagers worked together to prepare the evening meal. Children ran between the huts, shrieking in delight, their laughter echoing against the cliffside.
For the first time since she'd arrived, Ari didn't feel like a stranger walking through someone else's world. She still got curious glances — a few older women whispering about "the strange cub" Kael brought back — but now there were nods too. Small ones, hesitant but acknowledging.
Kael spoke briefly to the other hunters, then turned to her. "Go to Elder Naen. She'll want your account."
Ari gave a small bow. "Yes, Kael-seon."
He gave an amused grunt. "You learn quickly."
"I try," she muttered, clutching the little knife at her side like a talisman as she headed toward the Elder's hut.
–––
Elder Naen's dwelling sat near the heart of the village — simple but meticulously kept. Herbs hung in neat rows from the rafters, and carved stones lined the doorway. The old woman sat cross-legged by a low table, grey hair braided with bone beads. Her sharp eyes flicked up as Ari entered.
"So. The small one returns," Naen said, voice dry as the desert. "You lived through the hunt."
"Y-yes, Elder Naen."
"Come closer. Speak clearly. Tell me what you saw."
Ari knelt on the woven mat, her hands resting nervously in her lap. She told everything — the formation, the signals, how Kael moved, how the boar fell. She tried to remember every detail.
Naen's expression didn't change, but her hands paused once when Ari mentioned Kael letting her assist with butchering.
When the girl finished, silence stretched between them.
Finally, Naen said, "You saw well for someone so new."
Ari blinked. "Really?"
"Yes." The Elder's tone softened slightly. "Kael was right to bring you. Fear is an honest teacher."
Ari's chest warmed. "Thank you, Elder Naen."
Naen tilted her head, studying her. "You carry strange energy, little one. Not beast, not tribe-born. I can feel it hum beneath your skin."
Ari stiffened. She can sense the System?!
"I-I don't really know…" she said weakly.
Naen smiled, a knowing one. "Perhaps not yet. But power leaves a scent — and yours lingers. Keep it hidden, or others will ask questions you cannot answer."
"Yes, Elder."
The woman hummed. "Good. Now go eat. You've earned it. Tomorrow, you will join the gatherers. Learn how we live when there is no hunt."
Ari bowed deeply, heart pounding, and slipped out into the evening air.
–––
The village was alive with warmth and noise. Long tables made from split logs circled the main fire. Kael sat near the center with the hunters, but when he noticed Ari hovering uncertainly by the edge, he beckoned her over.
"Sit."
She did, quietly. A woman with gentle eyes set a bowl in front of her — steaming stew with pieces of boar meat floating inside. The smell made her stomach twist with hunger.
Kael raised his cup. "To the hunt," he said simply.
The tribe echoed: "To the hunt."
The meal began.
Ari ate slowly at first, but when she tasted the broth — rich and smoky — she couldn't help herself. Kael chuckled softly. "You'll fit right in if you eat like that."
"Mmf! S-sorry!" she mumbled, cheeks puffed.
"No need to apologize. It means you're alive."
The woman across from them laughed. "Kael-seon, I thought you didn't like children."
He shrugged. "I don't. But this one doesn't talk too much."
"I do!" Ari protested, earning another laugh from the table.
It was… nice. Warm. Safe in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
As the night wore on, music began — low drums, carved flutes. Warriors shared stories of the hunt, children danced around the fire. Ari watched, mesmerized.
Her system flickered quietly in the corner of her vision.
[Social Integration: 41%]
[New Function Unlocked — Tribe Relationship Tracker]
She blinked. Relationship tracker?
Names appeared, glowing faintly:
Kael — 38 (Trusting)
Naen — 27 (Curious)
Ryn — 20 (Neutral)
Lira — 15 (Cautious)
Her eyes widened. That's so cool… and a little scary.
"Ari," Kael said suddenly, pulling her attention back. "When you first woke, you said you remembered nothing, right?"
"Mm-hm."
"Do you remember anything now? Dreams, flashes, voices?"
She hesitated. "…Sometimes I hear… something. Like… a bell. Or a whisper. It's hard to explain."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly. "If you hear it again, tell me. The forest whispers to few without reason."
