Reincarnated with the Country System

Chapter 63 Rite of the Ancestors

Rachel served the food to the King. She could feel the weight of the King's gaze upon her, assessing her every move.

The King lifted the bowl to his lips, his expression inscrutable. They held their breath, the silence in the chamber stretching like a taut bowstring. The other Taku warriors watched intently, their eyes flickering between the King and the outsiders, as if the outcome of this moment would determine the fate of all.

With deliberate slowness, the King ate the food. Rachel's heart pounded in her chest as she watched his reaction. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The King's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He swallowed, and then he smiled—a slow, deliberate smile that revealed a hint of sharp teeth.

"This is... unexpected," he said, his voice low and rumbling. "You have brought flavors I have never tasted before. It is a bold offering, indeed."

Rachel felt a wave of relief wash over her. "I am honored that you enjoy it, Your Majesty," she replied. "It is a reflection of our culture and a symbol of our desire to learn from one another."

The King set the bowl down, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. "However, how can I trust that your intentions are pure?"

Jammy, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we understand your concerns. We wish to share knowledge, not to impose our ways upon you."

The King regarded Jammy with a piercing gaze, his interest piqued. "And what knowledge do you offer that could benefit the Taku? We have thrived in this jungle long before your kind arrived."

Rachel seized the moment, her mind racing. "We have advancements in agriculture, medicine, and technology that could help your people. Imagine a world where your crops yield more, where illness is lessened, and where your people can further improve their lives."

The King leaned back on his throne, his fingers steepling as he considered her words. "You speak of cooperation. How do I know you will not seek to dominate us?"

Rachel felt the weight of his scrutiny. "We are not here to conquer, Your Majesty. We are here to learn and to build a relationship based on mutual respect. We believe that by sharing our knowledge, we can create a partnership that benefits both our peoples."

The King's expression softened slightly, but the tension in the room remained palpable. "Very well," he said slowly. "But words alone will not suffice. You must prove your intentions through action."

Rachel nodded, her heart racing. "What would you have us do, Your Majesty?"

The King leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a mix of challenge and curiosity. "You will participate in the Rite of the Ancestors. It is a sacred ceremony that tests the resolve and honor of those who wish to forge ties with the Taku. If you succeed, you will earn our trust. If you fail, you will be cast out, or worse."

Jammy exchanged a worried glance with Lewis, who stood at the ready, his hand resting on the hilt of his sidearm.

"We accept your challenge, Your Majesty. We will prove our worth."

Rachel got up from her seat and went to him.

"Have you prepared the setup?"

Lewis nodded, a confident smile on his face. "Yes, I have everything prepared."

Rachel looked at him and said, "Very good. Arrange to send signals quickly."

Lewis placed the device on the table and began to set it up. "I'm making sure it's working properly. Ready to send signals."

Rachel stood next to him and started helping. Jammy also joined them.

In this communication system, the signal would travel through many mediums. In this process, the signal would first reach the helicopter's radio, where the helicopter's powerful transmitter would receive the signal. The helicopter would then process the signal and connect it to BNS Hope.

Since they didn't want to arouse suspicion among the Taku, they were acting very cautiously.

After a few minutes, a crackling sound was heard from the device.

They heard James' voice.

"Sir, we have successfully contacted the Taku king. However, he has told us to join a special ceremony. If we are successful, they will befriend us."

"He said that it is an ancient ceremony; the success of our mission now depends on it."

"Understood, we will maintain communication, and if anything happens, we will quickly ask for help."