"You know Mateo... I'm starting to think negative things about your world." Claustrine speaks her mind.

  "Don't worry Trinne, I kinda understand you on this one." Mateo's only answer.

  Grand Ecstasy is transfixed as they watch an old man repeatedly hit a living chicken with a stick.

  "Savages." Sophia softly speaks as she watch with slight disgust.

  "Come on Sophia. That's only a ritualistic thing. It's not like beating a live chicken with a stick is a daily occurance here." Mateo is slightly offended.

  "Ok fine, because I don't know any history about this world. But still, such method is too cruel."

  "I also agree Mateo. Is this really necessary? It's like food for sadists." Beltrand is also unsure.

  Mateo just sigh as he understands the revulsion of Sophia and others on the brutal cooking method.

  "Please just understand that its a sacred ritual." Mateo gives up.

  Shiva just arrived and see what Grand Ecstasy is watching.

  "Pinikpikan huh? It's been a while since I taste that."

  "How does it taste?" Shirna asked as he's curious on how such method might enhance the flavor of the dish.

  "It's hard to describe but I can say that it's taste great despite being a simple soup."

  "Really Shirna?" Sophia is in disbelief.

  "What's wrong for having a taste?" Shirna stays firm on his desire to take a bite.

  "Are you sure you want to eat a tortured chicken?" -Beltrand.

  "Not if we eat it without respect. I can see that old man there is doing that not to satiated his sadism but for the clear appreciation for nature and the circle of life."

  Beltrand look at the chicken again being beaten gently with a stick.

  "Yeah... Circle of life."

  Grand Ecstasy stays silent as they still processing what Shirna is saying, can't understand why the suffering of the poor chicken is a show of appreciation of nature.

  "Ah I almost forgot. Auntie wants all of you to go to the town's plaza." Shiva speaks as he remembers why he looks for Grand Ecstasy in the first place.

  "So it's time for the dance?" -Mateo.

  Shiva starts to leave and walk upstairs, opposite of where the town plaza is located.

  "Where are you going brother?" Beltrand asked Shiva.

  "I gonna help our cousins preparing the food. Don't mind me and just enjoy the festival."

  .

  .

  .

  Grand Ecstasy reach the town plaza and see it filled with many people but not very crowded as the town is least populated.

  They observe and see few foreigners with cameras, taking pictures of the tradition.

  "Reminds me of small town festivals in Yhigressia. This must be most of the townfolks." Sophia commented as he watch a group of kids running happily in front of them.

  Suddenly, the crowd makes a huge empty circle in the middle of the plaza, managed by people who seems running the festivities.

  From the crowd, a group of young men and women are entering the empty spot in a sychronized walk. Unlike the rest, the group is wearing a decorated and patterned red clothing.

  The men are wearing loin clothes and huge scarfs partnered with headband plus metal accessories like a necklace. All of the clothing have elaborated patterns woven into them which showcase the craftsmanship of the people of the quiet town.

  The females meanwhile are more covered with their blouse and skirts also sporting the ceremonial patterns. They also wearing colorful bead necklace, bracelets and headgear that makes a quiet clacking sound for each move they make.

  They're the folks that going to do the ritualistic dance as they place a bundle of fruits, meat and grains in the middle. An appreciation for bountiful harvest the nature provided for them.

  Another group wearing similar outfits also appear but they wielding musical instruments like gongs and flutes. They're going to provide the tune that guide the dancers to perform the gratitude.

  Mateo pulls his phone and starts recording. He thinks that the performance would be a good thing to be sent on Agbayani Group Chat.

  The dancers makes two circular formation seperated by gender. Alternating between inner and outer circle as they gracefully mimic the movements of the animals that represents aspects of their ancestral life, seperated by acts.

  An Eagle representing freedom as they spread their hands, flapping slowly and gracefully as they walk in a rhythmic pattern.

  A carabao to represents the strenght of the people. The steps and movement are a lot more heavy and strong which complimented by hard beat of the drums.

  A deer to represent the mysticism of Nature, their elusiveness and grace are perfectly encapsulated by the female dancers.

  A Wild Boar to also shows how ferocious nature can be. Wild Boars also being the avatars for the warriors as only the males perfom the dance with their bolos and wooden shield.

  After the showcase of the animals representing the gods, the dancers now performs the way of life of the past. Farming, hunting, and the wars. As they highlight the crops, the pottery, the skillful weaving through their clothing and smithed bolos by the town's few remaining blacksmiths.

  The performance lasted for 10 minutes and from the full duration of the show, Grand Ecstasy is completely captivated by the performers. The few tourists alongside them also feel the same as they rarely take pictures but instead quietly watch.

  The performers makes a bow for everyone watching followed by a bow to the vast moutainrange which serve as their home. Then they leave, sweaty yet satisfaction etched on their face.

