One after another, the other Ahoa Tribe members arrived at the final score point in turn.
Regardless of victory or defeat, the satisfaction that everyone had done their best led them to encourage and congratulate each other, bringing smiles to the faces of those watching.
The pond, which had been filled with the intense heat of competition moments ago, now cooled, replaced by the joyful atmosphere of a festival.
The Ahoa Tribe sent congratulatory messages to Alton, today’s winner, celebrating his inauguration as the first tribal chief.
Sang-woong began preparing dishes for today’s celebration.
It was Chinese cuisine. He prepared Jajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk.
From a large wok, water was drawn up incessantly, and the heavy Chinese dishes spun and danced over the hot flames.
Whenever the deep and rich brown color of the black bean paste sizzled in the heated oil, the surrounding air filled with a sweet yet savory, uniquely enticing aroma.
The knife moved skillfully on the cutting board, swiftly chopping onions, zucchini, and pork into bite-sized pieces.
The fresh green hue of the vegetables and the red tint of the pork blended with the black bean paste, creating a colorful visual harmony.
As beads of sweat formed on his forehead, Sang-woong expertly poured the ingredients into the wok.
Under the intense flames, the ingredients were energetically stir-fried, and inside the wok, the delicious aroma was accompanied by lively sounds that never ceased.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the kitchen, white noodles were dancing in a large pot.
The noodles were carefully boiled to maintain just the right firmness, then quickly rinsed in cold water, bringing out their springy texture.
The last step was to generously pour the black sauce over the noodles.
As the glossy black bean sauce poured over the white noodles, the contrasting colors strongly stimulated the appetite of all who saw it.
The process of making Tangsuyuk was also full of care and effort.
The pork, cut into bite-sized pieces, was marinated with ginger, garlic, and pepper to remove any unpleasant odor and allowed to rest for a while.
Then, after mixing the batter, the meat was dipped into it, getting a beautifully white crispy coating.
The pork, dressed in its fluffy, delicate batter, was carefully submerged into the hot, boiling oil.
With a crisp “chik” sound, the batter instantly transformed into a golden color.
Sang-woong used chopsticks to flip each piece evenly, frying the Tangsuyuk to produce a crunchy sound as it was lifted out.
Making the sweet and sour sauce for the Tangsuyuk was like alchemy.
In the pot, sugar syrup melted and turned into a golden caramel color, to which vinegar, soy sauce, and water were added, producing a deep flavor.
Finally, starch water was mixed in to thicken the sauce just right, and shredded cucumber, carrot, and onion were added to enhance the color.
The moment the glossy red sauce was poured over the Tangsuyuk, the sweet and tangy scent tantalized the nose.
While preparing the festival food, curious eyes of the Ahoa Tribe never left Sang-woong.
Aria, too, swallowed her saliva repeatedly, focusing intently on the unfamiliar dishes before her.
“Master, what are you cooking now? The smell is so good.”
“Jajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk. The taste is as good as the smell. You can look forward to it.”
At Sang-woong’s words, Aria, as well as the Ahoa Tribe, filled with eager anticipation.
The black noodles of the Jajangmyeon and the Tangsuyuk covered in glossy sauce were a whole new world for the Ahoa Tribe, who had never seen them before.
The children’s clear, glass-like eyes sparkled as they continuously voiced their amazement.
“Wow, that looks so amazing! Hau!”
“Smells delicious! Hau!”
One child, watching the Tangsuyuk being fried, even waved their hands, calling it magic.
Finally, the Jajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk were completed.
Without a word from Sang-woong, the Ahoa Tribe was already lined up, trays in hand.
“Hahaha.”
Sang-woong laughed and said to the Ahoa Tribe, “Enjoy your meal.”
The Ahoa Tribe neatly placed noodles, black bean sauce, Tangsuyuk, and sauce on their trays.
As they took the steaming hot food, bright smiles bloomed on their faces.
They looked curiously at the unfamiliar black noodles and began pouring the black bean sauce over them.
Then, twirling the glossy black noodles with their forks and taking a big bite, a chorus of amazement burst forth.
“Wow! Hau!”
“What is this taste? Hau hau!”
“It’s sweet and salty! Hau!”
The strong and alluring flavor spread throughout their mouths, and the Ahoa Tribe seemed almost entranced.
Ignoring the black bean sauce smeared around their mouths and noses, they continuously slurped the noodles.
Some children jumped up and down with joy, holding their trays, while others laughed heartily upon seeing the black sauce on each other’s faces.
The Tangsuyuk was just as good.
The crispy batter combined with the sweet and sour sauce was a refreshing shock to the Ahoa Tribe.
Every bite crackled with a crisp “wah-sak!” sound, making some tilt their heads in surprise or competitively eye the largest pieces.
There were even those who sucked the sauce off their fingers.
Thus, the Ahoa Tribe was completely captivated by this new world of flavors, quickly finishing the prepared Jajangmyeon and Tangsuyuk.
Their trays were clean, and with satisfied expressions, they looked at each other and gave thumbs-up.
The lively festival atmosphere was heightened by the delicious food.
And so, the joyful festival came to an end.
As the night’s excitement cooled, the sunlight came without delay, waking the morning.
