>>5518164<span class="mu-i">Each member of my species belonged to a hive. Hives provided required resources for survival to each member. Competition existed, but was focused around acquisition of additional resources, particularly between hives.</span> 「No hive. Mate and offspring only.」 So resource competition is more intense among this species. Given the apparent lack of mental communication, it is sad but understandable.
Takigi spends the day gathering certain varieties of plants. Apparently they can be exchanged for currency. You offer to assist with collection if a database of required plants can be provided, but you are informed that such a collection would come in written form and cannot be acquired. Unfortunate. Instead of assisting, you focus on cataloguing the appearance of collected plants, the difference between varieties, and the terrain of the forest. Perhaps you can assist on the next rest day.
The next 'week' passes quickly. Each unit of seven days, Takigi spends six in a forest owned by his superior. There he harvests combustible plant material for use in energy extraction and construction from trees. This process is managed by other creatures, who mark trees meant for trimming, or 'pollarding', with one character. Trees meant to be completely harvested are marked for another. Takigi differentiates between these two characters and performs the required tasks with his metal tool, referred to as a 'machete'. Takigi has performed this work for 15 orbital periods, or half his life, ever since the end of his growth period.
Each seventh day is a 'rest day'. This day is spent gathering plants to exchange for currency. Apparently this currency is needed to pay a debt incurred. It is important. You assist in acquiring currency by increasing yield of gathering by over one-fold, but Takigi still seems worried that it is lacking.
You observe Takigi return to his nest shortly before sunset. Another creature that you do not recognize stands outside the house, fixing their visual organs on Takigi. You think it is a male. <span class="mu-i">Nature of relationship?</span> 「Enemy.」 The two speak for some time. You can recognize a few words such as "money", "hurt", and several "swear words" that Takigi seemed very enthused to teach you earlier in the week. After some time, you also recognize the word for "ring". You have a bad feeling.
「Request. Less than good funds. Enemy want ring. Temporary. One week. Seek permission.」
All of the swear words that you were taught spring to mind.
>Permission granted. A change of scenery is good for observation.>Permission denied. Change of owner is dangerous. Enemy could go back on deal.>Suggestion. Takigi hands over the ring, and you engage in a mental assault upon the enemy. The enemy will no longer have the presence of mind to pursue the debt. Ever.>Suggestion. Takigi hands over the ring, and then you expel enough spiritual energy to eviscerate the enemy's hand. Takigi can finish eliminating the enemy via his machete.>Write-in 