Alfred sat on his bed the moment he and Aponi arrived back at his tent.
"Finally, although that's been a good experience, walking around was tiring, especially with Vir by my side."
"I am sorry about what happened today," Aponi muttered as she sat across from Alfred. "I assure you that will not happen again."
"Don't worry about it. It isn't like I didn't expect that," Alfred reassuringly said. "I just hope this won't affect my chance to go out again."
"Of course not, there will be a lot of chances in the future." Aponi smiled confidently. "Anyway, what are your thoughts about my tribe?"
"Oh, it's better than I expected. It's much cleaner and more organized than I thought it would be."
"Ah, it is in our culture to make sure our tribe is clean. I know it is a waste of time in the eyes of others, but we have a reason for doing it."
Eyes narrowing, Alfred questioned in a curious tone. "What is the reason exactly?"
The tan girl lingered for a few seconds. "You might not believe it, so it is better to leave it unsaid."
"Trust me, as of now, I think I can believe anything. Even if you told me that you are from another world, I would believe it."
"Uhm…" Aponi hesitated, but soon she spoke. "There are things that our naked eyes cannot see: small creatures living among us without our notice. These small creatures, which we call bacteria, can spread disease. They are mostly found in dirty places; thus, my people made it a tradition to keep the tribe clean at all costs, preventing them from taking over.
Alfred's eyes widened, and his mouth steadily gaped.
'How… how do they know about bacteria? I don't think they have the technology to detect it. It has been bothering me since earlier, but these primitive people have knowledge that they shouldn't have possessed. Is it possible that I'm not the only transmigrator in this world?'
"Alfred, are you okay?" Aponi asked with a frown. "I have told you it is difficult to comprehend."
Alfred shook his head. "No, that isn't it. I believe your words. Where do you learn about these bacteria that supposedly spread disease?"
Aponi's face brightened as if a light bulb illuminated on top of her head.
"Oh, it is one of the teachings passed down to us by our ancestors. It might be hard to believe, but the incidence of my tribesmen getting sick decreased drastically since we acclimated to the tradition. It is fascinating! I wonder how our ancestors learned this sort of knowledge."
"These ancestors of yours, do you have a name or any interesting information?"
Aponi lingered for a few seconds.
"I have many ancestors, but the most well-known were Aruba and Andrea. Andrea was the one who blessed us with medical knowledge advanced within her time, while Aruba was the first Chieftain of our tribe. Other than that, most of their or all our ancestors' accomplishments were burned or forgotten."
"I see…"
'Is Andrea a transmigrator? Her name doesn't seem to belong to this age. If she were, I wonder if there are more. It appeared I had more to uncover other than the mystery of my transmigrating.'
"Why are you interested in my ancestors so suddenly?" Aponi asked, slightly tilting her head.
'I can't let her know my secret, not now at least.'
"Ah, nothing, as you said, it's fascinating."
"Right!?" Aponi proudly exclaimed.
"In any case, I have something I wanted to understand." Alfred fixed his sitting position and casually changed the subject.
"What is it?"
"While we are on our way to Elder Ahote's tent, I have noticed something peculiar." Alfred stopped for a moment, hesitating over his words. "…I saw that most of your tribesmen are so skinny that they look like they are deprived of food for days, while some have healthy bodies and are full of energy. Is there a sickness running amok in your tribe?"
"That…" Aponi's smiling lips fell. "Our tribe… is in dire need of food, and most of our reserves are given to the hunters."
"Why?" Alfred narrowed his eyes. "Why not share the food with everyone? Why is there a need to have a priority? Is it some kind of tradition too?"
Aponi shook her head. "No… the hunters are given more rations due to the nature of their responsibility. Without strength, how can they hunt for more food? Our people are ready to sacrifice themselves to make sure our tribe continues to live, even if it means we starve to death."
The heavy words he heard were a wake-up call for Alfred. He thought that as long as he successfully stayed in the tribe, he would be safe. How could he stay safe if the tribe itself was on the brink of extinction?
He had to change his plan.
'At first, all I want to do is to lie low and remain breathing, but it seems I cannot do that anymore.'
He lowered his head and internally sighed.
'I guess it is also the right thing to do. I have promised myself that I will live this life without regret. If I want to achieve that, I must do whatever I can to help these people. After all, even though most of them hate me, all I ever receive from them is help. Therefore, I have to master the Rune Formation as soon as possible because that is the only way for me to assist.'
"What are you thinking so deeply?" The young girl stared at Alfred with her oceanic eyes.
Upon regaining his senses, Alfred looked up and was startled when he saw Aponi leaning closer. Still, he managed to compose himself and cough awkwardly.
"I was thinking of ways to help your tribe, and I think the only solution I have is the ancient knowledge within me."
"I do not know what this ancient knowledge is, but I am very grateful that you are prepared to help us!" Aponi sat straight, and her gloomy aura vanished as it was replaced with pure joyfulness. "However, what you must do right now is recuperate. I appreciate the thought, though. Thank you."
'Is she not aware of the ancient book? …Well, I don't have time to think about that right now. If the Elders decide to keep it under the rug, then they should have a reason for it, and it is unwise to undermine them.'
"Don't worry, I'm not going to strain my body," Alfred declared. "My brain is sufficient."
After saying that, Alfred began working his brain and whispered, "The only hindrance to my plan is the energy mentioned in the ancient knowledge. I wonder where I can learn that?"
Aponi's ears perked. "Energy? Are you talking about Spirit Energy?"
Alfred's eyes widened. "Wait, you know of it? What is this Spirit Energy you mentioned?"
"Well… I do not think I am qualified to explain that. You should question Shaman Catori about that topic or… Brother Vir."
"No, not Vir!" Alfred's heart almost popped upon hearing the name. "Please, if possible, can you arrange a meeting between Shaman Catori and me? It's crucial."
"I will try."