The burly hunter's name was Rumio. He was one of the people who carried Nico from the riverbank. He was a bearded man at 25. He was one of the 30 hunters and warriors in the tribe of 60 people. He was just a child when the previous Chieftain taught him and other children the way of the hunter. And through the years, he'd honed his craft so much so that he became the lead hunter among the younger men and women with this job.
Rumio was an honest man – he did as he was told and was a natural born leader. His father was the current Chieftain and hoped to succeed him one day. The competition was fierce, however. The tribe didn't believe in the idea of a child, succeeding his/ her father's position – especially that of the chieftain. They'd choose the most capable, strongest, and skilled fighter among the eligible men and women. As of now – Rumio was at a very close second place to the popular choice.
Wanting to prove himself – he'd volunteered in hunting the "monster pig" that terrorized their settlement for the past 10 years. It appeared suddenly and without warning – attacked the foragers and continued attacking them ever since.
The previous chief – angered and worried about what happened, lead a search, and destroy party consisted of the 12 most powerful warriors their tribe had. It was a hard-fought battle, but the party lost. The Chief was trampled by the pig after being impaled by one of its tusks. Only 3 people returned from that expedition, one of them was Rumio's father. He'd carried the lifeless and mangled body of their previous Chieftain.
"He was a hero." declared his father. "We wouldn't have survived without him."
Through the years, the tribe had sent a few more people to purge the beast but to no luck. Two years ago, his father decided to stop risking the lives of able-bodied men and women. He ordered the people to move a bit further away from the beast's territory and closer to a cave where – if in case the beast attacked, they could block the entrance and hide until it left.
The decision faced much opposition, but he'd managed to convince the people that they'd die sooner if they lose more people. This was a "cowardly" act as seen by the previous generation and his father's peers who did not meet to fight the beast that day. They could not see that their strong tribe consisting of a little over a hundred people was being shaved away year by year by the beast and the pointless expeditions.
Rumio- while he loved his father, very much, he also shared the same sentiment but only a little bit. He'd lost mentors and some friends due to the beast. Rather than courage – he wanted revenge. When he floated the idea to his father, it was instantly rejected. But one of his father's rivals heard their argument and used it to rouse the people that the Chieftain was not only a coward, but also a selfish man who sent their fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters to their deaths but refused to let his willing son do the same.
Rumio felt guilty – he didn't think he'd put his father at such a tight spot. But his anger burned brighter. Especially since his lover – Elara, was among the people his father sent to fight the beast in their last attempt. Elara didn't return that day. None of them did.
A few days after the debacle, his father called him as well as those who supported – albeit maliciously, Rumio's desire to hunt the beast.
"Fine." declared the Chief. "If you want to risk your life and end up dying by the hooves of that demon, do it at your own expense."
Rumio was elated. Finally, he'd have a chance for revenge. He was about to thank his father but before he could speak, the chief held up his palm towards him.
"And you all." The Chief glared at everyone else inside the tent where the Chief usually did his duties. He released an aura that was typical from seasoned warriors that physically affected everyone. They slowly became drenched in sweat and found it a bit harder to breathe. This was a skill called "Marshal" – only warriors who experienced life or death situations and managed to escape by leading his group to safety could unlock.
"Ten years ago, when Chief Mubarak and 8 of my brothers died, we grieved and swore revenge. You chose me to lead this tribe and after years of trying, I finally decided to choose safety over the vanity of revenge.
You're right – your sons, daughters and loved ones died – maybe in vain. But at least, you all are alive here – "Chief Ragus pounded his great axe on the floor. "Right now, to oppose this decision within the comfort of not fearing that looming threat!
"You've not seen the prowess and horror I've seen. None of our warriors who attempted to kill the beast returned - NONE!" The Chief retracted his skill and the people – including Rumio could now breathe, once more.
"Rumio, you want to slay the beast? I know you desire revenge and I still think you're a fool." Ragus clenched his fists. "Therefore, you will go alone unless one of these idiots are brave enough to accompany you."
Rumio was stunned. His father had changed from being the soft – hearted man he'd grew to know into a completely different person. That was the moment he realized the burden a Chief must carry. Rumio was his only son but it was true that he wasn't being fair.
Rumio looked around hoping for someone – including his hunting peers to respond to his call – but the same people who rallied in support of this undertaking were now looking away. Afraid.
Drester, the forerunner for being the next Chief, shook his head. The entire thing was foolish. Even his closest friend, Maruk, looked away.
That was when Rumio realized the gravity of his insistence.
"I have decided. You've put yourself in this situation – get yourself out of it or die trying."
The Chief dismissed the meeting.
Rumio eyed Nico from top to bottom. The man looked weak – but anyone foolish enough to steal a cub from a den of wolves or whatever the reason might be, is brave enough to kill a beast. That's what he thought. He was out of options and Nico was new.
"I lack manpower", said Rumio with a smile. "Could use your help!"
Nico stared at Rumio for a moment and cursed.
"Whoa there, man. I was one of the people who saved your life back there – was just thinking if you could give me a little help."
It was a D level quest once more. The "beast" part made him anxious, but since this time he'd be going with someone who looked capable, he decided to accept immediately. Besides, AI or not, game or not – if it weren't for these people, he'd have lost his chance at Rosen.
"I mean, Alright – but I don't know how to hunt or fight."
"That won't be a problem. We'll train for a month. You'd at least know the basics."
Nico felt the gazes of other people around them. Rumio left saying he'd prepare weapons for him to use. In the meantime, Nico decided to walk around the settlement. He opened his map and saw a general outline of the place. At the center of the map was him and further north was a larger rectangle that was the Chieftain's house and further north were mountains. He saw men and women do various chores – both were doing manual labor. The children played and some even helped. He didn't see a farm nor an animal pen. The village was surrounded by a 3 – meter high fence made from sturdy logs.
The residents were generally amicable. Some engaged in idle chatter. He asked around about Rumio and people told him about the man being the Chieftain's son. Some of them, however, warned not to involve himself with him too much. They sigh whenever they talk about Rumio, but none elaborated.
During Nico's stay in the village, he'd befriended the residents and was able to learn much about them – their woes, superstitions, and beliefs. The locals believed in the god Ivren. Ivren was a warrior god who went to battle alone wearing no armor but managed to decimate his enemies using his great war axe. He also found out that there are other gods, but that mentioning their name would receive the wrath of Ivren.
The reason being was that Ivren was tricked into slaying millions of his followers by other gods who feared his increase in power. The brief story was that Ivren, being the warrior god was told by the higher-ranking gods that a demonic invasion was threatening the world. They made Ivren drink a potion under the guise of increasing his power as the vanguard. They sent the drugged Ivren into battle alone wherein the potion showed its effects. Ivren descended into the mortal plane and massacred hordes of demons. When he came to, he realized that the creatures he killed were humans who were made to look like demons in his mind. He also realized that the people he killed and cities he destroyed were mainly of those who worshipped him.