Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 203: The Journey

"We step out of the caldera, not representing ourselves as individuals, but as one tribe. This is our first time attending such an event. We expect everyone to look out for each other."

"We are not refusing you the chance to find your partners or your calling. What we want is for us to work as a unit. We cannot let other tribes see us as weak."

"We must stand as the Spiritfang Tribe."

Uri’s voice fell into their ears. When he said the last sentence, his eyes swept them. Clad in fur-lined clothing, they looked cohesive. They worked well together in the tribe. But, seeing the wider world. He was unsure whether they would be able to keep their senses. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"We say this, not to warn you. But you must know, our cohesion is what will set us apart from lesser tribes. If we fight among ourselves, it gives other tribes an opening to consider us weak."

"I’m sure no one wants that. So be nervous, be anxious, feel free to laugh loudly. But remember, we are one pack. When one rises, we all rise."

Visha ended her small speech, and all heads turned to Xeno. He shrugged, "I have nothing to say. I thought your leader and priestess said everything that needs to be said."

"If I were to add anything, it would be that I will hit you if you disgrace the tribe. Male or female."

Visha pursed her lips to hide her smile. Yup, that’s Xeno, blunt as always.

Once all the speeches were out of the way, the tribe made its way to the meeting place. They had agreed with Mira and Gorn on where they would meet to leave together for the festival.

It would take one day for them to meet up with them. With the current strength of the tribe, they could move faster. However, they were not in a rush. They moved leisurely through the forest.

The day passed quickly, and soon they met up with the other two tribes. They met in the morning, and after a brief interlude, they continued on their journey.

The days that followed were harmonious. The three tribes had spent an entire winter together. They were good friends and allies.

The days were spent hunting, eating, and laughing. For the trio, it was one of the few times they spent with the tribe where they did not act as leaders unless necessary.

When Visha told them to be free, it wasn’t a joke. She wanted them to genuinely feel free on the journey.

She did not spend much time with Uri and Xeno as they walked, however. Most of her time was spent with Krag, Chi, and Lyra.

The reason Cato and Lyra came on the trip was at the request of Krag and Chi. They told Visha they would be leaving during this journey. They wanted to take Cato and Lyra with them.

When she questioned them, the only response she got was that she still had things she needed to do here. As for why they were taking Lyra, they only said it was best if they took her. It would make things less complicated.

No matter how Visha stared at them when they said it, they would not reveal anything else. She could only release a breath and accept the reason.

They had always known more than they were willing to let on. How they knew, she had no idea. It was only because she felt close to them. She trusted they wouldn’t harm her.

Along the journey, she took note of one thing. Krag would approach Uri every now and then. For someone like Uri, who wouldn’t normally talk, she watched him and Krag talk for hours.

"Don’t be jealous," Chi said, hitting Visha on the arm. "It’s going to be a while before they see each other again. Let them have the time."

"So you’re planning to come back?" Visha grinned mischievously.

"Nope."

"Then when would we see each other?"

"When you come to see us, stupid." Chi laughed as she spoke.

But soon a touch of melancholy entered her eyes. Visha caught it before she could.

"I know there’s something you aren’t telling us," Visha said, reaching out to break off a branch. "According to the storybooks. Something big is going to happen. It involves us, and you don’t know if we’ll survive."

"I think you’ve read too many stories."

"But that’s what happens." Visha shrugged as she used the branch to sweep her path.

"It won’t happen." Chi smoothed Visha’s hair. "We’ll see the four of you again."

Visha knew who the extra ’person’ was. The system. She still hadn’t heard from her in a while. She had no clue why or what was happening to it. The only thing she was sure of was that the system didn’t leave.

"Let’s not talk about it anymore." Chi linked her arm with Visha’s and steered her to talk to Lyra.

The two were sisters, but they had never really spoken much. Visha didn’t know how Lyra felt, but she felt close to her, although they did not speak to each other often.

The rest of that day and night, Lyra, Chi, and Visha stayed together. Krag, Uri, and Xeno, who body slammed his way into their conversation, spend that day together.

The journey was going smoothly. It had been a long time since Visha felt so relaxed. She would eat, relax, and have fun. The journey consisted of rock faces, cliffs, rivers, and forests.

The valley they were heading towards was actually near the top of a mountain. It was a place the ruling classes had used for some time. For them, it was neutral ground.

It was just another day, and the group was resting. Visha had her eyes closed and was drifting off to sleep.

But it seems the world doesn’t want her to rest. Just as she was about to completely drift away, the scent hit her nose.