Certain details were omitted, but as Warrior Jean listened to this narrative for the first time, finally comprehending why Orion had missed the warrior training, his eyes widened in sheer disbelief. He was left stunned and speechless, incapable of processing the situation before him.
"So you're telling me that your absence today was due to your semen's unique capability to...?" Warrior Jean's voice trailed off, his gaze scrutinizing Orion from head to toe. Before he could finish his sentence, his attention swiftly shifted towards the village chief, his eyes filled with doubt. "Chief, is this really true?" he demanded, seeking confirmation.
As Warrior Jean continued to gaze at the Village Chief, his disbelief turning into a blend of confusion and realization, the Village Chief nodded slowly and responded, "Yes, it's true."
The village chief observed the exchange, recognizing that Warrior Jean hadn't even considered the possibility that Orion had missed the warrior training for such an outlandish reason, which shouldn't have been possible in the first place. However, faced with the truth, Warrior Jean's expression shifted to one of contemplation, and he let out a deep exhale, admitting, "So, it seems I am the one at fault, huh?" The Village Chief nodded sternly, emphasizing, "And if anything had happened to him, you would have been in even bigger trouble."
While it held true that warriors faced severe consequences for their misconduct or violation of rules, it was also a recognized fact that excessively punishing them could potentially backfire, causing more harm than good. After all, these individuals possessed the power to upend the entire village if they so desired.
This was precisely why they were confined within the strongholds, with only a select few permitted to reside within the village itself. Striking the delicate balance between discipline and trust was vital to maintain order and safeguarding the well-being of all.
Nevertheless, he was acutely aware that he couldn't let Warrior Jean escape unpunished. Allowing such leniency would risk conveying the message that warriors could get away with certain actions, which was something he couldn't afford to show a young man with a six-star potential for inner strength like Orion.
Therefore, when Warrior Jean let out a frustrated sigh and lowered his head in apology, stating, "I'm sorry, Chief. I thought he... I thought the boy was succumbing to his own fame. You know, as warriors, we can't afford someone who can't control such an emotion," he cleared his throat, his embarrassment evident. "So, I thought bringing him here to witness the immense effort and risks his senior warriors endure just to facilitate their training might snap him out of his delusions before it's too late."
He glanced sideways at Orion, offering an apologetic smile. "But it appears I was mistaken once again." He let out a deep exhale. The village chief cleared his throat loudly and replied, "While your intentions may be pure, I cannot let this slide. Taking a novice warrior to the other side of the river is going too far. With his six-star potential, can you even fathom the consequences if something were to happen to him?"
Warrior Jean shifted his gaze to Orion, who was seated on the ground, recuperating and replenishing his depleted energy. Redirecting his focus towards the Village Chief, Warrior Jean offered his sincere apology, "I apologize, Chief."
The village chief shook his head disapprovingly before speaking, "Well, since you're already here, you can assist the other warriors in destroying the three-star Vylkr vines. However, I must emphasize that you are strictly forbidden from consuming any of its vines." His gaze shifted to Orion, who was seated on the ashen soil. "Orion, come with me," he commanded, before turning back to Warrior Jean. "Also, once the month concludes and you have completed training the novice warriors, you will be entrusted with leading a team on an exploration mission."
Warrior Jean arched an eyebrow at the village chief, his expression one of resignation as he let out a defeated sigh. "I understand, Chief," he reluctantly replied.
As the Village Chief began to walk away, Orion trailed behind him, contemplating Warrior Jean's motives. While he grasped the reasons behind the warrior's actions, a part of him couldn't help but entertain the idea of delivering a well-deserved punch to the warrior's face.
After all, there was only so much understanding one could muster when their shoulders ached from endless swinging. Nevertheless, thoughts of rescheduling his meeting with Aunt Greta crossed his mind. With her staying at the farm, there remained a chance for them to catch up and provide him with the opportunity to finally meet Sura, with whom he had been separated for quite some time.
As thoughts swirled in Orion's mind, one concern continued to nag at him: how to handle the lecture he had received from the Village Chief. He pondered the mysterious ways in which the village managed to control its population, yet a sense of unease warned him against delving deeper. Ignorance could indeed be bliss.
But, reminded of the joyful life he had led, fucking whichever hole he pleased and pursuing his desires without consequences, Orion quickly dismissed those thoughts. He made it a goal to figure out how they were capable of such feats within a village where young men were encouraged to impregnate as many women as possible before their own fertility waned. Orion couldn't help but wonder how such a system could be sustained.
Furthermore, he was determined to explore any possible alternatives that would allow him to navigate the situation without jeopardizing the safety of his family and partners. What good is a seed, he mused, if he couldn't find a way to sow it without incurring unnecessary risks?
'I really need to figure something out,' Orion thought to himself, furrowing his brows as he closed his eyes and shook his head in frustration. Opening his eyes again, he began to ponder various strategies to address his predicament. However, his thoughts were interrupted by the sight of the Village Chief transforming into his magnificent giant owl form.
Upon closer inspection, Orion noticed the distinct features of a Green Horned Owl, with its two feathered horn-like tufts atop its head. The owl soared high in the sky, its wings spanning an impressive height, before descending towards him in a sudden dive.
