Recently, the weather in the Rainforest has been exceptionally hot and dry; even nights without sunlight felt a bit stifling.
However, in the Akahula Rainforest, in the tribe named "Will of the Wild," nights were always incredibly lively.
"Hoo-ha! Hoo-ha! Hoo-ha-hoo-ha-hoo-ha!"
"Go, Kuga! This is your love rival! Didn't you say you'd defeat him and win back Chieftain Gavial? Put some effort into it!"
"You need to put your back into it! Bring honor to the men of the tribe, take him down a peg!"
Accompanied by enthusiastic shouts, around several blazing bonfires, a group of muscular alligator-headed men, with their arms around each other's shoulders, gathered around a stone table, cheering on the two individuals seated at it with their rough and powerful war cries.
These were the men of the tribe, all young; to be precise, in the Rainforest, few lived to old age.
The Rainforest was rich in resources. After each day's hunt, these young Adaklis people would channel their pent-up energy into wrestling and brawling, strengthening their bonds with each fight.
Tonight, they had specifically prepared a bonfire party for their distant guests.
On either side of the stone table, a strong, middle-aged Aegir man, covered in muscles, with his back and head's alligator hide scarred and one eye blind, was arm-wrestling with another tall man in black clothes, their hands clasped together.
The two were initially evenly matched, locked in a stalemate for a full minute, but for some unknown reason, the alligator man's thick, calloused hand was slowly being pushed down… "Ugh—ah-ah-ah-ah!!!"
Finally, the alligator man, who was half again as bulky as the man in black, roared, unleashing all his strength, but still watched helplessly as his hand was forced onto the table.
Looking at his hand in disbelief, the strong Aegir man hung his head dejectedly and walked towards the barbecue grill, appearing somewhat disheartened.
"Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh! As expected of Big Brother Goki!"
"I knew it! How could the man Chieftain Gavial fancies be weak? Isn't he super amazing! I love strong men like him!"
Now, it was the tribe's girls who cheered excitedly. Although their figures were slender and athletic, the strength contained within their bodies was no different from the men's.
While in the past, most people's aesthetic preferences leaned towards men with alligator heads, with the influx of Columbia culture, a small number of girls also began to develop curiosity about men from the outside world.
Although their views differed slightly from the Aegir people, they always treated outsiders from the Rainforest equally, but in a sense, this could also be considered a form of furry fetish.
"Let me see, you don't have much muscle on you, so how are you so strong?"
"Are you a Liberi? I don't see your feathers, are they under your clothes? Can I touch them!"
"Are you interested in having a child with me, big sister! It's not good for Gavial to hog such an excellent man all to herself!"
Just after Goki had barely managed to win against the Aegir strongman, several pointed-eared Young Misses, dressed in revealing outfits with only tank tops barely covering their ample figures, immediately crowded around him, poking him with their cold fingers, full of curiosity.
Acahuala was still in a tribal civilization; generally, fists did the talking, and coupled with the fact that members often died young, there was no strong concept of family. Both polygamy and polyandry were common.
For children like Gavial, whose parents died when she was young, the tribe would wholeheartedly raise her.
Even knowing that the man named Goki in front of them was Gavial's husband from outside the region, these Young Misses boldly approached him.
If they failed, at most they'd get a beating from Gavial, but what if they succeeded? Wouldn't they get a piece of the pie then!
Strong and handsome, and appearing exceptionally refined, completely unlike those big, clumsy oafs who only knew how to fight—who wouldn't love such a cool man?
"Ah, well, big sisters, a few big sisters, uh, calm down, calm down, let's eat and drink, don't be like this, don't be like this—"
Entangled by the enthusiastic three Aegir girls, with their large tails of varying thickness but equally smooth and delicate wrapped around him, Goki felt as if he were Fahai, constantly being seduced and provoked by several green snakes.
It was over. If Goki's blunderbuss were to misfire and perform a Gun Counter here, his career as a Yharnam Hunter would be over!
And just as Goki was loudly exclaiming, "Great Might Heavenly Dragon, World-Honored Ksitigarbha, Alligator Demon, I need your help to cultivate," to cover up the situation, a more threatening voice came from nearby.
"What are you three trying to do to Goki—are you planning to spar with me?"
Indeed, upon hearing that slightly threatening voice, the group of Young Misses were startled and immediately scattered like birds.
"Wah-wah-wah-wah—Gavial!"
"Don't hit the face, don't hit the face! We were wrong!"
Soon, at the stone table, the girl with dark green long hair casually sat on the bench where Goki was, pushing his butt to the side, and at the same time, slammed a cup of liquid with many reddish-purple Impurities in front of Goki.
"Ha, you're quite a mess, Goki. Seeing how close you are with Skadi all the time, I thought you were good at handling girls—come on, try this, the fruit wine brewed in the tribe. You can't drink it outside the Rainforest."
She herself was also drinking a cup of wine, the tips of her ears slightly red. After returning to her homeland, Gavial's spirits were much higher.
