Alfred woke up with a heavy heart. Lying on his bed, he stared at the hanging sunstone, contemplating his life.
Yesterday's event took a toll on him, so he immediately fell asleep when he returned.
Recalling all that happened, he couldn't help but sigh. Even though everything went according to Chief Viren's plan—with a few minor incidents—the reality of his new burden steadily sank into him.
'Am I ready for this? I am just a mere college student back in my world. How am I supposed to lead these people towards a brighter future?'
Once again, a mouthful of air escaped from his mouth.
He sat up, not wanting to worry about what had already transpired. Beside him, two furry animals were sleeping soundlessly.
A smile bloomed on his face as the cute visages of the White Lions lifted his spirit.
'Yeah, it is better to focus my mind on things I have control over.'
Now that the secret about the white lions was out in the open, he didn't have to leave them in his tent with Aponi. In truth, he started to get a little guilty, leaving his responsibility to her.
Today, he would take them to Elder Ahote's tent. Their successful creation of the Spirit Container was just the beginning; they still had to create more for everyday usage.
With that, Alfred prepared: Placed the white Lions in the basket, grabbed his wooden crutch, and set out.
On his way, the tribesmen's attention to him was suddenly revitalized. In the past few days, the eyes he received slowly declined as his presence became a daily occurrence for them, but due to last night's announcement, their interest in him ignited, probably stronger than before.
However, there was something different, not just because it was stronger. He still underwent hateful gazes and scared reactions, but mixed with them, though small and overwhelmed by others, was something new. Something positive. Eyes that looked at him with respect and adoration.
He had no idea how to feel, but one thing was for sure: he liked it.
Upon arriving before the Elder Ahote's abode, Alfred didn't call out and just entered without asking for permission. The Elder despised the suffocating manner of greetings and permission; thus, he gave him the green light to walk inside whenever he wanted.
The room hadn't changed one bit—messy and organized.
"You are here." The sitting Elder greeted with a smile, his hands shaping the clay into a pot. "Oh, you brought the little ones with you. How are they?"
Alfred smiled back, then he limped closer and sat in front of the old man. "Yeah, now that these cubs aren't a secret anymore, I thought bringing them here was a good idea. I don't want to further impose on Aponi; I'm sure she has more important stuff to do. Anyway, you are already making new pots."
Elder Ahote removed his gaze from Alfred and set it on the clay. "Yeah, the clay pots need to be distributed as soon as possible, so the people can get used to them early."
"Can I help?" He asked while putting the basket on the ground.
"Of course," The Elder mumbled absentmindedly. "But do you have time to do this? Are you not supposed to find something that will help the hunters in this upcoming Beast Hunt?"
Alfred traced the edge of a half-formed clay pot, his mind only half-listening. But something gnawed at him, a nagging feeling in the back of his head, like a door left unlocked. Something important… something—
"Do not tell me you forgot about it?" Elder Ahote's voice cut through his thoughts like a knife.
Alfred froze. His stomach dropped.
Speechless, he couldn't muster a reply, staring at the old man like a moron.
The Elder sighed. "I want to help you with that, but I do not think it is right for me to do so. This is your test after all. If you want to receive the respect of our people, you should do this with your capabilities alone; therefore, no one can question your achievement."
"I'm sorry, Elder, I don't think I can help you with pottery today!" Alfred stood in a hurry, grabbing his stuff and bidding farewell. "I have to go first. I will see you when I think of something."
Alfred exited the tent, his destination—home.
His guard eyed him with confusion, but Alfred ignored him and limped without looking back.
He didn't want to bother the bald Elder by being there without helping. Additionally, he had a better chance of thinking of something in a familiar and comfortable space.
On his way back, someone he didn't want to see blocked his way, like a typical bully. Behind him were the usual hunters.
Gunnar stood firmly, his arms crossed and his face frowning. "I finally caught you, outsider!"
Seeing him made Alfred's lips twitch. "I'm sorry, but I'm in a hurry. Can we do this another time?"
The silver-haired young man grinned. "Oh, you dare to talk back now." He walked towards Alfred, wanting to showcase his dominance once again. However, before he could get closer, a man placed himself between them.
Alfred was a bit surprised. The guard who had once before turned a blind eye to Gunnar's action was now actively protecting him.
The smile on Gunnar's face disappeared, replaced by an even deeper frown. "What are you going to do, fight me? Do you think someone with Spirit Blindness can fight a hunter?"
The guard's back, though shaking, remained steadfast, staring at Gunnar with determination.
"I do not want any trouble. My job is to protect our people, and as far as I am concerned, Alfred has become one of us. So, not even a hunter will deter me from doing my duty."
Gunnar gritted his teeth and readied himself to pounce, but before he could, a hand wrapped around his neck and lifted him. He struggled, kicking his foot in the air.
Alfred couldn't remember seeing the man standing behind Gunnar before; if he did, the guy would definitely leave an impression on him because the scar on his neck was pretty eye-catching.
"Put me down, Rao!" Gunnar screamed, attracting the attention of everyone in the area.
Rao's grip on Gunnar didn't loosen as he turned to Alfred. His scarred neck shifted as he gave him a slow, appraising look—like a wolf sizing up another prey.
Then, after giving a slight nod to the guard, he walked away, leaving only the sound of Gunnar's muffled curses in the air.
Although bewildered by the sudden events, Alfred sighed a mouthful of air and forgot everything, as he had a more important matter to attend to.
However, before he continued, he gazed at his guard with appreciation. "Thank you." Then left.
Upon arriving at his house, Alfred saw Aponi exiting his tent.
"You are back! The cubs are gone!" She panickily uttered while jogging towards him.
Alfred looked at the basket in his left hand and back at Aponi. "Oh, I'm sorry, I have taken them with me. I don't want to bother you with my responsibility."
The tan girl touched his chest and released an air of relief. "Thank the Guardian Tree, I thought something bad happened to them." Then she glared at him. "What do you mean by bother? I want to care for them; they are one of the highlights of my day!"
He awkwardly laughed. "I didn't know you liked them so much."
"Of course I am, how can I not?" She said, then took the basket from his hand and sauntered inside his tent.
Lost for words, Alfred followed while scratching the back of his head.