Reaching the chiefâs house, they were not stopped at the entrance and were led straight inside.
The heavy smell of meat and ale wafted through the air. There were not many people in the house, yet the atmosphere felt lively.
Dart and Luke walked side by side as they moved deeper into the residence and reached a large reception area. Several men, most of them soldiers, had gathered there and were enjoying themselves.
Some were eating and chatting, some were drinking while talking, and others were simply deep in conversation. The constant murmur of voices gave the place an energetic warmth.
Along the sides of the room were tables holding small barrels of what appeared to be ale, along with several pots of meat and other dishes.
"Want to eat something first? Doesnât seem like the Chief is going to notice us anytime soon."
As Dart said that, Luke followed his line of sight and finally spotted the man who governed the village.
He stood about five feet and a few inches tall, with thick arms, a hairy face, and a round nose. He looked more like a sturdy Viking than anything else, though noticeably shorter.
At the moment, he was surrounded by several people who did not look like warriors but rather old men.
There was not a single woman present at the gathering. Well, that seemed to be a custom here.
Since Uke didnât want to eat something, Dart took a piece of bread and stuffed half of it inside his mouth. He got himself something to drink as well.
âAppraise him...â Luke asked the system as he picked up a small wooden cup of ale from a nearby table.
[Stats:
Str: 40
Spd: 45
Def: 55
Int: 25
Gamma: 90]
[To assess what skill the target possesses, the host would need to see the target use them once.]
He finally saw it. The first person who had awakened Gamma.
The chief of the village was undoubtedly the strongest man here.
His defense alone made it seem as though if Luke were to hit him, his own bones might shatter. And that Gamma count? Ridiculous.
Just then, the chiefâs gaze met his, and the manâs lips instantly curled into a hearty smile.
"Here he is!" His booming voice drew everyoneâs attention as they all turned to look at Luke and Dart.
The chief strode toward them and said, "I have been waiting for the brave warriors who kept my precious people safe in my absence."
Dart looked flustered under the sudden attention, while Luke simply stood there calmly.
He was used to receiving enormous attention thanks to his previous life. Compared to that, this was nothing that could shake him.
The short man stopped before them and turned toward the crowd.
"Folks! The bastard sent by the Tarkaban tribe was slaughtered by this young man right here." As he spoke, the chief grabbed Lukeâs arm and raised it high. The room erupted in cheers.
Then he added, "And this young man kept watch through the entire night to make sure no danger followed. Very well done, son." He said this while nodding toward Dart.
This time the people did not cheer. They simply nodded in appreciation.
Luke felt slightly confused. Did they not understand the significance of Dartâs role, or was it because Dart did not originally belong to this village?
Either way, it was not something he could do anything about.
"I have already told Gary to provide you with a handsome reward. But aside from that, ask for whatever you wish."
Dart instantly stiffened. "Me too?"
The chief nodded in assent. "Thatâs right. Ask away."
Dart glanced at Luke before speaking. "Umm... can I become a patrolling guard of this village?"
Luke nearly rolled his eyes at the reward he had asked for. Really? Becoming a guard when he could earn far more as a hunter, and without being tied down by working hours.
However, it was not Lukeâs place to suggest otherwise.
The chief crossed his thick arms. "Hmm, I wasnât expecting that request. But well, since I gave you my word..." He turned and called out, "Stan!"
A tall man approached them, most likely one of the guards.
"He is in your hands now. Groom him into a good patrolling guard."
Then the chief turned to Dart and said, "The villageâs security is in your hands now, son. Do a good job."
Dartâs chest puffed out as he replied sincerely, "I wonât disappoint you, Chief!"
The shorter man huffed and then turned to Luke. "Now your turn. Ask me anything, and I will see it fulfilled."
Give me your mate for a night... was what he wanted to say. But of course, he could not ask for something like that.
"I really donât know yet. Once I decide, I will let Gary know." The chief could hardly give him anything the system could not. And when it came to authority, Luke did not know what kind of power the chief could grant that would actually benefit him.
The short man burst into laughter and patted Lukeâs arm, which caused the ale in Lukeâs hand to spill and soak his pants.
"Ah, my bad. Go get that washed unless you want red ants chewing on you," the chief said before turning his attention back to the other guests.
Luke sighed, slightly annoyed by the chiefâs enthusiasm.
Dart asked, "Do you want me to come with you?"
Luke shook his head. "Nah, Iâve got it. Go try talking to a few people."
Dart gave a wry smile. He wasnât sure if he could actually do that.
Luke made his way deeper into the house, trying to find a way to wash the ale from his clothes.
Just then, a voice arrived from the side, "Need some help?"
It was a feminine voice but not the one he was eager to hear.
It was the chiefâs daughter, Rhea.
The black-haired girl curiously approached him, her big eyes blinking.
Luke shrugged, "I just need to clean my clothes..."
Rhea paused before him and said, "I will guide you."
Luke nodded and started walking behind her.
Rhea was wearing a brown one-piece that reached her thighs.
She might not be as well developed as her mother but her rear was quite good. Her skin was quite smooth and delicate too but Luke was unsure if he would aim for her.
Just then, something unexpected flashed by his eyes,
[Quest: Spank that ass]
[Reward: 20G]
"...." What the hell.