Just now, she had already defeated many other Adaklis people in arm wrestling.
"That just proves you're equally bad at understanding men. I'm clearly the type with evil intentions but no guts—Thanks, my Chieftain wife~~"
Picking up the fruit wine, Goki chuckled at Gavial and poured the wine down his throat. A faint spiciness and the sweetness of fruit immediately rushed into his esophagus.
Thanks to Gavial's quick-witted remark earlier, now everyone in the entire tribe, except for the Witch Doctor shaman grandmother who had already been explained to and was currently hiding Surtr in her house, believed that Gavial had brought a man home.
They had even started discussing what the future Chieftain's sons and daughters should be named, and had already gotten into several mock fights due to disagreements.
This included Little Chieftain Tomimi as well.
Although Goki had helped her resolve the coercion from the Columbia pioneering expedition, it was clear that the news of her idol Gavial getting married had dealt her a huge blow.
No matter how the two explained that it was just an act, Tomimi believed it was just a lie; in this regard, the little alligator was particularly stubborn.
"Alright, stop with the strange talk, Goki. If you keep this up, Skadi will get jealous."
With a wry smile, Gavial bumped Goki with her shoulder. A slight blush was on her fair face, whether from the alcohol or some other reason.
"And be careful with Tomimi. That child really likes me. Be careful not to get secretly beaten up by her when you sleep tonight."
Gavial was still young and had never considered finding a boyfriend. Although the man beside her was not weak and had a good face, apart from the pink mushrooms she ate last night, she had never had any improper thoughts.
Gavial could tell that Goki and Skadi shared a close bond; although not yet a romantic relationship, it was certainly close.
"Hmm, it's fine. I also specifically explained it to Skadi. She's not the type to get jealous easily. I even have to slowly teach her the word 'jealousy'."
When Skadi was mentioned, a smile unconsciously appeared on Goki's face again.
Gavial saw it and couldn't help but stick out her tongue.
"But still, thank you. Those Columbia people always devour people whole... However, this obstruction is only temporary. Without Elwin, others will come, and the Rainforest will eventually change."
Shrugging, Gavial clinked her cup with Goki's.
"Tomorrow, Mavesotia begins. It can be finished in one day, and the venue is conveniently near the temple where those white coats are going—I'll go to Mavesotia to see some old friends of mine. You and Skadi should come along too, and serve as guides for those white coats, keeping an eye on them."
The Witch Doctor said that according to legend, the temple in the Rainforest sealed the power of the God of Burning Wind, so Goki and his group also planned to check it out.
"Yes, in movies, when archaeologists dig up temples, something always goes wrong. We'll go together then."
Taking out a bottled flame from his pocket, Goki looked at the blazing fire, estimating the power of the divine being.
[The remaining blood echoes, I'll spend them precisely when I sleep tonight.]
Looking at the not-so-small number in his mind, Goki knew it was time to allocate points again.
In fact, just a moment ago, when he was in a stalemate with the Aegir person, he had already added 3 points to his Strength, reaching fifteen points.
Given that the Strength of an Aegir person is roughly 20, 15 points of Strength, combined with Goki's technique, would be enough to win an arm wrestle—of course, Gavial was in a league of her own.
"Alright, when the time comes, I'll introduce Zumama, Kmar, and Inam to you. They're all great beauties too, so try not to get dazzled."
Gavial nodded, no longer discussing serious matters, but instead introduced her childhood friends to him.
"Is that so? But I think Gavial, you're already very good."
Goki, of course, knew who Gavial was talking about. In his mind, the Jungle Overlord Boa, the Hummingbird Boxing King Flint, and the dark-skinned beauty who was a merchant, all appeared, and he was particularly looking forward to it.
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"Is that so? I think Gavial, you're already very good. I'm very happy to have a girlfriend like you."
However, in front of a girl, it was better to directly praise her.
"Go away, stop talking nonsense. I'm going to practice medicine and save more infected people. You should just stay with your Skadi!"
Her cheeks slightly flushed, Gavial slammed Goki's back a few times with her big tail and chugged the fruit wine.
Her goal had never changed: to become a good doctor. On this path, there was no room for romance.
"But, if one day I can settle down, open a small clinic, and you can also beat me in an arm wrestle…"
Perhaps it was the effect of the alcohol, Gavial narrowed her vertical golden pupils and smiled at Goki—she really did like this interesting guy.
"At that time, maybe I could give you a chance, let you be—"
"Goki, do you want some meat?"
Before Gavial could finish her sentence, a slender body from behind squeezed in between the two, directly separating their closely pressed bodies.
With more people around, Skadi reverted to her proud and aloof demeanor. She sat beside Goki and offered him a piece of roasted meat she had already taken a bite of.
"Hey, you two chat slowly. Tonight, I'll keep a close eye on Tomimi, so get a good night's sleep."
