"What is that tree?!" Alfred exclaimed. "I knew this world was different, but I had never expected to encounter such a humongous tree!"
"What do you mean?" Aponi asked while slightly tilting her head. "That is our Guardian Tree. Does your tribe not have one? I do not think that is possible, though."
Alfred's body jerked upon realizing his mistake.
'Crap, I was caught off guard and made a slip-up.'
"Ahh, yes, now that you mention it, it's kind of familiar to me." Alfred chuckled as he scratched the back of his head. "You know I lost my memory, so don't mind me if I suddenly say weird things."
"Oh my, I forgot about that," Aponi gasped. "I am sorry, I did not mean to sound doubtful."
"Hahaha, it's fine, I understand." Alfred waved his left hand to reassure the girl. "I just hope you don't blame me. After all, forgetting about the tree and seeing it again is a marvelous experience."
"Of course, I am fully aware of what you meant." Aponi looked up. "I was awed, too, when I saw the Guardian Tree for the very first time. The memory was embedded in me even though it has been a very long time."
"Remind me again, what is the purpose of this Guardian Tree?" Alfred hesitantly questioned.
"Like what its name implies." The tan girl smiled gently. "The Guardian Tree has the ability to protect our tribe by deterring all animals and beasts from getting near. The gratitude and respect we have for the tree are immeasurable. If need be, we can even sacrifice our lives for its survival."
Alfred's curiosity went through the roof, and his eagerness to study the world turned his calm heart into a racing horse. This time, he would achieve what he wished to do, and right now, he wanted to discover the many mysteries of this new world.
'Yes, it is important to find a way to return home, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying the journey.'
Thinking of this, a smile of excitement bloomed on his face.
"In any case, we should get going; we do not want to keep the Elder waiting," Aponi reminded, interrupting Alfred's wandering mind.
"Oh, that's right. Please lead the way." Alfred immediately agreed, not wanting to revisit his mistake.
A moment later, Alfred limpedly followed Aponi. Fortunately, the young girl was observant enough to pace her walk with his speed.
As they navigated the tribe, Alfred's eyes couldn't resist but scan the surrounding area.
All the houses, or more precisely, tents, were made of the same animal materials, showing the primitive technology they had. They were encircling the Guardian Tree as if everything revolved around it.
Surprisingly, the tribe was clean and had no smell. He had expected it to be more disorganized, dirty, and full of a rotting smell. It appeared he couldn't compare it to the primitive way of his people.
As his eyes continued to wander, they widened upon seeing the tribesmen focused on their sets of activities.
'I want to know what they are doing. Is it possible for me to become a crafter in this place?'
However, upon noticing him, they all instantly halted, as if they had seen something truly disgusting.
Men held their spears tightly. Mother pulled their sons or daughters to their embrace, eyeing him cautiously. Old people spat on the ground and glared at him with hateful gazes.
Alfred couldn't help but be affected by this. He was not used to this kind of attention. He would rather be left alone than treated like a criminal.
Regardless of this, he persevered and utilized his crutch to balance his body, fearful of embarrassing himself in front of so many people.
"Are you okay?" Aponi hurried closer to Alfred upon noticing his struggle. "Please do not hate them; my tribesmen are not fond of changes and new things. But I promise you, all of them are good people."
"I'm fine, you don't have to worry." Alfred raised his hand and stopped Aponi. "Trust me, I'm very familiar with how they feel. I hope they get a pass on their bias soon and allow me to show my sincerity."
"They will." The pretty girl smiled kindly. "Just give them time to warm up to you, and I am sure they will realize that hate is unnecessary."
"I hope so, too."
"Come on, let us proceed."
Alfred learned the hardship of being a cripple.
Although he had expected it to be arduous, he did not grasp it as painful. He hadn't even traveled that far, but his stamina was already at its limit. Worse than that, all his limbs shook every time he moved forward, especially his left foot, making it even harder to walk.
As expected, after limping for a few more steps, his shaking foot gave in, leaving his body to the mercy of gravity.
Powerless, Alfred shut his eyes, already imagining his pathetic self falling into the dirt.
However, before he hit the ground, a massive hand held his armpit and pulled him up, saving him from the disgrace that haunted his mind.
Alfred slowly opened his eyes, wondering who saved him from being a laughingstock.
Steadily, an image of a muscular man, standing 7 feet or maybe taller, with long and messy red hair, welcomed him back.
Instantly, Alfred's whole body froze.
'What is he doing here?'
