Reincarnated with the Country System-Chapter 166: The First Meeting with the Taku (1)
Alberto sat in the passenger cabin, his eyes fixed on the landscape below.
A vast expanse of dense greenery, dotted with towering trees, winding rivers, and jagged mountain peaks. From this height, he could see the vague outlines of Taku settlements—clusters of stone structures, set in clearings and connected by a network of well-maintained paths. The Taku civilization, though isolated, was far from primitive.
The helicopter flew over the Taku city.
The stone buildings, with sloping, thatched roofs, rose in steps, following the contours of the land. The structures were decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Taku mythology—gods, spirits, and legendary heroes. Huge stone statues of the Taku ancestors stood at the entrance to the city, their impressive images carved in such detail that they seemed almost alive.
The city was surrounded by high stone walls, not for defence but to mark the boundary between the sacred and the common. Beyond the walls, Alberto could see vast agricultural fields where Taku farmers grew abundant crops thanks to the island's fertile soil. The fields were irrigated by an intricate system of aqueducts, a testament to the Taku's mastery of hydrology.
The Magic Storm descended into a field near the city, its rotors slicing through the humid air. The two escort helicopters accompanying it landed nearby. As the rotors slowed, Alberto emerged, followed by Elizabeth, Carl, and a small group of ISSD agents.
The contrast between the visitors and their hosts was immediately apparent. The Taku people gathered to welcome their guests and stood in orderly rows, their massive figures towering over the newcomers. Alberto and his team seemed almost childlike in comparison. Even Carl, who was tall by human standards, looked diminutive next to the Taku.
The average Taku stood between eight and ten feet tall, their muscular frames a testament to their physical strength. Despite their imposing size, their expressions were warm and welcoming, their eyes filled with curiosity and respect.
At the front of the welcoming party stood Rachel, the Empire's chief envoy to the Taku. She had been living among them for months and had adopted a blend of Imperial and Taku attire. Her elaborate jacket was adorned with Taku embroidery, and she wore a feather headdress gifted to her by the Taku elders.
"Your Majesty," Rachel said, bowing slightly. "Welcome to Taku. We are honoured to have you here. The Taku have prepared a grand welcome to celebrate this historic moment."
Alberto smiled, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Rachel, it's good to see you. You've done a wonderful job here."
Rachel nodded, a look of pride on her face. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Beside her stood Elder Naia, the silver-haired leader of the Taku council. Despite her title, she appeared to be in her early thirties.
She stepped forward, her voice carrying a melodious quality as she addressed Alberto in the Taku language. A translator quickly translated his words. Although Alberto did not need it. He was able to speak and understand all kinds of languages thanks to the skills granted by the system. Which he had first acquired since coming to this world.
"Emperor Alberto of the Bernard Empire, we welcome you to our sacred land, I, Naia, an elder. Your arrival marks a historic moment, as you are the first foreign king to receive this honour. We hope that this visit will strengthen the bonds between our people."
Alberto bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. "Thank you, Elder Naia. It is an honour to stand among the Taku people. Your civilization is a marvel, and I am eager to learn more about your culture and traditions."
Naia's lips curved into a faint smile. "Your presence here is a sign of the trust we have begun to build. The Taku has lived in isolation for a long time, but we recognize the value of friendship and cooperation. Come, let us take you to our city."
A chariot drawn by a massive buffalo awaited them—it was huge, and the chariot was made entirely of pure gold. The buffalo was about eight feet tall, its eyes were red, and its horns were two feet long.
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"Wow! That is huge"
Alberto said he wasn't surprised to see the buffalo because he had seen many such creatures before at the JORF (Joint Organic Research Facility). What amazed him was the chariot—its beauty and craftsmanship were unparalleled.
"This is our finest vehicle. We have prepared for you. Please all get in."
The soldiers of the Bernard Empire struggled to climb into the chariot, its size designed for the Taku's towering stature. The Taku stepped in to assist, their massive hands lifting the humans with ease. Naia took the reins herself, guiding the buffalo toward the city.
They arrived at the entrance to the city where they were greeted.
As they approached the city gate, the drums began to beat—a deep, ancient melody that seemed like the heartbeat of the land. The giant Taku warriors lined up on either side of the gate.
Then they performed a traditional war dance, a symbol of their victory, strength, and unity.
Their huge size enhanced the terrifying power of the dance—each step echoed off the ground.
Many people from the city had gathered along the street. Seeing them,
Alberto was fascinated by it, waving his arms like a leader. He felt like a child advancing among the adults {Damm! They are so big, it would be very scary to fight them, Hmm... But we have guns and their huge bodies won't protect them from it, and I should put these thoughts out of my head. They are our allies now. }
The streets were paved with smooth stones, and the buildings were built of locally quarried stone.
The people of the city wore colourful woven clothes, and many also wore jewellery made of bones or roots.
Trees and flowering plants grew next to the buildings, their roots entwined with the stone foundations. Water channels ran through the streets, their clear water supplied by mountain springs. The Takura revered water as a sacred element, and its presence was woven into their daily lives.
Their chariots then stopped. They arrived in the centre of the city. Alberto and the others jumped down since the chariot was a little high, though Elizabeth needed assistance due to her tight skirt. Naia gently lifted her down, causing Elizabeth to blush slightly in embarrassment.
Naia began to tell them. "Our city is designed to reflect the balance between the earth, the sky, and the spirit world. This is the central plaza, the heart of our civilization. This is where we gather for festivals, celebrations, and important decisions."
The central plaza was a large open space, surrounded by tall stone pillars, each carved with symbols of the Taku ancestors and gods. In the centre of the plaza stood a huge stone altar, it's surface carved with intricate designs.
Around the altar, Takud priests were performing a ceremonial dance, their movements synchronized to the beat of drums and flutes. The air was filled with the smell of incense and the sound of singing.
Naia pointed to the altar. "Here we honor our ancestors and seek guidance from the spirits. The Takura believe that the past, present, and future are connected, and it is through this connection that we find wisdom and strength."
Alberto listened intently.
Alberto turned to Naia and said, "Your civilization is truly extraordinary. This is the first time I have experienced anything like this. I have heard much about your culture, but seeing it firsthand is beyond words"
Naia nodded, a glint of pride in her eyes. "And I have heard much about your empire as well. I am eager to see it for myself. We hope that this bond between our civilizations will last for generations."
They walked toward the altar, where many Taku were standing. Among them was the Taku king.
