[Another milestone discovered: First use of magic]
If there was ever a moment that could be considered a pivotal milestone, this was it.
Even for Lucas. Despite years of technological advancements, no one has ever truly defined magic.
Some philosophers even began to conclude that magic was merely a simplification of advanced technology, born from the primitive thinking of ancient people. They argued that those who lived during those times longed for things to happen instantly—a mere delusion of the naive.
But isn't that also just another form of arrogance?
Because for Lucas, who was also skeptical about the unexplained workings of magic, witnessing it firsthand was still extraordinary.
The male alhamera was ultimately saved, though left permanently disabled. However, instead of being seen as an outcast, he became a figure of inspiration.
The reason was simple: he discovered a new technology—fire.
The alhamera, who had lived for decades without light or warm food, began to see fire as an invaluable tool.
And what made it even more fascinating was that this fire wasn't created through laborious effort but by magic.
Fire revolutionized their way of life. It replaced risky burial practices with cremation, enhanced their offensive capabilities while hunting, and most importantly, became a sharpening medium (a foundation for eras demanding more advanced tools).
However, the most impressive progress Lucas observed came from something implicit—spirituality.
People began to see fire as sacred. Some would bow or even prostrate themselves when passing it, even when alone.
And, of course, the one who benefited most from all this was the alhamera who used magic.
Since the concept of magic was still beyond the simple understanding of the alhamera, the current magic user remained the only one.
That individual was eventually honored as the leader of the group, granted the right to marry any woman he desired, held the highest authority, and received the largest food portions.
Even after his death, his ashes were preserved, his home turned into a shrine, and every month offerings were made by the entire group.
They believed that the alhamera magic user continued to watch over them, even in a different form.
A belief in the supernatural and the irrational.
A concept of divinity.
It would trigger a domino effect, leading to the development of language, art, and the potential emergence of full self-awareness.
However, Lucas sensed a looming problem.
No one else could use magic.
The supply of fire had become a rare resource. Those who were once trusted aides of the magic user claimed to receive 'divine revelations' to conducting sacred rituals.
Only those with the blood of the former magic user—his kids and closest relatives—were considered suitable heirs. Those bold enough to challenge for leadership were sent into a den of wolves, forced to fight to the death, hoping to awaken magic.
Many attempted it, but almost none returned alive. Even those who survived the wolves failed to awaken magic and were executed for lacking divine favor.
Until, finally, a young alhamera appeared. Surprisingly, it was not a man but a woman. And instead of summoning fire, she awakened the magic of taming.
The young woman emerged from the sacred ritual unharmed, having tamed the wolves. When the elders ordered her execution, her wolves attacked them instead.
She not only brought a new breakthrough in magic but also sparked a revolution.
Her changes didn't stop there. To win public support, she discovered a manual method to create fire without relying on magic and preserved the previous magic user's home as a place of worship.
The female alhamera also addressed practical issues. She developed better food preservation techniques and methods for building stronger homes.
Structures made from sturdier materials like wood were erected. Trees were cut down and replaced by houses, huts, watchtowers, and fortresses.
It was impressive.
Too impressive—even frightening. She seemed far too intelligent for someone of her era.
However, excessive deforestation brought new problems: the destruction of habitats for animals.
This disrupted the food chain. Herbivores, the primary prey, became easier targets for carnivores.
Desperate predators even attacked the village multiple times. While the taming magic could handle the threats, the issue of diminishing prey remained unsolved.
And at the same time, summer arrived.
It was a disaster for the alhamera, whose skin struggled to produce sweat glands, making body temperature regulation difficult.
Summer became their version of hell.
Lucas faced a difficult dilemma. If left unchecked, the alhamera risked extinction.
[You have 4 Divine Intervention tokens]
Though the offer was tempting, Lucas wasn't sure if his intervention would lead to positive or negative consequences.
The fire magic, which slightly hindered the alhamera's creativity, had already been corrected. If he were to suddenly grant them an endless, non-perishable food supply, these reptilian beings would grow complacent.
And then, Lucas saw something astonishing.
A group of alhamera gathered in one place, scattering something onto the ground. Then, another group arrived, carrying containers of water. They poured the water onto the seeds.
They waited. Nothing happened. The group sighed in disappointment.
But not Lucas.
This was the moment he had been waiting for, a moment after alhamera decided to settle.
Agriculture. They were learning to farm.
It hadn't succeeded yet, but they were persistent in their trial and error.
After three years, they finally succeeded in growing rice. This created an alternative way of life and a more reliable food source.
They no longer needed to migrate to dangerous regions for survival.
However, this shift in lifestyle wasn't favored by everyone. A certain faction had already resented the female alhamera's rise to power, and they were on the brink of becoming a new threat.