Chapter 7: Traces of Civilization

Translated by: Spot

Edited by: Isalee

It was common for other animals to steal their prey. They would painstakingly pursue their prey, only to find out it had been eaten by a lion or a hyena. Whenever this happened, they could only return empty-handed.

While watching the chief approach the antelope, an abrupt figure in a nearby underbrush suddenly leaped out and tackled the antelope to the ground.

Because Gao Yang was behind everyone else, he clearly saw what had happened. A leopard had attacked the antelope and now the chief and the leopard were face to face. It didnt matter if the chief was going to give up antelope or not. It was now a situation where the chief and the leopard were going to face off for food.

Gao Yang knew that leopards ordinarily would avoid humans, so why would it have the courage to confront five people? Looking at the leopard, he realized that this particular leopard was already very old so its hunting capability was dramatically lower. It also looked very skinny from starvation. Thus, an exhausted antelope would be perfect for it. It would definitely not let go of food that had fallen right into its lap.

It was an extremely dangerous situation because the leopard and the chief were very close. The leopard opened its mouth and let out a deep snarl. The chief, who only two meters away from the leopard, spread out his arms and slowly retreated backwards. The hunting group, including Gao Yang, performed the same action.

Fighting over food with a famished leopard was extremely dangerous, even if the leopard was old and weak. Their proximity to the animal didnt help as the explosive force of animals with four limbs was something humans could not physically go against. Even though there were five of them, they were still very wary of making the leopard angry. Only after they retreat back to a safe distance could they have a chance to scare off the leopard without an incident.

Just when the chief was slowly backing up, the leopard suddenly let go of the antelope that was within its paws. It pounced at the chief as quick as a lightning bolt.

He only had time to contract his wide open arms and protect his neck before the leopard fell upon him.

The massive leopard tilted its head, and with a wide, gaping mouth, it struck the chiefs throat. It had no intention of releasing its grasp. Thankfully, because of the chiefs smart thinking, he was able to protect his neck and avoided having his neck broken from that bite

Right when the chief fell to the ground, Gao Yang let out a roar. Tightly gripping his hunting knife in his hands, he charged forward. The three men in front of him also thrusted out their pikes in quick succession. The leopard quickly released the chief after being pierced and lashed out in retaliation. It struck one of the mens thighs, leaving a deep claw mark before finally turning around to flee.

Gao Yang was furious, but was also shaken up by the leopards appearance. In Africa, the leopard was considered to be one of the top hunters. Any prey that had the unfortunate luck of being bitten by a leopard pretty much had no chance of survival.

Even though the chief was pressing his hand down against his neck, fresh blood flowed down incessantly between his fingers. A few of them were frightened into stupor, and could only stand there and shout. Only Gao Yang was cool-headed as he ran up to the chief, reached out to remove the hand covering his neck, and took a good look at the wound.

Because the chief managed to protect his neck in time, the leopard couldnt cleanly rip his throat. However, with its long canine teeth, it left two deep holes on the bottom right side of the chiefs neck. Apart from this, the leopard also left a deep row of teeth marks on his right arm.

Gao Yang took a deep breath and reached out to cover the chiefs neck injury. His thoughts were all over the place. He was trying to think of a way to save the chiefs life, except the more he thought, the more he panicked he became because it seemed that the chiefs death was imminent.

The only positive thing was that the leopard hadnt penetrated all the way through the chiefs throat and didnt rupture any main arteries, so as long as he received a basic surgery, the chief could stem the bleeding. However, he would die from blood loss if things continued. Even if he was lucky enough to stop the bleeding, there was always a chance of infection, which would lead to an excruciating and painful death.

As a carnivore, leopards carried tons of bacteria and viruses within their oral cavities and on their claws. With a small bite or scratch, no matter what size the wound was, it would be fatal without any antibiotics.

After living with the chief for three years, Gao Yang was filled with affection for the chief. A few moments ago he was all fine and dandy, and in a blink of an eye, he was now on the verge of death. Even though Gao Yang grinded his teeth, tears still flowed freely down his face.

The chief also knew that he didnt have much time. He pushed away Gao Yangs hand and steadily stood up by himself, shaking his head at Gao Yang. He coarsely said, All of you stop crying. Im already very old and it couldve happened to anyone. Big Baal, if you dont die, then youll become the next chief. If you die as well, then let Little Baal be the chief. Alright, stop crying. After we finish skinning the antelope, well eat some food and then bring the meat back home.

Father, you wont die. You definitely wont die!