  "That's... Incredible." Sophia's honest appreciation as she can feel the devotion of the performers.

  Shirna also feel the performance as he can relate to the respect the performers show to nature. Similar to how the elves like him treat the forest with reverance.

  "They're worshipping the environment?" Claustrine understands that the performace is not aimed on specific god but instead to the surroundings.

  "Nature is truly mystical if you think about it, specialy if you spend most of your life surrounded by the same nature that provides for you but also can cause you harm." Mateo explained.

  "But there's no hint of mana into it. In fact, it must be difficult to detect magic on such vague and over-arching belief like that." Claustrine is curious. Mateo just shurgs.

  "Who knows. Animism is like the oldest religion in this world and the fact that we discovered a semblance of mysticsm in Shirna's balisong. Perhaps the past is completely different from what I know."

  "But why we didn't feel any magic on their prayer?" -Sophia.

  "Maybe because what we just saw is just a tradition now." Mateo's short answer.

  "If magic still exist on Earth, do you think it's weird that magic is such a rarity in this world unlike in Yhigressia?"

  Mateo stays silent after Claustrine's question. He can't give an answer as he also no idea about the Earth now that there's things suddenly blurring his comprehension of what he know from his entire life.

  "That... I can't answer."

  Mateo walks away on the plaza which his friends follow. Mateo guide them to a road with least people as possible.

  "Perhaps we could investigate this a little further, if you guys want of course." Claustrine's suggestion makes her friends perk a bit.

  "You really want to satiate that curiosity of yours aren't you?" Beltrand then sigh.

  "Because this is really intruguing." Claustrine's short answer.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  "Intruguing? How? We are practically outsiders on this world. So we have no reason to dwelve deeper into this." Beltrand's counter.

  "Maybe because everything is too new for her. Not gonna lie, I'm also curious about the gods on this world or... The lack of their pressence." Sophia is infected by Claustrine's curiosity.

  "Good grief..." -Beltrand.

  "You ignore the fact that we treading unknown territories here. If this is Yhigressia, you two probably have doubts a little bit as you all well verse on the dangers on our world."

  Shirna looks at Claustrine and Sophia seriously.

  "But we have zero idea how dangerous this world can be. We recently just discovered magic here that even natives like Mateo have no idea."

  Everyone's eyes widen a bit after hearing Shirna's thought.

  "Thats... A very profound opinion you got there Shirna." Beltrand is suprised to see Shirna's sudden entering of their conversation. Unusual for him who just want to listen to his friend's banter.

  "I'm just criticizing their recklesness."

  "But we're not reckless. We going to tread this with care." Claustrine ensures the doubtful Shirna.

  "What even is the deeper reason why you want to learn the mysteries about my world?" Mateo asked Claustrine.

  Claustrine just smile.

  "No deep reason. Just curious."

  Mateo sighs.

  "You know what. Lets satisfy her thirst for knowledge. We all know thay Claustrine would not stop once she focus on one thing."

  "Mateo are you sure? That's reckless decision as a leader." Beltrand questions Mateo.

  "We're not really spending most of our vacation just seeking monsters or something. Let's just consider this as a sub-quest. Besides, I'm also curious about my world now."

  Mateo looks at the sky.

  "This feeling that there's more to the world you grown up with makes me feel like everything I know is a lie. I can't stand the idea that I missed the magic this world can offer."

  Beltrand and Shirna makes a defeated sigh.

  "I guess me and Shirna is defeated on this one. Well then, let's go!" -Beltrand have no choice but to agree.

  "Just don't have any regret once we encounter something out of our league." -Shirna.

  "So where we should start?" Claustrine asked.

  Mateo looks on the vast forested moutains.

  "I think I have an idea."

  Then look on the crowd of happy people enjoying the remaining of the fiesta.

  "But we should do that tommorow, we still have a festival we need to enjoy."

  Everyone makes a nod of agreement as they almost forgot their main objective, which is to have a memorable vacation.

  .

  .

  .

  After watching a downhill race of wooden scooters, Grand Ecstasy finally returns to Esmeralda house. There, they see Shiva alongside other men and women cooking assortments of food.

  "Hey Insan!" One of the men notice Mateo.

  "Hello insan. Long time no see." Mateo answers but he really don't know who he's talking with. He just give a casual greeting to prevent an awkward situation.

  Mateo's cousin then give a glance to Beltrand which he fell intimidated due to his tall stature. Then glance on Sophia and Claustrine which he instantly feel shy.

  "Good timing Brother. The food is almost done." Shiva joins them and their cousin suddenly walk close to Shiva and whispers.

  "You didn't even say you brought beauties."

  "I didn't?"

