Chapter 8: Hiding behind a woman wasn't his style
The quest changed, and it became quite simple.
Orion was taken aback.
Could this be a newbie perk? This panel was really considerate.
Eating some meat was easy enough, and Clymene had left him plenty of jerky.
Orion grabbed a piece and stuffed it into his mouth. The jerky here wasn't as tasty as Earth's meat, just basic salty flavor and nothing else.
He chewed a couple of times and swallowed.
He stared at the panel, noticing no change in the data—it still read 0/20 pounds.
Could it be that the task required freshly hunted meat? Processed meat didn't count?
Orion thought for a moment and decided to hunt for himself, which would also be good practice.
But it was getting late, and the night was dangerous. Better to rest and hunt in the morning.
"The target should be around the tribe, not too far," Orion thought.
Just as he lay down, a voice came from outside the tent.
"Orion, are you awake?"
The voice was familiar. Orion opened the tent, surprised. "Elder Rendall, what brings you here?"
Orion noticed a burly female giant beside Rendall.
This female giant was incredibly strong, especially her breasts, which were like two ripe pumpkins.
Her arms were thicker than Orion's thighs.
She might be the second strongest female giant in the Blackstone Tribe, after Clymene... Orion mused.
But the female giant seemed shy, keeping her head down.
Rendall smiled. "Orion, I saw your duel with James today. I recognize your potential. You'll become a powerful bloodline warrior."
Orion had a hunch about Rendall's purpose and shook his head slightly. "Elder Rendall, becoming a bloodline warrior isn't simple. Giants must undergo rigorous trials, and only those who succeed can become bloodline warriors."
"Plus, the awakening process is tough. Statistics show an 80% mortality rate for warriors attempting the trial in the Blackstone Tribe."
Worse, this 80% wasn't an ordinary probability. Only the most talented young giants, like James, dared to attempt becoming bloodline warriors.
For such talents, the mortality rate was high, indicating the difficulty.
Of course, Orion wasn't refusing to become a bloodline warrior. He was refusing something else, which Elder Rendall surely understood.
After all, Orion couldn't accept the giants' aesthetics in the tribe. He still held human standards from Earth.
Black stockings, pencil skirts, big butts...
But Elder Rendall pretended not to understand, continuing to promote his daughter. "My daughter Ursa may not be as strong as your sister, but she's a rare beauty in the Blackstone Tribe."
"She's quite strong, having killed a standard level brown bear alone. If you two unite, you'll surely produce stronger offspring!"
No thanks, I'm afraid her large breasts might suffocate me...
Orion thought and politely declined. "Elder, I'm only 10 and just moved out of my parents' tent. I'm not ready for marriage and children."
Rendall seemed disappointed but advised, "Boy, if you're looking for a woman, consider marrying my daughter. The bloodline warrior challenge is dangerous, and you might die. Don't you want to experience a man's pleasures before that?"
Damn, it's like he's talking about unfulfilled last wishes, Orion sighed.
He wanted to experience a man's pleasures, but clearly not with Ursa.
Maybe Ursa was charming by giant standards, but to Orion, she was less appealing than a standard level brown bear.
Orion changed the subject, asking about brown bears and other beasts.
The weather was getting colder, and Orion planned to stock up on food and furs before the long winter.
He didn't need much for himself, mainly for the Blackstone Tribe.
Though giants were strong, they couldn't withstand the Black Forest's harsh environment. Every winter, some tribe members died from hunger and cold.
"You're a commendable lad. If possible, I'd have you and Ursa together tonight. Her body is ready for you," Rendall praised Orion's courage and dedication, then shared the brown bear's location.
Elder Rendall emphasized that while brown bears were standard level beasts, they were aggressive. He suggested Ursa accompany Orion for safety.
Orion firmly refused Elder Rendall's proposal.
Hiding behind a woman wasn't his style.