Chapter 61: Yellow Gate

The air rippled, and soon, a Yellow Gate appeared.

Sang-woong was surprised, but not overly alarmed.

No, in fact, he felt a sense of anticipation.

It was because the Ahoa Tribe had come to this land through such a yellow Gate.

Just as he expected, someone emerged from the Yellow Gate.

What stepped out was a man with a gentle face and a frail, shrunken body—a look that anyone could tell had endured countless hardships.

He looked nearly identical to the Ahoa Tribe, but his skin was a bit darker, and the hat he wore sat a little lower. That was the only noticeable difference.

Even if you said they were brothers, it wouldn’t seem odd at all.

“It’s the Kahuka Tribe!”

Aria, who had been playing above Leon’s head, came running over and called out cheerfully.

After the first person, more and more members of the Kahuka Tribe poured out of the Gate.

Before anyone noticed, the area before the Gate was packed with Kahuka Tribe members.

They gazed blankly at Sang-woong with innocent, wide-eyed expressions.

Just like when the Ahoa Tribe first arrived, it was clear from their appearance how much they had suffered.

All of them were thin and gaunt, their clothes mostly tattered, and a few appeared to be sick.

The Ahoa Tribe had also gathered and were watching the Kahuka Tribe intently.

“We are the Kahuka Tribe. I am Chieftain Sejar. Huka!”

“Nice to meet you. I am Sang-woong, Owner of the Land.”

Sang-woong smiled as he reached out his hand to Sejar.

Not knowing what a handshake was, Sejar simply stared blankly at Sang-woong, but his expression was not unfriendly.

Sang-woong’s warm welcome was clear to him.

And then, a Message appeared.

-Will you accept the Kahuka Tribe as residents of the land? –

“I accept.”

-The Kahuka Tribe has been incorporated as residents of the land. –

“You’ve all been through a lot. From now on, let’s live happily here together.”

Given permission to stay on this land, Sejar reached out with both hands and shook Sang-woong’s hand vigorously.

At that moment, another Message popped up before Sang-woong’s eyes.

-Tribe: Kahuka Tribe.

-Disposition: Good.

-Trait: A tribe specialized in livestock. They can raise any animal quickly and excellently. Contest for Chief Selection.

-Likes: Food. They enjoy anything delicious.

-Current state: Mentally and physically exhausted from wandering for a long time while fleeing monsters. Especially unhealthy due to prolonged exposure to bad air. –

“Livestock, huh? That’s perfect.”

Sang-woong nodded in satisfaction.

With the number of Fierce-Horned Chickens increasing, he had his hands full.

And now, not just Fierce-Horned Chickens, but he could raise other animals too.

As they became residents of the land, Tines—who had become the Ahoa Tribe’s new Chieftain—stood before Sejar with a serious expression.

He firmly extended his fist forward.

“Oh, they shouldn’t fight…”

Sang-woong was startled by Tines’ unexpected action, but Sejar also extended his fist and lightly bumped it against Tines’.

Then, as if it were a custom, they opened their palms and slapped them together several times.

Finally, they grasped each other’s hands and tugged as they bumped shoulders, finishing their greeting.

Sang-woong was momentarily dazed as he watched them.

The Kahuka Chieftain and the Ahoa Chieftain were exchanging an elaborate greeting, just like something out of a movie.

“These two tribes are incredible rivals. They like each other, but they really hate to lose.”

Aria quickly explained to the bewildered Sang-woong.

“Haha, sounds like a fun relationship.”

Sang-woong laughed.

Even so, he secretly wondered if things would continue to go smoothly between them.

He couldn’t help but worry about the Message indicating another ‘Contest for Chief Selection’, just like with the Ahoa Tribe.

He remembered the chaos from when they’d tried to select a Chief last time.

Can there really be two suns under one sky… Will this be okay…?

It seemed the land would only get rowdier from now on.

Still, with a new tribe having arrived, he couldn’t just do nothing.

He had to hold a warm welcome party for them.

Sang-woong wanted to prepare a comforting meal for these strangers, something that wouldn’t be a burden yet would warm their hearts.

After much thought, he settled on beef rice cake soup as the menu.

“Who can resist chewy rice cakes and tender beef in a creamy broth!”

The rice cake soup would warm both body and soul for these weary newcomers.

Sang-woong got to work on the rice cake soup immediately.

First, he placed a large pot over the campfire and filled it with clear water. He added anchovies and kelp, simmering them for a refreshing stock.

As the broth began to boil, the subtle yet rich aroma of anchovy and kelp filled the air.

The children who had gathered to watch peered curiously into the pot, whispering in small voices.

“Wow, what’s that? It smells so good. Huka!”

“You dummy, that’s… If you eat it later, it’s really delicious. Hwi!”

Zels from the Ahoa Tribe, who was nearby, tried to act knowledgeable, but it was his first time seeing this too, so he just trailed off.

While the broth boiled, Sang-woong prepared quality brisket, cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

He heated some sesame oil in the pot and stir-fried the beef until it lost its red color, then poured in the finished stock and brought it to a boil.

He carefully skimmed off the foam as it boiled, giving the soup a clean, deep flavor.

Once the broth was sufficiently rich, he seasoned it with soy sauce and minced garlic.

When the flavor was just right, he added white, round rice cakes.

As the rice cakes began to float, he tossed in thinly sliced green onions and beaten eggs to finish it off.

Finally, a touch of fragrant sesame oil on top completed the delicious beef rice cake soup.

The savory scent of rice cake soup simmering in the big pot spread across the land.

“You must be hungry, so let’s have the Kahuka Tribe eat first.”

