Chapter 135: Escalating Tension Selene’s expression brightened as an idea formed in her mind. "Actually, I have spare clothes in my spatial storage. Would you like to try some on? I think certain styles would look really beautiful on you!" "Really?! I can try them?" Yara exclaimed, her face lighting up with a gorgeous smile that made several of the nearby Savi warriors immediately turn their heads away in what appeared to be a habit. "I would absolutely love to!" Moon watched the scene unfold with a soft, amused smile on his face. ’This maiden has half the village completely lovestruck. They literally can’t look directly at her without becoming flustered.’ Selene began leading Yara toward a more private area behind some rocks where she could change clothes without being observed by the male warriors or Moon himself Both women were giggling to themselves as they walked, already deep in conversation about fashion and appearances. "Don’t go too far!" Moon called out loudly enough for them to hear from the distance. "We don’t know if Heretic scouts or dangerous beasts might attack!" "We won’t!" both voices called back in unison, followed by more laughter. Moon shook his head with fond exasperation, then turned his attention to the perimeter where the four Savi warriors maintained their watch positions. The warriors were disciplined and professional, but Moon had noticed their occasional glances toward where Yara had disappeared. Their body language suggested that they were worried about her safety. Complicated social dynamics, though I suppose that’s universal across cultures and species. He settled into a meditative position to recover his mana reserves while keeping his senses extended for potential threats. Mirage collapsed near him with a satisfied grunt, his overfull belly making him look more like a pregnant mare than a mount. The peaceful moment was exactly what they needed after the chaos of the past few days. Moon just hoped it would last a bit longer before the Heretics inevitably arrived to shatter the calm. Selene and Yara returned approximately two minutes later, emerging from behind the rocky outcropping where Yara had changed. Yara now wore a beautiful long, sky-blue dress that complemented her natural skin tone and features spectacularly. The four Savi warriors maintaining the perimeter were visibly stunned by the transformation. Despite their incredible self-control and discipline, they couldn’t immediately tear their eyes away from the sight. Several stood frozen mid-glance, completely captivated by their maiden’s exceptional beauty. After a few awkward seconds of collective staring, the warriors finally realized what they were doing. They shook themselves from their stupor and hastily returned to their guard duties, though Moon noticed them continuing to send occasional glances toward Yara, unable to completely resist looking. ’Men will always be men,’ Moon thought, shaking his head. "You look very good in that dress," Moon said sincerely after Selene made Yara perform a complete turn before him, showing off the garment from all angles. "Thank you," Yara responded in a shy, quiet tone, her cheeks darkening slightly with what might have been the blue-skinned equivalent of blushing. "You can keep that one," Selene said warmly. "Consider it a gift from me to you. I’ll also give you some additional clothing later, once everything is resolved with the Heretics." Yara’s eyes widened with delighted surprise. "Really? Thank you so much!" She immediately embraced Selene tightly, genuine gratitude radiating from the gesture. Selene chuckled and returned the hug warmly. After they separated, Selene advised Yara. "Just remember, this particular dress isn’t exactly suited for combat situations. The fabric is decorative rather than functional, so be careful if fighting breaks out." Yara nodded her head vigorously in understanding. "You’re absolutely right. It would be very difficult to fight effectively while wearing this. I should go change back into my regular clothing." "I’ll come with you," Selene said, already following. "Just in case anything happens while you’re changing." Both young women departed again. They returned shortly after, and Moon immediately noticed the change in their dynamic. Selene and Yara now appeared much closer, as if they’d been lifelong friends rather than people who’d met just yesterday. Their body language showed their ease around each other. ’No matter the species or culture, women can apparently become close friends after just a few minutes of shared fashion experiences.’ Moon thought with internal amusement. After resting for approximately another ten minutes to recover their energy, the group resumed their hunting. However, they deliberately changed locations rather than remaining in the same area. This move served dual purposes. First, they wanted to avoid staying in one predictable position where Heretic scouts might eventually locate them. Second, they needed fresh hunting grounds since the local beast population had become noticeably sparse in comparison to when they first started hunting. The creatures inhabiting this island were clearly intelligent enough to recognize danger. After so many of their kind had been slaughtered in the same general area, the surviving beasts were no longer rushing mindlessly toward the scent of blood. They’d learned caution and begun avoiding the hunting grounds entirely. Yara led the group toward a different coastal region that the Savi Chief recommended, keeping alert for both potential threats and promising targets. ♢♢♢♢ Meanwhile, in the Savi village, the chief leader and his people were confronting the Heretics who had arrived with a large force, showing no fear on their faces despite being outnumbered. The Savi chief stood with his head raised high and his chest thrust forward in a posture of dominance and authority. Behind him stood his warriors, all wielding their weapons, prepared to fight to the death if the need arose. The Heretic leader hissed venomously, demanding in their harsh language to know the exact location of the invaders. Several of his more aggressive followers tried to push forward, eager to initiate violence, but he stopped them with a sharp gesture which made them retreat. The Heretic leader understood the reality perfectly. Once fighting began in earnest, many would die on both sides. He wanted to intimidate the Savi chief into submission through psychological pressure rather than immediately resorting to bloodshed that would weaken both factions. The Savi chief responded calmly but firmly, his tone showing no fear. He told the Heretic leader directly that the humans were no longer present in the village. They had departed after the earlier confrontation that morning, choosing to leave rather than bring destruction upon their hosts. The Heretic leader frowned deeply, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. He was certain the Savi chief wouldn’t lie outright. This was the way of his ancestors before the split, a cultural value that even the Heretics grudgingly acknowledged the Savi maintained. The chief’s words were very likely true without doubt. But that didn’t mean there wasn’t deception through omission or hidden agenda. The Heretic leader also knew the Savi chief wouldn’t simply abandon his honored guests without protection. He must have helped them somehow, provided them with resources or guidance to hide effectively. The Heretic leader turned sharply toward his warriors and barked orders in their language, commanding them to search the entire village thoroughly. The Savi warriors immediately moved to intercept, prepared to prevent this violation of their territory. But the chief stopped them with a single raised hand gesture, his expression unreadable. His eyes bore directly into the Heretic leader’s gaze with unwavering intensity, communicating a silent message: Search all you want. You will find nothing. The Heretics spread throughout the settlement, checking supplies, dwelling interiors, examining storage areas and hidden spaces. Their search was quick and thorough, leaving no corner unexplored. It didn’t take long to search the entire village given its modest size. They found absolutely no traces of the invaders within it. No hidden rooms, no suspicious absences, no equipment or belongings that suggested any human presence. Once the search parties reported their findings to the Heretic leader, he didn’t waste time dwelling on the failure. He scoffed with obvious disgust, then turned abruptly and began leading his force away from the village, avoiding a useless bloodshed. The Savi warriors maintained their defensive positions until the last Heretic had departed, refusing to show weakness or relief. Away from the main Savi settlement, out of earshot of potential observers, the Heretic chief’s closest assistant approached with a sly expression. He leaned close and whispered something directly into the leader’s ear, his tone suggesting valuable intelligence. Upon hearing whatever information the assistant provided, the Heretic chief’s expression transformed completely. He laughed uncontrollably, unable to suppress his joy and satisfaction at this revelation. He clasped the assistant firmly on the shoulder in high praise, clearly delighted by the clever observation. Then the Heretic chief raised his weapon high and initiated their traditional war chant. "Woo! Woo!" The entire Heretic force immediately began repeating the chant in unison, their voices rising through the jungle. "Woo! Woo! Woo!" The Heretic chief then gave new orders, and his force immediately changed direction. They split into multiple smaller groups, each taking different routes through the wilderness, clearly acting on specific intelligence the assistant had provided. The assistant’s observation had been brilliantly simple: Yara, the most respected maiden of the Savi clan, was nowhere to be seen during the confrontation. Neither were several of the clan’s strongest warriors who should have been present for such a critical encounter. Their absence was glaring to anyone paying close attention. Which meant they were somewhere else. Somewhere important, protecting something or someone. The Heretics now had a clear goal to follow. So they moved through the jungle with a purpose, hunting for the hidden humans who had violated their sacred land.