NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: Arin's Situation
The village was alive with a vibrancy that Arin found both exhilarating and suffocating.
Torches lined the winding streets, their golden flames dancing with the rhythm of the cool evening breeze.
Everywhere he turned, there was movement—men of all ages laughing, talking, and preparing for the night's feast.
The air was rich with the aroma of roasted meats, earthy spices, and the unmistakable sweetness of freshly baked bread.
Arin walked hesitantly behind Karo, who led him through the bustling crowd toward a sprawling courtyard at the heart of the village.
Stone arches framed the space, and vines adorned with tiny, glowing fruits twisted around their edges, casting a faint, magical luminescence over the gathering.
The sound of drums and stringed instruments filled the air, the music lilting and hypnotic.
Long tables, crafted from polished wood, stretched across the courtyard, laden with an abundance of food and drink.
Men sat in groups, their camaraderie a living thing, palpable in the shared laughter and the way they clapped one another on the back.
Karo gestured toward an empty spot at one of the tables. "Sit. Tonight, you'll begin to understand what it means to belong."
Arin hesitated, then slid onto the bench, his movements stiff.
His eyes roved over the unfamiliar dishes piled high before him. He wasn't hungry.
A large man across the table leaned forward, his piercing gray eyes locking onto Arin. His jet-black hair fell in loose strands over his sharp features, giving him an almost predatory appearance.
"You're the otherworlder, aren't you?" the man asked, his voice low and tinged with curiosity.
Arin looked up warily. "I am."
The man grinned, showing even, white teeth. "I'm Eryas. Tell me, what's it like being plucked from your world and dropped into ours?"
Arin hesitated, his hands clenching into fists under the table. "Confusing," he admitted. "Frustrating. None of this makes any sense to me."
But he is internally at war with his system, why of all world he have to be thrown into this world...
Eryas chuckled, his gaze flicking briefly to Karo. "He's spirited. I like that."
Karo stiffened beside Arin, his eyes narrowing as he met Eryas's gaze.
The tension between the two men was palpable, though neither spoke further.
Arin shifted uncomfortably, feeling like a pawn in a game he didn't understand.
The Drumbeat of Unity
A sudden drumbeat cut through the chatter, drawing everyone's attention to the center of the courtyard.
Two warriors, bare-chested and glistening with sweat, stepped into the circle of torchlight. The crowd quieted, their anticipation heavy in the air.
Arin leaned toward Karo, his voice low. "What's happening?"
Karo's expression softened, and a hint of a smile touched his lips.
"Watch. This is a celebration of bonds. Each movement tells a story of trust, unity, and shared strength. It's as much a tradition as it is a lesson."
The warriors began to move, their steps deliberate and fluid.
Their bodies twisted and turned in perfect harmony, each motion an unspoken dialogue between them. The crowd watched in reverent silence, their faces illuminated by the flickering torchlight.
As the dance progressed, the rhythm of the drums intensified. The warriors' movements became more intricate, their synchronization flawless. It was a mesmerizing display of power and connection, and despite himself, Arin felt his resistance faltering.
For a moment, he forgot his unease, drawn into the rhythm of the performance. The dancers' strength and unity stirred something deep within him—a yearning he couldn't yet name.
[Host, I am glad that you are adjusting well in this men only world]
[CONGRATULATION, HOST]
[YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS SOMETHING BEYOND MORTAL UNDERSTANDING]
[DING...]
[DING...]
Arin was so lost that he did not notice the system notifications or else he would have a heart attack.
...
When the dance ended, the courtyard erupted into applause and cheers. The musicians resumed their lively tunes, and the feast continued with renewed energy.
Eryas leaned back in his seat, his sharp gaze never leaving Arin. "So, otherworlder, what do you make of our way of life?"
Arin frowned, his tone defensive. "It's... different. Your world doesn't work like mine."
Eryas raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "You mean...No women in our world, then?"
The table erupted in laughter, and Arin's face burned. "That's not what I meant," he muttered.
However he was right at that, there is no women in this world..
His dreams to build beautiful women of harem like The Golden God is gone before he even started!!!
Karo placed a hand on Arin's shoulder, silencing the group with a single glance.
"Eryas, enough."
His voice was calm, but the authority in it was unmistakable.
Eryas raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just making conversation."
Arin glared at the warrior but said nothing, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Later that night, as the feast wound down and the villagers began to disperse, Arin found himself walking along a stone path that led away from the courtyard.
The torches grew sparse, and the music faded into the background until it was little more than a faint hum.
He stopped by a small, secluded pond, its surface shimmering under the moonlight. The air was cooler here, and the sounds of the celebration seemed a world away.
Karo appeared beside him, his footsteps silent on the stone path. "You handled yourself well tonight."
Arin crossed his arms, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Did I? Because it felt like I was on display, a curiosity for everyone to gawk at."
Karo's expression was unreadable in the dim light.
"They're curious, yes. You're something new, something unexpected. But that doesn't mean they don't respect you."
Arin scoffed. "Respect? They barely know me."
Karo stepped closer, his presence grounding. "Respect isn't always earned in a day, Arin. Sometimes, it's given freely, as a gesture of trust. You have a place here if you choose to take it."
Arin looked away, his chest tight. "I didn't ask for this. Any of it."
Karo's voice softened. "None of us did, not at first. But sometimes, the life we don't choose turns out to be the one we're meant for."
The words lingered in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Arin didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the shimmering pond.
To Be Continued...