It had been four days since we arrived at the Amazon Tribe's village. During that time, my world had expanded immensely. So many new places, faces, and customs… though, sadly, I wasn't allowed to explore freely like I wanted. My parents were adamant about keeping an eye on me, but that didn't stop me from sneaking out the very next morning.
When I stepped outside the tent, I was greeted by a vast and lively village. The Amazon Tribe had made their home on a wide grassy plain surrounded by thick jungle and looming mountains. Two rivers cut through the land from the north and south, and far off in the distance, I caught sight of a sparkling lake, where a few scattered tents were set up—likely for fishing.
The sheer size of the village shocked me. I couldn't count all the tents, but there were easily over two hundred. Most families seemed to have at least four or five members. I had to admit… Amazon families were massive.
To my surprise, the tribe wasn't exclusively female as I had once assumed. Both men and women lived here, each equally rugged and strong. The Amazons of my past life were mythical—tales told to young girls to inspire strength. But here, in this world, they were very real. And they were impressive.
The people of this tribe bore beautiful chocolate-brown skin that gleamed under the sun. From what I observed, their skin had adapted to this environment, unlike my paler complexion that burned easily. Most adults were tall, athletic, and well-built. Warriors, hunters, and survivalists through and through.
Their fashion was colorful and tribal. Men walked bare-chested with bone-adorned cloaks or vests, while women wore leather wraps and vibrant skirts. Everyone was barefoot, though their feet seemed remarkably tough and clean.
I watched as children my age kicked around heavy balls made of rock like they were toys. Back in my old world, those things would've shattered a child's toes. But here? They played without a care in the world, laughing as the balls crashed against wooden walls and bones.
Guards patrolled the village from tall watchtowers made of monster bones and sturdy wood, keeping watch for beasts or threats. I learned that this tribe was semi-nomadic. Every few years, they'd relocate to another part of the jungle, always moving with the natural flow of beasts and resources so they wouldn't exhaust the land.
On the second day, I wandered the village by myself. Being a newcomer, I received a lot of stares. It was overwhelming, having so many eyes on me. A few villagers even approached me, asking if I had gotten lost in the jungle. It wasn't until I told them I was the daughter of the heroes that things were cleared up.
Once that misunderstanding was handled—and my parents scolded me for sneaking out—I started walking around with Aquarina. She was already well-known in the village, and with her at my side, things became easier.
As it turned out, I was her first real friend. Due to her age and the limited exposure she'd had to other children, she hadn't formed many bonds before. From then on, we spent most of our days together, exploring the outskirts of the village, watching how the villagers lived, and sneaking in little adventures whenever our parents weren't looking.
While I continued practicing my magic every morning, Aquarina would sit nearby, watching me with awe. Sometimes, she'd try to copy me. Of course, she didn't get far—her stamina gave out quickly, and she'd collapse into the grass with a pout. It was cute.
On the fourth day, she went through her "dragon ritual"—a meal of roasted dragon meat and a bath in its magical blood while she slept. This ritual, as my parents explained, helped boost her physical and magical foundation. I had gone through the same thing, so I knew what benefits it brought.
The next morning, we were allowed to explore a bit more under parental supervision—though, "supervision" meant a floating eyeball with wings trailing behind us from above, and a shadowy raven gliding between tree branches. Clearly, Shade and Nepheline were keeping a close watch.
We were guided to a nearby patch of jungle filled with small wildlife, nothing too dangerous. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs and test our limits a little.
"This way!" Aquarina said, grabbing my hand as we ran through the tall grass.
The forest here was alive with color and sound—chirping insects, fluttering birds, and the rustling of critters in the underbrush.
I took a deep breath, feeling the fresh, humid air fill my lungs. It was different from Skyarnia gentle breezes—this was wilder, richer… full of untamed energy.
"Let's find something cool!" I said.
We didn't stray too far from the marked path, but there was something exciting about moving through the jungle, knowing our parents trusted us—if only a little. Every step was filled with wonder. We found a glowing mushroom, a tree that hummed when touched, and a lizard with feathers instead of scales.
"Look, Leon! It blinked at me!" Aquarina laughed, pointing at the odd lizard before it darted up a tree.
I couldn't help but smile. Being with her made even small things feel grand.
We took a break on a mossy log, drinking some water from our flasks.
Aquarina turned to me and asked, "Do you think… we can become strong like our parents?"
I paused, then looked up through the canopy.
"Yeah," I replied. "Maybe not right now… but one day. I want to protect the people I care about. That includes you, too."
Aquarina blushed lightly and nodded. "Then… I'll protect you too!"
And just like that, we made a silent promise to one another.
Our bond had only just begun, but I had a feeling this would be a friendship for a lifetime.
We continued our little exploration, laughing, stumbling, and wondering about the world around us.
It was just the beginning—but in that moment, it felt like everything was right.
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