The Weakest Hunter In Nigeria

A few days before the scheduled raid, Olutola decided to visit an old friend who ran a small herbal shop in a quieter part of Lagos. The shop, known for its eclectic mix of herbs and remedies, was a place where Olutola often found solace and guidance.

As he entered the shop, the familiar scent of various herbs and spices greeted him. Behind the counter stood Baba Ife, an elderly man with a wise and kind demeanor. His eyes lit up when he saw Olutola.

"Olutola, my boy! It's been too long," Baba Ife said, extending his hand.

Olutola shook his hand warmly. "It's good to see you, Baba Ife. I've been busy with my hunter duties."

"I've heard. Word travels fast in this city. Come, sit with me. Tell me what brings you here today."

They moved to a small table at the back of the shop, where Baba Ife brewed a pot of his special herbal tea. As they sipped the fragrant tea, Olutola shared his recent experiences, including the encounter with the beast and the upcoming raid.

Baba Ife listened intently, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "You have grown much, Olutola. But remember, strength alone is not enough. The mind and spirit must also be strong."

Olutola nodded. "I know, Baba Ife. That's why I came to see you. I need your wisdom."

The old man smiled. "You are wise to seek it. There is something I want to give you." He stood up and walked to a shelf filled with various items. After a moment, he returned with a small, intricately carved wooden box.

"This is an amulet," Baba Ife said, opening the box to reveal a beautifully crafted pendant. "It is said to protect the wearer from dark forces. I believe you will need it."

Olutola took the amulet and placed it around his neck, feeling a surge of warmth and reassurance. "Thank you, Baba Ife. I will wear it with honor."

They talked for a while longer, and Baba Ife shared stories of ancient hunters and their trials. As Olutola left the shop, he felt more prepared and focused than ever.

---

That evening, Olutola decided to explore a new part of Lagos. He wandered through the lively streets, enjoying the vibrant nightlife. He stopped at a popular street food stall, where he ordered a plate of jollof rice and fried plantains. As he ate, he overheard a group of young hunters discussing their recent adventures.

"Man, that last raid was tough. We barely made it out alive," one of them said.

"Yeah, but we need to keep pushing ourselves. We can't get stronger if we don't face challenges," another replied.

Olutola couldn't help but smile. Their conversation reminded him of his own journey. After finishing his meal, he continued his walk, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the other hunters in the city.

As he turned a corner, he noticed a group of people gathered around a makeshift stage. Curiosity piqued, he approached the crowd and saw a street performer entertaining the audience with impressive acrobatics and tricks. The performer's agility and skill were mesmerizing, and Olutola found himself clapping and cheering along with everyone else.

Suddenly, the performer called out, "I need a volunteer for my next trick!"

The crowd fell silent, and all eyes turned to Olutola. With a chuckle, he stepped forward. "Why not?"

The performer smiled broadly. "Thank you, sir! Now, let's see how brave you are."

Olutola stood on the stage as the performer prepared his trick. It involved a series of complex moves that required perfect timing and coordination. As the trick unfolded, Olutola felt the familiar thrill of facing a challenge head-on. The performer completed the trick flawlessly, and the crowd erupted in applause.

"Thank you, thank you!" the performer said, bowing to the audience. He turned to Olutola. "You were a great sport. Here, take this as a token of my appreciation." He handed Olutola a small, silver coin with intricate designs.

Olutola examined the coin, feeling its weight in his hand. "Thank you. This means a lot."

The performer nodded. "Keep it with you. It brings good luck."

---

As the night drew to a close, Olutola returned to his apartment. He placed the silver coin and the amulet on his bedside table, feeling a sense of readiness for the challenges ahead.

Lighting an Igbo joint, he took a deep drag, letting the calming effect wash over him. He put on his Bluetooth speaker and selected a playlist filled with soothing melodies. As the music played, he rolled up another joint, his thoughts drifting to the upcoming raid and the new friends he had made.

With a contented sigh, Olutola leaned back and closed his eyes. The system flickered to life, showing him glimpses of what lay ahead. He knew that with his newfound strength, wisdom, and the support of those around him, he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.