Peering out the window, she saw the ever-heavier rain blurring the paper-covered pane. Through the haze, she could vaguely make out several bedraggled Beastn standing at the edge of the tribe, shouting loudly for help.
"I’ll go down and take a look."
Ling Hong gently pushed her back and draped a soft, furry hide over her shoulders. "I’ll go. It’s cold out, and you’ll catch a chill." With that, he left.
An Jin remained by the window, her gaze lowered as she curiously watched the scene outside. Soon, Ling Hong appeared below, talking with the Beastn who had co for help.
"Beast tides are common during the rainy season."
Mi Yin stepped forward and scooped her into his arms. Frowning at the window, which was leaking slightly, he carried her further away to warm her by the fire. His voice was cold and flat. "They must be Beastn from a small tribe, destroyed by a beast tide. They’ll starve to death in this forest soon enough."
"Starve?"
"Mhm." Mi Yin nodded, feeling no sympathy.
’Whether these Beastn lived or died was none of his concern. Nothing and no one besides An Jin could stir his emotions.’
Mi Yin bent down, one arm tightening around her waist to press her against his chest. His other long, slender hand took hold of her cool foot, gently rubbing and kneading it as he held it out to the fire to warm.
Once her foot had ward to a soft, healthy color, he switched to the other one.
A mont later, Ling Hong pushed aside the door flap and strode in, bringing a damp chill with him. "They’re just as we thought—Beastn from a small tribe that was hit by a beast tide. They’re asking for a few days of shelter and want to trade for food..."
The mont Ling Hong finished speaking, the system’s cold, chanical voice sounded in An Jin’s mind, issuing the next main quest.
[Upgrade tribe to dium-sized (Difficulty: Normal)
Ti Limit: One year
Reward: Unknown]
[Objectives——
① Population: ≥100 (Current: 52)
② Housing: ≥15 (Current: 11)
③ Combat Power & Influence: Raise to D-Rank
④ Morale: ≥50]
"Should we let them join the tribe?" Ling Hong asked, looking to An Jin.
After all, she was the heart of the tribe.
"Clear out one of the houses for them."
She snapped back to reality and nodded. Gazing through the window at the group of desperate Beastn, her eyes darted thoughtfully. "The tribe is short on people right now, and we need to bring in more residents. Since their own tribe has been destroyed, why don’t we try to recruit them?"
"No, that’s too reckless."
Ling Hong and Mi Yin spoke at the sa ti.
Startled by their simultaneous refusal, An Jin blinked her wide, round eyes. "What’s wrong?" she asked curiously. "They don’t look like bad people."
"These are tribal Beastn, not Wandering Beasts. They have their own organization, their own leader. How can you guarantee they won’t have ulterior motives if they join our tribe?"
Mi Yin squeezed her foot gently, his voice laced with a warning. ’She’s still too soft-hearted and kind. She has no idea how treacherous the Beastman World can be.’
’If it were him, and he had the power, he would absolutely kill the leader and take over the tribe.’
"Hiss..." An Jin flinched at the painful squeeze and pulled her foot back. ’Doesn’t Mi Yin know his own strength?’
"Then let’s let them stay for a couple of days. We’ll charge them in Crystal Cores."
An Jin hopped out of Mi Yin’s arms. Leaning on his arm for support, she put on her hide shoes and a thick, waterproof hide cloak. "Their tribe was destroyed, so they must be looking for a new one. We can see if they’re willing to pledge their loyalty to us. How about that?"
This ti, neither Mi Yin nor Ling Hong objected.
The strongest among the ten or so Beastn was only a Third Rank. If they really tried to rebel, it would be a death sentence.
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