Totem Warrior

A Golden Finger is a Golden Finger Indeed

Even if I could run fast now, the beasts would definitely catch me before I got to the group. I thought I would really die now. I've nearly died several times lately, maybe this time it will actually happen.

However, before I could blink my eyes, I saw a spear fly past me, narrowly escaping my left cheek. The spear hit the beast right in the heart, pinning it to the ground.

I just realized that the beast that attacked me was some kind of giant wild boar. It was the lowest among the kinds of beasts that dwelt in the wild. Even though this beast was the weakest, I would still die if the spear didn't fly in time.

I'm still shaking when someone comes toward me. The man had come to retrieve his spear. I recognized him based on Rex's memory. This man who saved me was the Totem Warrior who used to be a friend of Rex's father. Several times he has helped Rex in difficult times. His name is Bil Iris.

He looked at me with his bright green eyes. His skin is brown from sunburn. He was tall and well-built, like any experienced Totem Warrior.

I was still in shock and my breathing was erratic, but I knew I had to thank my savior. I didn't know what to say so I decided to bow before him.

“You better catch up with the group. If you fall behind again, you better bury yourself for good," he said in a cold tone.

I can't even answer. My whole body still feels shaky and cold.

“Clean and pack the meat. That will be our dinner," he said again.

I nodded. Together with the rest of the Logistics Team, I cleaned the boar-like beast and put the meat in a sack ready to be taken out for dinner.

We resumed our journey soon after. Many eyes stared at me sarcastically. I knew they were pissed off because I was nearly left behind. I started to think that they actually want to left me behind. However, I still try my best to catch up with the group.

My guess was right because a minute later, faintly, I heard the conversation of the Totem Warrior who was at the forefront of the line. I recognized that man. He was big, with long hair braided at the back of his head. His name is Rais Musi, one of the powerful Totem Warriors. He did not like Rex, it was clear.

“You shouldn't have saved that child. You're just slowing us down, Bil," he said to Bil Iris.

"What do you mean, Rais? We can't just leave him like that. He’s part of this group," answered Bill.

“That weak child is useless. He was just like his father who was a traitor. We shouldn't slow down just because of him. Letting him die would be much better. Besides, the day will soon turn dark, if we don't get to the shelter before then, even we warriors cannot stand the risk," he said again.

“He would have caught up with the group if only that beast–” 

“Enough! I don't want to hear this quarrel anymore. We have to continue our journey,” said the Lead Warrior who suddenly stopped their debate.

They both fell silent. I could see Rais glancing at me with a cynical look before he finally faced forward and continued on his journey quickly. Bil also glanced at me coldly, as if warning me that next time, he would really left me behind.

I looked up at the sky and the sun was already leaning toward the West. If night falls and we haven't arrived at the shelter, I would feel really bad for my group. Worry started to take over my feelings. I just hope the location of the shelter is not far from here.

While walking, I try not to look around too much. I just look ahead, where my feet are going, so I won't be left behind again. I was not used to being in such a small body, but now I'm getting used to it.

While walking, I thought about how I suddenly got energized when I fell down just now. The energy was clearly emanating from the golden tree tattoo on the back of my hand. The tattoo definitely benefits me in this strange world.

I didn't want to be left out of the crowd, but I couldn't stop thinking about that golden tree tattoo that might come in handy at a critical moment, so I tried to focus myself and looked at the tattoo. The tattoo looked as usual, evident on the back of my hand. However, something was different this time. The light from the tattoo dimmed a bit and it made me frown.

“Rex! Move quickly! Don't daydream, you don't want to be left behind again!” Rea shouted warning me.

I quickly nodded and quickened my pace as the group now started moving faster. The sun was sinking and I knew they were going to speed up even more. My little feet and shoulders started to hurt again, but I ignored it as much as I could.

However, my curiosity still tickled. Quietly running with the group, I focused myself and saw the golden tree again floating in front of me. It was still the same as when I looked at the tatoo at my forehand. The light of the golden tree wasn't as bright as before. I thought about it over again.

Is it possible that the light has something to do with some kind of power storage? Maybe last night's disgusting stew was able to add and store some power in it, fortunately. And now that I used it’s power when I fell just now, the light has dimmed. Maybe I should replenish the power of this golden tree with food later. I decided to check on it again after we reach the shelter.

I looked up at the sky again and I was totally dreadful. The sun was really getting down and the yellow light had almost turned orange. What if it turns dark and we haven't reached the shelter yet?