Chapter 1168 - 1167, Important Matters
"Shaman Ji Nuan, is there something important you need to discuss?"
Not just Harry, but Casa and the others looked equally puzzled.
Ji Nuan let out a bitter smile. Judging by their expressions, it seemed they had also been deceived by the sweltering heat of the desert, forgetting about the cold season.
"Have any of you felt like you’ve forgotten something?"
The question left the group momentarily stunned.
Forgotten something? Could it be they had promised Shaman Ji Nuan something before but had failed to fulfill it?
"The cold season..." The low, slightly grave voice of an Orc broke the silence, drawing Ji Nuan’s and Xiu Yan’s attention toward the tall and muscular figure.
Casa’s expression had grown grim. Ji Nuan’s earlier question, along with her previous gesture of gifting beast skin clothes and mats to the young ones of this small tribe, suddenly made him realize something.
It was the cold season...
Beast skins are indispensable during the cold season.
Casa’s realization sent shockwaves through the group, their expressions changing dramatically.
Indeed, perhaps because of the desert’s unchanging scenery, they had all forgotten that there were barely two months left until the cold season arrived when they had departed.
Looking at one another, everyone’s hearts grew heavier.
Harry too felt some guilt; as a shaman, he had overlooked such a vital matter.
He lifted his gaze toward Ji Nuan and Xiu Yan: "Shaman Ji Nuan, have you thought of any plans?"
The continent where Shaman Ji Nuan’s tribe resided was neighboring this one, but given the remaining time, it was clearly insufficient for them to return.
So now, there was only one option...
"We’ll need to prepare to spend the cold season here," Ji Nuan confirmed with certainty.
If they started preparations now, given their abilities, surviving the cold season was guaranteed. At the very least, food wouldn’t be a worry; the real challenge would be finding a suitable shelter.
"What about you all?"
Harry and the group gave a bitter smile: "On our own, there’s no way we can make it back. If it weren’t for Shaman Ji Nuan saving us, our bones would probably be buried in this desert before we ever saw the cold season."
"Do you think our two tribes could prepare together to get through the cold season?"
"We’ll follow the previous agreement and let you make the decisions."
Harry was all too aware of his current limitations—his medicinal herbs had been lost within days of entering the desert, and he didn’t recognize any of the wild plants growing there.
By now, he was practically just an ordinary Orc.
Still, he felt grateful to be an Orc; at least he could still go hunting.
"Alright." Ji Nuan’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Since we’ve come to this consensus, starting now, we’ll regard ourselves as kin—as members of one close-knit tribe."
The mention of "close-knit tribe" left Harry and the others momentarily stunned. They hadn’t expected Ji Nuan to say such a thing, but it warmed their hearts considerably.
A smile appeared on Harry’s face as well, making even the looming weight of the cold season feel just a little lighter.
"Let’s now assign tasks. This is crucial; everyone needs to take their role seriously. Each tribe member’s responsibilities will be vital to getting through this cold season safely."
Ji Nuan’s solemn tone made the group’s expressions instantly turn serious, even causing Tuya to straighten her posture.
"Brother Xiu Yan and Casa, both of you are the strongest. Your tasks will be the heaviest—our food supply for the cold season will depend on you."
The two Orcs were already mentally prepared for this assignment and calmly nodded in agreement.