"Chronicles of the Ember Sovereign"

Chapter 3: Sparks of Understanding

Yuuto's act of creating fire earns him a tenuous level of trust from the tribe. The raw amazement in their eyes is undeniable, but they remain cautious. The tribe's leader, a towering man with scars across his body named Gurk, approaches Yuuto with an air of suspicion and curiosity. He gestures for Yuuto to make fire again, pointing to the pile of sticks and dried leaves.

Realizing the importance of diplomacy, Yuuto obliges, carefully assembling another campfire. As he strikes rocks together, producing sparks that ignite the kindling, the entire tribe gasps and murmurs in awe. Gurk's hardened expression softens slightly, though he still regards Yuuto as an anomaly.

The tribe begins treating Yuuto slightly better, offering him cooked food instead of raw meat. Yuuto uses this opportunity to observe their lifestyle more closely. He notices their tools are rudimentary—stone knives, wooden spears, and poorly constructed shelters. A nearby stream serves as their water source, but it is unprotected and filled with debris.

Yuuto also discovers that the tribe struggles with basic concepts of survival. Their attempts at farming are haphazard, with wild plants growing chaotically. Hunting parties return with meager catches, and the lack of preserved food hints at their vulnerability to famine.

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Introducing Innovations

Yuuto begins introducing small changes, carefully gauging the tribe's reactions. He starts with simple improvements:

Teaching them how to create a fire pit to better control flames.

Demonstrating how to weave simple baskets for gathering and storage.

Suggesting ways to sharpen their tools more efficiently using grinding stones.

Gurk and the tribe's elder, an aged woman named Mora, watch Yuuto closely. Mora, who serves as the tribe's spiritual guide, begins suspecting that Yuuto may be more than just a man. His knowledge and ability to create fire—a symbol of life and divinity—hint at something supernatural.

One evening, Mora approaches Yuuto. Through a mix of gestures and primitive words, she conveys her belief that he might be a being sent by the gods. Yuuto tries to deny it, insisting he's just a man, but her conviction doesn't waver.

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The Tribe's Test

To solidify his position, Gurk proposes a test: Yuuto must accompany the hunters on their next expedition to prove his worth. Yuuto, though nervous, agrees. He understands this is his chance to secure a place among the tribe and gain their full trust.

The hunting party sets out early the next morning, armed with crude spears. Yuuto lags behind, his modern knowledge offering little in the way of practical survival skills. However, when the group encounters a wild boar, his ingenuity comes into play.

Using fire as a deterrent, Yuuto creates a makeshift torch and helps drive the boar into a trap set by the hunters. The plan works, and the tribe successfully kills the animal. The hunters, initially skeptical of Yuuto, begin to respect his quick thinking.

When they return to the village, carrying the boar as their prize, Gurk acknowledges Yuuto as one of their own. The tribe celebrates with a feast, and Yuuto feels a small sense of triumph.

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End of Chapter 3