Chapter 203

Thus, the merger of the Bear Tribe and the Tiger Tribe was centered around the Bear Tribe.

Upon hearing the details of the final contest, the objection arose from the tiger side with Sukssalguk and Minginaul protesting that it wasn’t fair at all, but what could be done?

The contest was already over, and they themselves had accepted it, didn’t they?

Even if they voiced their complaints, nothing would change, and now that the matter was settled, there was backlash against those trying to reopen old wounds.

To the point where even within the Tiger Tribe itself, people were grumbling about how everything was over and yet some were still muttering complaints.

Anyway, like this, Hwan joined me as promised.

“Huh… I’m going with you?”

“That’s right. Anyway, staying here won’t bring any good vibes your way. Why don’t you come along with me?”

At my words, Hwan slightly averted her gaze.

Where her eyes landed… was the Tiger Tribe’s chieftain standing there with his brows furrowed tightly.

“Are you saying you need someone who isn’t quite human, like me?”

Not quite human… The beastmen who cover themselves in fur instead of exposing their skin—are they treated this way? Even though they’re beastmen just like everyone else, just with more animalistic traits. Could it really be because of their appearances?

“I have something specific I want to do, so I’m gathering talented individuals. Since things are getting tough for you here anyway… why not come along?”

“I…”

Hwan said, looking back at the Tiger Tribe’s chieftain with lingering attachment.

“To my father… I wanted his recognition.”

“Your father? You mean the chieftain?”

“Yeah… at least, because I was the chieftain’s daughter.”

I looked at the Tiger Tribe’s chieftain, who still hadn’t learned to temper his nature.

So this was the one who gave his daughter the name meaning “trouble.”

“There’s no issue with coming along, but will your father allow it?”

“That’s no problem. Everything has been sorted out already.”

“Sorted out?”

I nodded slightly.

“That’s right. In exchange for sending the loser along with me, the winner gets to choose a blessing.”

At my words, a shadow fell over Hwan’s face.

“So… I’m still not seen as a daughter, huh…”

Unlike the bear chieftain who called Goma the next chieftain, the Tiger Tribe’s chieftain had only ever seen Hwan as someone who knew nothing but fighting. He probably didn’t even see her as his child.

“At the very least, following me would be better than staying with him. What do you say?”

Hwan thought for a moment before speaking.

“Do I… Do you need me?”

“Of course. I’m gathering capable individuals. You’re qualified.”

Among the physically strong beastmen, she was exceptionally powerful. Though she uses her strength recklessly, with a bit of refinement and guidance, she could become even stronger. A martial artist with the strength of a tiger—honestly, I couldn’t resist.

“Alright. Got it. I’ll go with you. I hope wherever this path leads, there’ll be a place that needs me.”

“That’s great thinking.”

I laughed heartily and patted Hwan on the back. For this girl, it would be better to follow me than stay under a parent who saw her as a source of worry.

“So we’ve gained another companion, Asterios.”

“Yup. I’m glad.”

Asterios, with his large and simple face, grinned widely, and seeing his smile, Hwan also cracked a small smile.

“Looking forward to working with you.”

“Same here. Counting on you.”

And thus, I persuaded Hwan to join me.

“Well then, once we bestow the agreed-upon blessing, let’s get moving. Hwan, prepare yourself for departure.”

In response to my words, Hwan shook her head slightly.

“There’s nothing really to prepare. I don’t own much anyway.”

For someone who was supposed to be the strongest in the tribe, one would expect some worth, but it seems she’s been ignored and discriminated against simply for looking different. It’s kind of… bitter.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

“So, what kind of blessing do you wish for?”

After finishing our preparations to leave, I asked the bear chieftain, who replied with a determined look.

“About that blessing… Can it be passed down to our descendants rather than us?”

“Our descendants?”

“Yes. After much consideration, it seems like the best choice.”

Hmm. This is interesting. Instead of asking for something immediately beneficial, he wants to pass the blessing down to future generations.

Impressive. He’s put some thought into this.

“Fascinating. So what kind of blessing do you wish for your descendants?”

If he asks for immortality or godlike powers, I might get angry. But contrary to my expectations, the bear chieftain brought over Goma, who was nearby, and said:

“We wish for the descendants of the tribe that Goma will lead to always be happy.”

“Father?”

Goma, suddenly dragged into the conversation, was completely confused, but neither I nor the chieftain paid him any mind.

“Happiness?”

“Yes. We wish for happiness.”

Happiness, huh. Hmm… hmmmm… This is tricky. Everyone has their own standard for happiness, yet he wishes for such a thing. Quite demanding.

Therefore, the method of granting this blessing must be adjusted somewhat.

“This is a tricky wish, so I’ll adjust the method of the blessing slightly.”

“What? What exactly are you discussing?”

“I’m about to give your descendants a great gift, so stay quiet.”

Ignoring Goma, who was utterly confused, I turned my gaze to the towering tree behind the village.

That tree, which they considered sacred, and the tiny divinity forming within it.

“To the people living under the shade of that tree, I shall bestow the blessing of happiness.”

By borrowing the power of that nascent divinity, I can ensure that those under the tree’s shade will be happy. I briefly considered tying the blessing to a spiritual bond, ensuring happiness even when moving away from the tree’s shade, but connecting to higher beings spiritually doesn’t seem ideal. Also, too broad a blessing could cause problems.

Thus, the blessing should simply make those under the shade happy.

“Yes. That will suffice.”

Considering the size of that tree, as long as the population doesn’t explode, the shade should be enough.

Therefore:

“The descendants under the shade of this tree will be happy, help each other, and live righteous lives. Those who stray from these principles will lose the blessing.”

I infused my magic into the tree, embedding my will into the young divinity that hadn’t yet developed its self-awareness.

May those among the people under the shade who are worthy descendants of this tribe find happiness.

Honestly, the limitation to descendants might not be necessary, but I feared it might lead to war over this tree otherwise.

To manifest the vague concept of happiness, clear limitations are essential. If anyone entering the shade automatically became happy, it’d be akin to drugs, wouldn’t it?

The young divinity imbued with my power quietly opened its eyes, stretched slightly, and began emanating its power through every branch and leaf.

A soft light spread around, and the faces of the tribe members lit up with small smiles.

“So teach your descendants well. Always help each other and live righteous lives.”

“Yes, understood. Thank you, mysterious guest from the heavens.”

The bear chieftain bowed deeply with a smile on his face, and Goma followed suit, equally confused.

Alright, it looks like my work here is done. Time to set off.

Leaving the two bear beastmen bowing low behind me, I headed toward where Asterios and Hwan waited.

Let’s see… Where should we head next?

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Exclusive rights to the land surrounding the Divine Tree. Is this acceptable?

Long ago, thanks to the blessing of the Heavenly Descendant, who founded our ethnicity, anyone carrying the bloodline of our people could find great happiness under the shade of the Divine Tree.

However, due to recent policies enacted by the king, the development restrictions around the Divine Tree have been lifted, causing many to flock to the area with bags of money, hoping to buy even a single plot of land.

Is this the vision the Heavenly Descendant had in mind?

No! The Heavenly Descendant would never desire such behavior!

When the Heavenly Descendant planted the Divine Tree, they wished for those who always helped each other and lived righteous lives to find happiness. Is this chaos what they envisioned?

If the Heavenly Descendant saw this spectacle, they would surely sound the gong loudly and take the Divine Tree back!

Instead of being consumed by material value, we should cultivate our character according to the Heavenly Descendant’s will—that is the righteous path!

– Flyers distributed around the Divine Tree.

The distributor remains unknown.