Elder Ahote asked, his eyes burning with passion. "Is that so? What kind of project are we talking about?!"
This is the first time Alfred saw the Elder this excited; perhaps he was like him, a fool when it came to crafting.
"I have this problem. If I am to improve my skill in creating Rune, I will need a lot of blood to do so. However, the blood is not really what I need; what I require is the Spirit Energy within." Alfred thoughtfully explained. "If possible, I want to invent a container that can stop the Spirit Energy from dissipating through the environment. The only problem is, I don't know where to start or what material to use."
Elder Ahote laughed loudly. "Hahahaha! You do not have to worry, young Alfred, we can make everything with me around!"
"Ahem!" Shaman Catori coughed. "Can we control ourselves now? We have to finish this quickly, as the sky is turning dark."
The two Elders went back to their respective seats as if nothing had happened.
"In any case, young Alfred, this Rune of yours, how many of them can you create?" Chief Viren skillfully changed the conversation. "Ah, I almost forgot, can you give us that information? Shaman Catori mentioned that the ancient book has a protection."
Alfred contemplated for a few seconds before answering. "I have managed to explain to Shaman Catori the steps of how to make a Rune and the materials I need. I think it is okay if the information is basic."
"I see," the old Chieftain nodded. "Then, can you tell us how many and what kinds of Runes you can create?"
Alfred went to a thorough explanation of the Runes he possessed and their effects, or at least that was what he suspected.
"Fascinating." Elder Ahote mumbled while thinking. "Besides the Elemental Runes, you also have Runes that can enhance physical abilities. If we can successfully integrate these Runes into the weapon of the hunters, how much stronger will they get?"
"So, this is a Sorcerer," Vir uttered in disbelief, and his red eyes would sometimes glance at the floating fire near him. "I have to admit, this gives Alfred the right to marry Aponi. However, I still have uncertainty about this arrangement. I think he should prove himself more, rather than just having this ability. It is also good not just for Aponi, or our people, but for himself; thus, he could live his life while raising his head."
The scarred Chieftain caressed his beard and inquired. "I agree. What do you recommend he should do?"
"This might sound cruel, but I think it is the best way to prove himself." Vir hesitated for a bit before continuing. "…The hunt for the beast core will be upon us soon. How about letting Alfred contribute to the cause? With his… mysterious ability, I am sure he could provide something that will benefit us."
"That is a high stake, but it is indeed the best way." Elder Ahote folded his arms across his chest and pondered. "Yet, I cannot approve of this, as young Alfred does not even know the difference between monster and beast. Besides that, he did not have the mastery of his own skills; how much do you think he can do?"
Alfred stared at the bald Elder with appreciation.
'Good one, Elder Ahote! You are the only one who can understand my circumstances!'
"Why not?" Shaman Catori countered. "It is not like he will lose something if he tries. Even if the hunt fails, he will not be blamed. Some might even appreciate his attempt. Furthermore, we can gauge his ability and capabilities with this mission."
Fidgeting in his seat, Alfred couldn't help but sulk once again.
'Hello, I'm here, at least ask for my opinion.'
"Why not inquire about the subject of our discussion?" Chief Viren suggested as if he could read Alfred's mind.
He jumped upon hearing the suggestion. Yeah, he thought of being asked for his opinion, but now that he was on the spot, he realized he had nothing to add.
"I… will do my best?" He said uncertainly while slightly tilting his head.
*Twack!*
A massive hand hit him from his back, jolting him with pain.
"That is the spirit." The towering man said as the corner of his lips slightly rose. "I knew you had a hunter inside you."
Alfred touched the burning spot, wanting to lessen the pain.
'Wow, did Vir just smile? NO! That isn't important right now! What have I put myself into?! Do my best. Seriously? What is my best can even do?! But then again, Vir is smiling, isn't that a good thing?'
While Alfred was deep in thought, the discussion in the room continued, though only murmuring entered his ears.
Soon after, Chief Viren clapped, pulling everyone's attention towards him, and then he declared. "That should be all, we will end our meeting here as it is getting late."
Alfred looked around, confused.
'Oh, the meeting is over? What did I miss?'
"Here." The already-standing Head Hunter passed him the basket where the three cubs were currently sleeping. "I expect much from this project of yours. And I know you already know this, but do not let any tribesmen see these monsters until the Elders announce their existence."
He accepted the basket and watched the towering man exit the tent.
'I almost forgot about these little cuties.'
"Doing your best with your new responsibilities is good." Shaman Catori halted on her steps and looked at him. "However, you should not forget to hone your skill in Spirit Control as it is the foundation of everything."
Alfred couldn't even reply as the Shaman left without looking back.
