Chapter 19: The Choice of Companions
Morning sunlight spread across the valley as the village slowly came to life. Thin smoke rose from the smokehouse. Hunters sharpened their stone spears before beginning another day of training. Near the river, women washed animal hides while children gathered dry branches for the evening fire.
Everything felt peaceful. Yet Aren couldn’t ignore the countdown in his mind. Only seven days remained before the Tribal Council at Stone River — for the first time since arriving in this world, he would leave the safety of the village.
The Civilization System had already made one thing clear. He couldn’t go alone.
---
Chief Rokan approached, his spear resting across his shoulder.
"The messenger leaves tomorrow."
Aren nodded.
"We should decide who goes with us."
The old chief looked toward the busy village. "We need people we can trust. And people who can return alive."
---
That afternoon, the villagers gathered in the central square. Everyone already knew about the invitation from the Stone Bear Tribe — some looked excited, others worried.
Chief Rokan stepped forward.
"The road to Stone River is dangerous. There may be wild beasts. There may even be other tribes. We cannot take many people."
The hunters immediately volunteered.
"I’ll go."
"So will I."
"We need more spears."
Within moments, nearly every hunter had stepped forward. Aren remained silent. Strength alone wasn’t enough — this journey required different skills. Someone had to track. Someone had to heal. Someone had to think clearly when danger appeared.
That evening, the Civilization System quietly appeared.
[Journey Preparation]
```text
══════════════════════
Choose Three Companions
Recommended Roles
✔ Warrior
✔ Scout
✔ Healer
Leader:
Aren
══════════════════════
```
The system wasn’t making the decision. It was only showing what the team lacked.
---
The following morning, Aren sought out Doran. The veteran hunter was repairing an old spear outside his hut.
"I had a feeling you’d come." He smiled. "You know these forests better than anyone."
Doran laughed softly. "I’ve been walking these woods since I was twelve." His smile faded. "I may not be the strongest anymore, but I know where predators hunt, and I know which paths keep people alive."
Aren extended his hand. "Then I’d like you to come."
Doran clasped it firmly. "It would be an honor."
---
Next, Aren found Jarek training near the village gate. The young hunter threw his spear — it struck the center of a wooden target with a loud crack.
Jarek grinned proudly. "I’ve been practicing every day."
"I noticed," Aren said.
Jarek scratched the back of his head. "I know people say I’m impatient. But I can learn. And I’ll protect everyone."
Aren nodded. "That’s exactly why I chose you."
The young hunter simply stared for a moment, then a wide smile spread across his face. "I won’t disappoint you."
---
Only one role remained: the healer.
Aren walked toward Elder Mira’s hut. The old woman was sorting medicinal herbs beneath the shade of a large tree. Without looking up, she smiled.
"So. You’ve come looking for someone."
"You already knew?"
"I’ve lived long enough to recognize that expression." She placed another bundle of herbs into a basket. "I’m too old for a long journey. My place is here." She looked toward the doorway of her hut. "Lira."
A young woman stepped outside, carrying a woven basket of herbs — only a little younger than Aren, her dark hair tied neatly behind her back. She blinked in surprise.
"Master?"
"Lira has studied under me since she was twelve," Elder Mira said. "She knows how to clean wounds, treat fever, prepare medicine, and recognize nearly every herb in this valley."
Lira shook her head quickly. "I’m not ready. What if someone gets hurt because of me?"
Elder Mira walked over and gently held her shoulders. "When I was your age, I asked my teacher the same question." She smiled warmly. "No healer is ever truly ready. Experience is the greatest lesson." She turned toward Aren. "Take her. The world beyond this valley will teach her what I cannot."
Aren looked at Lira. "You don’t have to force yourself."
Lira lowered her head. After a long silence, she took a deep breath.
"I’ll go." Her voice was soft, but her eyes were filled with determination.
---
As the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, the chosen companions gathered near the village gate — Aren, Doran, Jarek, and Lira.
Chief Rokan stood before them instead of joining them. He looked at each of them before stopping in front of Aren.
"I wanted to walk this road with you." A faint smile crossed his weathered face. "But my place is here." He turned toward the village. "A chief does not leave his people behind. If danger comes while you’re away, I’ll be the one standing at these gates."
Aren nodded. "The village will be safe with you."
Rokan placed a hand on Aren’s shoulder. "And you’ll bring back knowledge. Knowledge that will help our people survive."
Aren bowed his head slightly. "I promise."
The Civilization System quietly appeared.
[Travel Party Confirmed]
```text
══════════════════════
Leader
✔ Aren
Veteran Hunter
✔ Doran
Scout
✔ Jarek
Apprentice Healer
✔ Lira
Village Chief
✔ Rokan (Remaining Behind)
Party Bonus
Travel Safety +15%
Medical Efficiency +20%
Team Coordination +10%
Memory Synchronization
18% → 19%
══════════════════════
```
Aren slowly closed the panel. Behind him, the village entrusted its future to Chief Rokan. Ahead, beyond the endless forest and towering mountains, Stone River awaited — and with it, the first step into a world far greater than any of them had ever imagined.
End of Chapter 19