Kapitel 34: Chapter 34: Settling In

The clan gathered around a meter-wide hole, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. The hole was dark and foreboding, leading to the depths below. Around the perimeter, several clan members stood ready to assist those descending. They had fashioned sturdy vines, over 70 meters long, back at the village specifically for this purpose.

One by one, people carefully grasped the vines, slowly lowering themselves into the darkness. The vines were thick and secure, anchored firmly to the ground, ensuring a safe descent. The elderly received extra support from the younger, stronger members of the clan. Voices echoed softly in the confined space, offering encouragement and instructions.

Elan stood near the edge, watching as his fellow clan members disappeared into the hole. He could see the faint glimmer of light from their torches below, providing a sense of direction. The process was slow but steady, with everyone working together to ensure no one was left behind or in danger.

The atmosphere was tense but filled with a sense of unity and purpose. Every so often, a reassuring voice called out from below, signaling that another person had safely reached the bottom. This spurred those still waiting to descend, giving them the courage to continue.

Elder Aric oversaw the operation, his calm demeanor providing much-needed stability. He nodded approvingly as each person began their descent, offering words of guidance. The clan was moving methodically, ensuring that the transition was as smooth and safe as possible.

Among the crowd, several clan members were busy securing baskets to the vines. These baskets, carefully woven back at the village, were designed to safely lower the babies. The clan had thought of everything, ensuring that even the youngest members would be transported securely.

Two strong men held the ends of a sturdy vine while others gently placed a baby inside a basket. They tied the basket firmly to the vine, making sure it was secure and balanced. A woman, her hands steady despite the situation, double-checked the knots and straps, ensuring there was no chance of the basket tipping over.

Once everything was in place, the men slowly and carefully began to lower the basket into the hole. As the basket descended, people at different levels of the vine system were ready to guide it, preventing any swaying or jostling. The air was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional murmur of reassurance from those guiding the baskets.

At the bottom of the hole, a group of clan members waited with open arms, ready to receive the precious cargo. As each basket neared the ground, they would reach up and gently guide it to a safe landing, untying the knots and lifting the baby out with care. The babies, surprisingly calm, were quickly carried to a secure area where their mothers waited anxiously.

Hours later, all the clan members were safely at the bottom of the hole, waiting for Elan to descend. He stood at the edge, glancing down to ensure everyone was accounted for. His heart swelled with relief at their successful descent.

"Arion, how many clan members do we have in total?" Elan asked, wanting to confirm the count.

With his new ability to access detailed information about individuals upon scanning, Arion responded promptly. "I'll pass the information to you now."

Elan's mind was suddenly filled with a comprehensive overview of their clan's demographics. The detailed data unfolded before him, painting a clear picture of their community.

The total population of their clan was 347. Among them were seven elders, aged sixty and above, who played crucial roles as leaders, advisors, and keepers of cultural knowledge.

Next, Elan saw the healers, a small but vital group of three, consisting of one male and two females. These individuals were the clan's medical practitioners and herbalists, their skills in healing were invaluable to the clan's well-being.

The largest segment of the population consisted of the hunters, sixty strong, all male. These men were responsible for hunting, security, and the external defense of the clan. Their bravery and skill ensured the clan's safety and provided sustenance.

In contrast, the housewives, gatherers, and farmers formed the backbone of the clan's daily life. This group totaled 182, with 45 males and 137 females. They were responsible for agriculture, foraging, livestock, and household chores, ensuring the clan's sustainability and comfort.

Lastly, there were ninety children, the future of the clan, learning and performing basic chores. This group had 40 males and 50 females, all under the age of twelve.

Elan was once again deeply impressed by Arion's new abilities. Even though he was already aware of it, he couldn't help but be amazed each time. It was as if he had a computer at his disposal, everything was incredibly organized and detailed.

The accuracy and clarity of the information made planning and decision-making infinitely easier. It was a level of efficiency and thoroughness that he had never experienced before in this world.

"I just couldn't get used to this, it is just too cool."

"Anyway, have you detected any unique constitutions among my clansmen?" Elan asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

He wasn't expecting much this time, Elan knew better than to get his hopes up too high. He had learned his lesson about managing expectations to avoid disappointment.

Arion's voice responded with its usual calm efficiency: "Sorry to inform you, buddy. But I did not detect any unique constitutions."

Elan sighed. Even though he hadn't expected much, he still couldn't help but feel disappointed. "Alright, just develop a cultivation technique that integrates both body cultivation and spiritual cultivation."

"Don't worry about it, I've already done that," Arion replied.

"What? Already? So fast," Elan said, surprised.

"Of course, did you think I'd take my time?" Arion replied with a smug tone.

Elan couldn't help but smile at Arion's confidence. Even without unique constitutions among his clansmen, he knew that Arion's efficiency and their combined efforts would still lead them to great achievements.

