Chapter 21: The Insect of Life
Chapter 21: The Insect of Life
Jessica's threat failed to have any effect.
Enzo chuckled softly and, disregarding Jessica's struggles, embraced her tightly, his large hand slipping under her animal hide garment, gently kneading the girl's still-developing bosom, causing her complexion to flush and her whole body to grow warm.
Jessica urgently cried out, "Stop this!"
Enzo paid no heed and continued his actions.
His other hand caressed Jessica's thigh, which bore no excess flesh and felt incredibly pleasant to the touch. Just as he was about to explore the gap between Jessica's legs, she finally, with a hint of a trembling voice, begged, "Stop, I... I will speak!"
"Then speak." Enzo replied.
Jessica noticed that Enzo had stopped playing around, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Yet, deep down, she entertained peculiar thoughts. The trembling sensation she had just experienced made her yearn for more.
Could this be the essence of procreation?
Living in the Venom Tribe, Jessica had never ventured outside the tribe for years, nor had she had much interaction with the opposite sex, lacking any experience in this regard. Lucy had kept a close guard over her.
However, such protection clearly contradicted the rules of primitive times.
In Enzo's arms, Jessica, feeling utterly powerless, spoke up: "My grandmother told me that the totem power I possess is stronger than hers and my mother's. It's called The Insect of Life."
"The Insect of Life?" Enzo inquired with great curiosity.
Jessica went on to explain once again: "It is rumored that there exists a sacred place in this world, where deities reside along with many exotic animals and plants. Among these creatures, there are seven that stand out. They are the Tree of Life, the Fountain of Eternity, the Skyward Wings... and what I possess is a parasite living on the Tree of Life, known as The Insect of Life."
Upon hearing this, Enzo fell into contemplation.
If what Jessica said was true, then the totem power he had obtained most likely originated from the Tree of Life.
Healing, unlocking potential, hastening maturation...
Such numerous and versatile abilities were simply beyond the capabilities of an ordinary totem.
Moreover, when he acquired the leaf totem, Enzo had sensed a vague piece of information, which roughly meant that the current leaf totem was merely an initial form.
Once the totem power strengthened to a certain level, it would undergo further transformation.
This undoubtedly contradicted the common knowledge of totems.
For all totem tribes, once the totem was condensed, it would not change again.
All of these signs indicated the extraordinary nature of the leaf totem.
Finally, Enzo was convinced that the totem he controlled was indeed the Tree of Life that Jessica had mentioned.
He inquired further: "What else do you know about the Tree of Life?"
Shaking her head, Jessica replied, "I don't know."
Enzo pinched the softness of her chest, causing Jessica's breath to quicken once again.
"Stop... I really don't know!" Jessica anxiously interjected, seemingly afraid that Enzo wouldn't believe her. She added, "No one knows the true capabilities of the Tree of Life, not even Ms. Lucy. But there are rumors that the Tree of Life is the origin of all life, capable of returning life to its most powerful and primal form."
Primal form?
Enzo pondered inwardly. Unable to extract any further information from Jessica, he released her.
Jessica felt weak all over and lay on the ground for a moment.
Then, she stood up and glared at Enzo, gritting her teeth. "Enzo, you bully! I challenge you to a duel!"
Enzo chuckled and ignored the girl's challenge.
Being taller than Jessica, he could easily lower his head and glimpse through the gaps in her animal hide clothing, catching a glimpse of her erect breasts. He deliberately provoked, "Weren't you enjoying it just now?"
Jessica vehemently denied, "You're talking nonsense!"
"Is that so?" Enzo's gaze roamed over Jessica's body. Her silver-white hair shimmered in the sunlight, her eyes held a mix of anger and unfulfilled desire, her chest was of a modest size, heaving with each breath, and beads of sweat formed on her abdomen.
As Enzo's eyes settled on her long legs, Jessica hastily clamped them together, assuming an awkward posture and speaking in an odd tone, "Don't look!"
At that moment, Enzo was certain of one thing.
Jessica's body was highly sensitive.
Enzo sensed that he had only mildly stimulated Jessica, leaving the silver-haired maiden feeling invigorated.
