The Forest Boars Challenge and the Sprouting of New Wisdom
It had been several weeks since livestock were introduced into Akio’s town. The eggs laid by forest chickens and the milk of rock goats enriched the villagers’ meals, and vitality was written across everyone’s faces. Under Ayane’s dedicated leadership, the livestock team’s work was steadily improving the living standards of the entire community.
Yet one major issue remained unsolved—the use of the large, boar-like beasts known as forest boars. Dolgan had noted, “They’re powerful. Might be useful for plowing fields,” but their wild temperament made them difficult to tame.
“Hmmm, how are we supposed to get these guys to listen to us…?”
Kina muttered with arms folded as she helped at the boar pens. Even with her beastkin affinity, the forest boars remained stubborn and closed off.
“Kina, don’t rush it. They’re still unsettled in this new environment. First thing’s building trust.”
Akio encouraged her gently. Drawing on hazy memories of pig farming from Earth, he offered a few ideas.
“For example, giving them small amounts of nuts or yams at the same time every day while speaking to them kindly might help. And making sure they’ve got clean, comfortable bedding so they feel safe—that’s just as important.”
Sylvia added her own insight:
“Forest boars may also be sensitive to certain sounds or scents. Perhaps placing herbs with calming aromas in the pens, or finding a sound they respond to well, could be effective.”
Taking these suggestions to heart, Kina began working with Ayane and the children, patiently trying to communicate with the boars. Miko and Yume spoke to them every day in gentle tones, sometimes offering special nuts they’d gathered in the forest. Kenta built a small play area out of logs and stones so the animals wouldn’t get bored. Meanwhile, Alto teamed up with Akio to build a simple prototype plow for the boars to pull.
Thanks to these efforts, weeks later the forest boars began to lower their guard. When Kina approached, they would grunt softly and show signs of affection. One of the males—whom Kina dubbed “Boss”—even started obeying her cues, no longer resisting when led by rope.
“I did it, Hubby! Boss actually listens to me now!”
Kina beamed through the mud smeared across her face as she ran to tell Akio.
“That’s fantastic, Kina! You really won through perseverance.”
Akio praised her wholeheartedly.
Finally, the day came to test the forest boars in the fields. The wooden plow Alto had made was hitched to Boss, while Kina carefully guided him. At first, the animal hesitated, but with Kina’s steady commands and the promise of yam rewards, he began to dig up the earth—slowly, yet powerfully. The villagers erupted in cheers and applause at the sight.
“This is incredible! It’s much faster and deeper than hand-plowing! Our food production will reach a whole new level!”
Akio felt a strong sense of reassurance as he watched the soil being turned over.
But as livestock numbers grew and farmland expanded, new challenges arose. Chief among them were securing a steady feed supply for the animals, and protecting the crops from wild beasts like deer and boars that prowled the fields at night. After discussions with the villagers, Akio decided they would cultivate fodder crops in a planned way, build sturdy fences around the farmland, and organize nighttime patrols led by Leonora and Kina.
Meanwhile, construction of the Forest’s Blessing Purification System was progressing smoothly under Sylvia, Akio, Dolgan, and Alto. The first purification tank had already been dug, and the foundation of stone and clay was being laid. The work was tough, but the villagers took turns joining in. A shared awareness was budding—the resolve to safeguard their environment with their own hands.
The introduction of livestock had done more than improve diets; it sparked new technologies, created fresh sources of labor, and nurtured a spirit of wisdom and cooperation among the people. Step by step, through daily challenges and small victories, Akio’s town was steadily carving out its future.
What do you think about this chapter?
