3. Tribe

"Bad thing is I don't know if we ever get to encounter that plant in this world. Even though I recognized some, I doubt we will ever encounter one in such a short time." He continued.

"I don't know what your plan is but I'll just say this to you. The plant I'm talking about can be found in temperate and tropical climates. This is a temperate grassland, There is a slight chance we might find something." He explained the weight of her request. But it never stopped him from agreeing as he relied on Asumi.

"Soooo, where do we start? Where do we find a wild Arugula." Asumi asked.

Seti glanced at the forest entrance and pointed his finger to it. She nodded in response and stood up. Seti added more information. "Look, that doesn't mean we have to find a specific plant. If you can find an edible but fast-growing plant. Then I'll deal with the cultivation."

Since their clothes were dripping wet. They never bothered removing it and dove to the river. They swam to the other side whilst Asumi was still holding the bundled fishes.

They crossed over the remaining grassland and finally arrived at the forest entrance. Seti looked back at the grasslands and remarked. "This grassland would be fit for cultivation. Sucks, there is a monster that roams this area."

"Don't worry we'll find a suitable land." She guaranteed Seti.

Soon they entered the forest. The sunlight pierced through the deciduous trees and multiple species of flora can be found. The trees were rustling and the birds were chirping. It contrasted their experience on the grassland. This place is strangely soothing...

However, Seti forgot something. Oh shit, How can she find a plant that she doesn't even know?

He patted her soldiers and they stopped walking. Seti informed her about the appearance of Arugula. "Wait! I forgot to tell you. If you spot a dull green leaf with deep lobes then that's the plant we're finding."

She nodded.

It took them a while but they found a suitable spot to rest on. Both of them hunched on the trees as they instinctively felt relieved. Asumi looked at the bundle of fish she had caught. I need to preserve this. Right, I'll smoke it.

She neared herself toward Seti and tried to hand over the fish to him. Confused, he asked her. "What?"

"Hold this, I'll smoke it later. I'll find some firewood and timber first." She passed it to Seti and quickly set out to the forests.

He looked at her with curious eyes. What a strange woman...

...

Asumi searched the area. She picked up a sharp rock and marked the trees. She chose trees that were peculiar and easy to spot so that she could return to Seti.

This world is still the same... I hope the others are fine. But I have to leave immediately and find the others! She was worried sick about the situation.

There was a situation that Seti wasn't even aware of. Under Seti's mind, there was definitely something brewing without his knowledge. Although he can't prove his suspicions. His gut instinct tells him the peculiarity of Asumi.

Asumi had enough wood to make a fire. She observed her surroundings before returning to Seti. She noticed a tree with a peculiar mark on its trunk. Asumi had never seen nor even carved one.

She became vigilant of her surroundings and glanced in every direction. She dropped the stacks of wood and picked up a long stick. Strong and thick enough to bash a human's arm.

Both of her hands held the stick. Ready to attack if any opponent came. Until she realized she was being overcautious of her surroundings. Asumi, you're being too cautious. Calm down, this is not my main enemy.

The marks weren't recent and the bark had started growing back. She wiped off her sweat and brought the stacks of wood. On the way, her face looked distressed. She was shaking heavily and became fearful. Her breaths were loud and hard and her heart was beating faster.

She saw a skeleton which triggered something in her.

She had just remembered her memories. A memory full of pain, suffering, and death. This was the first time this had happened to her. She closed her eyes to waive off the bad emotions.

Soon she came back to Seti who was waiting for her to return. Seti immediately returned the bundle of fish. However, Asumi declined as her hands were full. "Oh come on, this is fishy and slimy it's disgusting!"

"You know... You are way too convenient in this situation. I know we need to work together but don't get too mushy with me." She intimidated Seti. Her eyes widened and a dark gloomy atmosphere emanated. She looked at Seti as if she was to kill his every being. A face with no hesitation of killing a comrade once he/she becomes an obstacle.

"Hey hey, I am just being an approachable guy!" Seti felt frightened of her fierce eyes. In the end, he shut his mouth and kept silent. He was irritated by the sudden change of awkward mood. What the hell is with this woman! I'm just trying to make a gag! A while ago she was pretty approachable! Now she's cold all of a sudden? Is she suffering from depression?

Later he was deeply interested in Asumi and her strange actions. She had already made a campfire and a long stick where she hangs the fish. Seti always takes a short peek at her and observes her actions.

In her eyes his constant peeking made her mood turn for the worse. Was it worth bringing this guy? I don't feel like he is powerful at all. At best he is good as a farmer just like he said. This man looks like he would become a hindrance to my problems. Then again his knowledge of agriculture is vital...

Asumi glared at him and he stopped peeking at her.

The fire was already small and smoke slowly rose to the sky. The fish she had caught was being smoked.

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In the distance, there was a group of hunters who held spears and arrows in their hands. They found a clearing on high ground. They looked at the horizon and saw the pillar smoke.

