"I'm fine." Adi took a deep breath and tried to calm down, but his trembling voice exposed his inner fear, "I just... remembered some bad memories."
Ebert didn't ask any more questions. He knew that everyone had some scars in their hearts that they didn't want to touch, and that was a pain that time couldn't heal.
"Do you want to tell me?" Ebert asked softly, "Maybe it will be better to say it out."
Adi was silent for a moment, as if he was hesitating whether to tell the secret in his heart.
He raised his head and looked at the dark night sky outside the cave, his eyes full of sadness and fear.
"Do you remember what I said before, I am a hunter in the village?" Adi's voice was low and hoarse, as if it came from a distant abyss.
Ebert nodded, motioning him to continue.
"Actually..." Adi paused, as if organizing his words, "I wasn't a hunter at the beginning..."
"What do you do?" Ebert asked.
"I..." Adi took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, "I used to be the village's...priest."
"Priest?" Ebert looked at Adi in surprise. It was difficult for him to associate the young and thin man in front of him with the sacred and solemn priest.
"Yes, priest." Adi said with a wry smile, "Our tribe has worshipped the forest god for generations, and I am the messenger chosen by the god, responsible for communicating with the gods and protecting the peace of the tribe."
When I was very young, there was a legend in our village that the forest god was a god with powerful magical powers. He was respected and revered in our tribe. He looked like a tall and majestic figure, a god with great power and wisdom. He was the protector of our tribe and also our guide. He rarely showed up, but when he did, we would feel his majesty and power. He was a great master of magic who could control natural forces, summon animals and plants, and create all kinds of magical phenomena. When I became the village's priest, I began to understand this god better. He occasionally makes some requests to us, usually to find some special materials, such as precious animal skins and bones, minerals, etc. He will tell us the characteristics of these materials and where to find them, and then expect us to complete the task on time. If we can't complete it on time, he will be angry and punish us with some disasters, such as drought, storms, diseases, etc. Although this forest god may look harsh, we also know that he is to protect us and let us learn to cherish and respect nature. His lessons make us more united, braver, and make us love this land more. In our hearts, he will always be a respected and feared existence. We will continue to worship him and follow his guidance to ensure our peaceful life.
"What happened later? How did you become a hunter?" Ebot asked.
Adi's face became paler, and his body trembled slightly, as if he was trapped in some terrible memories.
"Later..." Adi's voice became intermittent, "A disaster befell our tribe..."
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