1 The Cutest Awakening
The barbarian village, nestled deep in the woods, was buzzing with energy and excitement. The reason for this excitement was because today was a very special day, which was the day of talent awakening.
It was a day that every 18-year-old looked forward to, no matter if they were a barbarian, human, elf, or any other kind of creature. On this day, each person would awaken their unique talent, something that would shape their future.
Vargus stood among his fellow barbarians, all gathered in anticipation for the talent awakening ceremony. Unlike the others, whose faces were etched with nerves and excitement, Vargus excluded a calm and composed demeanor.
He patiently waited for his turn, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of purpose and confidence. Around him, the air was thick with tension as the young barbarians shuffled their feet, exchanged anxious glances, and fidgeted with their hands. They were all waiting for the exact moment when they would discover their unique talents, which would determine their paths in life.
Vargus, however, seemed detached from the surrounding nervous energy. He looked forward to discovering what talent he would awaken, but his tranquility set him apart. He stood tall and steady, like an unmovable rock amidst a swirling stream.
The ceremony soon began with the arrival of the barbarian elder, stepping forward to address the crowd. With a voice that resonated through the village, he began his speech, emphasizing the significance of this day. "Today," he declared, "marks a pivotal moment in the lives of our young barbarians. It is on this day that your futures will start to take shape, as you awaken to the talents that will define your paths."
As the elder spoke, one could sense the weight of his words settling over the crowd, instilling a sense of solemnity and anticipation. After his speech, the young barbarians approached him one by one, eager to awaken their talents under his guidance.
The first to step forward awakened the talent of a Sword Warrior, a coveted ability that granted an innate understanding and mastery over swordsmanship, making learning and refining sword skills easier and also better than others.
Next, another individual awakened as a Spear Master. This talent was almost the the same to that of the Sword Warrior but this one was specialized in the art of the spear.
The Spear Master's talent not only allowed for an intuitive grasp of spear techniques but also ensured a quicker and more efficient learning process, surpassing the rate of comprehension of the warrior talent.
Amidst the weapons related talents awakening, a different kind of talent emerged. One barbarian awakened Rock Skin, a non-combat ability that transformed the user's skin as hard as stone, offering unparalleled defense against physical attacks.
The ceremony revealed the diversity of talents within the tribe, showcasing that not all powers were linked to warfare. For instance, one young barbarian discovered a talent closely tied to the rhythm of everyday life—a Farmer's Gift. This particular talent made the individual exceptionally skilled in agriculture, enhancing their ability to nurture and cultivate the land with remarkable efficiency and yield.
As each talent was revealed, the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting arrived which was the moment where Vargus would awaken his talent.
As he stepped forward, all eyes in the barbarian gathering were fixed on him. Vargus wasn't just any member of their tribe; he was recognized as the village prodigy.
His reputation preceded him; Vargus was exceptionally skilled in handling every type of weapon presented to him. His strategic mind for warfare was unparalleled, and his physical strength was unmatched by anyone of his age. No one could stand against him in combat, which made him the most anticipated individual on this day of talent awakening.
The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable. The villagers saw Vargus not just as a young warrior but as a beacon of hope for their future. There was a collective belief that his talent, once awakened, would be extraordinary—a talent that would elevate their village's status and bring them renown.
His approach towards the elder was a moment charged with expectation. Everyone held their breath, hoping, and believing, that Vargus would awaken a talent so powerful it would ensure their village's prosperity and fame. His importance to the community was immense, and on this day, their hopes and dreams seemed to rest squarely on his shoulders.
The elder initiated Vargus's talent awakening with a solemn grace. Placing his hand gently upon Vargus's head, a hush fell over the crowd, all eyes fixed on the pair. After a brief moment, a radiant light enveloped them, signaling the completion of the awakening process. As the light faded, the elder peered into Vargus's eyes and announced, "Your talent is Cutest Tamer."
Silence struck the assembly as the words hung in the air. The moment Vargus's talent was revealed, a wave of disbelief swept through the crowd. The barbarians exchanged bewildered glances, each person questioning if they had heard correctly. They began to doubt their own ears, while the elder paused, questioning his own perception.
