Weird noise

The evening sun sunk beyond the mountains. And the last spark of daylight receded. A shroud of darkness veiled the camp.

The camp was situated right at the top of a mountain overlooking the Kurma lake. It was placed strategically to avoid the oncoming migratory animals that were dangerous. Especially, the Stone mammoths. 

Stone mammoths represented one of the four categories of spirit beasts engaged in the migration. Possessing the formidable strength of rank 4, they were deemed highly dangerous owing to their colossal size and power. Warriors from the Boulder tribe typically steered clear of stone mammoths to prevent getting ensnared amid the herd.

The others were Horned Deer, Mountain Bisons and Mud Pigs. And among all these creatures, there was one thing in common. Although they inhabit the northern area, they did not have ice element affinity. 

Which in itself was the main reason why they needed to migrate down south during the winter. 

During the winter season, a phenomenon known as the cold wave swept across the northern region. This climatic occurrence generated chilly winds that froze anything in their path. For creatures lacking an affinity for the ice element, it proved fatal.

Typically, wild creatures instinctively relocate south before the onset of the cold wave. This behaviour results in the formation of a massive migration, creating a sea of animals moving collectively towards the south.

"It's getting colder. We should add some more wood."

"Hmmm..."

Two warriors seated around a bonfire conversed. Much like them, there were numerous groups of warriors gathered around the fires they had set alight, patiently awaiting something.

The soft, warm glow of the bonfires flickered, casting light on the otherwise dark camp.

At that moment, Kora, accompanied by Aru, walked towards the centre of the camp.

Kora effortlessly carried a giant iron vat, weighing close to two hundred kilograms, over his head. Aru, in contrast, held ladles and crockery.

They briskly approached the camp's centre and set down their burdens.

This comprised the evening meal - a soup that had been brought earlier and kappa. All that remained was to distribute portions of the Kappa to the warriors.

"Aru, now you can go and rest."

Kora swiftly handed Aru a bowl of Kappa and some soup before allowing him to depart. Observing the meal distribution underway, the other warriors stood up to receive their portions. All two hundred and fifty, including the children, were served soup and Kappa for dinner.

Aru quickly blended into the crowd before finding an isolated spot and ate his portion. To him, it tasted great. Combined with the soup, kappa tasted even better than what he originally made. 

At that time, he finally noticed the other people around. And the expression they showed as they gobbled down the Kappa.

Everyone looked happy. Few even looked emotional as they ate. 

Nonetheless, they smiled and cheered as they gobbled down the food. 

'They are that happy...'

Aru marvelled at the scene. He had never anticipated such a reaction, as in his previous world—a world of abundance—most would have overlooked a simple dish like that.

'I am the reason they are happy.' Suddenly, a realisation struck Aru.

For years, he had toiled for a corporation without receiving praise or positive feedback. In the end, he even died while working for them. They used to claim that he was making a change, that his work was necessary and integral to society. Yet, he could never witness the result of his efforts or find joy in his work.

However, today, he finally witnessed it.

The result.

His individual actions could genuinely impact the world.

Be it for good or bad, he can make a difference. 

Even though everything he experienced after coming to this world was not particularly good, it suddenly began to grow on him.

The people, the culture and the simple lifestyle. He began to enjoy the peace that it provided him. 

Unknowingly, Aru smiled gleefully as he watched the people around him. Kora who witnessed this from a side too smiled happily. 

—

Soon, it was time to sleep. 

Dinner was over and everyone was satisfied by the hearty meal. 

Tomorrow the migratory animals would reach Kurma Lake. Other than a few standing guard, others were asked to sleep. 

That's how Aru found himself sleeping right next to the bully Dal. 

The fatty was snoring and turning around, bulldozing through the row of kids that were sleeping next to him. Aru was barely able to protect himself by kicking his ass away. 

Even the chilling cold or the foreign environment couldn't prevent Dal from sleeping like a baby. 

'Should I call him fearless or just stupid.' Aru couldn't comprehend how someone could sleep so well when there was danger all around them.

"Hey…Para, do you think the snow giants exist?" A child spoke in a hushed voice. 

Before Para could reply, Thanal answered. "Of course they do. I saw its teeth. Grandpa has it." 

"If it's what Thanal is saying, it might be true. But I have never seen one myself." Para said in a relaxed tone.

"The teeth were as big as my fist. It was huge. You can imagine the size of the creature that it comes from."

"Ahhh!"

"Don't scare him, Thanal." The elder brother, Para tried to dissuade his brother from scaring others.

But he was one step too late.

The majority of the children were now wide awake, just like Aru, intensely focusing on their conversation. 

"Snow giants are not the only dangerous creatures we have to fear. Anything and everything alive in the wild can probably kill us. So, don't take it to heart." Thanal poured oil into the blazing fire. 

His words made some of the kids shiver. 

But Aru agreed with it. Although their spirit was awakened, he could see the difference between a normal adult and a child. A child, even if he was a rank 1 warrior would stand no chance against an adult rank 1. And that was a fact. 

And in the wild, without the protection of the tribe, the kids were like fish on the chopping board. 

Assuming everything was dangerous and being cautious was the best way to survive. 

'Instead of letting fear control them, they should learn how to stay calm and cautious.' 

'But it's easy for me to say.'

"Hraaarrrraaa…" Suddenly, Aru noticed a sound.

It was mildly audible, but he could hear it. 

'What is it?' He tried to find the direction from which it was coming from. 

Lifting his head, he turned his head around to focus.

The sound was continuous and barely audible as if its origin were far away. No one else among the kids seems to have noticed it. 

As time went by, Aru could hear it coming closer and closer. It was becoming loud enough that he couldn't just ignore it anymore.

He stood up immediately. One way or another, he was going to find the source. Or else, he was sure that he would not be able to sleep.