Transmigration in the Beast World (BL)

Tangtang didn't hide his purpose in going to the forest from Xue. There was actually nothing to hide. Tangtang wanted to improve the tribe's food, but he didn't want to carry all the burden alone.

Tangtang plans to finish the mission first, and then, after getting the reward—the food encyclopedia—he will teach everyone in the tribe to identify edible plants.

"I wanted to find other food for the tribe," Tangtang said, waiting for the man's reaction, but Xue only nodded.

Xue didn't express any protest, but he also didn't show the enthusiasm that Tangtang had been hoping for.

For Xue, not showing any dissatisfaction is already a good thing.

This is not the first time that someone has tried to look for another food source; particularly when food was scarce, everyone was yearning to find something that would save them from starving during winter.

Tangtang knew that Xue didn't talk much and thought that this lack of response was normal for the beast. The important thing is that someone was protecting him. Of course, he would still use the monster radar.

Because Tangtang woke up late, the two decided not to go too deep into the forest so they could return before the tribe's curfew.

The first edible plant they found is a white radish-like fruit with smooth white skin, but it grows on small trees and tastes like a bitter melon.

When Xue saw Tangtang picking the fruit, he immediately stopped and informed the sub-beast that many people from the tribe already tried eating it but suffered stomachaches, and some even fell ill because of its bitter taste. People started avoiding harvesting and eating this radish-like fruit because they thought it was poisonous.

Tangtang would not rush to harvest any unknown plant if not for one of the interface's useful functions: it is to detect any harmful substance in the things he touches.

But this heaven-defying function was claimed by Tangtang as his ability. What can he do? He cannot disclose that he has a syst—guardians helping him.

Xue had some doubts, but he didn't stop Tangtang anymore. If the sub-beast were the Beast God's messenger, then having such ability is justifiable.

Tangtang thought that since the fruit had already been discovered and eaten, it would not be counted, but to his surprise, the mission still progressed.

"The quest said that find, not discover, so as long as you find it edible, it will be counted," Ero explained.

The second fruit they found looks like a cherry. This time, Xue didn't stop Tangtang from collecting any, but he did tell him that these little round, red fruits were also believed to be poisonous.

The fruit has a vibrant red color that attracts the sub-beast and females, but after eating it, they start vomiting and feel a burning sensation in their mouth and throat.

Without any hesitation, Tangtang picked one fruit and stuffed it in his mouth.

This action makes Xue panic. The man tries to open his mouth and take out the fruit. But when Xue saw that he had already swallowed it, he immediately carried him back to the tribe and asked Lia to cure him, forgetting what Tangtang had said earlier about his ability.

The first day of their food hunt ended like that. It is not too fruitful, but it is quite memorable.

The next day Tangtang woke up early, but when he came out, Xue was already waiting outside his tent, carrying a half-full bag again. The bag contains dried meat and boiled red root.

"Good morning, Xue," Tangtang greeted with a grin. The event yesterday was still fresh in his memory, and he couldn't help but stifle a laugh when he saw the man.

"Good morning." The man is still expressionless, but the red on his exposed ear betrayed him.

'Cute.' Xue looked adorable right now. Tangtang thought that if one paid attention, the man was simple to read.

What they picked yesterday were bitter melon and chili. Today, Tangtang wanted to travel deep into the forest to find more variety. "Can we go further today?" he asked.

"Just do whatever you need to do. I will protect you." Xue's words can be called romantic if only he didn't say them with a straight face.

"Yeah, you really protected me well yesterday," he teased, making the man stiffen and a tinge of red once again appear on the tip of his ear.

While walking, Xue suddenly asked. "Can you really detect if the plant is poisonous?"

"Of course," Tangtang answered confidently. "Didn't I prove it yesterday?"

In yesterday's incident, Tangtang was frightened when Xue suddenly carried him like a lifeless doll. He was so nervous that he didn't have the strength to stop him and clear things up. Xue then ran back to the tribe as he leaped so agilely from tree to tree that Tangtang could only see afterimages.

Fortunately, they entered at the back of the tribe; otherwise, with the man's frantic actions, they would cause a commotion.

After learning what had happened, Lia immediately tried to make medicine but was stopped by Tangtang on time. He then explained to them what the fruit they believed to be poisonous was.

The cherry-like fruit was tangy and spicy, but not enough to make anyone sick. It may be a psychological reaction of someone who tasted a strong flavor for the first time that caused them to start vomiting.

To prove that it is not poisonous, Tangtang coated a piece of meat with the juice of the fruit and sprinkled some salt before slowly roasting it on fire with the help of Xue.

The mother and son cooperated, but they still couldn't hide their doubts, especially Lia, who was the one who treated the 'poisoned' sub-beasts at that time. However, as the meat began to cook, a delicious aroma began to emanate, causing the two to feel hungry. They decided to temporarily put their doubts in the back of their heads.

Once done, Tangtang tasted it first. It is still not up to the standard, but it is much tastier; the added chili and salt highlight the natural umami flavor of the meat. When Lia and Xue tasted it, they couldn't help but request another portion.

