Since the day Edward had been thrown into this new world, he had been fighting and trying to survive. Now that food and shelter were no longer a problem so the next thing on his agenda was the quality of life. He finally had room to breathe.
While eating barbecue, Edward recalled the various food he used to eat back in his world. He remembered those spicy tender meats he used to eat back at home usually with his friends after a hard day of working coupled with a cold beer. For a moment Edward felt lost that he wouldn't be able to enjoy the same pleasures he took for granted but nonetheless he shook his head and dispelled such thoughts.
The meat right now was just bland. Edward didn't have many hopes for getting spices right now but at least salt could be used as a basic taste changer.
Salt could be considered the king of all dishes. Any food that lacks salt was bland and tasteless. Salt was like a magician's ingredient to transform something bland and simple into something great.
What's more, salt is an essential element of the human body. The present humans have not realized this problem. They listen only to the instincts of their body. Their source of salt intake was more from the blood of other animals they drank sometimes; they just haven't realized it yet.
Without enough salt, the human body lacks strength.
No matter which aspect, the problem of salt needed to be solved first. Not just for the sake of the tribe's wellbeing but for his own sake and sanity.
But even if he faced a lot of problems, he could only solve one problem at a time. After all, he didn't have three heads and six arms.
He first had to check out the lake he was told about by Night. If the lake really had salty water, then he was lucky. To collect salt from saltwater he must use a wide base container to pour the water into and leave it under direct sunlight so that the water may evaporate and leave behind crystallized salt. Evaporation was the key here.
Edward held a smirk on his face as he remembered the simple science experiment he did first as a middle schooler on evaporation and salts.
The second point was that it was estimated that the distance to the lake was 100 kilometers away roughly. Lack of measuring units to describe vast distances was a problem and he could only make a rough guess regarding the distance. Food and water supplies for the long journey were also another issue he needed to ponder upon.
'Some of the leather could be used to make water bags. Light and durable enough for the travels.' Edward wondered to himself.
Edward cut a few pieces of deer skin with an obsidian knife while Night brought over a woman who looked around 40 years with a few streaks of white hair mixed with her black hair. She seemed a bit shorter and flatter compared to Night. It was easy for people to assumer she was younger than she actually was from afar but the wrinkles on her face clearly portrayed her age and wisdom.
The new woman that came was naked from the waist up.
"Light this person has always made clothes for the patriarch and other people. Previously, we didn't have much prey so she didn't have enough hides to make too much of anything but now that you need help, I brought her over because she is perfect for this."
"Fantastic! I want you to make something I call a "water bag". It is made as a closed bad with only one opening and inside of it is filled with water to carry around. Just make sure that it does not leak. Can you do it?"
"Leader I understand and am willing to try making these "water bag" you speak of."
Finally, there was enough animal skin for her to try something new so naturally, she was happy to help. Everyone had to show their worth to feed themselves and right now she had the chance to prove herself in front of the new leader.
Edward also directed everyone to burn a few batches of specially made clay pots to be used to evaporate salt water.
In the evening, he summoned the upper echelon of the tribe around a campfire and asked about the current work load of each person.
"Roc, what's the situation of your hunter squad?" As he spoke, he held a wooden stick in his hand which he used to fiddle with the fire.
"Light bro, the people under me have been practicing for a few days according to your original method. Their mastery of this "archery" or so as you refer to it has been growing day by day. Yesterday, we went deep in the wood and hunted 2 deer, 2 wild boars, 7 pheasants, and a few foxes. I am happy to announce that we no longer have a food problem anymore!"