Nina felt the contractions growing stronger and stronger. The unfamiliar pressure below told her unmistakably—it was time.
"Ah—it hurts! I'm going to give birth!" she cried out.
Sal was frantic at the sound of her scream.
Yanai hurried to her side. "Little female, is it starting? But Mino hasn't come back yet."
He looked flustered. "I've boiled plenty of water. Is there anything else I should do?"
Nina shook her head faintly and swallowed the painless childbirth pill.
Just then, Mino returned and heard her cry from outside. He rushed in. "Nina, is it time?"
"Yes… the baby is coming."
She had been nearly drained by the pain, but after taking the pill, the agony gradually began to ease.
"Don't be afraid. The shaman taught me what to do. I'll help you," Mino said anxiously.
Nina nodded weakly.
Yanai frowned. "Mino, why did you come back alone? Where's the shaman?"
"He can't come. We'll help Nina deliver."
"Can we manage that?" Yanai asked, uncertain.
"We have to."
