"Oh, that?" Syka replied with a look that almost said 'obviously'. "That's what we call an Ancestral Totem."
"Ancestral Totem?" Usato asked, intrigued.
Syka's expression turned sympathetic. "I forgot that, aside from your name, you don't recall anything else."
Usato's curiosity was piqued. Syka explained, "Every warrior in our tribes has one chance to acquire an Ancestral Totem.
Before coming of age, they must hunt offerings for our ancestors. The Ancestral Altars then bless them with energy based on the hunted animal.
This energy is used to hone their body and manifest the beast they hunted."
Syka paused, taking a sip of the water Usato had offered. "In Kael's case, he hunted a severely injured red-furred lion. Given our tribe's power level and the beast's threat level, that lion is considered a second-tier beast, or 2nd level of Initial Manifestation."
Syka's expression turned somber. "That's why Kael's ego has inflated, and with Thaggar's influence, he's become arrogant, selfish, and troublesome."
Usato's face showed understanding. "I see... that's sad for Kael. But don't worry, Miss Syka. Kael might change one day. He's still young, hot-blooded, and impulsive, haha."
Syka's voice was laced with pessimism. "He might... or he might not. I don't know."
Her eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought. "You know, Mr. Usato, when Kael and I were kids, we'd play together, climbing trees, and playing with wooden swords. He... used to look up to me like a big sister. If I said no, he'd obey; if I said let's go, he'd follow. But now... he's changed."
Syka's voice trailed off, her expression tinged with sadness.
Syka's eyes refocused on Usato, and she smiled weakly. "Sorry for making a mess, Mr. Usato. I didn't mean to get emotional."
She laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. "Haha, I guess I'm just a little worried about Kael."
Usato's expression was understanding. "It's okay, Miss Syka. I understand."
Syka's face brightened slightly. "Oh, right! I almost forgot. My grandfather, Thorne, is hosting a banquet in two days, and I'd like you to attend, Mr. Usato."
She smiled, her eyes sparkling with invitation. "It's a great opportunity for you to meet the other tribe members, and my grandfather would love to meet you."
Usato's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded slowly. "I'd be honored to attend, Miss Syka. Thank you for inviting me."
Syka beamed, seeming to relax now that the subject had changed. "Great! I'll make sure to send someone to escort you to the banquet hall. It will be a wonderful chance for you to learn more about our tribe."
She stood up, brushing off her skirt. "I should get going. I have some things to attend to before the banquet."
Usato nodded, standing up as well. "I'll see you then, Miss Syka."
Usato walked Syka to the entrance of the hut, bidding her farewell as she departed. As he watched her go, his mind began to process the information she had shared.
He turned inward, focusing on the nanobot system within him. "Sky, record the information Syka gave me. Ancestral Totem, the awakening of warriors, this world's power level... and the fact that Kael's red lion is a second-tier beast."
Sky's voice echoed in Usato's mind. "Recording and storing data, Host."
Usato thought for a moment. "Also, note that Syka mentioned the 'Wildbeast Border' and the 'Barbarian's Cage'. I'm not sure what those terms refer to, but it might be relevant later."
Sky responded, her voice a gentle hum in Usato's mind. "Already noted, Host. I'll research the Ancestral Totem and compare it to your current strength levels."
Usato nodded to himself. "Good. I want to know more about this Ancestral Totem and how it relates to the warriors here."
Sky's voice whispered in his mind. "Affirmative, Host. I'll begin researching immediately. However, I require your assistance to gather more data."
Usato's thoughts turned inward. "What do you need me to do, Sky?"
Sky replied, "I need you to find time to visit the Ancestral Altar, Host. Hopefully, we can gather some samples and more information about the Ancestral Totem."
Usato's mental response was resolute. "I'll try to find an opportunity to visit the altar. Keep researching and analyzing the data, Sky."
Usato's thoughts turned inward, focusing on the nanobot system within him. "Sky, I'd like to know how my self-made cultivation levels compare to the tribe's system."
Sky's voice echoed in Usato's mind. "Affirmative, Host. Based on the data I've collected, the tribe's Ancestral Totem system appears to be more comprehensive and intricate than your self-made levels."
Usato's curiosity was piqued. "In what way?"
Sky responded, "The Ancestral Totem system seems to integrate spiritual energy, magical abilities, and physical cultivation. In contrast, your self-made levels focus primarily on physical cultivation."
Usato nodded to himself, intrigued by the comparison. "I see. So, how do my levels match up to the tribe's system?"
Sky's voice was analytical. "Based on my analysis, Host, your Skin Tempering Realm and Bone Tempering Realm appear to be equivalent to the tribe's Initial Awakening stage. However, your Tendon Tempering Realm seems to be slightly above the tribe's equivalent level."
Usato's eyes narrowed, considering the implications. "What does that mean for my overall strength and abilities?"
Usato's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Sky, if I can acquire a manifestation, my strength will likely double... But is there a downside to this cultivation?"
Sky's voice was cautious. "There may be, Host. While the benefits of acquiring a manifestation are significant, there are some potential drawbacks to consider."
Usato's gaze turned inward, his mind focused on the possibilities. "List them out for me, Sky."
Sky's voice was methodical. "Here are some potential downsides, Host:
1. *Increased Caloric Needs*: With a manifestation, your body may require more calories to sustain its increased power, potentially leading to increased hunger and food consumption.
2. *Temporary Fatigue*: After intense use of the manifestation's power, you may experience temporary fatigue or exhaustion, requiring rest to recharge."
Usato's expression turned thoughtful, weighing the potential risks and benefits.
Usato's eyes narrowed, weighing the pros and cons. After a moment of consideration, he made his decision. "Sky, I've decided to acquire a manifestation. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
Sky's voice was cautious. "Affirmative, Host. However, I must inform you that acquiring a manifestation may not be a straightforward process. As you're originally not a member of the tribe, it's possible that the tribe's system may not recognize you as eligible for a manifestation."
Usato's expression turned thoughtful. "You mean, because I'm an outsider?"
Sky's voice was speculative. "Yes, Host. That's correct. Additionally, even if you were a member of the tribe, I conjecture that there may be certain... restrictions. It's possible that the tribe's system may only allow certain individuals, such as those with a strong connection to the tribe or those who meet specific criteria, to acquire a manifestation. Alternatively, there may be limited slots available for manifestations, which could further complicate the process."
Usato's eyes widened, considering the potential challenges ahead. "I see. Well, let's try to acquire a manifestation and see what happens."