Chapter 40: I’m willing
Orion laughed heartily, his large hand once again resting on Lysinthia’s waist, and he spoke with bold confidence.
"If I say you can, then you can!"
"Unless you’re unwilling or don’t want to put in the effort!"
Lysinthia quickly responded, "I’m willing, I’m willing!" She pressed her body against Orion’s chest, rubbing her breasts against him.
"Good, next time I go hunting, you’ll come with me!"
Upon hearing this, Lysinthia became even more excited, her snake tail swaying unconsciously as her heart raced with anticipation.
"This wild and violent world... I like it!" Orion thought to himself, holding Lysinthia close as he drifted off to sleep.
---
The next day, a giant tribesman came to Orion’s tent, informing him that Elder Rendall wanted to see him.
Orion thought for a moment and guessed that it was probably because the supplies he had brought back had been distributed, and the results had been tallied.
In other words, the crystal cores that belonged to Orion would soon be in his hands.
Without delay, Orion followed the tribesman to Elder Rendall’s tent.
"Hahaha! Orion, why are you so late? Were you enchanted by your little serpent maid?" Rendall laughed loudly.
Orion shook his head and smiled.
"You know as well as I do, Lysinthia hasn’t evolved into a Medusa yet, so there’s not much she can do!"
"Hahaha... Even without legs or reproductive organs, she can still use her mouth to pleasure you!" Rendall laughed wildly. After he had laughed enough, he picked up a heavy bundle beside him and handed it to Orion.
"Here, take it. As you requested, it’s filled with crystal cores!"
"I had the tribesmen carefully select them, all D-grade or higher. I hope your Abyssal Dragon can advance to an even higher level soon!"
Orion took the bundle, feeling a surge of excitement at Rendall’s words.
With another large batch of crystal cores in hand, Orion thought he could now consider purchasing some of the more expensive items on the Survivor Platform.
Just as Orion was about to leave, Rendall stopped him and spoke seriously.
"In two days, the chieftain should return."
"Until then, stay in the tribe and don’t go out hunting."
Orion had been planning to go hunting in a couple of days, but Rendall’s words made him reconsider.
"Alright, I’ll wait until my sister returns before heading out again."
Orion thought it over and agreed to Rendall’s suggestion.
He figured he could use the next few days to thoroughly browse the Survivor Platform and look for items or alchemical potions that could help him further enhance his strength.
Although Orion had reached hero-level strength, in the Black Forest, nearly every notable figure in any tribe or race was at the hero level.
Thus, Orion was eager to advance his power and elevate Blackstone tribe status to the next level.
---
The next day, Orion lay in his tent, his eyes half-closed, fully focused on the Survivor Platform.
As for Lysinthia, she had received Orion’s permission to practice swordsmanship outside the tent.
On the Survivor Platform, Orion tried contacting the wood elf Aerin, and to his surprise, she was online.
"Hey, have my Pet Pills been made yet?"
Before long, Orion received a reply.
"I’m not ’hey,’ you can call me Elf. And yes, your Pet Pills are ready. Payment first, then delivery."
As Orion read the message, Aerin, who called herself "Elf," initiated the trade.
Orion didn’t hesitate, immediately sending over the crystal cores and replying.
"Did you count them? 12 F-grade crystal cores. Eight are for the previous purchase, and the rest are a deposit for the next order. A total of 200 Pet Pills."
"Oh, and you can call me Hulk!"
Orion thought for a moment and decided to use his real name from Earth.
After all, no one knew him here, so the name was just a nostalgic reminder.
"Pleasure doing business, Hulk!"
"Elf, you’re trustworthy. I look forward to deepening our cooperation!"
"As you wish!"
Orion tried to build rapport, and the elf responded positively.
After completing the transaction, Orion and the elf chatted casually for a bit before ending the conversation.
Since they had only just met, both were cautious and avoided discussing sensitive topics.
Orion didn’t mind. He shifted his focus back to searching for affordable items that could help him improve his strength—or help his tribe.
---
It wasn’t until late at night that Orion finally found what he was looking for among the countless items.
[Bloodline Evolution Stone]
- Type: Rare Treasure- Description: A rare treasure born in the heart of the Land of the Dead, formed from the condensation of countless drops of blood. The Bloodline Evolution Stone contains not only powerful life essence but also terrifying blood essence.
