Chapter 76: Bear’s Fury
Facing the floating system window, Kellar didn’t think twice and entered the name that best fitted the power of the tribe’s new totem.
[Enter name: Bear’s Fury]
[Ding!]
[Skill 1/1 created.]
[Effect: Grants +50% Strength for 2 minutes.]
[Cooldown: 60 minutes.]
As soon as the interface confirmed the creation, an invisible mark resonated in the minds of every hunter holding the rope.
"Try activating it again!" said Kellar.
Krag and the rest of the hunters felt a new surge of power coursing through their veins. Upon invoking the skill, their skin flushed with a reddish hue and their muscles swelled noticeably. Although the transformation was not as exaggerated or wild as the former shaman’s, the strength boost was more than enough. The twenty men dug their feet into the snow and pulled together with a unified roar, gaining ground against the aquatic beast and dragging it out of the water onto the shore.
Upon hitting solid ground, the giant carp thrashed its massive tail in a desperate attempt to fight back and escape into the lake.
"Move!" said Kellar.
Kellar was already prepared. He had loaded a second harpoon bolt into the giant crossbow and was aiming directly from the rocky ledge. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger at close range. The bone stake flew with devastating power, piercing straight through the beast’s body and pinning it cleanly to the rocky ground.
The massive fish was immobilized, thrashing in its final moments. Kellar leaped down, drew his ceremonial knife, and strode toward the creature’s head, driving the blade deep into its skull.
[Ding!]
[Active skill [Essence Thief] activated.]
[HP: 100%]
[MP: 100%]
A warm surge of vital energy flowed from the beast’s body straight into Kellar, fully restoring his reserves. Moments later, another system window flashed before his eyes:
[Ding!]
[Active skill [Innate Mimicry] activated.]
[Assimilation process... Failed!]
[Note: Failed to extract the innate skill of the Giant Golden River Carp.]
Kellar pulled his ceremonial knife out of the fish’s head and stared at the pile of meat they had just secured for the village.
"Recover the spears," said Kellar.
The hunters approached the fish carcass and began pulling out the bone projectiles. Upon inspecting them they noticed that the terror bird bones had survived almost intact, having endured a brutal force of impact; however, the barbed tips showed tiny cracks from smashing into the scales.
"You guys know how to sharpen these, right?" said Kellar.
"Old Lennis is an expert," said Krag. "He’s the one who crafts all our weapons and armor."
"Bring Old Lennis here," said Kellar.
Grok sprinted off immediately and returned a few minutes later accompanied by the elderly craftsman. Upon reaching the riverbank and laying eyes on the imposing giant crossbow, Lennis froze in his tracks, staring at the frame, the tendons, and the trigger assembly with wide, spellbound eyes.
"Incredible! Praise be to the creator of such a design," said Lennis with excitement. "I never would have thought to combine tendon tension with a bone rail in this manner. It’s simply breathtaking."
Lennis walked over to the mechanism, running his hands over the polished timber and inspecting the structure with practiced fingers.
"If we use the tendons from the giant crocodile we have stored away, we could build more crossbows just like this one," said Lennis. "In fact, if you permit me, I could use the smaller tendons to craft portable versions for the hunters. I am certain our hunting efficiency would skyrocket."
Kellar smiled at the craftsman’s enthusiasm and patted him on the shoulder.
"Give him everything he needs," said Kellar, looking over at Krag before turning back to the old man. "Starting today, you’ll be in charge of constructing all our new designs. Believe me, I will teach you everything I know without holding anything back. In the future, you will craft things so marvelous that your name will endure through the ages."
As Kellar placed his hand on the old man’s shoulder, a bright notification window flashed in his mind.
[Ding!] [Due to your high esteem for a member of your tribe, you may grant them a title. Available slots: 0/3]
A subtle smile formed on Kellar’s face as he looked at the bewildered artisan. He raised his voice so everyone on the riverbank could hear him clearly.
"By the authority granted to me as your shaman, I bestow upon you the title of Master Craftsman!" said Kellar in a loud, commanding tone.
The moment the words left his mouth, a brilliant silver light descended from above, enveloping Old Lennis in an ethereal glow. The old man gasped as the divine radiance seeped into his skin, smoothing his weathered hands and infusing his tired bones with newfound vigor and dexterity.
The surrounding hunters stood frozen in awe, murmuring among themselves as they witnessed the miracle unfold right before their eyes.
"The Bear God has witnessed your dedication and blesses you today," said Kellar, stepping back as the silver light gradually faded into Lennis’s body. "You will become the greatest craftsman in the entire world."
Lennis looked down at his trembling hands, feeling an incredible surge of inspiration and precision coursing through his muscles. Tears welled up in his eyes as he fell to his knees, pressing his forehead against the snowy ground.
"Thank you, Shaman Kellar! Thank you, Great Bear God!" said Lennis, his voice shaking with emotion. "I swear on my life that I will dedicate every breath I have left to forging weapons and armor worthy of our tribe!"
Seeing Old Lennis receive the divine favor of the Bear God, the rest of the hunters erupted into loud cheers and applause. Krag, Grok, and the surrounding men crowded around the old craftsman, slapping his shoulders and shouting words of encouragement.
"You deserve it, old man! Show us what you can build!" said Krag.
"Make us weapons that will shatter mountains!" said Grok with a broad grin.
Lennis stood up with renewed strength, wiping away his tears of gratitude and beaming with pride as his tribe members celebrated his new title. Kellar took a step back, satisfied with the newfound morale and unity spreading among his people.
"I will be waiting for good news," said Kellar.
With a final nod toward the crowd, Kellar turned on his heel and walked away from the riverbank, leaving Lennis and the hunters eagerly preparing to harvest the giant fish and gather materials for the tribe’s expanding arsenal.