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Thwak... Thwak...
Arrows flew from the bow in my hands, striking the target fifteen feet away, landing in the third circle.
Thwak. I pulled another from my quiver and shot again.
"Good shot. You have talent in archery," Meliss remarked.
I remained silent.
"Oh, come on! Once you master the bow, you'll be able to join the hunts. We can't let you wander beyond the village perimeter since you're not like us. You're weak. And we can't risk you getting killed by anything out there."
"I get it. I'm not that bitter about it."
"Then that's great! By the way, you've got a knack for archery. The training ground hasn't been used since we lost the Helper, so you can have it all to yourself," Meliss said, a nostalgic look in her eyes.
The training ground was a 9x9 square-meter area opposite the water hole. Just as Meliss mentioned, not many people were around. At the edge of the field stood the armory, guarded by four warriors and two blacksmiths. They watched me with cautious expressions—probably surprised that someone as weak-looking as me had business in the armory.
I spent the entire day practicing archery, only stopping for lunch. Meliss had prepared my meal, and though it wasn't exactly to my taste, I ate it all to avoid hurting her feelings.
By sunset, I headed home. Meliss had stayed with me until noon before leaving for the apothecary to help the healer make medicine. As I neared the water hole, I heard footsteps behind me.
Rustle... Rustle...
They blended perfectly with my own steps. I might have missed them if I hadn't stopped abruptly to pick something up.
I turned around, scanning the area, but saw no one.
I quickly bathed near the water hole, using the village's handmade soap—a paste created by filtering ash from specific herbs, boiling it with water and other herbs until it thickened, then molding and drying it in the shade.
As I washed, I was surprised by how my body had developed. Back home, I had never been this muscular. I wasn't a bodybuilder, but I was far more built than before—probably due to the village's diet, which consisted almost entirely of meat.
I was lost in thought when a voice interrupted me from behind.
"You look pathetic. I xxx believe we xxxcx our xxxc to xxxx this xxxxx here."
I spun around instantly.
It was her—the amputee who had lost her left arm in the battle by the river. She walked past me without another word.
What was that? Had she followed me from the training ground? And what did she mean by that?
Thoughts swirled in my head. But honestly, I didn't blame her. She had lost not only her arm but also some of her friends—all because they had followed the orders of their deity. If I were in her place, I might resent me too.
Still, I could justify myself. They had kidnapped me. But I wouldn't dare say that to her face. I had seen her survive that ambush. Even with only one arm, something told me she could still kill me with ease.
So, for now, I'd stay quiet—until I could prove my worth to her. To everyone.
After finishing my bath, I made my way home, arriving just in time for dinner.
On the way to the Lungpui, I noticed the remains of a successful hunt—a massive bear, the size of a truck, being carried on a makeshift stretcher toward the butchering site.
At dinner, the northern warriors chatted cheerfully with the Lula tribe members. Once they finished eating, they headed to the sleeping huts before making their way to the water hole to wash up with the handmade soap. The scent was incredible, and it didn't leave any scum behind.
Back at my hut, I found my two guards still asleep. My belongings were untouched, and my inventory bag remained in the corner.
It was as light as ever. How did they make something so convenient? A shame I couldn't use it freely. But at least I could take out my diary and pen—things I had carried with me everywhere back when I was a teacher.
Nostalgic. I hope they survived. I hope they're doing well on Earth.
Feeling homesick, I climbed to the top of the Lungpui. Sitting at the highest point, I pulled out my telescope and opened my diary. The best way to shake off depressing thoughts was to keep busy.
I aimed the telescope at the moon.
"Oh... it doesn't have craters? And… are those silver horses?" I mumbled, adjusting the lens.
A familiar voice interrupted me.
"Dennis!! ...Sigh… Come quickly to the chief's house. There's an urgent message," Meliss said, breathless. She must have run here.
With Meliss at my side, I hurried toward the chief's house—where a crowd had already gathered, including the northern warriors, the borers, and many others.
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