Prime Originator

Outside of the amphitheater, Chief Valencia stood by the rocky plateau's edge and gazed into the distant horizon.

The Infertile Plains was barren, but it was not flat. The hills, crevasses, and craters on the barren land created numerous blind spots.

Chief Valencia frowned when she could not detect anything despite the sentries informing of suspicious movements outside the tribe.

"You said there were suspicious movements outside the tribe? Where?" Chief Valencia asked the warrior.

"According to the sentries, there were numerous small movements in the distant shadows from the northwest direction. They weren't able to conclude any identities, but they are certain that the irregularity did not belong to the movements of the clouds."

Chief Valencia nodded.

Under the crimson moonlight, the shadows of the slow-moving clouds can be seen everywhere. Chief Valencia was about to refute this point, but there was no longer a need after listening to the warrior's full report.

Her gaze penetrated the northwest direction and scoured the land with her sharp sight. After seeing nothing of interest, she retracted her gaze. She frowned when she recalled Goldeneye's information.

"Double the sentries and stay vigilant of our surroundings. It could be fake vagabonds scouting the situation of our tribe."

After a short pause, Chief Valencia added, "It's not fair that the sentries are missing out on the Great Feast. Let them know that everyone participating in sentry duty tonight will receive 500 Dark Crystals each."

"Yes, Chief! Thank you for your consideration and benevolence!" The warrior answered happily.

500 Dark Crystal was a hefty sum for a single night watch. Many would be happy to sign up for the job.

It was not the first time the Darkmoon Tribe have been scouted by other tribes. In fact, it was a regular occurrence, both during the period of the Bone Calamity and outside of it.

The warrior was only confused by Chief Valencia had paid particular attention to the fake vagabonds sent as scouts by the other tribes this time around.

…

Shortly after Chief Valencia left, an old Shaman said, "Old Tailor, you are the most familiar with our little friend here. Don't you think you should introduce us?"

"Hohoho, that's a good idea. I believe our little friend here has yet to learn who we are. Old Tailor, you should really introduce us." Another Shaman chimed in.

"You're asking for that now? Why didn't you say so before when Chief Valencia was still around? Anyway, since when was it my job to do the introduction? You Old Farts don't know how to introduce yourselves?"

The Old Tailor was a bit speechless. What most familiar? He just met the boy not long ago.

"Haiz, it's just a little introduction, Old Tailor. Why do you have to make it sound like such a drag?" Old Tinker said.

"You want me to do the introductions? Fine." Old Tailor spat and turned to face Leon.

"Listen up, Little Brother Leonhardt. This Old Fart here is called Old Tinker. If you have a lot of Dark Crystals on hand and looking to have your trinkets enchanted, then you are looking at the right person. His character is questionable, but his skills are undeniably the best in the tribe."

Old Tinker flaunted a proud look, but halfway through Old Tailor's introduction, his expression froze.

"Oi, oi, oi. What do you mean my character is questionable?" Old Tinker scowled. "Don't listen to his nonsense, kid. Just swing by my trinket store if you need some quality goods. I guarantee my prices are most fair."

Old Tailor snickered and continued, "This black sheep is called Old Hammer. In terms of weapon enchantment, he is the best of the best in the tribe. However, unless you are looking to empty your wallet and lose a layer of skin while you are at it, I suggest you visit another weapon store…"

"…This Old Hag is Old Baba, the top alchemist in the tribe. Since Little Brother Leonhardt is a proficient healer, I do not need to say too much here. Even I do not dare to drink her healing potions. Do not get me wrong, her healing potions are super effective. It is just that they stink like her dirty old water…"

"This Old Crook is…"

Old Tailor proceeded to introduce another three Shamans of notable status, each with their own specialization in a different field.

Old Fjord was an expert in charge of the tribe's underground water collection and distillation. Old Alexis oversaw the tribe's defense mechanism and formation. Lastly, Old Wiz was a master of puppetry and automaton studies.

"They are all experts in their respective fields and big moneymakers. However, their hygienic practices are appalling. Together, they are called the Six Stinks of the tribe."

Towards the end of Old Tailor's introduction, the six Shamans' faces were as black as charcoal. They started to regret allowing Old Tailor to do the introduction.

"What the hell, Old Tailor? Even if you do not respect us, you still need to leave us some face in front of the younger generation, right? What kind of nonsensical introduction was that?" Old Hammer frowned.

"Six Stinks? The Seven Stinks, you mean? Aren't you forgetting yourself?" Old Baba snorted coldly.

"Ahem, did I say anything else incorrectly?" Old Tailor coughed and said, "Last time I drank one of your smelly potions, I had to sit on the toilet for the seven days straight!"

"Hmph! What do you know? That is just the potion's effect of expelling the impurities! If you do not like it, then do not drink it! I think Old Mate here still holds a grudge from last time!" Old Baba growled, unwilling to back down.

It was not long before the other five Shamans had a look of understanding.

Apart from spending most of their time on their respective hobbies, they would gather to play card games for entertainment in their old age. Naturally, gambling was a must for old folks like them with too many Dark Crystals on their hands.

"Dammit, Old Tailor. Didn't we agree that whether we lose or win, there would be no hard feelings?" Old Fjord rubbed his bald head and complained.

"No hard feelings? How can I not have any hard feelings after that?! If it were not for you Old Farts conspiring against me, would I have lost so miserably?!" Old Tailor barked, feeling indignant.

"Hahaha, it is just a little bit of Dark Crystals. You can make that much back in no time." Old Wiz laughed.

'A little bit?!'

Old Tailor almost blew his top and cut ties on the spot. Despite that, he did not do so. Their relationship was actually really good. It is just that they can be annoying and deserves a punch in the face sometimes, like a best friend, for instance.

"If 200 thousand Dark Crystals is a little bit, I suppose Old Wiz don't mind losing 500 thousand Dark Crystals to me next time.��

"Err… maybe we went a little overboard on the bets. How about we join forces and pick on someone else next time?" Old Wiz suggested with a forced smile.

Leon scratched his head wryly as he watched the people bicker with amusement. It seems that this group of Shamans were not as harmonious as he had assumed.

After a while, Old Tailor calmed down.

"Everyone should have already heard about Little Brother Leonhardt, so I don't need to say much here."

"En, I also heard that a Banshee assisted the tribe. Is that true?" Old Wiz asked with interest.

Old Tailor was surprised when this was mentioned. He did not seem to have seen the Banshee yet.

While all attention was focused on Leon, he gave Lumi a heads-up telepathically before letting her out. Everyone was mildly startled when she appeared from the void.

However, they recovered quickly with surprise when they discover Lumi's harmless nature. She did not possess the vengeful and murderous disposition a Banshee should have. It even made them question themselves if she really was a Banshee.

"This is… amazing! To think there was a Banshee that took the side of humans!"

"I've seen people taming Demonic Beasts, but this is the first time I've seen someone tamed an evil spirit. How did you do it?" Old Wiz asked curiously.

Lumi felt unhappy to hear this, but she remained silent. If Leon goes back on his words and never return her freedom, she might as well be a tamed evil spirit. Having experienced that tearing pain to her soul once, she would not have the courage to disobey Leon.

Just as Leon smiled and prepared a reply, a sudden shout from below the high seating platform grabbed everyone's attention.

"Leonhardt, I challenge you to a duel! Do you dare accept it?!"