  "Yes! You just said you also brought foreigner friend herr."

  Then he glance back to Sophia and Claustrine who just give a confused head tilt.

  "Are they taken?" The cousin asked.

  "I don't know."

  "This is getting embarassing." Sophia whispers to Mateo as they can hear the soft talks between Shiva and the cousin.

  "Sorry but please just ignore with it. Just remember our drill of you guys not understanding them and talking only in Nattunian."

  "O-ok."

  The cousin then calls the others to welcome the visitors. Both men and women are awestruck as they gaze with the beautiful foreigners.

  "I told you! He's so handsome!" Jenny's excited glee to her female cousin. Both of them looking at Beltrand.

  "Yes! He's like a celeb model!" The female cousin replies.

  "We really become the center of attention." Beltrand awkwardly said.

  "Sorry." Mateo only apologize.

  Shiva then guide Grand Ecstasy to a seperate table and wait as Shiva starts to prepare them food.

  "Did you enjoy the fiesta?" Esmeralda ask as she walks towards Grand Ecstasy, holding a large bowl.

  "Yes. I glad decide to make a stop here." Mateo answers with sincerity.

  "Good to hear. I hope your friends also enjoy the food."

  Esmeralda place the bowl and the Foreigners are fascinated on the dish.

  It's a clear meat soup and they can only see chunks of pig meat and bones. Not even vegetable is on sight.

  "It's quiet a simple dish." Claustrine commented. Mateo smiles as he already tasted the soup a long time ago.

  "Have a taste first. Trust me, it's good."

  "If you say so." -Beltrand.

  Grand Ecstasy takes their bowl and place some meat and soup on them. Then they gently slurp the soup.

  After tasting, everyone makes satisfied smile.

  "You're right Mateo... It's quiet good despite how simple is it." Beltrand commented then have a bite of the meat.

  "The soup is so tasty and what fascinates me is it I can only taste the pork with hint of salt. It's simply amazing." Claustrine smiles as she feel satisfied. On their days exploring the Earth, they eat various amazing dishes. But she find the simplicity of the nilagang baboy a calming and endearing one.

  "This must been boiled for so long that the water also take the taste of the pork. And the meat is so soft that it melts on my mouth." Sophia happily commented.

  "I told you."

  They continue to finish their serving of soup, not really filling themselves as from what they see from the people preparing the food. There's more to come.

  And they're right as Shiva and Mateo brings them more food. All main ingredients are from the two native pigs they slaughter as a feast for the festivities.

  Menudo from the meat and fat.

  Dinuguan from the offals and blood.

  Inihaw from the remaining meat.

  Chunks of roasted pig head.

  And...

  "Here's the drink that partner all of these!"

  Shiva slams a box of beer on their side. All of the bottles floating on an ice bath.

  "This is truly a feast." Beltrand makes a wide grin as he look on the beer.

  "I hope you didn't eat during your exploration of the town." Shiva speaks as he open and give bottles of beer to everyone.

  "Worry not. Our appatite is like a bottomless pit." Beltrand proudly says.

  "If you say so." Shiva grins then he sit alongside others.

  They start the feast by having a cheers with their beer bottles. Then drinks.

  "Ahhhh!!! That's the spot!" Beltrand's satisfied expression.

  "Uhmmm... Mateo? What's this black stuff?" Sophia asked as he points on the bowl of dinuguan.

  "Ah that's dinuguan. Try it."

  Shirna mix the bowl and see a what seems like chopped intestine.

  "Uhmmm... What's the ingredients?" Sophia is skeptical as the dish is truly peculiar.

  "Pig's internal organs and blood, thus the color."

  "This is really suspicious." Sophia is still wary.

  Beltrand takes a spoonful of dinuguan and taste it.

  "Hmmmmm! It's great!"

  "Really Beltrand?" Sophia is still scared.

  "Come on. Just take a bite and if you don't like it. You can just eat the other dish instead."

  "Ok."

  Sophia takes a spoonful of dinuguan and then slowly put it on her mouth. Her eyes widen as she chews the unique food before swallowing it.

  "Yes, It taste great." Sophia smiles.

  "I told you." Mateo smiles.

  The gathering is a simple one. The old folks are busy talking about their lives while the younger ones in seperate tables are playing guitar and having a singalong and the happy chatter. The beers slowly having effect on them as the feast continues.

  Grand Ecstasy observes the crowd having a good time, their high alcohol tolerance makes them resistant to the effects longer.

  "This scenery reminds me of the guild tavern." Beltrand then chugs a whole bottle of beer.

  "Nah. The Tavern is a lot noisy compared to this. Also, the occassional drunkards' fight." Mateo disagrees.

  "Uhmmm... H-Hello."

  Grand Ecstasy just notice a teenage girl looking at them shyly.