"Alright, let's wrap this up. They might be wondering why I haven't come down yet. But first, let me cover this hole," Elan said.

He knew he had to cover the hole to prevent any wild creatures from discovering and entering it, assuming they were small enough to fit in a one-meter-wide opening. He surveyed the area and quickly formulated a plan.

Elan gathered nearby branches, rocks, and foliage, weaving them together to create a sturdy cover. He worked methodically, ensuring the cover was dense enough to blend with the surrounding terrain and solid enough to withstand the elements. As he layered the materials, he checked for any gaps, making sure nothing could slip through unnoticed.

Once satisfied with his makeshift cover, Elan placed it over the hole, pressing down to secure it in place. He stepped back, inspecting his work from different angles to ensure it was well-camouflaged. The cover seamlessly blended with the environment, effectively hiding the entrance from any wandering eyes.

With a final nod of approval, Elan grabbed the vine. He then opened the cover he had just made, then slowly went down the hole, making sure to replace the cover once he was inside.

Carefully, he began his descent into the chamber below.

As Elan landed on the grass in the chamber, Jarek immediately spoke up, "What took you so long? What were you doing up there?"

"I was making a cover for the hole to make sure no animals could get in," Elan explained.

"Good thinking, so what should we do now?" Jarek asked.

"First, let me go see Senior..." Elan paused, realizing he hadn't mentioned the name of the old man he had made up, so he just said the first name that popped up in his mind. "Senior Arion."

As soon as Elan said the name, Arion commented, "Senior Arion? Dude, out of all the names you could choose, you picked mine?"

Elan smiled and addressed his clansmen, "Everyone, stay here for a moment while I inform Senior Arion that we have arrived. I'm sure he will be happy to know we've made it."

The crowd nodded in understanding and began to clear a path towards the exit. Elan made his way through, running towards a small hut nearby. As he approached the hut, he pretended to bow slightly in front of the door before entering.

Seconds later, Elan then walked out of the hut, trying to maintain a calm and composed demeanor as he returned to his clansmen.

"Senior Arion wasn't around," Elan lied smoothly to his clansmen. "He left a letter saying that he had some important matters to attend to. He also mentioned in the letter that we should make ourselves at home."

The clan members exchanged glances and nodded, accepting Elan's explanation. Elan could see a mixture of relief and curiosity on their faces. They trusted him, and the fabricated story seemed to have settled any doubts.

"He wrote that we can use the resources here and settle in. Let's start organizing ourselves and make this place our new home," Elan continued, guiding his clansmen out of the dimly lit chamber.

The clan members were amazed by how good the place was. The area was lush with greenery, and a nearby stream provided fresh water. The ground was fertile, perfect for planting crops. As they explored, murmurs of excitement spread through the crowd.

"This place is incredible!"

"I can't believe how perfect it is for us."

"It feels like a paradise compared to where we came from."

As they approached the hut, several people began to comment on its condition.

"Why is Senior Arion's hut so run-down?"

"Didn't he ever think about repairing it?"

Hearing the comments of his fellow clansmen, Elan felt a wave of embarrassment. He hadn't anticipated this reaction. Quickly, he came up with a reason on the spot.

"Senior Arion was deeply focused on his cultivation and helping his own clan. That's why the hut looks neglected," Elan said, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

The clan members seemed to accept this explanation, nodding in understanding and continuing to explore the area.

As they moved about, a few of them noticed something written on the ground. "Here lies John Doe," it read.

"John Doe, what a weird name!"

"Who's John Doe?"

"Why are you asking me? We just got here."

Elan could only palm his face in exasperation, deciding it was best not to provide any further explanations of who John Doe was.

Elan then made his way towards the Spiritual Water. As they approached, the sight of the mist rising above the water caused gasps of amazement.

Elan gathered those who hadn't yet learned about the Spiritual Water and introduced it to them. "This is Spiritual Water, it has powerful properties that can enhance your strength and overall health."

"So this is the Spiritual Water they were talking about back in the village? It's incredible!" one person exclaimed.

"However," Elan continued, "we shouldn't drink it just yet. Let's settle in first and get everything organized before we use this resource."

"For now, you should pick a place you want to settle in. Just let me know where you choose, but don't go too far."

The clansmen nodded. They began to spread out, searching for suitable spots to set up their makeshift tents. Families clustered together, discussing the best locations to place their temporary homes. Some preferred areas close to the stream where fresh water was readily available. Others chose spots under large trees, seeking shelter and shade from the thick foliage.

Elan observed the scene with satisfaction. He thought about how he couldn't wait to start building all the things he had planned with Arion. Imagining the reactions of his clansmen when they found out what kind of structures he intended for them brought a wide smile to his face.