She nodded. "I will."
For a while, they sat in comfortable silence. Then Kael rose, setting down his cup. "Eat more, then rest. Tomorrow will be longer."
"Longer?"
"Gathering takes more patience than hunting."
He left to speak with the tribe's leader across the fire, and Ari leaned back, full and drowsy.
Gathering, huh? That doesn't sound too hard.
Her system chimed softly.
[New Quest: A Day in the Tribe — Complete Daily Tasks]
[Rewards: Basic Gathering Pouch, Skill Unlock (Survivalist I)]
She smiled faintly, stifling a yawn.
The stars stretched endlessly above, silver against black. Around her, laughter still echoed, fires burned bright, and for the first time since her arrival in this strange beast world—
She didn't feel alone.
The first light of dawn crept into the hut like a cautious guest. Ari stirred, stretching under the fur blanket, her arms sore from yesterday's hunt. Her small knife gleamed faintly by her side, a quiet reminder that she wasn't dreaming.
Outside, the tribe was already stirring — low voices, the thump of baskets, and the smell of smoke rising from the central fire pit. She rubbed her eyes and peeked out through the doorway.
Kael was gone, likely with the hunters again. But nearby, a group of women were preparing tools: woven baskets, stone knives, wooden spears for fending off small animals.
Ari's system blinked softly.
[Quest: A Day in the Tribe — 0/3 Tasks Completed]
[Objective 1: Join the Gatherers]
"Alright…" she muttered, slipping out and brushing down her rough tunic.
"Little cub! Over here!"
She turned. Lira — the woman who'd teased Kael last night — waved her over, her long hair braided with bits of silver bone. "Kael-seon said you'd come help. You don't look like much of a gatherer though."
"I can learn," Ari said quickly, straightening her back.
Lira grinned, handing her a small woven bag. "That's the spirit. Let's go, then. We'll be back before sunset."
–––
The gatherers moved at an easy pace through the forest. The morning air was cool, and light filtered softly through the leaves. Ari followed closely behind, listening to the chatter.
Lira led the group — four women and one young boy — explaining which berries were safe, which roots were bitter, and how to tell when animal scent meant danger.
"Remember, smell the air before touching anything," Lira said. "And if it smells sweet but looks sharp, don't even try it."
Ari nodded, repeating it under her breath. Smell first, don't touch sharp sweets.
Her system chimed softly.
[Skill: Observation (Beginner) acquired]
[+2 Survival Points]
They spent hours walking. Sometimes Lira would hum a song — something old and rhythmic — while the others worked. Ari joined in when she could, though she didn't know the words.
It was peaceful, almost too peaceful.
But by midday, Ari started feeling uneasy. The birds had gone quiet. Even the wind seemed to still.
"Lira-seon," she whispered, "it's quiet."
The woman frowned. "Yes… too quiet." She signaled for the others to stop. "Stay close."
A low growl answered from somewhere in the brush.
Ari's system flashed red.
[Warning: Beast Detected — Danger Level: 5]
Something large was moving between the trees. Heavy steps. A shadow.
Lira raised her spear. "It's not a tusk. Too light. Everyone back, slow—"
The creature burst out before she could finish — a sleek, black-furred feline, twice the size of a man. Its yellow eyes glowed with hunger.
Ari froze. The cat's gaze landed on her — the smallest, weakest target.
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
"Run!" Lira shouted.
The others scattered. Ari stumbled backward, tripping over a root. The beast lunged—
She barely rolled aside, the claw slicing through the air where she'd stood.
[Emergency Trigger: Survival Instinct (Passive) Activated]
Her body moved before her mind caught up — grabbing a sharp stick, jabbing it toward the creature's face. It hissed, retreating a step.
"Ari!" Lira's voice cut through the chaos. She hurled her spear. It struck the beast's flank, shallow but enough to enrage it further.
The creature roared, turning toward Lira now.
Ari scrambled to her feet, panic rising — she had to do something. Her System pulsed again.