An old burly man pointed at the smoke. The hunters surrounding him clenched their hands and headed through the smoke.

There a young pale woman looked at the sky. Seemingly curious about the pillar of smoke. Her eyes brimming with a thirst for knowledge.

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The tense atmosphere had toned down. Asumi on the other hand slowly reached out to Seti. She apologized for her bad actions.

"Hey, um, I'm sorry if my emotions got the best of me. I just remembered something bad... I apologize."

Seti looked at her and apologized as well. "Look I'm sorry If I joked around. Must have been irritating for you since you are the one who does most of everything." He scratched his head while facing away.

She replied." I see, I guess we're both in the wrong here. Then again you need me and I need you. I hope we never fight in the future." She gave her hand and wanted to shake hands.

They shook hands in agreement, hoping the drama would be forgotten. Even though the situation lightened Seti, still didn't dare to talk to Asumi.

However soon a problem would fix this situation.

In the forests where many animals thrive. There is bound to be a predator. Native or migrant nobody is safe from those who desire to eat.

A group of hunters scattered throughout the forest closed in on the smoke. They tightly gripped their wooden spears. That said, these hunters didn't just come barely naked. They wore the hardened plates of the monstrous Armadillo. A monster the both of them couldn't defeat.

Each of them slowly approached the both of them. Walking discreetly and avoiding every branch that produced a noise.

However, there was one man who was careless enough to step into the bushes.

Asumi heard the sound of rustling bushes. Alerted, she stood up quickly and signaled Seti. He was quickly worried and changed into a squatted position.

Before standing up slowly with his hands open.

She looked through the forest and saw several hunters covered by the leaves.

Since they had already been noticed the hunters didn't hesitate to attack them. One quickly charged at them with the spear pointed at them. Suddenly appearing from the bushes surprising the both of them.

Asumi had an excellent reaction time so she was able to dodge the attack. Seti barely even evaded the incoming attacks. The sharp point of the spear shredded Seti's pink polo.

He was bewildered by what had just happened. However, the first instinct that came to his mind was to run.

Asumi looked at him and shouted at Seti."Don't I'll communicate with them!"

"What?!" He was baffled by her statement. Woman! What "fisherman" thing are you going to do next?!

In a life and death situation. One doesn't normally act calm with no experience. Seti was for sure their lives were in danger. I'm going to die ain't it?

Asumi instantly raised her hands. She made a cross and tried to communicate with them with sign language.

The hunters were surprised to see an outsider use their way of sign language.

Not long enough they appeared out of the bushes. The hunter amounted to 16 of them. All of whom were armed with wooden spears and Large Armadillo Plates.

One of them stepped forward and started performing hand signs. He never understood anything nor even cared.

Rather he was astonished at Asumi. His suspicions grew larger and larger. Slowly getting used to her outrageous actions.

He quickly asked her in a surprised tone."How?! How did you do it?"

She glimpsed at him and replied."I guess I got lucky..."

Bullshit, there is something within you. I want to know it before you proceed with your plan. She conveyed her message to the hunters.

All of them bobbed their heads in agreement. They descended to the forests and after a while reappeared once again. This time the burly old man was interested in Asumi. He examined her strange attire. Before responding in an angry gesture.

In translation, it would mean."Who are you?! How do you know our sign language! We never taught this to an outsider of our tribe!"

She acknowledged his suspicions and tried to defend herself."One of your tribesmen is a benefactor of mine. Sadly she had died. She taught me this language so that you could help me."

The old man was doubtful however he never felt the malicious aura in her. He instead asked about her capabilities."You don't seem to be a strong woman! State your abilities and prove them right in front of us. Also, who is that person beside you?"

She stated her skills." I am someone who can catch water animals! While the person behind me can grow food! Food from trees and plants!"

The hunters gasped when they declared their abilities. The burly old man saw the fish being smoked. He felt that letting both of them join the tribe would be beneficial.

He relied on instinct and intuition to lead the tribe. Asumi continued conversing with the old man to gain a positive image.

Seti in the meantime watched the exchange between the people. Not understanding one bit of the conversation and feeling left out. Damn, I feel like a side character. By the looks of it, Asumi is picturing a positive image for both of us... Hm? Who's that?

A pale girl was intently staring at him. Changing focus from Asumi to him and vice-versa.

She was a diamond in the rough. Her tribesmen were different from skin to facial features. She had a caucasian look aside from the usual brown skin of the tribe.

She's cute... She stared at him with curious eyes.

He felt awkward being watched when he wasn't even the center of attention. He stayed still and waited for their conversation to end.

Asumi addressed their situation. "I assume you didn't understand anything.

So basically I managed to convince the tribal leader to admit us to their tribe. However, you will be disposed of if you don't showcase your skills."

He differed."Are you kidding me? How can I impress a society where strength and glory are valued? I'm a farmer, not a warrior. "

"Don't worry, I'll try my best to help you."

Now their days of living with a tribe have started.