Nighttime.
The people of the Phantom Tribe had gathered in the square, waiting silently for their Chieftain, who stood together with Vir before them, to begin.
Between them was a crackling fire, burning so furiously that the heat could cook a slice of meat within seconds. It was tall, reaching the height of an adult man, and bright enough to illuminate everyone in the area.
As the whispering traveled across ears, the skinny Chieftain raised his hand, garnering the attention of every man, woman, child, and elderly.
"We have gathered all of you here to inform you about the happenings within our tribe! But before I begin, I want everyone to understand and not cause a ruckus while we explain everything! We will give you time to ask if anyone has a question!"
Alfred couldn't hear the tribesmen's opinions as he was far in the back, embraced by darkness together with Shaman Catori, Elder Ahote, and Aponi.
Each of them held something in their arms.
Alfred, Aponi, and Shaman Catori had the three White Lions, while Elder Ahote carried the clay pot.
They were waiting for their cue to come in.
"I'm a bit scared," Alfred whispered to the girl standing beside him.
Aponi cutely giggled. "You are not alone in that. This night will bring great changes to everything, it is understandable to feel nervous."
"Do not worry, young Alfred. You are the star tonight, show them what you can do, and I am sure they will appreciate you." Elder Ahote added, smiling with full confidence.
'Oh god! That made me even more anxious!'
"Stop whispering and listen." The old Shaman reprimanded while caressing the white cat on her arm.
"We have a lot to announce, so I will begin now!" Chief Viren looked behind him and called out. "Please bring out the subject of our first discussion."
At the Chief's call, Shaman Catori stepped forward, followed by Aponi and Alfred.
When the light touched the trio, silence spread like a plague.
A child pointed.
A woman fell with weakened feet.
And soon, gasps and trembling voices grew.
"W-why is there a monster here!"
"Quickly protect the children!"
"Why are they being embraced like that?!"
Hunters and guards who had not been informed pointed their spears toward the sleeping monsters.
Alfred took a step back, fearful of what might transpire next.
'Crap, I knew this will happen! I should have convinced the Elders that this is a bad idea!'
*CLAP!*
Vir clapped and then shouted. "Everyone, calm down!"
The firm voice reverberated, waking the tribesmen out of their frenzied state.
"The Chieftain has yet to finish his words, listen and do not disrupt!" Vir added in a commanding tone.
Alfred released a mouthful of air while his confidence slowly built up within him.
'That scares the living hell out of me. But still, I am glad Vir is here. Having someone like him controlling the situation is very reassuring.'
Just a second ago, the people were on the verge of panicking, but they had completely stayed silent and still now.
It was an amazing display. Alfred couldn't remember seeing something similar in his previous world. Maybe there was, but it was definitely hard to come by.
The tribesmen's faces didn't have the look of fear, but instead of respect.
"I know most of you are scared and concerned about the monster inside the Guardian Tree's protection!" Chief Viren announced while walking back and forth in front of Shaman Catori, Aponi, and Alfred. "It is reasonable to fear, and you should be. But you must all understand that we would not have chosen to do this if the benefit were not outstanding."
Chief Viren stopped and stared at the eyes of his citizens for a few seconds before continuing. With a passionate voice, he explained the possibility of what could occur if it succeeded. A life without worrying about food. A life where hunting wasn't the only way to survive. A life where monsters weren't to be afraid of, but instead tame and controlled.
Another stillness devoured the crowd.
Alfred couldn't blame them; it was an idea far from their system. Perhaps if he were in the same situation, he would react the same, probably even worse.
"How can small monsters solve our food supply?"
"That is right, Chieftain, how can they? And controlling? Is that even possible?"
The few voices that uttered their concern instantly influenced the people, as more and more questions were thrown at him.
Alfred took a glance at the quiet Chieftain, wanting to read his emotions through his facial expression. However, he failed because the only thing he saw was nothing but pure calmness.
With utmost confidence, the skinny Chieftain took a step forward, closer to the dancing fire, intensifying the light on his body while feeding the shadow behind him.
Without hesitation, the scarred old man reiterated the same words Alfred used to convince them to agree with the experiment…
…And with the elaboration done, the bearded Chieftain added his life experience to become more convincing. "I have hunted since I was young. I have seen warriors starve, seen children cry for food. If there is even a sliver of a chance to change that… should we not try?"
Upon finishing his words, only the crackling of fire could be heard.
The tribesmen's mouths gaped at the unbelievable statement. The firelight flickered in their wide eyes, reflecting the weight of the revelation. Their hands, which once trembled, now held their loved one with a tightened grip.
And amidst the deafening silence, one old man hurried in front to the point of falling to his knees. "I-is that true? Is that future truly possible? Can my grandchildren live where food is not a daily problem?"
Chief Viren waved his hand, signaling the closest guard to help the kneeling old man stand up.
However, before the guard could even take his first step, a frail woman and a small girl hurried beside the old man and held him in both arms, supporting him with their shaking hands and worried eyes.
"It is not guaranteed." The scarred Chieftain answered truthfully, his stare never leaving the eyes of his people. "However, having the possibility of that life is good enough for us to take the risk. Even if it is a small chance, it is a worthy sacrifice if it means our next generation will live a life far better than we have now. So, I am asking everyone… please tolerate the presence of these cubs, and help if necessary."
The Chieftain closed his eyes and remained silent for a few seconds before abruptly opening them together with his determined voice. "…This is for our future! For our children and loved ones! For our tribe!"
Alfred couldn't help but be swept by the wave of inspiring words of Chief Viren.
'My heart is pumping too much. The rage of flooding emotions within me is so overwhelming that I, too, want to make sure we achieve that bright future without failure. What a great speech.'
The first one to react was the old man, raising his hand to the air. "For our tribe!"
Seeing her grandfather's cheerful face, the young girl smiled and copied him and shouted in her little voice. "For our tribe!"
Perhaps due to the heat of the moment, or swayed by words, more and more people began chanting, following the old man and the little girl.
"For our tribe!"
"For our tribe!"
"For our tribe!"