"Hoo, hah!"
"Hoo, hah!"
"Hoo, hah!"
The tribe's war cries boomed like thunder on a rainy night, undisguised, shaking the forest and ringing through the village like a threat.
Provoked by the cries, large numbers of Beastkin gathered at the village entrance. Some perched in the treetops, others crouched in the undergrowth, all their scarlet eyes fixed on the enormous silhouette in the shadows.
"What is that?"
Several children with animal ears but otherwise human faces lay on the rooftops.
They had grown up in the forest and had never accompanied their elders on a hunt, so naturally, they had never seen the imposing Sky Turtle.
"Woooo—"
The low call of a horn followed, lingering in their ears, and another boy whispered:
"That big thing seems to have stopped."
"Is someone coming closer?"
"Everyone looks so nervous."
"Why is that person's skin green?"
As the children murmured among themselves, the villagers gradually made out the approaching figures.
Tang Qi walked at the front. He found a safe spot where both sides could see each other's faces, studied the Beastkin's varied expressions, and cleared his throat twice.
"If anything goes wrong, remember to activate Swift Aura and run."
"I will keep you safe."
Dawn's promise reassured Tang Qi, and he called out:
"Who speaks for you?"
"Get out! You're not welcome here!"
The Sky Turtle was far too conspicuous. Every Beastkin who had participated in the hunt knew the visitors had come looking for trouble.
"Don't get so worked up, friends. I've come in good faith."
Tang Qi clapped his hands and glanced behind him. Shivana and several Beastfolk took the cue and brought their captives forward.
Tang Qi's treatment had eased Eric's serious injuries. As he was shoved out in front of the others, he cursed:
"You damned poet! You