When Steve heard Gary’s suggestion, that the three of them should head directly to the Red Wing Kingdom to investigate Jack’s safety, he didn’t feel disheartened at the thought of them leaving. Instead, he felt a wave of profound relief.
“I’m happy to hear that soone finally brought it up,” Steve admitted, his stern expression softening. “The truth was, I have been wanting to enter the city and see if sothing was wrong for a long ti. In fact, that was exactly why I was in the area where I discovered all of you, scouting the periter, trying to work up the nerve.”
He confessed the brutal reality of leadership and fear. "The issue was, fear struck more than anything else. I had a lot of racing thoughts: What if Jack would attack on the spot? What would I do then? Or, worse, Maybe Unzoku had planned for to head there in the first place and was ready to ambush ."
But the deepest fear was a personal one. “Lastly, what if I died? I have no fear in dying, at least, I didn’t before I beca a leader, but I worry now about what I will leave behind. My family and the rest of the pack, how would they deal with the situation without , the one who led them down from the mountain and exposed them to this danger?”
All of those fears constantly cycled through his mind. Week by week, he would only manage to edge closer to the city’s vicinity, foolishly hoping that those debilitating fears would simply go away one day.
“Now that the three of you are heading there, it’s an imnse relief,” Steve finished, a genuine smile finally reaching his eyes. “I hope you can find out the truth of what is happening and what is going on. But before you go, do you mind if we hold a leaving party for the three of you? It’s the least we can do.”
The three of them smiled in return. They had already spent a substantial amount of ti here, integrating into the camp’s life, so what was one more day spent among friends?
The news that the trio would be leaving spread rapidly throughout the camp, and the response was overwhelming. Every single person in the camp did their absolute best to put together a celebration that was truly worthy of the occasion. Not just those who had been on dangerous missions with Gary and the others, but even the regular Werewolves who handled logistics and daily survival were working hard.
Tables were being set up with all sorts of hearty dishes laid out on display, roasted ats, local vegetables, and wild berries. The finest, most carefully brewed alcohol was placed out for the group, and various physical gas, like throwing contests and wrestling circles, had even been set up. Not just the adults, but the kids were also joyous about the whole thing; a party was a rare and exciting event.
And, most importantly, Steve and the rest of the pack wouldn’t let Gary or the others do a single thing to help out. They were to be the honored guests.
“Isn’t this a bit much? Shouldn’t we stop them?” Gary asked, feeling genuinely awkward from the imnse effort being put into their farewell.
“Why would we? Can’t you see how happy they are?” Kai answered, the strategist in him observing the scene with fascination. “You have to rember, this is a world where there’s no TV, no internet, no video gas, and not every person is an adventurer training to be stronger. For them, a festival is a truly joyous occasion, and this is a perfect, guilt-free excuse for them to get involved and celebrate their survival.”
When everything was finally set up, the entire pack went on to enjoy the event. They shared funny stories of the small journeys they had taken with the trio, and one of them even shared the ridiculous sight they had seen of Gary and Steve engaged in a mock arm-wrestling contest. Everyone drank deeply, including the three ti-travelers, which was a rare occasion for them. For once, they really felt like they could let their guard down. Even though there were massive threats still lurking about, the atmosphere felt profoundly different and safer compared to their harsh, high-tech world.
As they sat at the tables and enjoyed the drinks, Steve ca over to their table, holding a mug of ale, to give the three of them so final, critical advice.
“When you get to the Red Wing Kingdom, my guess is things will be quite different,” Steve warned, his eyes holding a serious weight despite the rrint around them. “If you say you are Werewolves from the get-go, they might turn you around or even arrest you this ti. My brother is dealing with a very public-facing governnt, not just a hidden pack.”
He offered a crucial tactical suggestion. “But the Red Wing Kingdom still maintains a strong army, and they regularly hold open trials for their army recruits. Your best way in is to infiltrate. If you manage to get into the army, then you will be able to openly and legally communicate with the rest of the Red Wing Pack and see what is truly going on from within their structure.”
“Seeing things from the outside, as the new recruits, the fresh eyes, you might learn more than what Jack and the others will be actively hiding from the people within,” Steve concluded. “This is my last piece of advice to you, but certainly not my last words.”
The party was taking place outside, spanning the entire length of the camp’s main street. Standing up, Steve lifted his drink high into the air, addressing the hundreds of celebrating Werewolves.
“Tonight, we celebrate having these three fine gentlen in front of us!” Steve shouted, his voice ringing with powerful emotion. “Even though they are still Oga’s and not officially joined our Pack, they have truly beco a part of it!”
“Which is why I say with open arms, if you ever need a place to co to, or if you end up being stuck in this ti period for a long period of ti, you are welco to join our pack anyti!”
There were a few raised eyebrows at Steve’s open invitation to the Oga-ranked strangers, but the entire pack quickly lifted their own drinks in a massive, unified cheer anyway, showing their agreent.
Then, after a long, heartwarming night, the next morning the three set off, leaving the small, grateful pack behind, heading straight toward the distant lights of the Red Wing Kingdom.
***
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