As soon as Lyerin took a step forward, he noticed several Wild Zur'Ibex Wildings around him appearing out of nowhere, as if he were the leader of their group.
Their sudden presence gave a silent but potent sense of unity and strength.
However, Lyerin chose not to say anything, keeping his focus steady and his expression unreadable.
Not long, the raging bonfire before him flared and seemed to reach out, its heat enveloping him and the others.
The warmth spread over Lyerin's body, seeping into his skin. He could feel it in every muscle, the heat soothing and strengthening each fiber. His arms, heavy with strength, soaked in the warmth, feeling both relaxed and invigorated. His legs, pillars of power, absorbed the heat, making them feel like unyielding steel.
The warmth seeped deeper, into his internal organs, revitalizing his heart, making it beat stronger and steadier. His lungs expanded, breathing in the heat as if it were a life force itself. His stomach, where tension often coiled, felt a soothing release.
The warmth continued to flow through his veins, making his blood feel like molten energy coursing through him, reaching every corner of his being, imbuing him with a profound sense of power and readiness.
A loud voice rang out, interrupting his thoughts. "A tribe has given us a Wildling with one grass core!"
Lyerin knew this was not for him.
Another voice announced, "Two grass cores!"
This continued, with each call echoing the number of grass cores from one to six. Each declaration was met with increasing murmurs of approval from the crowd.
Finally, it was his turn.
The announcer's voice swelled with a hint of strong anticipation, "And now, we present the pride of the Wild Zur'Ibex! The one we have all been waiting for, upon whom our tribe's hopes depend. The great Lyerin!"
The crowd held its breath, their eyes fixed on him with expectant hope.
But as the results were revealed, the announcer's voice faltered, "Huh? No core? A normal one?"
The disbelief was palpable.
But Lyerin stood there, with his face only impassive, letting the bonfire's flames reach out to him once more.
Not long after, the ritual was repeated, but the results remained unchanged.
It did not stop three until it reached him ten times.
The crowd began to whisper among themselves, their voices carrying their disappointment and confusion. Lyerin overheard snippets of their conversations. "No core? How is that possible?" one voice said. Another muttered, "I thought he was supposed to be our hope." A third voice chimed in, "Without a core, he's just a normal Wildling."
Others speculated about the implications. "Maybe he sacrificed his talent to reach peak apprentice Wildling status," someone suggested. "A pity," another said, shaking their head. "He looked so powerful, but without a core, he won't amount to much," came another comment. "In the future, he might just be forgotten," added yet another voice.
Lyerin understood the weight of their whispers. Having a core meant one had potential and talent.
The more cores, the greater the ability to learn and wield magic.
A single grass core allowed someone to learn magic related to controlling grasses.
Two grass cores mean faster learning and greater control, and so on.
Without a core, Lyerin was seen as lacking any inherent magical talent. He will be a simple foot soldier, nothing more, and nothing less.
The announcer, trying to mask the tribe's embarrassment, spoke again, but this time with a forced enthusiasm. "Let us not forget the strength that Lyerin brings to us, core or no core! His presence alone signifies the might of the Wild Zur'Ibex. Our ancestors have always believed in the spirit over mere physical attributes. Strength comes not just from within, but from the unity and belief of the tribe. Lyerin's dedication, his will to reach the peak of Apprentice Wildling, speaks volumes of his character.
"In times of adversity, it is the willpower and spirit that shall lead us. Lyerin stands as a testament to that very spirit. He might not possess the grass cores that some of us hold, but his resolve, his unyielding determination, and his physical prowess are undeniable. Such attributes are what our tribe needs now, more than ever, to face the challenges ahead.
"Lyerin, through your efforts, you have shown us that true strength lies not just in magical cores, but in heart, in spirit, and in unwavering resolve. You have dedicated yourself to our cause, reaching the heights of a peak Apprentice Wildling without the natural advantages that others might have. This shows your extraordinary potential and sets an example for all of us.
