“You want to come too? I thought you were quite comfortable in the Tribe!?” Kai rolled his eyes.
He saw Luo always full of energy, seemingly excited about life. Every day was the same – Luo was never unhappy. It was as though his energy was endless.
Hearing Luo wanted to join him on his adventure almost made him laugh.
“Of course, I’m serious! I’m not joking!” Luo said in earnest. As he spoke, his baby fat cheeks quivered, making him look like a little boy.
If his Father saw this, he would most likely explode with rage.
Luo’s Father looked completely different – rugged and tall, two meters high. He spoke loudly and boldly, his voice always arriving before he did.
So, Luo’s 1.75m height, childish voice, and baby fat often enraged his Father.
The Hunting Team Leader would get furious seeing his Son’s timid manner. He would pinch Luo’s cheeks and lecture him to be more manly, to stop speaking so slowly and softly.
He would say that real men should speak with a thunderous voice, so Luo’s speech always angered the Hunting Team Leader.
Unlike Luo, Kai spoke with proper teenage confidence. Though not handsome, he was among the top Warrior Trainees, an achievement which made him naturally confident.
This made the Hunting Team Leader angrier, always asking why Luo could not learn from Kai despite spending so much time together.
Though Luo’s skills were second only to Kai’s, his Father was never satisfied, wanting him to be even stronger than the former.
“Well? Will you talk to the Chieftain?” Luo asked, wiping his nose. He looked eager to leave before the rainy season.
Once the rain came, they would not be allowed to leave, so they needed to depart soon. Else, their adventure would be delayed by several months.
They had to return after the twenty days following the rainy season, before the snow season.
“I won’t ask him. Why don’t you ask him?” Kai suddenly suggested.
“Me? No way! He’s your Father, you should be the one asking. He’ll agree to your request.” Luo quickly shook his head.
“Didn’t I just say he’s fierce with me? But, he’s nicer to you?” Kai encouraged.
This was his clever plan – since his Father never got angry with others, let Luo ask. Even if refused, there would be no scolding from the other side. If approved, that would be even better.
“But… but he might not agree even if I ask…” Luo scratched his head.
“Stop saying ‘but’! How will we know without trying?” Kai’s red eyes sparkled. “Why not ask now?”
“Now?” Luo’s blue eyes widened. “No, I don’t dare to…”
Though the Chieftain never got angry with them, his stern face was intimidating. He might finally lose his temper over such a serious request – such as leaving the Tribe.
“It’s fine, he won’t scold you.” Kai pushed Luo’s back. He desperately wanted to leave the Tribe’s repetitive life. He craved freedom and excitement, always dreaming of the world beyond.
“Let’s wait for a bit…” Luo planted his feet firmly on the ground.
“Why wait? We should ask now.” Kai pressed on.
“Don’t rush me! The Chieftain’s in the Shaman’s wooden house right now. We can’t see him even if we want to…” Luo pushed away Kai’s hands.
“Oh right. In that case, let’s train first, then ask afterward,” Kai suggested.
“Do you know what to say to the Chieftain? Just directly ask to leave?” Luo blinked.
It seemed inappropriate to ask directly. It was like they were inviting a scolding.
As Non-Totem Warriors, leaving would be dangerous. They also could not possibly ask for Totem Warriors to escort them. That would not be a real adventure.
*Hmm…* Kai frowned in thought, then shook his head, “I don’t know either.”
“Then I won’t ask…” Luo’s mouth twitched.
“Hey! Why not?” Kai panicked.
“If you don’t know what to say, I’ll definitely get scolded.” Luo shook his head, cheeks wobbling.
“Fine then. Let’s train first and think about it more later…” Kai said dejectedly.
He knew his Father. It was truly better not to ask without a proper plan.
Luo nodded immediately, relieved to avoid talking to the intimidating Chieftain.
“If we can’t think of something, don’t come with me,” Kai walked toward the training ground.
“No, take me with you! It’s safer together!” Luo wiped his nose and hurried after.
[noscript][/noscript]