[New Skill Generated: Throw (Basic)]
[+1 Dexterity]
Her eyes darted to a nearby stone. Without thinking, she snatched it up and hurled it with all her strength.
The rock hit the beast square on the nose. It yowled — surprised more than hurt — and turned back to her.
"Oh no…" she whispered.
Then came the sharp whistle.
A blur of movement — Kael crashed through the trees, spear in hand. His arrival was like lightning, sudden and absolute.
"Down!" he barked.
Ari ducked instantly. Kael's spear shot past her shoulder and sank deep into the beast's throat. The feline let out a strangled sound before collapsing in a heap.
The forest fell silent again, save for Ari's ragged breathing.
Lira lowered her weapon, exhaling shakily. "By the ancestors… Kael-seon, you always arrive at the last possible moment."
Kael ignored her teasing, eyes narrowing on Ari. "You're hurt?"
"N-no! I'm fine!" she said quickly. Her knees trembled, but she was standing.
He reached out and lifted her chin gently. "You fought?"
"I—I threw a rock," she admitted.
Kael blinked. Then… chuckled. "Good throw."
Lira burst out laughing. "I saw it! She smacked that beast right on the nose!"
Ari's cheeks turned red. "I-I just got lucky."
Kael shook his head. "Luck favors the brave."
Her system pinged softly.
[Quest Completed: A Day in the Tribe]
[Rewards Received: Basic Gathering Pouch + Skill Unlock — Survivalist I]
She smiled faintly, exhaustion catching up to her. "Can I… go home now?"
Kael nodded, placing a hand on her head briefly — a rare gesture of approval. "You did well, little cub. Come."
As they began their walk back, the others carrying their baskets and the slain beast, Ari couldn't help but glance at Kael's calm, steady stride beside her.
For a moment, she imagined that maybe this was what belonging felt like — the comfort of knowing someone would come when you called for help.
And for the first time since she'd arrived, Ari laughed softly. "Maybe gathering isn't easier than hunting after all."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Now you understand."
By the time they returned to the village, the sun was dipping low behind the cliffs. Shadows stretched long across the clearing, the air warm and thick with the scent of blood and smoke from the newly slain beast.
The moment Kael stepped into view, several tribespeople hurried over — eyes wide when they saw the massive black cat being dragged between two men.
"A night panther," someone whispered. "That's deep-forest prey!"
Lira gave a sharp grin, wiping sweat from her brow. "It almost had us for prey if not for Kael-seon."
Elder Naen emerged from her hut, leaning on her carved staff. Her sharp eyes scanned the group, landing on Ari. "And the small one?"
Ari stiffened under the elder's gaze. "I—I'm okay, Elder Naen."
Lira chuckled and gestured at her. "The little cub was brave! She distracted the beast long enough for Kael to strike."
"By throwing a rock," Kael added evenly.
Naen's lips twitched — not quite a smile, but something close. "Then that rock saved lives. Even the smallest hand can tip fate."
Ari blinked. "I… didn't mean to do anything big. I just didn't want anyone to get hurt."
The elder nodded. "That is a good reason." She turned to the hunters. "Skin the creature. Keep the claws and hide — they will be used in the rites."
Kael gave a short nod, then looked to Ari again. "Go wash. Eat something. You did well today."
She hesitated. "Can I… help with the hide?"
His brow lifted, a faint amusement in his eyes. "You're eager to work?"
"I want to learn," she said simply.
Kael studied her for a moment before nodding. "Then stay near Ryn. Watch his hands. He's quiet, but he won't scold you."
"Yes, Kael-seon."
The panther's hide was slick and heavy. Ryn, the young hunter with pale streaks in his dark hair, worked silently with steady hands. He made clean cuts, separating fur from flesh in smooth motions. Ari watched closely, mimicking his rhythm when he motioned for her to try.
Her knife trembled a little at first, but she steadied it. Each motion felt easier than before — the muscle memory settling faster than it should.
Her system flickered.
[Skill Progression: Butchering → Level 2]
[Bonus Attribute: +1 Precision]
Ryn glanced over her shoulder, watching her work. "Not bad," he said quietly. His voice was low, like wind through stone. "You learn fast."