"Some plants were the main ingredients, and some were spices that added flavor to the dish," Tangtang repeated the phrase he said last night. "There are also many ways to cook food. What I did yesterday is just a simple method. Once we find more edible plants, I will cook you a proper dish," he added.

Xue nodded. "Hmmm."

Tangtang smiled and embraced the man's arm.

Xue immediately stiffened from the sub-beast intimate action. Excluding yesterday's event, he had never been this close to anyone.

"Where do you think we should start?" Tangtang asked, ignoring the man's reaction.

Xue did not respond. His whole attention is on their intertwined arms and the soft body leaning on him, leaving him unsure how to react.

Tangtang smiled as he mischievously pinched the firm but not exaggerated bicep of the beast. Xue flinched, hesitating if he should pull out his arm or not, afraid that exerting force might hurt the sub-beast.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Tangtang?" Ero asked.

Phi giggled.

'Yeah! It's fun to tease him,' Tangtang playfully chuckled.

Looking from afar, Tangtang and Xue were like a couple going on a stroll.

Xue had already given up and just let the sub-beast hold on to him. The two continued walking like that until Tangtang saw flowers with colorful petals. He was attracted to the cluster of seeds in the middle of the flower heads, which were as large as a satellite dish yet had short stems that caused them to nearly lie flat on the ground.

Tangtang touched the flower and checked the blue interface.

[No poison found!]

[No harmful elements found!]

[Found vitamin E & B6.]

[Edible.]

When Tangtang saw the confirmation, he immediately picked an exposed seed. The seeds were as big as his thumb, and the hull was pure black. Tangtang's eyes brightened after tasting the seed. It was really a sunflower seed with the familiar sweet, nutty flavor.

The interface flickered twice before a line appeared.

[2nd Main Quest Progress: Find 7 more fruits and 10 more vegetables.]

"Xue!"

Xue, who had been staring at his empty arm, came back to his senses when he heard Tangtang's call.

The sub-beast happily strides towards him. "Say ahh~"

Xue unconsciously opened his mouth and chewed the thing that Tangtang fed him.

"How was it?" Tangtang asked as he once again clung to the man. His eyes were full of expectations while waiting for the man's answer.

"It's tasty," Xue flatly replied, but his eyes softened as he looked at the beautiful sub-beast without realizing it. "What is it?"

"It is the seed of that flower." Tangtang pointed at the sea of big, colorful flowers. "It can be eaten raw, but it is much more delicious when roasted. It can be a snack for the children," he happily explained.

Xue went to the place pointed out by the sub-beast, and with Tangtang's instructions, cut several withered flowers using a bone knife and scraped all the seeds at the center of the flower. The collected seeds were then all put into the bag carried by Xue, filling it to the brim.

The bag made of monster skin is durable, but it is not ideal to carry many things. Tangtang decided to look for a plant similar to rattan to make a basket.

"Let's go."

"Okay." Tangtang clung again to Xue's arm, and this time he even interlocked their hands.

Xue didn't stiffen but instead heaved a sigh. The warmth he had been looking for earlier returned. For the first time in his life he felt lost.

_______________.

Tangtang was brimming with energy the whole morning. Even though they had already walked for a long time, he didn't feel exhausted.

He can feel that today is his lucky day because after finding the sunflower seeds, they found three more edible plants: ginger, string beans, and onion.

When Tangtang saw Xue picking up something that looked like grass, he couldn't help but ask what it was. Xue showed him the herb and explained its use. It is one of the herbs used by Lia in making cold remedies. Its leaves were long, narrow, and ribbed with a small purplish bud.

When Tangtang smelled the spicy scent, his eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately urged Xue to return, where he pulled out the herb. Returning to the place, Tangtang asked Xue to help him dig. After a few minutes, the arm-length rhizomes appear.

That's how they find ginger.

Tangtang didn't forget to inform Xue that even though the leaves of this plant can also be used as remedies, they are nothing compared to its roots.

Tangtang feels guilty for letting Xue carry all of the things they found. Those are heavy, so he focuses on looking for a vine or stem that is flexible and durable enough to make a basket.

That's when Tangtang found the string beans. He thought they were vines silently hanging on the trees, but when he tried to pull one, it snapped, and a soft bean flew toward him.

For the onion, they accidentally found it while passing by a swamp. If not for the bulb that was peeking out, it looks like water lilies floating in the shallow water.

According to Xue, insects and monsters are afraid to approach this plant because of its strong odor. They assume that it may be a poisonous plant. As a result, they never attempted to eat it.

Tangtang then explained that despite its pungent smell, it can make the food taste better. It can also be used as a remedy for colds and wounds.

[2nd Main Quest Progress: Find 6 more fruits and 8 more vegetables.]

Tangtang was elated with the progress of his quest. It's just the second day, and they already found six edible plants. If they keep on going, they have a high chance that they will encounter more edible plants.

But Tangtang decided to return back to the tribe because even though it was early and there was still plenty of time until the curfew, Xue was already carrying loads of stuff that Tangtang can't turn a blind eye to it anymore.

Xue claims it is light and capable of carrying more, but Tangtang won't let him.

The quest has no time limit, so they don't have to push themselves to exhaustion.