While Grandma Vivian went to the backyard to fetch a bowl of water, the rest of them arranged a comfortable mat for Celeste to lie on. They found spots to sit beside her, waiting anxiously for her to regain consciousness. Grandma Derry couldn't help but find the situation somewhat amusing. "If this is her reaction to your pregnancy, I can't wait to see the Village Chief's messenger or even the Chief himself when they hear about it," she chuckled. Grandma Celia shook her head in disbelief and quickly responded, "I hope you're not thinking what I think you're thinking."
Grandma Derry nodded in agreement, "Me too, because there's no way that we are going to tell anybody else, without Orion also impregnating me." She smirked playfully, gesturing towards Grandma Celia. Grandma Celia shook her head in resignation, "Just pray to Naka that he would even consider someone like you in the first place." Grandma Derry retorted, determined to find a way, "Well, he played with your body and released his semen in your vagina, so I'll definitely find a way to make him do the same for me." Though she knew it would be a difficult task, perhaps even requiring all her wealth as leverage, Grandma Derry couldn't help but scheme in her mind.
Meanwhile, Grandma Celia sighed tiredly, accepting the futility of the conversation, and collected the water brought by Grandma Vivian. She used a small amount to sprinkle on Celeste's face, hoping it would help her regain consciousness.
However, as the conversation continued, Grandma Ingrid listened intently, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach, a myriad of thoughts racing through her mind. Unbeknownst to the others, her expression revealed a mix of emotions: anticipation, apprehension, and perhaps even a hint of longing.
…........
Thirty minutes later.
Orion found himself caught in a perplexing situation, unaware of how it had begun or what exactly was happening. With every bite he took, he could sense an inexplicable surge in the Vylkr energy coursing through him. Yet, there was a strange twist to it all. The more he consumed, the stronger the urge to keep eating became, as if the tingling sensations and the unsatisfied void in his stomach were driving him to devour more. Unable to resist, Orion voraciously devoured the Vylkr vines before him, surrendering to the insatiable hunger that consumed him.
And it wasn't just Orion, but the others too succumbed to the irresistible allure of the Vylkr vines, devouring them with unrelenting fervour. They indulged in a feast, consuming every Vylkr vine within their reach. The air crackled with energy, and suddenly, a resounding "BOOOM!" shattered the tranquillity. A powerful blast of air surged forward, propelling them backwards and scattering the Vylkr vines in all directions. No one needed to wonder who was responsible for this sudden assault when they heard the voice that followed.
"What you've all just experienced is what we call the 'Warrior's addiction,'" declared Warrior Jean, his gaze fixed upon the bewildered group. Not moments before, they had been frantically scavenging for the Vylkr vines, unable to go even a single minute without a taste. He continued, "Once you become a warrior, there's another aspect you must be wary of- the Warrior's Addiction. It manifests in three stages. Firstly, you'll feel an insatiable need to consume more and more Vylkr vines until the Vylkr energy within you becomes dangerously unstable... leading to dire consequences for both you and the village."
Warrior Jean's voice wavered slightly as he delivered that part, pausing for emphasis before pressing on, "Secondly, a gnawing compulsion will entice you to create another container within your body. I believe I don't need to explain the repercussions of attempting to create another container prematurely or attempting to create more than one at once." Warrior Jean observed with a smile as their understanding slowly dawned, and some even swallowed nervously at the gravity of their close call.
However, Warrior Jean wasn't done yet. After a brief cough, he resumed his explanation, his smile waning slightly. "However, this addiction primarily affects experienced warriors who have consumed Vylkr vines for an extended period. As for the third stage..." His smile faltered momentarily. Nevertheless, he continued, "When you reach the pinnacle of your potential, you'll discover that for yourselves."
After listening to his explanation, Orion couldn't help but swallow hard, a surge of relief washing over him as he realized how dangerously close, he had come to succumbing to the insatiable desire to consume more Vylkr vines. If Warrior Jean hadn't intervened, if he hadn't halted their frenzy and snapped them out of their trance, Orion shuddered to think of the dire consequences that could have unfolded.
"Well, that concludes today's lesson," Warrior Jean announced, his gaze shifting away from the group and ahead. "I would have allowed you another twenty minutes to regain your composure, but luckily, you can count this experience as part of your training." With those words, Warrior Jean turned and walked away, his voice trailing behind them, "Enjoy yourselves, and don't worry about dying. After all, I'm here to ensure that doesn't happen."
Observing the warrior's nonchalant demeanour, Orion couldn't help but shake his head in mistrust. Gathering his resolve, he pushed himself off the ground, successfully regaining his footing despite the tremors that invariably heralded the arrival of the Vylkr vines. Harnessing the power of his gift, Orion focused his gaze, patiently awaiting the appearance of the vicious Vylkr vines. As soon as they emerged within his line of sight, he lunged forward with his lightning-imbued dagger, striking with exceptional speed and precision.
......
The farm.
After gathering the final ones in her designated area, Melta turned to face Reena and asked, "Are you ready?" Reena responded with a resolute nod, extending her hand towards the vast expanse of shrub-like plants before her. Clearing her throat in silence, she assumed a calm demeanour and spoke with unwavering authority, "Listen up, everyone. Today is the day of your harvest, whether you like it or not. It's time to follow my instructions.' Reena fell silent, wearing a smile on her face as if she were tuned into something or someone. She closed her eyes briefly as if receiving guidance, before reopening them and positioning both hands towards the multitude of plants. With a swift motion, she activated her gift.