Seeking confirmation, the elder delved into the mystical energies once more, his expression turning serious. With a deeper focus, he reaffirmed the awakening, his brow furrowing as he stated with undeniable certainty, "Vargus's talent is indeed 'Cutest Tamer.'"
This second proclamation cemented the reality of the situation. The initial shock slowly morphed into a tangible sense of confusion and disbelief among the villagers. The elder's frown mirrored the collective uncertainty—a talent such as "Cutest Tamer" was unheard of, especially for someone of Vargus's known prowess and anticipation.
Murmurs soon began to ripple through the assembly of barbarians. They huddled in small groups, their conversations a mix of disbelief and concern. "How can Vargus, the finest among us, awaken such a talent?" one whispered, voicing the incredulity that seemed to grip everyone's heart. "This doesn't fit a barbarian, especially not one as skilled and strong as Vargus," another added, shaking their head in dismay.
The notion of "Cutest Tamer" seemed to clash starkly with the image of a barbarian, known for their brute strength and prowess in battle. Vargus, with his unmatched skills and physical dominance, was the last person they expected to be associated with something so...cute. The villagers struggled to reconcile Vargus's warrior persona with the gentle, nurturing nature implied by his new talent.
Amid the swirling conversations and growing uncertainty, a voice suddenly cut through the noise, carrying a heavy suggestion. "This must be a curse," one of the barbarians declared, his tone grave. "Vargus was too strong, too exceptional. It's as if the world itself decided to curse him to prevent his rise." This idea, once spoken, seemed to take root quickly among the crowd. The notion that Vargus's unparalleled abilities had somehow invoked a cosmic rebalance in the form of a 'curse' began to spread, transforming confusion into fear.
The idea that their most promising warrior was cursed sparked a wave of panic. Conversations shifted from disbelief and disappointment to concern over the potential implications of harboring someone cursed by the very essence of their greatness. "We can't allow this curse to affect our village," another voice chimed in, echoing the growing sentiment among the villagers. The fear was not just for Vargus but for the safety and well-being of the entire community.
The atmosphere became charged with a mix of fear, suspicion, and a perceived need for action. Urged by the growing consensus, several barbarians approached the elder, their expressions grim. "We cannot risk the well-being of our village," they stated, their voices firm. "Vargus must be banished. It's the only way to ensure that this curse does not plague our home."
The elder, faced with the palpable fear and determination of his people, found himself in a difficult position. The call for Vargus's banishment was a drastic measure, born out of fear and a misunderstanding of the situation. Yet, the pressure from the community, convinced that they were acting in the village's best interest, weighed heavily on his decision.
The air was tense, charged with a mix of fear, expectation, and sorrow. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying a heavy burden. "As the protector of our village, my first duty is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our people," he began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before resting on Vargus. "The decision to banish one of our own is not taken lightly, but given the circumstances and the fears of our community, I see no other path forward. Vargus, you are hereby banished from the village."
A hush fell over the assembly as the words echoed through the air. All eyes turned to Vargus, expecting anger, protest, or despair. Yet, Vargus's response was as unexpected as his awakened talent. He looked at the elder and then at his fellow villagers, his expression serene, betraying no sign of the turmoil that the decision must have caused him.
Vargus then spoke, his voice steady, "I understand the fears that grip your hearts. And though I may not agree, I will respect the decision for the good of the village. My journey does not end here; it merely takes a new path. Farewell, and may our paths cross again in better times."
With those words, Vargus turned away from the crowd, his departure marked by a dignified calmness that left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. There were no outbursts, no pleas for reconsideration—just a quiet acceptance of his fate.
As Vargus's figure receded into the distance, the villagers remained silent, many wrestling with the emotions stirred by the departure of the strongest among them. The elder watched him go, a mix of sorrow and resolve etched into his features. This was a moment that would be remembered in the village's history, a decision made out of fear, casting out their most promising warrior because of an unexpected talent deemed a curse.
