Human?

"This time, it seems their luck is good. This is a rather interesting island."

Mona quietly watched the scene of Ned and his group landing on the island, saying this.

Though he hadn't actively used his divine power to perceive everything on this island, he had already vaguely sensed some of its "extraordinary" aspects.

For those who had set foot on the island, this was a risk, and likewise an opportunity.

How these pioneers, exploring the outside world for the first time, would handle everything about to come was something he found quite intriguing.

Meanwhile, in the forest, the Abigail Flower

was also gathering its focus, glowing with a faint blue light.

Clearly, this apostle, like its creator, was using the eyes of its dependents to curiously observe the outside world.

That night, the people of Giant Tree Island set up camp along the coast.

They cut down some Green Fruit trees on the beach, lit a bonfire, and built simple tents.

A few of the boldest tribesmen, after obtaining Ned's permission, shot several black birds on the sand and immediately skewered them over the fire to roast.

For people who had lived on fish and Tree Cassava for the past two months, this was no less than tasting a legendary delicacy.

"With so many birds, if we could raise them in the future, wouldn't we get to eat meat every year?"

Several Artisans said with delighted expressions:

"Most importantly, there are countless giant trees here. We can build more ships on this island. Maybe before long, we can bring more of our people over."

"That's right. We could even build a Wonder for the gods on this island, made entirely of giant timber! I've already thought of a name—the Giant Wood Temple!"

"Building a Wonder is a major affair. Only Chief Ned, as the God-Chosen, has the right to consider it. How could you presume to decide that yourself?"

By the bonfire, the tribesmen gulped down the juice of Green Fruit with gusto, tore at the roasted bird meat, and chatted excitedly, their faces gleaming with grease.

Ned, however, stood alone at the edge of the island, watching the people lost in their excitement around the fire.

These young tribesmen had no resistance to such things.

They seemed completely immersed in the novelty brought by the new island.

Only the older tribesmen retained a shred of reason and calm in the face of such fresh experiences.

Priest Moro frowned deeply as he watched the tribesmen, who had forgotten themselves:

"To get so carried away with joy over such ordinary things—utterly improper."

In his view, only what the gods bestowed was worthy of such unrestrained happiness and elation.

Moreover, it was only through the gods' grace that these people had the chance to see such a bountiful new land.

Even if they could safely establish a home on this new island, it should only be decided after seeking the gods' guidance—

not by acting on their own authority.

Barlow did not join the revelers by the bonfire in their heavy drinking.

He kept his bow raised, guarding Ned's side, his eyes sweeping back and forth over the forest.

Though this aging captain of the guard had chosen to leave the precious Lightning Bow behind in their homeland, not bringing it on the voyage, that didn't mean his arrows were any less formidable.

Even now, no one in the tribe could surpass his archery in accuracy or speed.

Blair had also recovered from his seasickness.

After learning of Ned's needs, this wise man began observing the insect species on the island, considering which ones would be more suitable for Ned to rapidly expand his Rot Spirit Insect numbers.

Soon, following Blair's advice, some tribesmen collected for Ned a type of insect unique to this Giant Wood Island.

It was a flying, foul-smelling beetle.

They named this new insect the [Stink Bug].

Through observation, they found that this [Stink Bug] carried a very pungent, strange odor.

It seemed the birds in the forest avoided preying on them because of this stench.

This insect might make a good scout.

Ned quickly fed the captured [Stink Bugs] a few Water Mosquitoes, successfully transforming them one by one into new Rot Spirit Insects. Using them to evade the birds, he began probing deeper into the island.

For now, the people dared not venture too far into the island's interior, also fearing that something might happen on the shore.

If the ship were to meet with an accident, their only way back would be cut off.

But fortunately.

For several days in a row.

These insects detected no giant beasts.

Which gradually let people's hearts ease.

But then, one night.

Ned, who had released his Stink Bugs to scout as usual, suddenly seemed to sense something and stood straight up.

Everyone's gaze turned toward this God-Chosen.

"Someone's approaching."

"Should be human. The Stink Bugs' feedback carries a human presence in the forest deep within the island."

"They seem to have spotted our boats by the shore."

"Right now, one or two of them have climbed high into the giant trees in the forest and are observing this coastline."

"Their intentions are unclear."

After hearing what Ned said.

Everyone present couldn't help but change expression, hastily looking toward the depths of the dark forest.

This was something none of them had expected.

They had never imagined.

That on this island of colossal trees, which showed no sign of human habitation whatsoever, humans actually lived.

The excitement they had barely built up over the past few days instantly died out.

They had thought this was an uninhabited land, belonging to no one.

Could this be the island where their ancestors once lived?

But it bore almost no resemblance to what was depicted on the Hemp Paper.

Yet now was not the time to ponder that.

For now, since there were humans.

Everything had to be handled with caution.

They knew all too well about that pitch-black era.

And they knew that sometimes, humans were far more terrifying than beasts.

Soon.

Under Ned's direction.

The bonfire on the shore was extinguished.

Everyone quietly held their breath, waiting in the darkness for those uninvited guests to arrive.

About four hours after the shore bonfire went out.

The forest finally began to rustle with faint sounds.

When they actually saw several eerie human figures emerge from the darkness.

The clansmen were stunned at first, then couldn't help but widen their eyes.