Surviving the Beastworld

Ahi

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Misunderstanding my silence, the snake beastman added, "I can make a vow to the Beast Gods that I won't touch you unless you want me to or if it's to protect you. And that I'll take you straight to the village."

This had to be too good to be true. There was no way a powerful feral was willingly going to help a weak person like me get to a village when he could easily overpower me and get what he wanted. Was it the system's fault that he was acting strangely?

Still, it wasn't like I could say no. The quest was forcing my hand and even the reward was a good one. It would solve my food issue until I got to the village.

"Alright, but why are you so willing to help?" I sighed in frustration at the whole situation.

"I want to understand the strange things you have. Like that thing." The snake beastman pointed at my taser.

I lifted it up. "My taser?"

"Is that what it's called... I've never seen such an item. How does it shoot lightning? Is it a gift from the Beast Gods?" The snake mused as he slithered closer. I instinctively took a step back and he stopped realizing what he was doing. He gazed at me and asked, "So, do you agree?"

Well, it wasn't like I had a choice thanks to the system. But he didn't need to know that.

"Fine, I agree to it, but only if you can get us to the village within 9 days and do that vow thing." I stated. "Then I promise to explain whatever you want me to."

The snake nodded his head in agreement before placing a hand over his heart. "I, Ahi, vow before the Beast God that I'll not touch this female unless she wants me to or if I need to protect her while I take her back to the village in 9 days."

As he said those words, Ahi seemed to glow for a moment. I then suddenly felt a sharp pinch of pain on my right hand. When I gazed at it, I found a snake tattoo wrapped around my hand.

[Vow of Honor Unlocked]

[1000 Coins]

[10 Loyalty Points]

The system notifications suddenly flashed before my eyes and I stared at them in shock. Did this quest system just become an otome game system? Or was the romance route where it was always going to lead to?

The Beastworld was famous for reverse harems after all.

Before I could think about it any further, Ahi interrupted my thoughts, "Don't worry. It'll disappear in a few moments... Can I pick you up, female?"

"The name's Elisa." I murmured as the mark vanished. "And sure. But no funny business."

He nodded his head before carefully wrapping his tail around me. I noticed he was going slow for my sake which made me smile a little. He was definitely a strange feral, not that I was upset about that.

Soon I was in his arms and we crossed the river, Ahi being sure to keep me out of the water's reach. We then made our way through the jungle at a much faster pace.

Despite the speed he was traveling, my eyes soon felt heavy as a wave of exhaustion hit me. His cool skin was great against the hot weather and I soon found myself drifting off.

— — —

Ahi watched as the warm female, no Elisa's head fell on his shoulder, her eyes closing. It seemed she had fallen asleep which made Ahi softly chuckle. Elisa was quite the strange female.

He had thought just watching her would be entertaining but interacting with her was even more fun. He hadn't had such fun since his first monster hunt. The next few days were sure to be exciting and Ahi almost didn't want to take her back to the village.

But he resisted the urge to take her away.

Even without the vow helping to restrain his instincts, Ahi had a feeling kidnapping Elisa wouldn't go well for him. Sure he could force his will on her, but she would give him hell and he didn't like the idea.

What she did to that crocodile beastman was proof enough.

Maybe I can convince her to stay with me. Ahi thought to himself.

But would a female really want to stay in a dangerous jungle when they could be safe in a village? It wasn't like he could stay in the village. Ferals were banned and the other beastmen would go after him.

Not that they could defeat him easily. He was a fourth tier beastman after all.

— — —

When I opened my eyes, the sun was setting. Or should I say suns. Yeah, nothing like waking up to see two suns set to remind you that you were no longer on Earth and that everything that had happened was not a dream.

Ahi was still carrying me and turned his head in my direction, having noticed that I had woken up. "Just a little longer and we can set up camp. Females need to rest, right?"

"Yes." I nodded my head despite having slept for a few hours.

I was still exhausted in every possible way, my body aching from all the exercise and my mind in tatters. I didn't even want to look at my emotions, knowing I'd really lose instead. Falling asleep had kept me from completely losing it.

But now that I was awake again, I needed to face reality and think over what I was going to do now.

The system had said I died and while I understood it, knowing I had died was a hard thing to process. Life was comfortable for me and suddenly being thrown out of it was hard.

I didn't want to start over or live without the luxuries of the 21st century. But at the same time, I wasn't ready to die. There were things I wanted to do and try...

"Do you wish to bathe?" Ahi asked, breaking my train of thought.

I looked up and noticed we had come to a stop near a small pond surrounded by large trees and vines. The place seemed private and I guessed this was where we were camping for the night.

"Please." I nodded, ready to wash away the day.

"Alright... I shall check for predators then." Ahi paused for a moment. "Unless you wish for us to bathe together?"

I blushed at his words. "No... I'd like to be alone."

He nodded and set me down before slithering off. Once he had disappeared from sight, I collapsed to the ground and sighed. Damn, Ahi is dangerous in more ways than one.

Slapping my cheeks to clear my head, I quickly went through my bag, grabbing a small towel, toiletries and some clean clothes. I wasn't sure how long I had to bathe and there was no way I was going to let Ahi see me naked.

Once I got everything I needed, I went over to the pond and gingerly put a foot in it. The water was cold, but considering it was still hot, it was a pleasant welcome.

The water seemed clean for the most part as it was clear, so once I got undressed, I slipped into the water and let out a sigh of relief. It was perfect.

***

Little longer than normal, but hopefully it was still enjoyable. Also, do you wish to seem more povs like Ahi or just want to read Elisa's pov? (Making a note for future reference / the rewrite)

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