?


    Aware of the importance of not pushing his luck too far, particrly given the sensitive nature of the situation, Orion agreed with a nod. "Yes, that''s eptable," he replied.


    The Vige Chief''s expression brightened at Orion''s agreement, and he extended his hand for a handshake. After the friendly grip, the Vige Chief released his hold and gestured for Orion to apany him.


    "Come on, let me show you where you''ll be staying for the uing hours until your task ispleted," he said, guiding the way with a sense of urgency.


    However, Orion trailed behind, fully aware that the uing days were about to be quite demanding. Nheless, despite the impending busyness, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he stood to gain significantly from this situation.


    Gazing upon the numerous tree nymphs in the area, Orion cast a final nce at Anara''s tree. Shaking his head, he diverted his focus to trailing the Vige Chief. He understood that to uncover whether she was pregnant with his child, he had to bide his time until she awakened.


    And as he pondered, a sudden realization struck him – if she was indeed pregnant, is she was indeed pregnant then, didn''t that mean...


    Orion''s eyes snapped open as he thought about Dariya. ''Shouldn''t she be in the same situation?'' he pondered. But then he quickly dismissed the thought. He had fucked Dariya long before he even conceived the idea of even attempting to prate Anara''s flower.


    So, if Anara was indeed pregnant, then did that imply that Dariya should also be carrying his child?


    However, the pressing issue at hand was that he hadn''t heard herin about a burning stomach when he had ejacted inside her.


    Orion raised his left hand to scratch his head, deciding to set aside his current thoughts and focus on the task at hand for the moment.


    In spite of the duration of their journey, Orion had grown ustomed to trekking. With each step, he followed behind the Vige Chief until they reached an incrediblyrge hut.


    It appeared evenrger than the one his family currently resided in, not to mention the ones in the Vige Chief''spound. ncing at twoparatively smaller huts nearby, Orion redirected his attention to the Vige Chief as soon as he heard his voice.


    "This is the Warrior''s Garden," The Vige Chief motioned for Orion to apany him. "Rather than exining its purpose, why not let me show you?" he continued as he stepped forward, opening a smaller door that appeared to be attached to a muchrger, locked door.


    After entering, Orion followed suit, but the instant he set foot inside and surveyed his surroundings, he felt his feet involuntarily freeze in ce.


    Orion was certain that anything he didn''t yet understand in this world would eventually be exined. This included the Vige Culture, and whether the caravans were simrly influenced by such a culture or if they had their own distinct traditions.


    These were among the many things Orion desired to uncover, aside from the origins of the caravans. However, despite having adapted to his new life in this vige, he couldn''t help but stare in utter bewilderment at the scene before him.


    Numerous peculiar nts, each bearing fruits unfamiliar to him from his time in the forest, adorned the room. Some resembled colossal flowers, their tops almost brushing the roof, while others mimicked regr trees, their fruits distinct from both kalna and Lipry.


    In short, it resembled nothing less than an arboretum reminiscent of his college days, or perhaps it wouldn''t be an exaggeration tobel it a breathtaking botanical garden.


    "Here, it''s safe to eat," The Vige Chief suddenly said, tossing him a fruit he had plucked from one of the smaller nts.


    Orion caught the greenish, soft fruit that resembled an orange, but with small, shiny, greenish, pointy bumps all over it.


    Raising it to his lips, Orion took a bite and was taken aback by the soft, sour taste that left a bittersweet tang on his pte.


    "Now hand it over to me," The Vige Chief instructed, once again extending his hand to retrieve the fruit he had given Orion. "Come on, let''s keep moving."


    As they continued down the narrow dirt road, the Vige Chief suddenly halted and turned to Orion. "Do you still remember what you just ate?" he asked, with a smile on his lips.


    Orion quickly nodded in response. After all, he had consumed the fruit just moments ago, and the lingering bittersweet taste still lingered on his tongue.


    However, as he was about to confirm, a strange sensation struck him. His mouth hung agape, and he struggled to recall the appearance of the fruit he had ingested just minutes ago.... or was it seconds?


    An rming realization washed over him as he realized that he couldn''t specify exactly when he had consumed the fruit.


    "Exactly," The Vige Chief said, a knowing smile gracing his face. He continued, "While only a handful of individuals possess the gift to manipte memories, which we would use to spread the rumours, these fruits are a result of the warriors'' explorations."


    "Although these discoveries are infrequent and often yield little, the significance of these fruits lies in their unique effects. Although harmless, the very act of consuming them erases any memory of their existence momentster," He said. "This led us to keep the knowledge of it within a specific group and prevent its unintentional spread across the vige, which could cause unforeseen issues that could have been easily avoided. However...."


    "However, we only use them as rewards for those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the vige. Given its taste, which isparable to the Kalna and the Lipry fruits, it is generally embraced with appreciation." Orion shifted his attention toward the source of the voice and beheld the figure of the former Caretaker, Caretaker Hrok.


    "There was even a time when I had forgotten that we had nted such fruits here. I only recalled their existence when a tree nymph informed me about it. So, there must always be someone watching over this area. Since I am now retired, I''ve taken on the responsibility myself," Caretaker Hrok said with a grunt, emerging from the dense vegetation.


    He stretched his leg over the small wooden makeshift fence and onto the narrow dirt road.