Usato, his chest heaving with each labored breath, watched as the last vestiges of the Alpha Wolf's life faded away. A wave of relief washed over him, so profound that it almost buckled his knees. With a shaky exhale, he finally allowed himself to slump down onto the ground, his body aching from the earlier impact and the sheer exhaustion of the intense fight.
Elara, ever watchful, noticed Usato's collapse immediately. Her compassionate nature healer instincts kicked in, and she rushed towards him, her hands already glowing with a soft, green light. "Chief, let me help you," she said gently, kneeling beside him, ready to begin the healing process.
From her position, Syka observed this interaction. Her brow furrowed slightly, and a strange, unsettling feeling stirred within her. She couldn't quite place it, a sour mix of emotions she didn't fully understand, but her sharp eyes remained fixed on Elara tending to Usato.
As Elara's green light enveloped Usato's back, she focused her healing energies, expecting to find torn muscles and deep bruising. However, as her power flowed through him, she felt… nothing. Her brow furrowed in confusion, she concentrated more intently, her light intensifying. Yet, there was no injury to mend. To her astonishment, Usato's back was completely healed, the skin smooth and unbroken, without even the slightest mark to indicate the brutal impact he had suffered just moments ago. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she drew back, her healing glow fading. "Chief," she said, her voice filled with surprise, "your back... it's already completely healed. There's not even a scratch!"
Usato shrugged, trying to appear casual despite the inner workings of Sky. "Maybe it regenerates quickly," he said with a slight smile. "Thanks for the offer, Elara, but really, don't worry about it. I'm fine." He stood up, testing his back again with a subtle twist, feeling the lingering stiffness but none of the pain from the brutal impact. He knew he had to keep Sky's existence a secret for now, and attributing his rapid healing to natural regeneration seemed like the most plausible explanation he could offer.
After assuring Elara, Usato turned his attention to the rest of the battlefield. His gaze swept across the gorge, taking in the aftermath of the intense struggle. He noted with relief that most of the skirmishes had indeed concluded. Wolves lay scattered, either still or twitching, and the Evergreen Tribe members were tending to their own minor wounds, their faces etched with exhaustion but also with a hard-won sense of victory.
However, his eyes lingered on two areas where the fighting was still fierce. Kael, his red-furred lion totem radiating power, was locked in a brutal exchange with a particularly large and tenacious Ferocious Dark Wolf. The clash of their nanobot weapons echoed through the air. Nearby, closer to where Ren had been protecting the younger members, a small group of tribesmen were still struggling against a couple of remaining wolves. Usato realized that these were the areas where they had been initially outnumbered or where the strongest of the wolf pack had focused their attacks. Ren, though unawakened, was doing his best to coordinate the defense, but the lack of experienced warriors in that immediate vicinity was clearly making the fight more challenging.
Seeing that the remaining fights were clearly nearing their end, with the tribesmen holding their own and the remaining Dark Wolves showing signs of desperation, Usato made a conscious decision not to interfere. They had faced a significant threat and were proving capable of finishing it themselves. This experience, even in its difficulty, would be invaluable training for them, hardening their resolve and honing their combat skills. He would observe and be ready to step in if things took a turn for the worse, but for now, he would let them see their victory through.
"Host! I'm detecting an unexpected development. More than half of the nanobots we deployed into the Alpha Wolf's wound have survived the internal instability. Even more surprisingly, they appear to have undergone some form of mutation... an unexpected adaptation to the Alpha's unique physiology and energy signature!"
"Indeed," Sky continued, its tone now a mixture of awe and apprehension. "Their physical, microscopic appearance has changed significantly. They've taken on a distinct blood-red coloration. This... this makes me unsure, Host, whether it's a good or dangerous mutation. I'm unable to fully analyze the ramifications at this time."
Usato's surprise was evident in his mental tone. "What?! Mutated? Call them up now, Sky. Let's see their current appearance. And immediately run some tests to understand these mutations. In the meantime, make sure they are completely isolated from the rest of our unmutated nanobots. This could be significant."
"Understood, Host," Sky replied, a new urgency entering its voice as it began to follow Usato's commands. "Initiating recall sequence for the mutated nanobots. Preparing diagnostic protocols for analysis."
"No need for now, Sky," Usato instructed, his mind already strategizing. "Try to create a weapon composed entirely of these mutated nanobots. Let's see what kind of properties or abilities they might have gained from this unexpected evolution. If forming a stable and usable weapon is not immediately possible or if the situation doesn't require it, then proceed with containing them securely in the containment field."
"Understood, Host," Sky replied, its red light pulsing faintly in Usato's palm. "Commencing weaponization protocols for the mutated nanobots. I will inform you of the results shortly." The swirling mass of crimson particles in Usato's hand began to subtly shift and rearrange themselves, a silent testament to Sky's intricate internal processes.
After giving Sky his instructions, Usato took a moment to truly survey the battlefield. The sounds of clashing metal and enraged snarls had faded, replaced by the quiet murmur of tired voices and the occasional soft groan. He was immensely relieved to see his assessment was correct – all the fights were finished. He scanned the faces of the Evergreen Tribe, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and gratitude as he confirmed that, against all odds, they had emerged victorious without any fatalities. A genuine smile touched his lips.
"Alright Lads!!" Usato's voice, though still carrying a hint of exhaustion, rang out clearly across the gorge. "Gather up! Everyone, over here! Form a line based on your temporary designated groups!"
The Evergreen Tribe members, weary but victorious, gathered before Usato. They stood with their makeshift weapons, a silent testament to their hard-fought victory against the dark wolves.
Usato's gaze swept over the assembled tribe, a wave of warmth washing over him. "Alright Lads!! Let me start by saying, congratulations to each and every one of you!" His voice, though still rough with exertion, now carried an even stronger note of pride. "Look around you! We stood against the darkness, and we emerged… unbroken! You fought magnificently! You fought bravely, with the spirit of true warriors. You protected each other, and you protected our future. I couldn't be prouder!"
He then turned his attention to Kael, Elara, Syka, and Vala, who stood slightly ahead with those who had followed their lead during the battle. "And to my original group," Usato continued, his voice filled with even deeper gratitude, "My heartfelt congratulations to all of you as well! You led the younger ones, the less experienced, with such courage and wisdom. You showed them what it truly means to stand together and fight for one another. You have my deepest thanks and my utmost respect."
Usato then took a breath, his expression becoming more serious. He looked at each member of the tribe present. "From this day forward," he announced, his voice ringing with newfound authority, "all of you standing here will be considered soldiers of the Evergreen Tribe."
A wave of confused whispers spread through the assembly. Warriors, hunters, yes, they understood those terms. Even "knight," though less familiar, carried a sense of prestige and strength. But "soldier"? Many exchanged puzzled glances. Gorthok scratched his head, a look of genuine bewilderment on his face.
Syka, Elara, Vala, and Kael, however, exchanged knowing looks. A hint of understanding flickered in their eyes.
Seeing the confusion, Usato raised his hands, silencing the murmurs. "I see some questions in your eyes. You know of warriors, of hunters. Some of you have heard of knights. But a soldier," he explained, his voice clear and steady, "is someone who dedicates themselves to protecting all the citizens of our tribe. A soldier stands ready, without question, to defend our people from any threat, whether it be beast, bandit, or any enemy that might seek to harm us."