After much more walking, the dense jungle finally gave way to a clearing, the sudden openness almost disorienting after hours of weaving through tangled roots and towering trees
Andrew and Mella slowed their pace, the oppressive green walls parting to reveal a village nestled in the heart of the jungle. The people milling about the settlement were striking: their skin adorned with glowing tattoos that pulsed faintly like embers, their attire minimal—a mix of grass skirts and woven ornaments.
Andrew's caught the glint of weapons scattered among the group—red-tipped staffs and crossbows with strange, ominous bees hovering around the bolts.
As soon as Andrew and Mella stepped into the clearing, the atmosphere shifted.
The villagers began clapping sharply, the sound not celebratory but aggressive, a warning. Heads turned, and the villagers' movements slowed, all eyes fixed on the newcomers.
Weapons were quickly drawn; the red stones atop the spears, and strange bees buzzed more furiously around the crossbow tips.
"Stay calm," Andrew muttered under his breath, raising his hands to show he was unarmed. Beside him, Mella did the same, her face a careful mask of composure.
"We're not here to fight," Mella called out, her voice firm but non-threatening. "We mean no harm."
The villagers hesitated, their murmurs swelling into a tense cacophony, until a giant of a man stepped forward. He towered over the others, his body thick with muscle and tattoos that seemed to shimmer more brightly than the rest. Twin axes hung from his belt, and his deep-set eyes blazed with suspicion as he shouted, "Who sent you?"
Andrew answered. "No one sent us. We're travelers looking for the Mao tribe. We thought we could trade."
The giant man narrowed his eyes, taking a step closer. His presence was as intimidating as the axes at his sides. "If you want the Mao tribe," he growled, "then why have you come here?"
Andrew and Mella exchanged a fleeting look. *Wrong village.* The realization hit like a slap.
Mella cleared her throat, her quick mind racing. "We got lost," she said, stepping forward cautiously. "We saw this village and thought... the amazing people here might be able to help us."
The man's expression didn't soften, but he seemed to consider her words. His gaze swept over the two of them, lingering on Andrew's scarred armor and Mella's confident stance. Finally, he rumbled, "What do you have to trade?"
Mella hesitated for only a moment before summoning an iron spear. The weapon gleamed sharply under the dim sunlight. Gasps rippled through the villagers, their collective astonishment palpable.
"We were sent," Mella said smoothly, her voice steady and commanding, "as messengers of the gods. We bring gifts to strengthen the tribes of this jungle, to help them survive and thrive."
Andrew glanced at her, both impressed and relieved.
She was using her knowledge of this world's limitations—its lack of the System and Rift Fighters—to their advantage. These people likely saw their abilities as divine rather than technological or magical like those back in the village that was attacked by water foxes.
The giant man didn't have a reaction for a short while. It was like he couldn't believe what he was seeing or hearing. Like there was something off.
But he soon fell to one knee. "Welcome," he said gruffly, bowing his head. "Welcome to Asher."
The villagers had a slight expression of confusion, but that confusion was erased when the man raised his voice, saying, "Welcome our guests to Asher!"
The rest of the villagers dropped to their knees, echoing his words in unison. "Welcome to Asher!"
Andrew felt a pang of discomfort at the display, but he forced himself to play along.
He raised his hand, gesturing for them to stand. "That's not necessary," he said, his tone firm but respectful. "We only wish to find the Mao tribe. We've been given orders to assist them and, after that, to help the other tribes."
The giant man rose slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "The Mao," he said, almost reluctantly. "They live underground, some hundred meters to the east." He hesitated, as if weighing whether to continue. "But they only surface at night, when the ground quakes and flips over."
Andrew blinked. "The ground... flips over?" He glanced at Mella, who looked equally baffled.
The man nodded, his expression serious. "The earth in that area shifts when the moon rises. It is the only time the Mao emerge."
Andrew grimaced. "So, we'll have to wait until night?"
"It seems that way," Mella murmured, her tone laced with irritation.
The man straightened, his massive arms crossing over his chest. "As the leader of these people, it would be an honor to host the messengers of Konah."
Andrew caught the name immediately. *Konah. Their god, maybe?*
He looked at Mella, who gave a slight nod. "We could use the rest," she said. "The jungle's exhausting enough as it is."
Andrew turned back to the man. "We're grateful for your hospitality," he said sincerely. "May we know your name?"
"Bar-Jui," the man said, inclining his head. "And you?"
"Andrew," he replied. "This is Mella."
Bar-Jui gestured toward a larger hut near the center of the village. "You may stay in my home for as long as you wish. But there is one thing I ask of you."
Andrew asked. "What's that?"
Bar-Jui stepped closer. "When you return to the gods, tell them of our hospitality. Make sure Konah recognizes how we welcomed his messengers."
Andrew exhaled softly, relieved. "You have my word," he said. "We'll make sure Konah knows."
Bar-Jui's stern expression softened slightly. He nodded once before turning to address the gathered villagers. "Prepare a feast! Today, we honor our guests!"
The villagers cheered, their earlier suspicion melting away. But something felt off among some of them. Like their expressions weren't genuine.
Of course, not everyone would be easy to trick. If two strangers wandered into someone's home, claiming to be angels of a god and demonstrating superhuman powers, it wouldn't mean all the homeowners would be convinced.
Mella leaned closer to Andrew, her voice low. "A feast sounds good, but I hope this doesn't take all day."
Andrew smirked. "At least we won't have to fight our way through another stretch of jungle. Small wins."