Totem Warrior

Suspicion

I saw from afar two pairs of eyes stalking me behind the trees as I ran to the shelter. The road to the shelter is wide open grass so it is quite safe unless there are flying animals like the mosquitoes yesterday. It's still early today, most likely I can safely get to the shelter.

When I was about a few tens of meters from the shelter, the people in the shelter had seen me. I know because there are several windows that open from behind the high walls of the shelter's dome. They must have known I was approaching. They were just getting ready to set off on the hunt today. I wanted to scream for help, for someone to pick me up with a flaming torch, but I discouraged myself. Not because I'm too proud to do it, but because I'm sure no one will help me. I was on my own.

I actually saw something flying towards me. I didn't know what it was, because I didn't dare look anywhere. I focused myself on running as fast as I could until my lungs felt like they were going to explode. I saw several people standing at the gate, but did not open the door.

"Open! Please open the door!" I cried when I was only a few meters away from the shelter's door.

However, the gate never opened. I was already in front of the gate and frantically pounding on the gate.

"Help!" I shouted again.

I then looked back and realized that the flying things were two giant bald-headed birds. From the appearance alone, I was sure that it was a vulture. They were similar in shape to the vultures I knew in my world, but much bigger and unfortunately they didn't just eat carrion. I can dig into Rex's mind and know that they are interested in carrion, but also like to kill those who are still alive like me. Maybe they were attracted by the smell of the raw meat I had in my sack and when they came they saw me as a nice bonus for breakfast.

They flew closer very quickly and I was in a lot of panic. I pounded hard on the gate, but they wouldn't open it. I don't know what took them so long. The two birds were really close and in a few seconds would grab my body.

"Fast!" I shouted.

My voice broke with hysterics and panic, preparing to take a hit from the bald birds' sharp beaks. However, at the same second, suddenly the gate opened and I fell inside. They immediately closed the shelter gate again and I heard a thump as the birds hit the gate.

I breathed a sigh of relief, but then I looked around, everyone was looking at me like a ghost. They probably thought I was dead since last night. Although covered in wounds and blood, I'm fine and it's a miracle.

"Rex Hito, how did you come back?" asked the leader of the hunt. His name is Khores Fraim.

“I-I… I have awakened,” I answered. I don't know what else to say other than that.

As soon as those words left my mouth, everyone was stunned. Whispers and flabbergasted voices rang out from all around. Everyone looked at me with strange looks and widened eyes. It feels so awkward.

"Don't tell lies, kid!" Rais Musi shouted with his face red.

"I am not lying!" I answered loudly.

Everyone was surprised because I dared to say that to Rais Musi. The man immediately pushed me so that I completely fell backwards and fell back to the ground.

“This child is trash! I told you we'd better let the birds eat him!" Rais shouted angrily.

This guy really doesn't like me, I don't know why. I started to suspect him. Before I got lost, Rais was the one who told me to collect blue fruits. Could it be on purpose? However, I can't accuse without proof.

"I'm telling the truth!" I shouted.

Rais wanted to hit my face but Khores quickly held his hand.

"Wait Rais! Calm down!” he cried while telling Rais to take a few steps back.

“Stand up, kid. Tell me how did you survive?” Khores asked me.

“I have awakened, Khores. I'm telling the truth," I replied.

"Nonsense! No one can awaken without the help of the High Priest through the ceremony!” shouted someone from among the group. Noises began to be heard from everywhere.

"Stop!" shouted someone who appeared out of nowhere.

I was surprised when I saw a tall and slim man. He wore clothes that were slightly different from the other Flaming Totem tribes. His long, white beard almost touched his chest. I didn't know this person was here. From Rex's memory, I know that this man is the High Priest, his name is Ton Anam. He is the most respected person here. As soon as he came, everyone bowed and I did the same.

The man came towards me and stopped right in front of me.

“Stand up straight, kid. Let me see you," he told me.

I gulped, but I did as he was told. I straightened my body and looked at him. His face looks very old and wrinkled, but his face looks friendly. Even so, his aura and charisma made me a little scared and shy.

The next thing that happened took me completely by surprise. Before I could do anything, nimbly and very quickly, the geezer took out something like a beast's fang and put it right above my head. I had aches and pains on my scalp and I'm sure my blood must be flowing out of it. I wanted to move, but strangely I couldn't. I thought this old man would kill me like this.

However, suddenly an extremely blinding light caused everyone to close their eyes, some using their hands. At first, I didn't know where the light was coming from, but a second later I realized that the light was coming from me, precisely from my head.

"Show me the truth!" cried the old man.

Right after his exclamation, there were flames burning all over my body, but I was not burned. Everyone was stunned to see me.