The preparation for the hunt began.
Elder Ahote and Alfred make bigger pots for the upcoming battle. Alfred's plan required a vast amount of monster blood; thus, it needed a larger-than-usual container.
Vir and a few hunters scout the place of their hunting ground, targeting the beast located south of their tribe. While others hunt for monsters, not just for their meat but for the blood they would use for the upcoming battle.
Regardless of how busy they were, Vir still chose to leave a few hunters in the tribe, ensuring the safety of their people, at least until the hunt. After all, every hunter would have to come when the day arrived, leaving only the guards who couldn't feel the Spirit Energy, making it impossible for them to join the hunt.
The atmosphere in the tribe was dark and heavy, even gloomier when they held the funeral.
People flinched upon hearing the word "hunt." As if the very word itself would bring untold misfortune.
The families of the hunters looked at their children, husbands, and fathers' backs with miserable eyes as if they were already imagining the loss they would suffer.
Even then, the work continued. Enduring the depressing sighs and joyless activities.
Only a week or so before the Beast Hunt; therefore, even if forced, the people spend their time with their loved ones, laughing and enjoying their existence.
If an outsider had seen the sight, he would have envied their happiness, but those who knew would pity it instead. Such was the cruelty of life.
Seconds ticked by, hours came by, and days passed by until finally, the time had reached the momentous and terrifying day of departure.
People gathered before the entrance of the tribe, hugging, crying, and encouraging. All sorts of heartbreaking scenes played out.
"Please come back, I cannot go on if I lose you."
"Papa, do not go!"
"Be brave, the Guardian Tree is with all of you."
Chief Viren waited for the family members to say their goodbyes before he started. "This day has arrived once again. The day that we all dreaded. However, I believe this time may be different. I can feel that most of our hunters will return to us with great success! For we have faith in our bravest warriors!"
The tribesmen's faces became determined. Their eyes filled with hope and faith that their loved ones would come back.
Although every Beast Hunt would result in casualties, they still had faith in the Chieftain's words that this time was different.
A lot of people, if not all, glanced at the young man with a leaf tattoo on his forehead. Even though most of them had hate in their heart for the new member, a dim light of faith still burned amidst their negative opinion, that maybe he could bring changes like what the Elders believed.
Alfred felt the burning gaze in him, adding weight to his already burdening responsibilities. Nevertheless, he remained unbothered, at least on the outside. But in reality, his heart was beating like no end.
This was the first time he was stepping out of the safety of the tribe, and worse than that, it was to hunt a beast. Though he wasn't going to be a direct participant, just being in the mission was enough to place him in danger.
His missing foot throbbed as the painful memory he experienced in the forest reemerged. The sensation of his limb being torn apart, the sound of his flesh being devoured, and the smell of his blood and urine rose in his mind, furthering his extreme anxiety. Fortunately, the White Lion in his arms kept him from losing it. Grounding him to do his best for his new family.
"This hunt will challenge the continuance of our existence; failure is not an option." The Chieftain continued. "Although most of us are not part of the hunting team, it does not mean we cannot contribute. That is why I am asking everyone to give our hunters all your support and give them the strength they need to win this battle! The motivation to endure the fight! Even though it is difficult, smile for their sake and give them our loudest scream! FOR OUR TRIBE!"
Alfred's throat was dry. His heartbeat pounded in his ears. Could he really do this? Could he really face the wilderness again? Then—
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
The chant hit him like a shockwave. He felt it in his bones, in his chest. This wasn't just his fight. It was theirs. And he was one of them.
The ground shook due to the intensity of everyone's synchronization. Together with it was a spark that ignited everyone's hearts. The hunters were ready. Their worried and anxious faces changed into determination as they stared at the forest with resolve.
After giving a deep bow to the three Elders, they all turned around and faced the Head Hunter.
"Let us begin the hunt!" Vir shouted.
With that, 16 hunters began marching to the forest in a uniform line; some of them carried large pots, while others had multiple weapons. Leading them was Vir, showing his reliable back to everyone as if telling the people behind to trust him, and he would solve any problem.
Alfred's motivation overwhelmed his fear.
He turned his eyes to the girl beside him and passed the cub to her. "Please take care of them. Oh, by the way, I named one of them Leo. You should think of a name for the other. I hope you have one when I return."
Aponi took Leo and carried it together with its sibling. "Leo, I like the name. Okay, I will think of something beautiful. Be ready to hear it when you come back."
After that, Alfred slid his attention to the three Elders standing side by side. "I will go now. We will succeed."
"Of course, I expect nothing less." Shaman Catori uttered in confidence, still carrying the Lion in her embrace.
"I know you will, and when you do, we will celebrate the successful hunt." Elder Ahote, with his arms crossed, smilingly declared.
"This is the beginning of our bright future, show them what you are capable of." Chief Viren encouraged while caressing his long beard.
With the farewell done, Alfred followed the group of hunters, though limping, his silhouette still showed an admirable display.
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
"FOR OUR TRIBE!"
The screams of the tribesmen disappeared as the hunters stepped outside the protection of the Guardian Tree.
Confused, Alfred looked back, only to discover that the tribe had vanished.
"What the! Where did the tribe go?!" He stopped while pointing to the place where the tribe was supposed to be."
A scuff and a laugh answered his question.
"What an idiot." Gunnar mocked but didn't pursue the matter further.
Most ignored Alfred's ignorance, but luckily, the youngest hunter, who was taller than him by several inches, walked closer and informed him. "Did no one tell you about the Guardian Tree's protection?"
"Aponi mentioned it before, but I thought it was spiritual protection," Alfred answered while a realization slowly sank into him. "Wait, don't tell me the Guardian Tree's protection hid the tribe from outside?"
The youngest hunter nodded with a cheerful smile. "Yeah, is it not amazing?"
Alfred's mouth steadily gaped with the new information.
"Stop talking and hurry up, we do not have time to play around." An older hunter said, waking the two in their casual conversation.
"Coming!" the young hunter immediately limped, catching up to the group.
With curiosity in his heart, Alfred followed, regretting that he hadn't discovered the phenomenon sooner.