After Sky's report, a note of caution entered Usato's thoughts. While the potential of the mutated nanobots was exciting, he needed to consider any possible risks to the rest of his system.
Sky, he thought, before we proceed with weapon construction using the mutated nanobots, I want you to run a thorough analysis. Is there any possibility that these mutations could harm or infect the other, unmutated nanobots within my system? We need to be absolutely sure that using them for weapons won't compromise the integrity of the rest of my abilities.
'Understood, Host,' Sky replied immediately. 'I will initiate a comprehensive diagnostic and cross-analysis of the mutated and unmutated nanobot strains to assess any potential for harmful interaction or cross-contamination.'
Good, Usato thought, a sense of responsibility settling over him. He couldn't afford to jeopardize his core abilities for the sake of a weapon, no matter how powerful it might be. In the meantime, let's keep the mutated nanobots completely separate from the others. We'll only use this specific strain for weapon reconstruction, just as we initially planned.
'Affirmative, Host. The mutated nanobots will remain isolated, and their deployment will be restricted to weapon-related applications until the safety analysis is complete and we have a clearer understanding of their long-term effects on your overall system.' Sky confirmed.
Usato nodded to himself, satisfied with this cautious approach. The potential for a powerful weapon was enticing, but the safety and functionality of his entire nanobot system were paramount. He could afford to wait for Sky's analysis before moving forward. He then remembered Kana and the promised dinner, and finally started to make his way down from the rocky outcrop towards the welcoming light of the campfire.
As Usato reached the bottom of the rocky outcrop, a small group of his young recruits approached him. Some of them, their faces alight with youthful enthusiasm, were already excitedly gesturing towards the campfire. Even Kana stood a little behind the others, a slight, nervous smile on his face as Usato looked towards them.
A genuine smile spread across Usato's face. Their innocent eagerness was a welcome sight. He nodded, accepting their unspoken invitation. As he walked with them towards the flickering campfire, Usato observed their cheerful demeanor. They were laughing and chattering amongst themselves, their earlier exhaustion seemingly forgotten. A pang of emotion resonated within him. They're just kids, he thought, the realization hitting him with a renewed force. Recruited they may be, and soldiers they might become, but at their core, they were still so young, so full of naive joy.
His smile faltered slightly as the weight of their future settled upon him. The harsh training that awaited them, the very real possibility of facing brutal wars…it was a heavy burden to place on such young shoulders. Is there really no other way? he wondered, a familiar ache tightening in his chest. But the stark reality of their situation always brought him back to the same conclusion: they needed to be strong, they needed to be prepared if they were to survive the threats that loomed over the Evergreen Tribe.
He forced a lighter smile, not wanting his inner turmoil to dampen their spirits. For now, he would accept this reality, this difficult path he had chosen for them, for the tribe. I'll think about it more later, he promised himself, pushing the heavier thoughts to the back of his mind. For now, he would simply enjoy the warmth of the fire and the simple company of these young, hopeful faces.
Usato was quickly surrounded by the eager young recruits, their earlier timidity replaced by a happy exuberance. Rela, moving with a straightforward, almost sturdy gait despite her youth, firmly guided Usato towards the cluster of his newly promoted officers who were already seated around a crackling fire.
Gorthok, ever the boisterous one, spotted Usato and grinned widely, waving a half-eaten piece of roasted meat. "Chief! Finally! We thought you got lost admiring rocks up there!" He then leaned in conspiratorially, his voice loud enough for several around the fire to hear, "Seriously though, what took you so long? Were you… you know… relieving yourself? I was about to send someone up with a leaf!"
Syka, who was sitting next to Gorthok, immediately smacked him on the back of his head with a sharp, playful gesture. "GORTHOK! Have some respect!" she exclaimed, her tone more amused than genuinely angry.
Gorthok let out a surprised "Oof!" but then grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. The exchange, however, sparked a wave of laughter around the campfire, easing some of the lingering tension from the day's events. Usato chuckled, shaking his head at Gorthok's antics. It was good to see them all relaxing, even amidst the challenges they faced. He settled onto the seat Rela indicated with a decisive nod, the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie of his officers a comforting presence as night fully descended.
Before anyone could take a bite of the roasted meat, Syka turned to Usato, her expression earnest. "Chief, would you like to say a few words to everyone before we eat? They've all done so well today."
Gorthok, his eyes already hungrily fixed on the food, let out a soft groan. "Can't we just eat first? I'm starving!" He mumbled, just loud enough to be heard.
Syka shot him a sharp glare, her hand instinctively reaching to smack his arm again. Gorthok wisely kept his complaints to himself this time, though his pouting expression didn't go unnoticed.
Usato, however, smiled warmly at Syka. "Of course, Syka. It would be my pleasure." He stood up, drawing the attention of the gathered tribe members around the various campfires. A hush fell over the clearing as they looked towards him.
"Everyone," Usato began, his voice clear and carrying, "tonight, we celebrate a hard-fought victory and the successful awakening of new warriors amongst our ranks. I want to congratulate each and every one of you for your courage, your resilience, and your dedication today. You have faced a dangerous foe and emerged victorious. I have high hopes for all of you as you continue your training, and I wish you the very best in becoming strong protectors of our tribe."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces illuminated by the firelight. "And finally," he added, a slight smile playing on his lips, "I want to thank you for the…dinner. It is fitting that we partake of the very beasts that threatened us earlier. May this meal remind us of our strength and our unity. Now, let us eat!"
A cheer went up from the assembled tribe members, and the sounds of happy chatter and eager anticipation filled the night air as they finally began to enjoy their well-deserved meal. Gorthok was the first to dig in, a wide grin on his face now that the formalities were over.