  It's Jenny.

  "Oh hello Jenny." Mateo is curious. As from the recent days, Jenny is pretty quiet around them and only giving them glances.

  Instead of answering. Jenny gives a bar of chocolate to Beltrand.

  "Ohh... Salamat Jenny." Beltrand's gratitude using the language they learning.

  Jenny makes a shy smile then hurrily goes back to the table with other Mateo's female cousin. They can clearly hear their excitement.

  Grand Ecstasy looks on the gift.

  "Yup. She's have a crush on you." Mateo is amused.

  "Did something happened between you?" Shiva asked. Concerned about the age gap.

  "Huh? No. This is literally the first time she talk to us."

  "More like on you Beltrand. Jenny is always giving you glances." Claustrine corrects Beltrand.

  "Do you think I don't know that?"

  They look at Jenny again who panicly avert her gaze shyly.

  "So what now? Are you gonna answer her feelings?" Sophia asked Beltrand with a smile.

  "Don't even think about that Beltrand. First, she's my cousin and the most important thing is, the age gap." Mateo's warning.

  "Why not?"

  Hearing Beltrand's question. Mateo ponders.

  "You see, unlike Yhigressia. We have laws and social stigma regarding such relationships here. It's better to stay away."

  "How old she is?" Claustrine asked.

  "16 I think?"

  "Yup, too young for this old man here." Claustrine points his thumb to Beltrand while having a sly smile.

  "Who you calling old?! I'm just 27! Applying the same logic to you, you're hag.

  "Oh boy, here we go again." Mateo smiles as he watch the two.

  "Isn't that really a problem? A marriage between old man in their 50s and teenage girls are so common in Yhigressia. Why things different here?" Shirna asked.

  "Good grief. That's disgusting." Shiva's revulsion.

  "That's commonly happen in Nobility Shirna. And yeah I agree to Shiva, that's disgusting." Sophia answers.

  "It's complicated Shirna. Thank Goodness we're talking in Nattunian or these people around us would probably look at us wiedly. Or worse, call the police." Mateo sigh.

  "Looks like all of you are really having a great time. I'm glad."

  Esmeralda visits Grand Ecstasy's table, holding a pot and she places it on the table.

  "Here. New pulutan for my special guests.."

  "What is this?" Sophia looks on the pot and see it's a chicken soup.

  "Pinikpikan."

  "Pinikpikan? Why it sounds familiar?"

  And then Sophia's eyes widen while looking on the chicken as she remembers what is it.

  "Wait... Don't tell me..."

  "Oh boy." Beltrand is amused.

  "If you need more beer. Don't be shy to call me ok?" Esmeralda happily reminds them before leaving. Grand Ecstasy is staring on the chicken soup.

  "Still conflicted?" Shiva asked Sophia while starting to pour some contents of the pinikpikan on his bowl.

  "Of course. It's a chicken beaten to death then butchered. It really makes me conflicted eating such dish!",

  "What's make that different from the monsters we killed then ate?" Mateo's sly response.

  "There's a difference of course! Us not torturing those said monsters is one of them." Sophia cute annoyance.

  "Second, most of the time. We're fighting those monsters. They're called monsters for a reason." Beltrand joins Sophia.

  "Third, isn't this is similar to Balut? I mean, both are cruel.", -Claustrine.

  "Fine fine I get it. How about you guys just take one bite and then move on? It's a ceremonial dish so let's do this out of respect for the culture ok?" Mateo's proposal, Sophia sigh.

  "Fine I guess that would work."

  Sophia slowly pour some chicken and soup on her bowl. At first, Sophia is hesistant as she awkwardly scoop a spoonful of soup and bring it on her lips.

  "I'm sorry." Sophia apologize for the chicken.

  Then she slurps the soup while her otherworlder friends are watching.

  "!!!"

  Sophia instinctly scoops another spoonful and drink it. Then bites on the chicken. The chicken is a tougher than the ones they eaten during the previous days.

  Yet the chicken is a lot savory and downright delicious.

  "Sophia?" Beltrand is confused as he look on Sophia.

  Sophia is slowly chewing, eyes closed and lines of tear flowing down on her cheeks.

  After some time, Sophia swallows it then open her eyes.

  "Why this is so sinfully delicious?" Sophia's saddened words.

  "Wait? Isn't that overly dramatic?" Shirna is also confused.

  "How about just taste it yourselves?" Mateo's proposal to others.

  The hesistantly follows and take their own portions to taste.

  "!!!"

  Grand Ecstasy finished the pinikpikan until to the last piece of chicken and vegetables. But after the satisfaction follows guilt as they just eaten a dish came from unnecessary suffering.

  Guilt they drowned with lots and lots beer and other dishes served to them by Esmeralda.