"Are you alright, Alfred?" Aponi once again rushed to Alfred's side, her face painted in deep worry. "Please, allow me to help you. Your body is still not strong enough to handle this kind of activity."
"Aponi… Did I not tell you to call me if you were bringing Alfred out?" Vir asked with a frown. "When are you going to listen to me?"
Aponi removed her attention from Alfred and gave it to the man supporting the young man. "Brother, you know he is anxious around you. Is it not better if I do it on my own?"
"No, it is not," Vir strictly declared. "Look around you. Our people are scared and displeased. I told you to call me because I want to make sure they know they are safe, as I, the head of the hunters, will personally oversee the outsider's every action. You cannot just do whatever you think is right; there are steps to everything."
Upon hearing her brother, the young girl observed the faces of her tribesmen. Some of them were indeed afraid, terrified even.
Aponi lowered her head. It was clear she realized her mistakes.
Seeing this, Alfred couldn't help but blame himself.
'Aponi is here because she wanted to help me; she didn't do anything wrong.'
"I-I'm sorry, it's because of me. Please don't scold her," Alfred uttered, even though his heart was on the brink of exploding.
Vir didn't reply, staring only at him.
Alfred preferred for Vir to glower at him rather than silently stab him with his sharp glare.
"Let's go, Aponi," Vir ordered.
It appeared the young girl was truly affected by her mistake, as she followed Vir's words without saying anything.
Without his permission, Vir dragged him, or carried him by his armpit, taking the same path Aponi was traveling.
Fortunately, Vir was the only one lifting him; if not, he would look like the alien he often sees on the internet.
Nonetheless, his position was uncomfortable; thus, he once more mustered all his courage and stated, "C-Can you please let me go? I can walk on my own."
"No."
"W-why? I don't think this is appropriate."
Vir halted and glanced at Alfred.
"If I let you walk on your own, you will slow down our pace. My tribesmen will not be able to do their task properly as they are cautious with you around."
Vir's statement was flawless.
His presence was indeed a hindrance to the tribe.
Acknowledging this, Alfred gave up and let Vir uncomfortably drag him. The only regret he had was not having a chance to learn more about the tribe.
Soon after, Vir stopped before a tent.
"Elder Ahote, we are here!" The muscular man shouted.
The tent was normal, too normal for an important member of the tribe. It had the same design, size, and material as everyone else's.
Alfred thought that the abode of an Elder would be much larger, or at least have something special about it. But the only thing he saw different from the others was the things scattered around its periphery. Stones, wood, unfinished carvings, and all sorts of materials.
"Are you wondering why it is so messy here?" Aponi whispered to Alfred. "It is because Elder Ahote is the best craftsman in the tribe. Most of the things you see here are items that he personally created or will use to create some things."
Alfred's ear perked up upon hearing a word. "Wait… Best Crafter?"
"Yes, almost everything you see in the tribe was invented by him or his father," Aponi continued. "Elder Ahote's contribution to the tribe is second to none when it comes to inventing. It is thanks to him that our people have an easier life."
"No need to praise this old bone," Elder Ahote said the moment he exited his tent. "I am happy to serve our tribe, and no need for such words. All I ever wanted was for our tribesmen to use my tools to their hearts' content."
"Greetings, Elder." Vir and Aponi slightly bowed their heads at the old man.
"Raise your head," Elder Ahote ordered, and then threw the thing he was holding to Vir. "Take that and go back; I am very busy today."
Alfred's eyes were glued to the item Elder Ahote tossed.
The item was similar to the leg of a pirate he once saw in a movie, a pirate with a prosthetic leg. The wooden leg was simple. It didn't have any toes or a foot, only a leather strap and a stick used as a footing.
Nonetheless, having this kind of creation in this primitive time was an eye-opener. Perhaps he was underestimating this new world.
"Is that… a prosthetic?" Alfred asked with a lot of hesitation.
The bald Elder halted and then turned around.
"Oho, you know about this thing, young Alfred?"
"Ah, yes, isn't this tool used for someone who lost a limb?" Alfred looked at his missing leg. "Like myself?"
"I did not know this creation had been created somewhere else. I thought our tribe was the only tribe that knew about it." Elder Ahote's eyebrows rose. "Did your tribe also have a great crafter?"
Alfred's smile froze.
'Damn my blabbermouth!'
"N-no, I mean I don't know. It's just that the information appeared in my mind when I saw the item."
"I see." With a disappointed look, the Elder turned around. "In any case, I cannot talk right now. If you are interested in crafting, do not be embarrassed to visit me again." After leaving those words, the bald old man resumed his way back and disappeared inside his tent.