Even as the ethereal wolf solidified above a now panting but clearly Awakened Ren, a subtle wave of pride washed over Usato. Another success. 'The modified altar works even better than I hoped'. Shifting his gaze from Ren, his eyes scanned the assembled tribe members. As he suspected, the younger, unawakened members couldn't entirely mask the yearning and perhaps a touch of envy in their expressions.
A mischievous glint sparked in Usato's eyes. He let a wide, playful grin spread across his face as he addressed the crowd, his voice carrying clearly across the clearing. "Well now, look at all those long faces in the back!" He pointed a playful finger towards a group of younger individuals. "What's wrong? Did the cat steal your tongues? Or are you all just incredibly impressed by Ren's awesome new companion?"
A few of the youngsters blushed and looked away, while others tried to appear nonchalant. One particularly eager boy, barely past his tenth cycle, couldn't help but pipe up, "It's so cool, Chief! I wish I had a totem already!"
Usato chuckled, a warm, hearty sound. "Patience, young one, patience. As I said, 'Heaven doesn't close all doors.' Your time will come. But tell me," he leaned forward conspiratorially, his voice dropping to a stage whisper that still carried, "are you perhaps... a little bit jealous of Ren's magnificent wolf?"
A chorus of hesitant "No's" and a few sheepish "Maybe's" rippled through the group.
Usato's grin widened. "Don't worry, there's no shame in wanting something amazing. In fact," he clapped his hands together, "it shows you have ambition! And that's a good thing! But remember, the path to power isn't just about getting a totem. It's about what you do with it. Ren here showed courage and intelligence to earn this opportunity. So, instead of just wishing, think about what you can do to prove yourselves worthy of such a powerful blessing when your time comes."
He winked at the group, his playful tone softening with genuine encouragement. "Besides," he added with a sly smile, "who knows what other exciting opportunities might come your way? Perhaps even something... better than a shadow wolf." He let that last word hang in the air, watching as a fresh wave of excited whispers and speculative glances spread through the younger members of the tribe. Let them have something to look forward to, Usato thought. A little bit of healthy competition and motivation never hurt anyone.
The playful light in Usato's eyes faded, replaced by a serious and earnest expression. He addressed the younger members directly, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Alright, enough teasing for now. Listen closely, everyone." He gestured towards the dissipated form of the Alpha Dark Wolf and the remaining corpses of its pack. "I will not dictate what kind of totem you wish to awaken. In fact," he paused, his gaze sweeping over the fallen wolves, "I will even accept it if you choose to use these leftover corpses of the dark wolves for your own awakening ceremony."
A visible stir went through the young crowd. The allure of such powerful remains was palpable. Their eyes darted between the wolf corpses and Usato, a mixture of longing and uncertainty on their faces.
Usato continued, his tone emphasizing the weight of their decision. "However, I want to remind you that you yourselves are in charge of your cultivation journey. This is your path, and the choices you make now will shape your future strength." He paused, letting his words sink in. "I hope that you will choose carefully, considering not just what looks powerful or cool, but what truly resonates with your inner self and what you aspire to become."
He then shifted his focus slightly, addressing the group with a more strategic tone. "Also," he added, "I also want you to consider totem awakening based on your chosen or assigned roles within our community's defense. I hope that every team in your group will at least consist of one tank or warrior/fighter, someone who can stand strong on the front lines." He gestured, indicating a defensive stance. "Then, at least one long-range attacker, capable of striking from a distance." His hand mimicked drawing and firing a bow. "We will also need at least one agility-type assassin or scout, someone quick and perceptive, able to deal damage swiftly and gather information." His movements became fluid and light. "And finally," his gaze softened slightly, "one healer, someone with a nurturing spirit who can mend wounds and keep our warriors in fighting shape."
The younger tribe members listened intently, the initial gleam of simple desire in their eyes now mixed with thoughtful consideration. The idea of contributing to the tribe's strength in a specific role resonated with their growing sense of responsibility.
The temptation to rush forward and claim a piece of the powerful Dark Wolves was still strong for some. The allure of immediate power was a potent draw, especially for those eager to prove themselves. A few young warriors took a step forward, their hands twitching as if ready to seize the opportunity. But then, they remembered Usato's words – your cultivation journey, choose carefully, roles within the group. They hesitated, the initial impulse clashing with the seeds of strategic thinking Usato had just planted. With visible effort, they clenched their fists, took a collective breath, and stepped back, a newfound understanding dawning in their eyes. The path to true strength, they realized, might require more than just seizing the most readily available power. It required thought, purpose, and a consideration for the greater good of the tribe.
Usato turned his attention back to Ren, who was now standing steadily, a newfound aura of quiet confidence surrounding him. "Well, Ren? How do you feel?"
Ren turned to face Usato, his expression still stoic, but a subtle undercurrent of enthusiasm flickered in his eyes. "Stronger, Chief," he replied, his voice a little rough. "And... grateful. Thank you."
Usato nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Alright then, Private Ren," he announced, his voice adopting a more authoritative tone. "Fall in the ranks!"
Ren's eyes widened slightly, a spark of excitement igniting within them. He snapped to attention, his movements surprisingly crisp despite his recent ordeal. "Yes Sir!!"
Usato then addressed the entire group of newly promoted soldiers, his voice booming across the clearing. "Soldiers!! It's getting late. Prepare to accept follow-up commands!!"
A chorus of responses, some hesitant, some eager, but all filled with a sense of newfound purpose, echoed back. "Sir, ready to accept commands!!"
Usato's gaze swept over them. "Corporals, and Sergeant, come to the front! NOW!!"
As one, Kael, Gorthok, Vala, Elara, and Syka immediately moved to stand before Usato, their expressions a mix of anticipation and readiness.
Usato fixed his gaze on Kael and Gorthok. "Corporal Kael, Corporal Gorthok, you will be assigned as Drillmasters!!" His voice was sharp and commanding. "Your job is to whip these kittens into tigers, ARE WE CLEAR?!"
"SIR YES SIR!!" Kael and Gorthok roared in unison, a newfound intensity in their voices.
Usato turned to Vala. "Corporal Vala, you're allowed to choose people to scout the perimeter this evening. Also, train Ren in scouting. ARE WE CLEAR?!"
"SIR YES SIR!!" Vala replied, her gaze already assessing the ranks.
Next, his attention shifted to Elara. "Corporal Elara," he said, his tone slightly softer but no less firm.
"Sir!" Elara responded, her expression attentive.
"You're in charge of the health and wellbeing of the troop. Is that CLEAR?!" Usato emphasized.
"SIR YES SIR!!" Elara answered with conviction.
Finally, Usato faced Syka. "And lastly, Sergeant Syka, receive your order!!"
"SIR YES SIR!!" Syka stood tall, her eyes locked on Usato.
"You are in charge of the overall situation of the troop: ration management, communication between teams, overseeing their trainings, and lastly, their schedule." Usato's tone left no room for misunderstanding. "Meeting is adjourned, and you are now allowed to rest and recuperate. AGAIN, Good job everyone!!"
A collective sigh of relief mixed with pride went through the ranks.
Usato then addressed his newly appointed officers. "OFFICERS, after sunset, we will conduct another tactical meeting!!"
"That's all dismissed!!" His command rang out, signaling the end of the assembly.