The laughter and commotion from yesterday felt like a distant dream, quietly fading back into peaceful daily life.
However, the appearance of the Ahoa Tribe was unlike their usual selves.
Those who had been preparing for farming with bright faces now stood together, their expressions downcast.
At the forefront was Alton, who had become the first tribal chief through the swimming competition, standing tall with a determined look.
“Alton, what’s going on?”
Sang-woong asked in surprise.
With a grave expression, Alton declared, “If my demands as chief are not met, I won’t farm anymore. Hau!”
At his declaration, Sang-woong and the entire Ahoa Tribe couldn’t hide their astonishment.
Farming was the foundation of the Ahoa Tribe’s life and their favorite activity.
Yet, as the chief’s opinion was paramount, the Ahoa Tribe said nothing and simply followed his orders.
Sang-woong tried to stay calm and asked Alton for the reason.
“Could you tell me why you’re so determined? We’ll find a way to solve this together.”
He wanted to understand Alton’s position and continue the conversation to resolve the issue.
Then Alton declared again, with the same serious expression.
“Sang-woong, give my shoulders a massage every morning. Hau!”
The moment he heard that, Sang-woong couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.
The tense atmosphere instantly turned comical thanks to Alton’s absurd request.
It was a typical request from the Ahoa Tribe’s best troublemaker—so characteristically Alton.
“Alright. You just want me to rub your shoulders, right?”
Sang-woong said with a mix of disbelief and laughter.
Without further words, he approached Alton and began massaging his shoulders.
“How is it? Does it feel good?”
“It feels great! Hau.”
Alton replied with a satisfied expression.
When the massage ended, Alton shouted to the Ahoa Tribe.
“Now, I will start enjoying farming again. Hau!”
At his declaration, the Ahoa Tribe cheered and immediately began their farming work.
From that day on, Alton’s strange but endearing requests continued endlessly for a month.
Seeing Aria call Sang-woong “Master,” Alton, without understanding the meaning, demanded that Sang-woong call him “Master” as well.
“From now on, Sang-woong must call me Master. Hau!”
Sang-woong smiled at Alton’s innocent demand.
Alton also begged for his favorite chocolate or requested that Sang-woong prepare the Jajangmyeon they had eaten recently for dinner.
He even asked Amelia, the most beautiful of the Ahoa Tribe, to speak on his behalf about marriage proposals but was rejected, only to flick Sang-woong’s forehead asking for comfort.
He suddenly challenged him to a snowball fight or pleaded to eat just one more ice cream.
He would also apply for swimming contests, fueling his competitive spirit.
Every time Alton made a new request, Sang-woong laughed at his creativity and innocence but genuinely felt the sincerity behind his words.
No matter how absurd Alton’s demands became, Sang-woong just smiled and granted them all.
The Ahoa Tribe were precious inhabitants of this land, and their culture and traditions deserved respect.
Even if the chief’s requests were sometimes odd, as long as they were based on their social order and authority, they should be honored.
Moreover, Alton was more than just a troublemaker—he was a hardworking member of the Ahoa Tribe who loved farming more than anyone else.
So, regardless of grand reasons, Alton deserved respect.
Thus, Sang-woong spent a month honoring Alton’s quirks and silently accepting his odd requests.
He massaged Alton’s stiff shoulders morning and evening, prepared his favorite snacks, and played with him.
Sometimes, he laughed along with Alton’s pranks.
Each time he saw Alton’s innocent smile and sincere gratitude for fulfilling his wishes, Sang-woong felt a warm feeling in his heart.
Through Sang-woong’s quiet respect and acceptance of Alton’s eccentric requests, the Ahoa Tribe sensed his genuine intention to honor their traditions.
Thanks to Alton’s many quirky demands, an even deeper bond was formed between the Ahoa Tribe and Sang-woong.
***
Kyung Yoon-seul was, as usual, searching through other black market sites to see what goods had arrived today.
A few new items caught her eye, but nothing that truly captured her interest.
Because Sang-woong’s Detoxification Potion had been so remarkable, other items simply looked ordinary to her.
Her phone rang, and Yoon-seul reached for it.
“Oh, Oppa. Is it Whale at this hour?”
This was usually the time for guild meetings.
“I have something to discuss about the alchemist you’re trading with.”
“The alchemist? Why?”
“I thought it’d be better to talk face-to-face. Shall we have dinner together at Manmokrim, the place you like?”
“Manmokrim? Sounds good! What time shall we meet?”
Yoon-seul arranged the appointment and ended the call.
She arrived at Manmokrim right on time.
Kyung Taeyoung was already there in the room.
“Welcome.”
“Yeah, you’re already here too?”
Yoon-seul greeted brightly as she stepped inside.
“I ordered your favorite food in advance.”
“Really? Of course, it’s Oppa. But why the alchemist?”
“You’re so impatient. I was going to talk after eating.”
Kyung Taeyoung took a sip of water and continued.
“I took measures to minimize the Detoxification Potion rumors, but it’s just too effective. You could say everyone already know. Some even inquire directly.”
“That makes sense, since it’s so effective.”
Yoon-seul silently nodded.
“Who knows, even now there might be people in the market searching for that alchemist.”
At Kyung Taeyoung’s words, Yoon-seul’s expression grew serious.