With this in mind, he continued to provoke by saying, "Isn't this what Priest Lucy desires? She is eager for you to bear my offspring."
Upon hearing this, Jessica hurriedly shook her head and protested, "No! Absolutely not!"
Jessica lacked experience in the matter of conceiving offspring, but she had secretly asked Rita and learned that it was an immensely stimulating act.
What Enzo had just done was also part of the process.
But it was not the most thrilling or enjoyable.
Nevertheless, she had already found it overwhelming, and her body had responded with an unusual sensation, as if something wanted to emerge.
If it were to continue...
Jessica could not bear to imagine such a scenario, but she was unwilling to disobey Ms. Lucy's command. She had no choice but to plead with Enzo, saying, "I can agree to anything except that specific act."
Enzo was somewhat surprised and asked, "Are you sure?"
The young girl seemed unusually naive, to the point that even Enzo felt reluctant to mistreat her.
Of course, this was impossible.
The most important thing for survival in primitive times was to stow away any feelings of compassion.
Jessica nodded.
Enzo also promised, "Alright, I won't force you if you are unwilling. All you have to do is share the knowledge of the barren mountain script with me and provide me with some of your totemic power."
To this, Jessica replied, "I have no problem imparting the knowledge of the barren mountain script. However, my totem has not fully coalesced yet, and if I lose too much power, it could cause permanent damage or even prevent the totem from taking form."
Upon hearing this, Enzo did not continue to pressure her.
Although Priest Lucy has shown ample goodwill, it is evident that her bottom line is Jessica. Should Jessica encounter any issues, it is not out of the question for Priest Lucy to retaliate fiercely.
As the Crimson Star Tribe seeks to expand, stability is paramount, and conflict with the Venom Tribe is inadvisable.
However, given that Jessica's totem is The Insect of Life, and his own is the leaf of the Tree of Life, will The Insect of Life totem react to the power of the Tree of Life totem?
With this in mind, Enzo took Jessica's hand and infused a trace of totemic power.
In the next moment, Jessica trembled all over.
She perceived a change in her totem, as if it had come across something extraordinarily delicious, filling her with an indescribable joy.
Even more unsettling for her was the fact that Enzo was watching her at that moment.
This insufferable person even said with a smile, "Jessica, you seem to be quite excited."
Tears welled up in Jessica's eyes, feeling immense shame. After regaining some strength, she hurriedly stood up and ran towards the outskirts of the Crimson Star Tribe camp, only to be pulled back by Enzo.
Enzo did not continue to agitate the girl, but instead asked, "What changes have occurred in your totem now?"
Jessica was stunned, calming down to perceive.
Then, she was plunged into disbelief, saying incredulously, "My totem's power has greatly increased!"
She looked at Enzo again, her gaze complex, and asked, "Is this your doing?"
Enzo nodded in assent and said, "Now, give me some of your totemic power. I need to test out an idea."
Without refusal, Jessica complied with the order, mobilizing her totem. She gathered a few golden particles of light in the palm of her hand, which floated up and then entered Enzo's body.
However, her heart was far from tranquil.
The totemic power of Enzo had unexpectedly accelerated the condensation and growth of her own totem.
This was simply inconceivable!
Yet, the price was the profound joy that penetrated her soul, rendering her completely helpless. It was a dual stimulation, both mental and physical, that made her feel immensely ashamed.
However, if it could expedite the condensation of her totem, perhaps it was not entirely unwelcome...
Jessica was deeply conflicted.
At this moment, Enzo also sensed something unusual.
When Jessica's totemic power entered his body, the totem of the Leaf of Life seemed to perceive a threat. Its power rapidly grew, engulfing and transforming the golden particles of light.
However, the enhancement was limited.
This change was sufficient to confirm Enzo's speculation.
Their totemic powers could accelerate the growth of each other's totems, but overall, Jessica could obtain more. Firstly, Jessica's strength was weaker, and secondly, The Insect of Life was not as advanced as the Tree of Life.
Despite this, it presented a new pathway.
In addition to the tribe's development, Jessica could also help him enhance his strength.
Enzo's gaze was intense as he stared at the silver-haired girl, exuding possessiveness.
Now, he was in full agreement with Priest Lucy's proposal.