"I have… good teachers," Ari said softly.
He gave a brief nod and returned to his task. The two worked in companionable silence as dusk deepened, the stars beginning to shimmer above.
When the job was done, Ryn rinsed the knives in a basin, and Ari helped carry the cleaned hide to a wooden rack. The firelight painted everything in gold and amber hues.
Naen approached again, her steps slow but sure. "The hide is good. The hunt is complete. Tonight we give thanks."
The entire tribe began to gather. A circle formed around the fire, voices rising in a deep, rhythmic chant. Ari stood near the back, her heart beating in tune with the drum.
Kael stood before the flames, holding the panther's claws in his hands. He lifted them high. "To the hunt," he said. "To the blood that feeds us. To the hands that survived."
The tribe echoed: "To the hands that survived."
Naen's gaze found Ari again. "Come forward, child."
Ari froze. "M-me?"
"Come."
She stepped forward slowly, feeling every eye on her. The fire painted her face in orange light.
"This cub faced the wild and returned," Naen said, her voice carrying over the crowd. "She may not bear our mark, but courage is its own proof."
A murmur rippled through the tribe — approval, surprise, and pride mingled together.
Naen dipped her fingers into a bowl of dark ash and touched Ari's forehead. "Tonight, you are no longer an outsider. You are of the Fang."
The tribe's voices rose together — a cheer that echoed through the cliffs. Someone thumped her shoulder gently, another handed her a carved bone charm.
Her system pulsed brightly.
[Title Acquired: Adopted Cub of the Wolf Fang Tribe]
[Reputation: Recognized — Rank D → Rank C]
[Reward: +5 Survival Points | Skill Tree Unlock — Tribe Adaptation]
Ari's breath caught. The screen shimmered before her eyes, and she couldn't help but grin.
Naen's expression softened, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "Welcome home, little one."
Kael crossed his arms, watching from the fire's edge. "Don't let it go to your head," he said, though his tone held quiet pride.
"I won't," Ari said, smiling up at him. "But… maybe I'll throw better next time."
He huffed a laugh. "Then I'll make sure the next beast is smaller."
The laughter around the fire grew louder, carrying into the night.
Later, when the noise died down and most of the tribe had drifted to their huts, Ari sat by the fire, the carved bone charm still warm in her hands.
Her system opened quietly.
[Status Update]
Name: Ari
Tribe: Wolf Fang (Adopted)
Rank: Cub
Attributes: Strength 7 | Agility 9 | Intelligence 10 | Willpower 12
Skills: Butchering Lv2, Observation Lv1, Throw (Basic), Survivalist I
Current Questline: "Path of the Tribe — Learn, Grow, Survive."
She smiled faintly. "I'm… actually part of something."
For the first time since awakening in this strange, wild world, Ari didn't look at the stars and feel small. She looked at them and felt alive.
The flames crackled softly beside her, and in the faint whisper of the wind, she could almost swear she heard the System murmur—
> Survive, little cub. The hunt has only begun.
The next morning arrived not with the usual chaos of the tribe's movement, but with the soft hum of a forest in peace. Dew clung to the ferns, reflecting specks of gold from the sun filtering through the canopy. A light fog coiled between the trees like lazy smoke.
Ari stirred beneath her woven blanket. Raku's warmth pressed against her side, his tail curled protectively around her waist. The faint sound of rustling leaves and murmuring voices outside made her blink awake. It was the first morning she didn't wake up with fear clawing at her chest.
She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. "...Morning," she mumbled, her voice still husky with sleep.
Raku huffed, blinking one golden eye open before yawning wide enough to show his sharp fangs. Then, with a lazy shake, he stood and padded toward the tent flap.
"Wait—" Ari whispered, grabbing her satchel. Her movements were still awkward, but less frantic now. She followed him out, greeted by the sight of the tribe already stirring with activity. Warriors were sharpening their bone weapons; women were weaving or washing pelts by the riverbank.
A few of them glanced at her and nodded respectfully. Some even smiled faintly — a small, but clear sign of acceptance.
