Returning to his place, which was actually Teb's shop, Max looked around. It was a simple and somewhat messy workshop, filled with crafting materials, half-finished outfits, and scattered tools. The place had an air of quiet diligence, but it was clear that Teb—or rather, he now—wasn't a warrior but a dedicated craftsman.
With a sigh, he sat down in the corner, resting his chin on his hand as he collected his thoughts.
"Now that I'm here… and in a weak body like Teb's, which can barely handle 1% of my power… things are going to be difficult."
Even though he still had his knowledge and abilities, his physical limitations meant he couldn't rely on brute force. He had to be smart about his approach.
"Hmm, System, can I get the player system of Horizon?" Max asked mentally.
The system quickly responded.
[Yes, and it will cost 1000 UP.]
Without hesitation, Max hurriedly purchased it. The moment he did, a new interface appeared before his eyes, resembling the in-game HUD from Horizon Zero Dawn.
"Now this is good," he muttered, feeling a rush of satisfaction as he navigated through the menus.
He immediately checked the Talent Trees—Hunter, Machine Master, Warrior, and Survivor. Seeing the skill paths laid out in front of him, he grinned.
"Now, can I allocate talent points too?" he asked.
[Yes, each point costs 10 UP.]
Since he had plenty of UP to spare, he bulk-purchased a large number of points. Without holding back, he maxed out all of his talent trees—Hunter for precision and agility, Machine Master for controlling machines, Warrior for close combat, and Survivor for endurance and crafting.
"Now I am ready," Max mumbled as he stood up, determination flashing in his eyes. He stretched his body, adjusting to the newfound power flowing within him, and took a deep breath.
His next goal was clear—he needed to leave the Nora Tribe.
Staying here was pointless. The Nora feared the remnants of past civilizations and saw technology as cursed, which meant he would never get the resources he needed if he remained among them. He needed access to machines, knowledge, and the ancient ruins scattered across the land.
With that in mind, he set his sights on the mountains where the Nora Matriarchs resided. If he could gain their approval, he could become a Seeker, just like Aloy. As a Seeker, he would have the freedom to leave Nora lands without restriction.
"Though… if they refuse, I might have to find another way," Max thought, already considering alternative options.
Without wasting time, he grabbed a few supplies from Teb's shop and began making his way toward the towering mountains in the distance.
As he walked, Max looked around, observing the landscape and the people around him. He couldn't help but wonder, "Do ancient humans also live like this?"
Despite having great physical abilities and survival skills, the Nora still lived like ancient tribes, relying on crude weapons and simple tools. They shunned advanced technology, fearing the remnants of the Old Ones.
Max continued his trek up the mountain, the cold wind brushing against his skin as he climbed the rugged path. The higher he went, the quieter the surroundings became, aside from the occasional rustling of trees and distant cries of machines wandering below.
After what felt like an hour of steady walking, he finally reached Mother's Watch, the sacred site where the Nora Matriarchs resided. The large wooden gates, adorned with tribal carvings and protective charms, stood tall before him. Two Braves, fully armed with spears and bows, stood guard at the entrance.
Max stepped forward, standing tall despite his outsider status. One of the guards, a tall man with a painted red stripe across his face, narrowed his eyes at him.
"What business do you have here, Kid?" the guard asked, gripping his spear tightly.
"I've come to request permission from the Matriarchs," Max said firmly. "I wish to be named a Seeker and leave Nora lands."
The two guards exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Then, one of them scoffed. "A Seeker? That title is given only in rare circumstances. What makes you think the Matriarchs will grant it to you?"
Max crossed his arms, already expecting resistance. "Because I have something to offer. Knowledge. Strength. And the ability to help the Nora in ways you can't imagine."
Before the guards could respond, a voice called out from inside the gates.
"Let him through."
Max turned his gaze toward the source and saw an elderly woman stepping forward. She wore ceremonial robes, her face lined with age but her eyes sharp with wisdom. This was Matriarch Teersa, one of the highest-ranking leaders of the tribe.
The guards hesitated before stepping aside, allowing Max to pass.
As he walked through the gates, he could feel the weight of countless eyes watching him. The Nora were a closed society, and outsiders were rarely welcomed.
As Max stepped through the gates, he could feel the weight of countless eyes on him. The Nora were an isolationist tribe, bound by strict traditions and superstitions. To them, the outside world was dangerous, filled with the ruins of the Old Ones and the metal devils that roamed the land.
Leaving the Sacred Lands was considered unthinkable for most. The only ones who ever left were Seekers, granted special permission by the Matriarchs—but even then, returning was another matter. Many feared that stepping beyond their borders would mark them as unclean, forever banished from their people.
Yet here was Max, openly requesting to leave.
This bold defiance of their ways piqued Teersa's interest. She had seen many outcasts beg for acceptance, many warriors fight for honor, but she had never seen someone so eager to abandon the safety of the tribe.
"You wish to leave our lands willingly?" Teersa asked, her aged voice carrying both curiosity and skepticism.
Max met her gaze without hesitation. "Yes."
The surrounding Nora murmured among themselves, disbelief evident in their whispers.
Teersa's expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of amusement crossed her eyes. "And why, I wonder, would a young man willingly abandon his home and kin?"
***
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