A cool autumn breeze swept across the Varien Tribe.
Morning sunlight bathed the stone walls in golden light while warriors trained in the central square.
The rhythmic sounds of clashing weapons echoed throughout the settlement.
Yet inside the Chief's Hall...
The atmosphere was far more serious.
Around a large wooden table sat Lord Cris and the tribe's elders.
A detailed map of the Tribal Region lay spread before them.
Several locations had been marked in red.
Elder Marcus frowned as he pointed toward the western territories.
"The western tribes have begun gathering warriors."
Another elder crossed his arms.
"They claim it is only a military exercise."
Marcus snorted.
"Then why have they also started stockpiling grain?"
Silence followed.
Everyone understood what that meant.
No tribe stored supplies without reason.
A third elder sighed.
"Merchant caravans have reported increased inspections."
"They say even ordinary travelers are being questioned."
Another added,
"Several medium-ranked tribes have quietly formed alliances."
"They fear something is coming."
Vicky, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
"Any sign of Raka?"
The hall became noticeably colder.
Marcus slowly shook his head.
"No."
"We've wiped out every known member of the Raka Bandits."
"But Raka himself..."
"...has vanished."
Another elder clenched his fist.
"A wounded snake is the most dangerous."
"He has lost everything."
"Which makes him unpredictable."
Lord Cris quietly listened to everyone's reports.
His fingers tapped lightly against the wooden table.
The Tribal Region...
Was becoming increasingly unstable.
Smaller tribes sought protection.
Larger tribes expanded their influence.
Bandits still roamed the wilderness.
And somewhere...
Raka remained alive.
The old chief slowly looked toward the map.
"...Storms rarely announce their arrival."
"They simply appear."
The elders nodded solemnly.
Just then—
A guard's voice echoed from outside.
"Young Master Rajiv has arrived!"
Almost instantly...
Lord Cris folded the map.
"The harvest this year has been excellent."
The sudden change of topic caught several younger elders off guard.
Marcus merely smiled.
He had seen this countless times.
Whenever Rajiv entered...
The chief refused to discuss politics.
The boy had already carried enough burdens for one lifetime.
"There should be enough grain for winter."
Marcus immediately played along.
"We should expand the eastern warehouse."
Another elder nodded.
"The hunters have also returned with a good harvest."
The heavy atmosphere disappeared as naturally as morning mist.
Moments later...
The doors slowly opened.
Rajiv entered the hall.
Behind him walked Vicky.
Wrapped comfortably around Rajiv's shoulder...
Was a tiny white snake.
"Greetings, Grandfather."
"Greetings, Elders."
The elders smiled warmly.
"My, my..."
"So polite."
"He grows taller every month."
Before anyone could continue...
Two sleepy golden eyes slowly opened.
Snaky stretched lazily.
She looked around the hall.
Then...
Her eyes landed on Lord Cris.
"Hiss!"
Her entire body perked up.
Before Rajiv could react—
Whoosh!
The little white snake launched herself through the air.
She landed directly on Lord Cris's shoulder.
"Hahaha!"
Lord Cris chuckled.
"It seems our little princess has chosen her favorite person today."
Snaky proudly raised her tiny head.
"Hiss!"
Rajiv simply sighed.
"She's greeting you."
Marcus laughed.
"No..."
"I think she's inspecting whether the chief has brought breakfast."
As though understanding every word...
Snaky immediately looked toward the table.
Her golden eyes sparkled.
There...
Beside Lord Cris...
Sat a plate of freshly roasted meat.
"Hiss..."
Everyone recognized that look.
"Oh no..."
Marcus muttered.
"It's happening again."
Whoosh!
The tiny snake shot forward like white lightning.
A slice of meat disappeared.
Lord Cris looked at his now-empty plate.
"..."
The elders burst into laughter.
"Chief."
"You've been robbed."
"Again."
Lord Cris pretended to sigh dramatically.
"I've led this tribe for decades."
"I've defeated enemies stronger than myself."
"And yet..."
He looked toward the tiny snake happily chewing the stolen meat.
"I remain completely powerless against one little thief."
"Hiss!"
Snaky proudly puffed out her chest.
The hall echoed with laughter.
Rajiv extended his hand.
"Snaky."
The little snake immediately abandoned the plate.
She slithered back onto Rajiv's shoulder.
Marcus blinked.
"She really only listens to you."
Rajiv gently stroked her head.
"Only when she's finished eating."
The elders laughed even harder.
Even Lord Cris couldn't hide his smile.
For the first time in many years...
This hall felt less like a place where chiefs decided the fate of tribes...
And more like a home.
After everyone settled down...
Lord Cris looked toward Rajiv.
"So..."
"How are your studies progressing?"
Rajiv answered calmly.
"I've finished every book in the library."
Silence.
Several elders looked at one another.
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"The entire library?"
"Yes."
Rajiv nodded without hesitation.
Marcus leaned back.
"There are more than seven hundred books."
"History."
"Medicine."
"Politics."
"Spirit Beasts."
"Cultivation."
"Languages."
"You've read all of them?"
"Yes."
"And remembered them?"
"Most of them."
Marcus narrowed his eyes.
Children often exaggerated.
Even talented children.
Surely...
This one was no different.
Seeing Marcus's doubtful expression...
Lord Cris smiled knowingly.
"It appears..."
"...our young scholar has become quite confident."
Rajiv remained silent.
The old chief slowly leaned back.
"Then let us see..."
"...whether the library has truly finished teaching you."
Every elder straightened in their seats.
Even Snaky lifted her little head curiously.
Marcus smiled.
Finally.
Now things were becoming interesting.
He looked directly into Rajiv's calm blue eyes.
"Very well."
"If you've truly finished our library..."
"Then answer our questions."
Rajiv closed the book he had been carrying.
Then respectfully bowed his head.
"I am ready."
The elders exchanged amused glances.
None of them realized...
This simple test...
Would completely change the way they viewed the quiet boy standing before them.