The confused little Ivan looked back at the body of the big white bear, and then at the greasy roasted bear paws in his hand.
It seemed like I understood something, but it seemed like I didn't understand anything at all.
The firelight in the cave flickered.
Slowly putting down his bear paw, Ivanov looked at the burly man beside him with curiosity on his face.
Dark skin, paired with weird short fiery red hair.
It looks so out of place with the surrounding environment, like a red fire lotus blooming on the top of a snow-capped mountain, full of hot and tenacious vitality.
"Teacher Zabu..."
Hesitated for a moment.
Little Ivan still asked: "Where is the hometown you often mention?"
He was suddenly startled.
An inadvertent sadness appeared on his face, Zabu's eyes gradually became blurred, and he spoke lightly.
"Starting from here and walking southward, there is a very beautiful and majestic mountain range. My hometown is at the deepest part of the mountain range. There are four distinct seasons there. In spring, there is the smell of vegetation and flowers. In winter, it is the same as here, with heavy and heavy rain.
Thick snow..."
The ash from the cigarette suddenly fell from the corner of his mouth.
Halfway through the conversation.
Zabu stopped suddenly, his shoulders couldn't stop shaking, and he turned his head away, unable to continue talking.
Ivanov remained silent, full of curiosity about the strong man beside him.
several years ago.
Zabu, covered in blood, suddenly came to a remote village located on the northern border of the Principality of Issa.
At that time, he was covered with bruises and was already dying.
No one knows his origins, let alone what he has experienced.
The kind-hearted villagers rescued him, and Zabu has lived in the village ever since.
Because of his honest and honest character, coupled with his innate affinity for nature.
Zabu soon became the top hunter in the village.
In almost no time, he integrated into the simple life of the village and became one with the villagers.
Over time, everyone seemed to slowly accept this mysterious uninvited guest.
Even though his appearance is completely different from others.
People in the village also habitually regard Zabu as a member of the big family.
The young Ivanov was even more fortunate to become his student.
Follow the most experienced hunter in the village and learn relevant survival and hunting skills in the icy and snowy outdoors.
only.
There has always been a huge question mark about Zabu's past and origins.
No one asked, and he wouldn't take the initiative to mention it.
"Teacher Zabu..."
Looking alone at the warm campfire.
Ivanov thought for a moment and suddenly said: "Is your hometown no longer there?"
Startled slightly.
The dark, muscular man's eyes suddenly widened and he looked at the young man beside him with disbelief.
He didn't notice the other person's stunned look at all.
Little Ivan muttered to himself as he started the bonfire with a gloomy expression.
"After all, how could a hunter as powerful as you stay in this remote and simple mountain village of ours for many years if his hometown is still there..."
His eyes gradually became softer and warmer.
Zabu, who was squatting aside, laughed dumbly.
Looking at the lonely expression of the young man in front of me, I didn't know how to deal with it for a moment.
"But it doesn't matter!"
Stand up straight.
Ivanov suddenly cheered up and smiled at Zabu: "Although our village is very remote and poor, it will always be your second hometown, Mr. Zabu, and everyone, including me, is very happy."
I’m happy to be your family!”
Stunned on the spot.
Zabu was speechless for a moment.
The boy in sight still had faint freckles on his cheeks, and his grin was full of sincerity and trust.
"Little fool..."
A strong big hand stretched out.
He rubbed little Ivan's head vigorously until the boy's blond hair was scattered in front of his young face.
"Eat your bear paws..."
There was a slight choke in his voice.
Zabu grinned, but the corners of his eyes were clearly moist.
"After eating, hurry up and decompose the white bear's body. The snowstorm outside won't stop for a while. We will spend the night here tonight. For safety reasons, you will stay vigil in the first half of the night!"
"ah?!"
Standing up suddenly, Ivanov protested: "Why should I keep vigil first? This is unfair!"
"Stop talking nonsense, I am your teacher, you must obey my instructions!"
He slapped the opponent on the small head.
He raised his head and took a sip of wine.
Zabu turned around, took out the animal skin blanket from his bag, threw it on the side of the bonfire, turned his back comfortably, and lay down on his side.
After a moment, a very rhythmic snoring suddenly sounded.
With a sad face, Ivanov smiled helplessly.
He glanced at the half pack of cigarettes next to the strong man, and immediately stole one quietly.
The young man in front of him lit a cigarette on the bonfire and began to smoke like a zabu. During this period, he was stimulated by the thick smoke and wanted to cough but was holding back, which looked extremely funny.
He always turned his back to his students and pretended to be fast asleep.
Zabu was already well aware of all this, but he saw the corners of his mouth raised slightly, and his expression was full of a warm smile.
...
In the early morning, the sky was just starting to light up.
The two people in the cave packed their bags, took hunting gear and decomposed white bear meat, and prepared to start their return journey.
Stepping out of the cave, the sun was dazzling and the cold wind was still there.
Last night's snowstorm has subsided.
The thick snow is covered with footprints of various animals and beasts, including traces of freak activities.
"It's not safe here..."
He bent down and took a look, then raised his head to face the wind and took a deep breath of the surrounding air.
He quickly picked up his luggage and put on his velvet hat to protect him from the cold.
Zabu narrowed his eyes and said cautiously: "Follow me, we must return to the village quickly."
In order to hunt this big white bear that often comes to the village to cause trouble.
The master and apprentice have been out for three days.
It is still at least about five kilometers away from the village. Coupled with the cold winter blizzard weather and the large amount of snow in the wild, the journey is very slow.
If you can't make it back to the village tonight, you will most likely need to stay overnight.
Even an experienced Zabu may not be able to find such a suitable cave to stay temporarily.
The two of them walked together with prey that smelled of blood.
Camping in the snow rashly may attract the attention of wild monsters lurking near snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes.
therefore.
The best way is to speed up and return to the village safely before dark.
Ever since——
Above the vast white snowfield.
Two figures, one large and one small, faced the biting cold wind and left long footprints along the road.
The master and apprentice walked quickly together.
Finally at dusk, I saw the outline of the village in the distance.
"Something's wrong..."
Startled violently.
Ivanov's face was dull and he said dumbly: "Something seems to have happened in the village!"
In the village at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, thick black smoke rose from the scattered houses.
This phenomenon is clearly caused by fire!
Frowning slightly.
Zabu took off his velvet hat in surprise, his short fiery red hair fluttering in the wind, and his expression looked a little overwhelmed.