Netori Harem: New life as a hunter and gatherer

Dart was currently walking near the Chief’s house, alone.

Normally, those assigned to patrol the area were given partners. It was a precaution meant to ensure that if an emergency arose, someone would always be there to call for help or lend support. But Dart was one of the few elites trusted with a territory of his own. His skill set, quick judgment, and ability to perform at his best while fighting alone had earned him that privilege.

In a surprisingly short time, Dart had risen through the ranks and earned the respect of many experienced veterans, along with the recognition of the Chief himself.

Thinking about it made his chest swell with pride. It had not been long since he had first started. Back then, he had been awkward, inexperienced, and unsure of himself. He could still remember how far he had to go before he could stand where he was now.

He had not reached this point alone.

Both Nadia and Luke had played an important role in his growth. Nadia had been there whenever he needed encouragement, always standing by his side like a steady pillar of support. Luke, however, had inspired him in ways few others could. His strength, determination, and actions had given Dart something to strive toward. More importantly, Luke had saved Dart’s life several times, making his influence on the young warrior impossible to forget.

Dart smiled faintly at the thought.

For someone who had once struggled to find his place, he had come a long way.

So yes, with the help of these two precious people in his life, Dart had reached a point where he could finally say he was well settled and content with himself. He had a place, people he could rely on, and a purpose that gave meaning to his days.

"Hmm?"

A sudden presence approaching from behind broke his train of thought.

Dart’s instincts reacted before his mind could catch up. He reached for the small axe at his waist, pulled it free, and spun around in one swift motion, swinging the weapon toward the approaching presence.

The strike was meant as a warning, enough to make any would-be ambusher understand that he had been detected.

But there was no one behind him.

Dart frowned.

His eyes swept across the area, searching for any movement.

Nothing.

Then, just as he began to lower his axe...

Tap.

Something touched his shoulder.

Dart’s body moved on instinct.

He spun around and swung again, this time with considerably more force.

Clang!

His axe was easily parried by another blade.

The impact should have forced the other person back, yet the man standing before him barely reacted. He had taken the heavy strike head-on and stopped it without showing the slightest sign of strain.

"Luke?!"

Dart’s eyes widened when he finally recognized the man standing before him.

Of all people, it was the very same man he had been thinking about moments ago.

"Why are you sneaking up behind me like this?" Dart asked, lowering his axe. "It could be dangerous, you know."

He had only intended his first swing as a warning to whoever was approaching him. But the second strike had been different. If Luke had not been paying attention, that blow could have caused a serious injury, perhaps even proved fatal.

Dart stared at him for a moment before letting out a small sigh.

"Seriously, Luke. You should at least make some noise when approaching someone on patrol."

Luke shrugged. "I was just checking how vigilant you are. And I must say, you’ve improved drastically in a very short period."

Dart scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed by the praise. "Really? Well, I’m doing what I can. I keep forcing myself forward for my family. Much like you."

A faint smile appeared on Luke’s face.

"You’re doing well. And it seems the Chief appreciates your efforts too. He trusts you enough to give you the freedom to patrol alone."

Dart nodded, his expression carrying a hint of gratitude. "I don’t know what convinced him, but he acknowledged that I’m better off working alone, especially in case of an ambush."

There was no mistaking how thankful Dart was for the Chief’s consideration. Being entrusted with such responsibility meant more to him than simple recognition. It was proof that the Chief believed in his abilities.

And it wasn’t like Chief just abandoned him to rot in a random corner of the village, but he was guarding the region quite close to the Chief’s house itself.

Indeed, Dart was being respected.

Luke nodded before asking, "So, between the Chief’s respect and a friend’s request, which one would you honor more?"

Dart hummed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Luke did not beat around the bush.

"Dart, I want you to abandon your duty here. Take Nadia with you and go to my place. You’ll be guarding both your family and mine, alongside Laila."

Dart stared at him, caught completely off guard by the request.

"You want me to leave my post?"

Luke nodded.

"For now, yes. I need someone I can trust, and I know you’ll protect them with your life."

Dart knew the situation was serious, and the sudden warning left him slightly overwhelmed.

"But why do we need to go to your house?" he asked. "And who exactly are we protecting our families from?"

Luke shook his head. "I don’t know. And I could be wrong about all of this. You might even lose the position you’ve worked so hard to earn. But if you trust me..."

"I do."

Dart interrupted without hesitation, his voice firm with conviction.

"I trust you, Luke. You don’t need to doubt that."

He has seen the man go through so many impossible situation because of his sharp instincts that Dart could never doubt him.

A faint smile touched Luke’s face.

"Then follow my words and bring Nadia to my place. Once you’re both there, I’ll cover the entire place with traps. If an ambush really is coming, I have a strong feeling they’ll strike tonight."

Luke rested a hand on Dart’s shoulder.

"And I want every friend and family member to stay together. If something does happen, they’ll be able to defend one another instead of being scattered across the village."

Dart finally understood the gravity of the situation.

He had never known Luke to act out of paranoia without reason. The man had faced enough dangers to know the difference between an uneasy feeling and a genuine threat. If Luke believed something was coming, Dart had no intention of questioning his instincts.

He gave a firm nod.

"I understand. I’ll go back now and bring Nadia to your place."

Luke nodded before telling him, "I have knocked Lex down for his safety but he might wake up by midnight. If he is forced to get out of the house, stop him."

Dart nodded in understanding before he turned around and began making his way back toward his home.

Once Dart disappeared from sight, Luke remained where he was.

He slowly exhaled and looked beyond the nearby perimeter, his gaze settling on the vast darkness of the forest.

Something was out there.

Whatever lurked among the trees seemed content to wait, patiently watching the village and its sleeping inhabitants. Perhaps it was waiting for everyone to fall into slumber before making its move. Or perhaps it was waiting for something else entirely.

Luke did not know.

Regardless, he knew what he needed to do.

If danger was truly approaching, he would make sure it found the village ready.

.....

"Mm..."

Ilya stirred awake with a groan, one hand instinctively clutching her head.

"Child."

At the sound of her father’s voice, she turned her head and found him standing over her, his expression filled with concern.

"I am fine," she assured him. "My head is just ringing a little."

Kalish sat down beside her, his gaze never leaving her face.

"What exactly happened? What caused you to faint?"

His expression gradually hardened as a subtle killing intent began to radiate from him.

"Did that boy do something?"

His voice dropped, becoming dangerously cold.

"Did he push you too far?"

Ilya exhaled softly and told him, "Something else happened, and Luke had nothing to do with it. Don’t look at him the same way your son do. Luke isn’t a bad person."

"Those words only make me more concerned," Kalish replied with a weary sigh, shaking his head. "My daughter is already taking another man’s side."

Ilya rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Just then...

Dhak!

The door was suddenly thrown open.

A warrior stumbled into the room, his eyes wide with panic and his breathing ragged from exertion.

"Chief! I saw them... hundreds of them..."

Kalish’s expression immediately turned serious as he rose to his feet.

"Whom did you see, Raga?"

The warrior swallowed hard, struggling to steady his breathing before answering.

"We are being surrounded, my lord."

His voice trembled.

"By the greatest force I have ever seen."

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