At Sang-woong’s words, the Kahuka Tribe hurriedly grabbed bowls and lined up by the pot.

Sang-woong picked up the ladle and said,

“Take as much as you want.”

“Really, can we eat as much as we want? Huka!”

Chief Sejar’s eyes widened.

For those who had gone hungry for so long, a warm meal and generous hospitality felt like a dream.

Sang-woong nodded and smiled kindly.

“Of course, eat as much as you like. And if there’s not enough, just let me know.”

Starting with Sejar, the Kahuka Tribe lined up and received their soup.

Their faces, lit by the pale broth and generous chunks of beef in their big bowls, were filled with emotion.

Without hesitation, the Kahuka Tribe began eating the soup.

The chewy rice cakes, savory beef, and warm broth blended perfectly to fill their empty stomachs in an instant.

“It’s really delicious. Chuka!”

“I’ve never had food this good before. Huka!”

Exclamations of admiration burst out from all around.

They ate their rice cake soup without pause, cleaning their bowls with astonishing speed.

The Ahoa Tribe watched them with satisfied expressions, arms folded.

‘How is it? Delicious, right? We eat food like this every day’—they wore looks of victory, as if they’d just triumphed over their rivals.

“How is it? Is it good?”

Sang-woong approached Sejar and asked.

Sejar grinned widely and gave him a big thumbs-up.

“Chuka! This is truly the best food! Our tribe has never eaten anything this delicious!”

Sang-woong felt great at his heartfelt compliment.

But then, the Kahuka Tribe children, as they slurped the rice cake soup, began to inspect the meat inside and started whispering to each other.

Soon, a few children cautiously approached Sang-woong.

“Um… what animal is this meat from? Huka?”

Sang-woong smiled as he answered.

“It’s called beef. It comes from an animal called a cow that we raise on the land.”

“It tastes similar to Thunder-Mane Ox. Huka!”

“Thunder-Mane Ox, you say?”

From this conversation, Sang-woong realized there was an animal here similar to a cow.

‘Come to think of it, there were Fierce-Horned Chickens similar to regular chickens. It’s not strange for there to be something like a cow. Then what about pigs? ‘

Sang-woong picked up a stick and quickly drew a pig in the dirt.

“Mud-Pit Pig. Huka!”

Sejar recognized Sang-woong’s rough sketch and shouted out.

“Just as I thought, they have pigs here too.”

“Leon, you heard that, right? Your role just got a lot bigger.”

Sang-woong spoke to Leon, who was standing nearby.

Leon was the freest and fastest being on the land.

The Fierce-Horned Chickens had been caught and raised by Leon.

At Sang-woong’s words, Leon tilted his head and stared at him.

“Not for free. Kerm.”

Sang-woong let out a deep sigh.

He knew Leon was never one to just listen and obey.

Of course, in battle, there was no one more reliable as a companion.

But ever since he’d gained the emotional skill and could understand what Leon said, his stress level had only gone up.

‘Sometimes, I wish Leon couldn’t talk.’

To persuade Leon, Sang-woong tried to think of something he’d like.

“How about some pork belly?”

“No. Kerm.”

Huh, that was unexpected.

“What? I thought you liked pork belly.”

“I do, but I want to eat something else. Kerm!”

“What else?”

“Barbecue. I want barbecue. Kerm!”

Leon was begging Sang-woong to make roast beef, just like he’d made for Lee Ji-an and Gu Eun-woo.

Last time, after Hye-won’s music video became a hit, Park Hae-jin insisted on fair compensation.

So Sang-woong gave ten million won each to the guardians of Lee Ji-an and Gu Eun-woo.

And he also agreed to make any food the children wanted, which turned out to be roast beef.

After seeing that, Leon kept begging for it again.

Ha—

Sang-woong sighed lightly and said,

“That takes way too much time. How about some dried pig’s feet instead? You liked that too, remember?”

“I don’t like dried pig’s feet anymore. Kerm. I want roast beef. Kerm.”

“That’s not good for a dog.”

“I’m not a dog, I’m a Divine Beast. Divine Beasts can eat anything. Kerm.”

“Ah, right, you are a Divine Beast. It’s just that you act so childish, I keep forgetting.”

“If you don’t make me roast beef, I’ll never hunt again. Kerm!”

With Leon’s declaration of a strike, Sang-woong had no choice but to nod.

Over a hundred members of the Kahuka Tribe had arrived, and they needed livestock to raise.

There were Fierce-Horned Chickens, but they wouldn’t be enough.

“They said they specialize in livestock, but do they have any special abilities?”

As he was pondering this—

“You welcomed us so warmly, so we want to repay you. Huka!”

After polishing off their rice cake soup, the Kahuka Tribe immediately began to demonstrate their talents.

The members who headed to the chicken coop started talking to the Fierce-Horned Chickens, and unbelievably, the chickens began moving according to their commands.

“They haven’t even been trained—how is that possible?”

Sang-woong asked in amazement.

“We can do it. Huka!”

Sejar puffed out his chest and spoke proudly at Sang-woong’s astonishment.

“And this chicken coop is too low. Kahuk! Fierce-Horned Chickens prefer high roofs. We’ll rebuild the chicken coop. We’ll also build barns for raising other animals. Kahuk!”

The Kahuka Tribe divided themselves up and started construction on the new chicken coop and animal barns.

‘So they really can communicate with livestock… ‘

However, Sang-woong didn’t expect much from their building skills.

The Ahoa Tribe was good at nothing except farming.

He assumed the rival Kahuka Tribe would also be clumsy at everything except raising livestock.

But moments later, contrary to his expectations, Sang-woong stared at the barn, eyes wide.