KuSto, who was about fourteen to fifteen years old, was the youngest member. He wasnt mature enough to understand life and death. After speaking, he burst into tears.

After hearing the chiefs words, Gao Yang recalled something. Big Baal, who was the chiefs eldest son, was clawed by the leopard when it lashed out in retaliation and so he was also in danger of dying.

Not wanting to believe reality, Gao Yang dazedly said, This cant be, it shouldnt be like this. There must be a way. There has to be a way to save you guys. Let me think. Dont speak. Let me carefully think of something.

The chief was losing a lot of blood. Sorrowfully, he shakily sat down again.

White kid, nothing can be done. No one can survive a leopards death grasp.

Gao Yang could not think of anything. He could only stare helplessly at the dying chief, which made him very fidgety. After turning around in circles a couple of times, Gao Yang could not bear it any longer. He roared in frustration at the direction the leopard had fled.

Gao Yang knew there was no point in chasing after the leopard, but he still wanted to find that damned leopard and kill it. At least getting revenge for the chief would make him feel a bit better.

Gao Yang bent over and followed the leopards footprints. Because the leopard was injured after being pierced by the tribesmen, the fresh blood dripping from its wound gave him a very clear direction.

After running for about three to five minutes, the madly sprinting Gao Yang suddenly stopped in his footsteps. He saw something in the grass that shouldnt have been there. His entire mind went blank.

There were tire marks within the grass. And it was clear that it wasnt just one car, there were traces of at least a fleet of four to five cars. Gao Yang couldnt believe his eyes.

White kid, stop. We cant pursue any further. We must take care of father and Big Baal.

The cries and footsteps behind him snapped Gao Yang out of his trance. It was almost as if his body had been struck by lightning. Unable to restrain his emotions, Gao Yang suddenly turned around and shouted to Little Baal and KuSto who followed him: Go back! Quickly!

Gao Yang didnt have time to explain to the confused Little Baal and KuSto. With a rejuvenated vigor, he quickly returned to the chiefs side.

Chief, dont leave this place. You guys wait here for me. Theres hope for you and Big Baal.

When Gao Yang excitedly told the chief he had hope, he couldnt really explain it. This was due to the fact that the AKuli language did not have tire marks in its vocabulary.

I found a mark that lets us find white people, people like me. They have, um, have strange herbal medicine, and they can save you and Big Baal. Dont move. Wait for me, Im going to find those white folks.

Little Baal and KuSto finally understood what was going on. It meant the chief and Big Baal could be saved; it was only natural that everyone was filled with excitement.

KuSto, stay here to help dad and Big Baal. White kid and I will go find those white folks.

No, you arent as fast as me. Im known as the Cheetah. Ill go with the white kid. You stay behind and protect father and Big Baal, youre stronger.

Both of you shut up, Ill go myself. Listen, if you guys hear any gunshots, quickly leave. Do you guys know what gunshots are? Chief, youve heard it before, right? If you hear it, leave immediately. Dont wait for me to come back. If you guys dont hear it, then wait over here for me. But you guys must be careful, understand?

The chief shook his head and grabbed the excited Gao Yang: Dont go. You dont know what type of people they are. They are very evil. Youll lose your life.

Gao Yang pried the chiefs fingers from his arm and with a smile, he replied, If I dont come back tomorrow by this time, you guys leave by yourselves. Dont worry chief, you know Im the same type of people as them; Ill be fine.

The chief was a bit moved, but with a slight hesitation, he nevertheless nodded his head.

I almost forgot that youre also a strange white man. Alright, go. Bring KuSto with you and the two of you must be careful.

This made KuSto animatedly cry out: White kid, Im coming with you. If something happens, Ill be able to help you.

Gao Yang thought for a second and came to the conclusion that it was better to bring KuSto because if something happened, someone could be the messenger. Gao Yang stopped hesitating about bringing KuSto along, and sprinted after the tire tracks.

It was easy to figure out out which way the cars had went based on the imprints on the grass. Moreover, Gao Yang saw that the marks were still fairly fresh. If they were lucky enough, it wouldnt take too long before finding the fleet of cars.

Although it was worrisome, Gao Yang followed the trails in a light jog, not daring to go all out and wanting to keep a constant pace. He didnt want to tire himself out since he had already run more than ten kilometers today. In addition, he hadnt eaten anything.

KuStos speed was much faster than Gao Yangs, to the extent that Gao Yang had to often call KuSto to come back. He wanted them to stay close together. In AKuli, Baal meant lion and KuSto meant cheetah. People took after their names, so even though KuSto was the youngest, he was the fastest.