Jiru noticed her first. "You're awake," he said, crouching by the fire as he turned a flat stone used for cooking. "Good timing. Breakfast's almost ready."
"...Ah, thank you." Ari bowed slightly — an instinctive habit from her old life. Her cheeks reddened when a few chuckles rippled nearby.
"Still bowing, little one?" Kira teased from across the fire, her long hair tied into a single braid. "We don't do that here. Just say thanks."
"R-right. Thank you."
Her stammer made Kira grin. "Better."
Raku brushed past her, his tail thumping against her leg as he sat beside Jiru expectantly.
Jiru sighed. "You already had meat last night."
The beast snorted.
"Fine," he muttered, tossing him a bone chunk. "You two are the same — never satisfied."
Ari smiled quietly, sitting cross-legged as the tribe shared their morning meal. There was laughter, the clang of tools, and the soft hum of daily routine. It was a rhythm she'd never known before — primitive, but oddly comforting.
When the elders gathered later that day, she was called to join. Her stomach fluttered nervously as she walked toward the large oak platform where the senior members sat. Raku followed, his presence solid and reassuring.
The head elder — a broad-shouldered man with a white streak in his hair named Toren — eyed her thoughtfully. "Child. You've been here several days. You've learned quickly."
Ari lowered her gaze. "I… tried my best."
"You've also shown respect to the forest," another elder added, tapping his staff against the wood. "The spirits seem to favor you. The beast who guards you proves that."
Raku's ears flicked. He gave a low rumble that sounded almost like agreement.
The elders exchanged glances. Then Toren spoke again.
"There's a custom among our tribe. If a stranger is accepted by a guardian beast, and they survive their first moon safely, they are granted a name."
Ari blinked. "A… name?"
Toren nodded. "A tribal name. A mark of belonging."
The others murmured softly, approving.
Her heart beat faster. Belonging. The word struck something deep inside her — a fragile part that had been lonely even before she came to this world.
Toren continued, "Your spirit seems tied to both calm and curiosity. The forest does not fear you, and neither does the wolf. For that, your name shall be Arin, the Quiet Dawn."
The words hung in the air like sunlight through mist.
Ari — Arin now — froze, mouth slightly open. "A… Arin…"
Kira clapped her hands. "Arin! It suits you!"
Even Jiru smiled, giving her a thumbs-up. "Welcome, little sister."
Arin's throat tightened. She bit her lip, struggling not to cry. "Th-thank you…"
Raku huffed proudly, tail flicking against her back.
From that day onward, she was no longer just the outsider girl. She became Arin of the Dawn Tribe. Her days filled with learning: weaving, gathering herbs, tending fires, and understanding the strange bond she shared with Raku.
Her System continued to whisper quietly in the background, unnoticed by others.
> [Basic Survival Skills Lv.2 acquired.]
[Beast Affinity increased.]
[Hidden Trait detected: Forest Sense – Lv.1]
Sometimes, when she touched a tree or the ground, she could faintly feel vibrations — almost like the forest's heartbeat. She hadn't told anyone about it yet. Something deep inside told her it wasn't time.
That night, she stood by the river again, staring at her reflection. The girl who looked back wasn't quite the same — dirt on her cheeks, a small scar on her wrist, eyes sharper but warmer too.
Raku stood beside her, head lowered near the water. The moon reflected in his golden eyes.
"Raku…" she whispered. "Do you think… I'll really belong here?"
The beast huffed softly, lowering his head so her fingers could brush against his fur. The warmth of his body grounded her. She smiled faintly.
"I guess that's a yes."
She sat beside him, pulling her knees close. The forest sang quietly — insects, owls, and distant howls blending into a lullaby. For the first time since waking in this strange world, Arin felt no ache in her chest. Only quiet… and peace.
Her eyelids grew heavy.
And somewhere, deep within the forest, her System pulsed once again — faint and unseen — as though something was awakening.
> [Main Quest Progress: 6%]
[Hidden Condition met – New Path Unlocked]
[Title: The Quiet Dawn (Bound)]
The screen faded before she could read more. But she didn't need to.
For now, all she wanted was to rest — as the first whispers of dawn touched the treetops above her new home.