Smiling a little awkwardly, Gavial finally realized how strange her words had been. With a blush on her cheeks, she quickly fled the dining table.
"Mmm… meat."
Watching Gavial leave, Skadi finally breathed a sigh of relief. She turned her head and looked at Goki with a somewhat resentful gaze.
"Really, was it to trick that person? Not really going to marry Gavial?"
Although Skadi had little experience with romance, she still knew that Aegir people also needed to marry to be together, and then they would have babies!
"It's true. Even if I were to marry, I would honestly tell you, Skadi—believe me, from now on, I will never lie to you."
Taking Skadi's fair little hand, Goki smiled at her. This was also a vow he made to himself.
For everyday small matters, he might tease Little Orca, but for important matters, he would never lie to Skadi.
"Mm! I believe you—eat meat, eat meat."
Skadi froze for a second. Her originally somewhat melancholic little face instantly brightened.
Her ruby-like eyes lit up, revealing a beautiful smile. Skadi put the meat to Goki's mouth, and after he took a bite, she continued to eat heartily herself.
However, Skadi believing this didn't mean Goki intended to let her off the hook.
"But, Skadi, why do you care so much about my relationship with Gavial? Tell me, okay?"
Narrowing his eyes, Goki looked at Skadi, deciding to tease her.
"Why… Mmm, yeah, why?"
But this time, Skadi became confused again. After a few seconds of stunned, she awkwardly squeezed out a sentence.
"Anyway, when I see other girls getting too close to you, I… get unhappy."
Although Skadi didn't know why, Goki understood.
Skadi's current actions weren't entirely jealousy, but simply a slight worry that he might get too close to others and thus ignore her.
"Alright, Skadi, come, do you remember the pinky promise I made with Anita?"
Extending his little finger, Goki looked at Skadi and promised her.
"I promise you, we still have a long way to go, and we will definitely meet more interesting people in the future, but no matter what, Skadi, you will always be the most important part of my heart—pinky promise?"
Skadi looked at Goki's sincere smile and extended her somewhat greasy little finger.
"Mm, then I'll always believe you, no matter what happens, it will always be like this—pinky promise!"
Their little fingers linked together, as if connecting their hearts as well.
"Mmm—"
Skadi looked at Goki's face beneath his hunter's hat and suddenly felt her heart skip a beat in her chest.
An indescribable feeling spread through her thoughts.
It was neither the closeness of a Bloodline nor the friendship between friends… Skadi couldn't describe it, only that she felt very happy.
That thought also affected Goki. He, who had always been cautious, suddenly felt that Skadi at this moment had become somewhat—alluring.
"Gao, Goki—"
Skadi's body, strong enough to overturn a truck, suddenly went soft and leaned on Goki's shoulder.
"Skadi…"
And Goki, looking at Skadi's tender little lips, suddenly felt an urge to taste them.
Anyway, try it first, then teach her what kissing means later, that seems okay too?
Just like that, illuminated by the campfire, the faces of the two Hunters drew closer and closer to each other… "Ha—so you're the one who defeated Kuga, huh? Go be intimate with your other wife when you get home. My name is Nakai, and I'm here to challenge you! We're taking Gavial back!"
Just as their tricorn hats were about to touch and their lips were instinctively nearing each other, a two-meter-tall, burly Aegir person sat down opposite them at the stone table.
"Kuga is just the weakest of the four Heavenly Kings of the Wilderness Will. We have even stronger warriors!"
He wasn't surprised by Goki being intimate with another delicate girl besides Chieftain Gavial. He simply placed his arm, as thick as a bowl, on the table, awaiting Goki to accept the challenge.
At this, the two, who had almost taken another step forward, separated awkwardly and looked at the Aegir person opposite them.
"Ha—sigh."
Forcing himself to resist the urge to pull out his axe and strike this idiot, Goki rubbed the bridge of his nose, stood up, and went behind Skadi, patting her shoulder.
"Whether you're the Four Heavenly Kings or the Five Dragon Emperors, if you want to challenge me, you first have to beat her—I'm going to rest now, Skadi. You can go find Gavial, or you can continue to sleep with me."
Winking at Skadi, Goki regretfully walked towards the small hut assigned to him.
Skadi's expression, however, returned to indifference. She silently used her small hand to grasp the hand of the large man opposite her, a hand two or three times thicker than her own.
She… was unhappy! Very unhappy!
"Huh? Just you? Shorty, if I defeat you, I can challenge Goki, right? Alright, don't say I'm bullying you. If your bones break, go find Chieftain Gavial—Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah! My bones, my bones are broken!"
Bang—Crack—Boom!
Tonight's bonfire party, the tribe lost a stone table, and Nakai lost the opportunity to use his arm for the next month.
As for Goki and Skadi, they regrettably missed an opportunity to take their relationship further.
However… the next opportunity doesn't seem far off either?
"Target… isolated."
Beside the tribe, between the branches of a giant tree, a blurry shadow disappeared from its original spot.
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