"In the days to come, it is not the number of cores that will protect us, but the courage and unity we embody. Lyerin, you have sacrificed much, and for that, we are grateful. Your sacrifice, your dedication, and your strength give us hope. Thank you, Lyerin, for your sacrifice and for standing as a beacon of our tribe's resilience."
Lyerin, listening to all these empty praises remained impassive, the announcer's words attempted to restore some dignity to the situation, trying to cover their earlier enthusiasm and maintain their dignity.
It was laughable to him.
He cannot help it.
Soon, the announcer ordered an aide to bring something forth. Moments later, a tray adorned with necklaces was presented. Each necklace had a bone pendant, intricately carved and worn smooth by countless years.
Lyerin accepted his necklace with a nod, examining the pendant closely.
It was a symbol of belonging, of unity within the Devil Horned Tribe and the Zur'Ibex Clan.
The announcer then began a long, heartfelt speech. "Thank you, everyone, for gathering tonight under the watchful eyes of our ancestors. This night marks the beginning of a new chapter for our tribe, and for each of you new recruits. Your presence here signifies the strength and resilience of the Devil Horned Tribe and the enduring spirit of the Zur'Ibex Clan.
"To our new members, like the heroic Lyerin, know that you are now part of a legacy that stretches back through the ages. Our traditions, our rituals, and our beliefs are now yours to uphold. You carry with you the hopes and dreams of those who came before us, and it is through your actions that our future will be shaped.
"We have faced many challenges, and we will face many more. But it is our unity, our shared purpose, and our unwavering resolve that will see us through. The necklaces you now wear are more than just ornaments. They are symbols of your commitment to our tribe, your bond with each other, and your pledge to protect and support one another.
"Tonight, we celebrate not just your arrival, but the strength that you bring to our community. We honor your courage in stepping into this new role, and we look forward to the contributions you will make. Remember, the Devil Horned Tribe and the Zur'Ibex Clan are not just names. They are families, and you are now a part of this family.
"As the night wanes, we invite you to rest and prepare for the days ahead. You will be shown to a part of our tribe where you can stay for the night, a place where you can reflect on your journey and the path that lies before you. Tomorrow, we will begin our training, our rituals, and our work together. Until then, know that you are welcomed, you are valued, and you are not alone. Thank you for your dedication, for your strength, and for being here tonight. Together, we will forge a future that honors our past and embraces the promise of tomorrow."
The speech concluded with a chorus of cheers and affirmations.
The announcer then directed the new recruits, including Lyerin, to a designated area within the tribe's encampment.
This part of the tribe was set aside for new members, a place where they could acclimate and bond with one another.
The path to this area was lined with torches, casting a warm, inviting glow.
Lyerin followed the guide along with the other new recruits.
They walked through the heart of the tribe's settlement, passing by various structures and communal areas where tribespeople were still gathered, talking and laughing under the night sky.
The sense of community was palpable, and it was clear that every member had a role to play in the tribe's well-being.
The new recruits' quarters were simple yet comfortable.
Small huts with thatched roofs and wooden walls provided shelter for the night. Inside, there were basic amenities – a sleeping mat, a small table, and a few storage spaces.
Lyerin settled into his assigned hut, placing his belongings down and taking a moment to breathe in the tranquility of the night.
But he didn't stay there long.
After ensuring that everything was in order, he quietly left the hut and ventured out into the cool night air. His footsteps were silent as he made his way to a secluded spot within the camp. He reached into his pouch and pulled out an object – a small, ornate item bearing the mark of the Borgias family.
The sight of it filled Lyerin with a mix of anger and resolve.
Without hesitation, he crushed the object in his hand, feeling it shatter into pieces.
Almost instantly, a shadow materialized before him, with its form shifting and ethereal.
Immediately, the air grew colder, and an unsettling silence fell over the area.
The shadow spoke, its voice a low, resonant whisper. "What do you want?"