Upon consumption, any lifeform below hero-level will immediately advance to hero-level.- Special Note: For lifeforms above hero-level, advancement attempts are ineffective.- Trade Price: One hero-level weapon (other items negotiable)
Although this item wasn’t useful for Orion himself, he could buy it for his sister and some of the elders, which would greatly enhance the strength of the Blackstone tribe.
Orion wanted it badly, but the seller’s price was simply too high!
A hero-level weapon—Orion had never even seen one.
The item classification system was simple. From lowest to highest, items were ranked as: Worn, Standard, Elite, Hero, Alpha, Legendary, and Demigod.
Of course, Orion had never seen Alpha, Legendary, or Demigod items for sale on the Survivor Platform.
He had seen a few hero-level items, but each one was incredibly expensive.
Orion checked the seller of the Bloodline Evolution Stone—a familiar name: Arthas.
Orion was eager to buy a few Bloodline Evolution Stones, so he sent the seller a message.
"I’m offering crystal cores in exchange for your Bloodline Evolution Stone. Interested?"
This time, he waited a long time without receiving a reply.
---
Three days later, Clymene returned to the Blackstone tribe.
Inside the chieftain’s tent, the core council of elders gathered, led by Chieftain Clymene, with Elder Rendall and the other elders in attendance.
As a member of the council, Orion was also present.
"There are a few matters to announce. Everyone needs to be prepared."
"First, this winter will be unprecedentedly cold. We need to prepare early. Once summer ends, the land will be covered in snow, and darkness will fall without distinction between day and night. We must hurry to gather winter supplies. Food, meat, furs, firestones... none of these can be lacking."
As the chieftain, Clymene’s words carried great weight, and her tone was solemn and commanding, leaving no room for argument.
Clymene scanned the faces of all the council members, including Orion, and only after seeing everyone nod did she close her eyes for a brief moment of contemplation.
"Second, just like last year, the tribes around our territory will be tempted and will risk crossing into our hunting grounds."
"Therefore, our tribe will issue a kill-on-sight order. Any outsiders found in our hunting grounds will be killed, and their supplies confiscated! Recently, the Ironbone giants have already trespassed into our territory to hunt, so everyone must remain vigilant."
As she said this, Clymene glanced at Elder Rendall and Orion, indicating that she was aware of what had happened earlier.
However, she didn’t dwell on it and quickly moved on.
"For the upcoming hunts, Elder Rendall and I will take turns leading the tribe."
"Remember, from now on, no one is allowed to go out alone. All actions must be taken as a group."
At this point, Clymene shot another glance at Orion.
Orion shrugged but didn’t argue.
"Third, the marriage alliance between our Blackstone giants and the succubi has been successfully arranged. Elder Orion’s betrothed is Lady Lilith of the succubus royal family."
"Lady Lilith is the twin sister of Queen Delilah. For our Blackstone giants to advance further, we need a wise advisor, and that advisor must be one of our own."
"Though the succubi are known for their promiscuity, they are also renowned for their wisdom and loyalty."
"Orion, you must handle this carefully!"
Orion nodded, his expression serious.
The succubi were indeed a contradictory race. While they were known for their lust, once their bodies were tamed, they would display unwavering loyalty.
Moreover, succubi women were generally highly intelligent, skilled in seduction and strategy.
Pairing the giants with the succubi was indeed a wise choice.
"However, this marriage requires you, Orion, to personally go and bring back your bride!"
As Clymene said this, all the giant elders turned their attention to Orion.
Hearing this, Orion couldn’t help but narrow his eyes in thought.
But before he could come to a conclusion, Clymene explained the reason.
"The succubi are somewhat skeptical that your mount is truly an Abyssal Dragon."
"So, Orion, when you go to fetch your bride, you must demonstrate your strength and conquer the succubi."
Hearing this, Orion’s thoughts became clearer, and a determined light shone in his eyes.
"Don’t worry, Chieftain. I will bring back Lady Lilith of the succubus royal family!"
"Good, see that you do!"
Clymene’s voice was firm as she turned to Elder Rendall.
"Elder, tomorrow you will lead the hunting party!"
"However, a small squad of bloodline warriors must be assigned to Orion. He will need guides."
Elder Rendall glanced at Orion and nodded in agreement.
"Also, I brought back a large amount of supplies from my recent hunt. Distribute them among the tribe. This year, we will try to reduce our reliance on trading firestones for supplies. We need to be self-sufficient to avoid attracting the attention of stronger tribes."