"Young Alfred, you must go to my shelter as soon as possible. I will be waiting for you there." Elder Ahote reminded him while walking out.
Alfred nodded absentmindedly.
'I guess it is time to leave.'
He stood, bowed to the still-sitting Chieftain, and left.
A while later, Alfred finally returned to his abode, and the first thing he did was lie on his bed.
'That meeting is like a roller coaster, so many ups and downs.'
Then he abruptly sat up. "Wait, don't tell me every meeting is that intense? Did I make the right decision?"
He sighed, went back to his bed, and closed his eyes, relaxing his exhausted mind.
However, his relaxation didn't last long as the cry of his three new responsibilities rang into his ears.
Alfred sat once more, pulled the leather that covered the basket, and watched the three hairy balls with uncertainty.
"I know I said I would try taming you guys, but you must understand that this is new to me, too, so I will appreciate it if all of us can get along."
He touched his chin and entered a contemplative state.
'They seemed famished. What do baby monsters eat in this world anyway? Meat, vegetables…? Milk!'
"Of course, these younglings need milk to grow faster."
He folded his arms across his chest. "Where do I get that?"
"Alfred, are you inside? Can I come in?" The voice of a certain tan girl resounded outside his tent, catching him off guard.
"A-a-a y-y-yes! I am here!" He stutteringly answered. "P-please come in!"
Aponi swiped the leathery curtain and walked in. "I am sorry to visit you this late. How did the meeting go?"
"G-g-good, I guess?" Alfred's voice cracked, making an embarrassing high-pitched noise at the end of his words.
'Please, God, open a hole beneath me and swallow me!'
The room went silent, or at least it was supposed to.
Aponi sauntered closer while examining the surroundings. "Where is that sound coming from?"
Due to his self-sabotage earlier, his mind was still in the process of blaming, resulting in his thoughtless answer. "To these cubs…"
'Oh crap! A day has not yet passed, and I have already failed to hide the monsters! Vir will definitely be disappointed if he learns about this.'
He wanted to quickly cover the basket with the leather, hoping to salvage the worsening situation. However, it was too late.
"A monster! Why is there a monster here?!" Aponi shrieked in fear. "Hurry, Alfred, stay away from them!"
Alfred frantically shook both his hands and head. "No no no no, you got it wrong! Don't worry, these little ones are harmless."
To prove his statement, Alfred placed his left hand between the cubs. Instantly, a warm and relaxing experience washed over his hand as the three little monsters cuddled it with their small bodies, and because of this, he couldn't help but release an odd noise. "Ahh…"
"Alfred!" Aponi sprinted next to him and appeared concerned about his condition. "Are you okay? Quick, remove your hand from there!"
He lingered for a few seconds, enjoying the sensation of softness and fluffiness within his hand. "Don't worry, look, they are not hurting me. Aren't they just cute?"
"What do you mean, not hurting you? One of them is eating your finger!" She pointed at the basket, her face slowly turning white.
Alfred smiled and shook his head. "Look, there is no blood. The cub is starving, so it is sucking my finger, thinking it is its mother."
It took several sets of breathing before the tan girl fully calmed down. "Why? What happened to their mother?"
Lingering for a few seconds, Alfred recalled the report from earlier and couldn't help but bite his lower lip.
"It died protecting its offspring." He answered melancholically.
Aponi didn't reply, urging Alfred to take a glimpse. There, he saw a tear trickling down from Aponi's left eye.
"W-w-why are you crying?" Alfred panicked, doing all sorts of things with his hands, not knowing what to do. "Look, I already removed my hand. You don't need to cry, I am fine!"
The girl with oceanic eyes chuckled and wiped the tears on her face. "I am not crying because of that. I just thought the circumstances of these monsters were very sad."
Alfred's eyes widened. "You pitied them?"
"Of course," Aponi responded with confidence. "Human, monster, or beast, it does not matter what they are. No children should grow up without their mother."
He stared at the tan girl, and he could tell that some of her words were meant for herself.
"Do you miss your mother?" Alfred asked in concern.
"I do," Aponi said, then she lingered for a few seconds, biting her lip as if she was holding something inside. "But I do not have the right to miss her. It is because of me she died after all."
Alfred couldn't believe his ears. Someone as bright as Aponi hid something dark like this behind her smile. His heart ached for the girl. He wanted to comfort her, but though his mouth moved, no sound came out.
"You do not need to feel bad. It happened a long time ago." She reassured, then she stood. "Okay, I have decided. I will help you with these monsters, even if they frighten me. What can I do for them?"
Seeing that Aponi desired to change the subject, he complied without asking any more questions relating to the sensitive topic. "Then, can you get me some milk?"