A week had passed since Dan received the girls. During the week, they got somewhat used to their new lives in this isolated place. It felt strange at first: absolute silence, complete isolation, and only one man living alone in the wilderness. But they began to adapt. Most importantly, Dan did not ask for anything in return for receiving them. He didn't ask for a service or impose any condition. Instead, he leaves them completely alone, spending most of his time training in the hole or in another isolated training area far from them.
But the girls felt a desire to help. It was a natural feeling. They were living in his place, eating his food, and sleeping in the house he built for them. And it seems he asks for nothing in return. So, one day, Rin suggested an idea to the girls. "Why don't we help him? We take care of the animals, cook for him, and wash his clothes. We can even weave clothes for him from the wool available here in abundance from the sheep he raises. This is the least we can do." All the girls agreed.
When Rin presented the idea to Dan, he did not object. In fact, he saw that this was useful to him. Taking care of animals, cooking, and washing clothes were all tasks that consumed part of his time. If they performed them, it would free up more time for training. So, he simply agreed. The girls began to work. Every morning, they go out to cut the damp grass near the river to feed the sheep and chickens. They gather wild fruits from nearby trees—fruits, nuts, and anything edible.
But Dan had strictly warned them against going too far. "The forest is dangerous. Do not go far from this area." His voice was cold, but the warning seemed clear. The girls committed to that. They had no desire to face predators or get lost again. And they prepared food for him. They cook the meat, prepare some wild vegetables, and make simple but nutritious meals. They also take care of the cleanliness of his small hut. Dan, by nature, lives very simply, but the girls made sure to keep the place clean and tidy.
Most of the time, when they finished their work, they would sit and stare. They stare at Dan as he practices his insane training. It was an amazing sight. They would see him dive into the hole, disappearing into the depths for long periods. And when he finishes, he trains above the surface. Fast movements, punches, and kicks that make terrifying sounds in the air around him. His strength seemed terrifying, exceeding imagination for them. The girls were watching in shock mixed with admiration and fear.
But for Rin, this caused her a crisis. She currently feels that what they are doing is not enough. Taking care of animals, cooking, and cleaning—all of this was very simple compared to what he provided for them. He gave them shelter, food, and safety. He effectively saved their lives. And what do they provide him in return? Some simple housework. It seemed inappropriate to her.
At the same time, she was contemplating their situation. What are they? Just runaway girls. No families, no place to return to, and no clear future. If he kicks them out one day, where will they go? The outside world was harsh. They would die in the forest amidst the unknown wilderness, and even if they reached civilization, they might be captured again, sold as slaves, or worse. So after a while, she reached the conclusion that they needed a guarantee, protection, and a safe place. And this man—this very strong man—can provide that.
Rin thought of an idea. One night, before sleeping, she gathered the girls in the wooden house. She took a deep breath, then spoke. "I want to say something important." The girls looked at her with interest. "We are in a good position now, but it is unstable. We are just helpless girls; we cannot provide anything real to our master who received us." She paused, then continued. "So, I thought of something. Why don't we give ourselves to him?"
Sudden silence. The girls looked at her with wide eyes; some were shocked, and some began to understand. Rin continued calmly. "You have all seen his power. He is not an ordinary man. He is stronger than anyone we will meet in our lives." "And this is a guarantee for us. If we become his women, he will protect us. We won't have to live what we lived again. We won't be slaves; we won't be lost. We will be under his protection." All the girls were silent. Some lowered their heads, embarrassed. Some were thinking, weighing the idea.
Long moments of silence passed. Then Rin said firmly, "I will consider your silence as agreement." She looked around; no one objected. "And since I am the one with the idea, I will be the first to start."
At the same time, Dan was in his bed in his small hut. He was about to sleep, but he heard everything that was said. His Web was always active, covering the entire area. He hears every word if spoken near its center and feels every movement within its range. In himself, he was not opposed to the idea. He was not a hypocrite. His body is a young body, and he has his natural needs.
In fact, he had this idea before, but he decided to postpone it. He had planned that when he reached a high level of strength, he would leave his isolation and search for some women for himself. Because what is the point of longevity if you don't enjoy it? One hundred and eighty years, or maybe more with Vitality Seal improvements, is a very long period to live alone. But since the opportunity came to him on its own, why not take it?
At the same time, he decided something else. If they became his women, he would carry their responsibility. They wouldn't be just servants but would be his wives, under his full protection. This was fair. A simple, practical decision that suits him.
After a while, he heard faint footsteps approaching his hut. The footsteps stopped in front of the door. Silence. He could feel Rin's tension, her hesitation, and her embarrassment. Then in a calm voice, he said from inside the hut, "You can enter." The door opened slowly. Rin entered cautiously, her face slightly red despite the darkness. She closed the door behind her quietly. And the night passed quietly.
In the morning, Rin came out of the hut. She was walking with slightly stumbling steps, her features calm. The girls looked at her, some with curiosity and some with shyness. Rin said nothing. She only smiled a slight smile, then went to start her daily work. The message was clear: everything is fine.
Dan came out of his hut a little later, as usual, and headed toward his hole for training. Nothing changed in his behavior, his features, or his way of dealing. He was as he always was: calm, cold, and focused on his training. But inside, he was satisfied. He had gained the first wife in his life. He hadn't even married in his original world. He had lived alone, isolated, without real relationships. But here, in this world, in this isolation, he found something new. Not just strength, not just longevity, but also a life—in every sense of the word.