Chapter 17: Right At The Doorstep!
The tribe had recently reclaimed a sprawling expanse of a thousand acres, a monumental feat that breathed new life into their lands. Not just the usual hands but also over 600 individuals, previously lent by the military, were now returning to the barracks, with their duty fulfilled.
In a gesture of gratitude, Logan took time to go on a special journey to the army's encampment, bearing gifts and words of thanks. His offerings were humble - just black bread and some dried meats - but it was the weight of his words that truly mattered. With his characteristic wit and vision, Logan painted a vivid picture of the future reforms and the enhanced welfare for the army.
His eloquence spun a captivating web of fantasies, leaving every listener ensnared, from the rank and file to commanders Crowe and Lotts.
It wasn't mere ramblings, though. Logan's dreams had a foundation. As a fervent admirer of military strategies in his last life and the knowledge of tge benefits a modernized army could bring, he was committed to actualizing these aspirations when resources allowed it. This commitment struck a chord with the warriors.
Previously, they had seen Logan merely as the youthful successor to the chieftaincy, a position handed down to him after his father's heroic demise in battle. To them, he was but a boy who had suddenly found himself wearing the mantle of leadership.
However, Logan's visit and his impassioned discourse unveiled a different facet of his persona. The warriors perceived a chief brimming with confidence and a clear vision for their tribe's prosperity. Through Logan's ambitious plans and insightful comments, they recognized him as a leader of immense potential and drive.
This revelation reshaped their view of Logan and, by extension, the tribe's trajectory. They were now convinced more than ever that under the stewardship of their young chief, the Silver Mane Tribe was on the cusp of a glorious ascent, heralding a new era of strength and unity.
The grand vision of transforming a thousand acres had come to fruition. In the days that followed, Logan, deeply immersed in the labor and love for his land, led Cobos and the crew in the painstaking task of sowing seeds across this vast expanse.
"Forward, always!" he championed, undeterred by the modest size of his workforce - a spirited assembly of aged beastmen, women, and children. Yet, their determination was boundless, carving out several acres of new land daily. As the adage goes, bit by bit fills the measure; their collective efforts promised an additional hundred acres of reclaimed land each month.
Logan, embodying the spirit of perseverance, rallied his team with words of encouragement, instilling in them a relentless drive to continue their noble endeavor.
After the strenuous period of planting, Logan found himself nursing a sore back. Yet, a day of respite under the soothing sun offered him a chance to impart wisdom on combat techniques to his three younger brothers - Kevin, Ken, and Relek. Kevin, the eldest among them, had already ascended to the second level, with Ken and Relek trailing close behind.
This observation made Logan muse on the raw talent within his brothers, despite the tribe's lack of formal education or means to systematically uncover such potential.
Watching the trio spar, Logan contemplated the sophisticated system of professional and sub-professional inheritances, acknowledging the need for a temple as a foundational step for these advancements. However, the tribe faced a critical shortage of labor, rendering the initiation of such monumental projects a distant dream.
During the skirmish, as expected, Kevin emerged victorious, his superiority highlighted by his second-level prowess.
This victory illuminated the stark disparities in strength and explosive power characteristic of each level - a testament to the profound leap in capabilities from one level to the next, where a first-level warrior's might could easy take out a cow with a single punch, and a second-level, could an elephant.
In this moment of leisure and reflection, Logan saw bey9und the present challenges towards the future possibilities that lay in nurturing the latent talents within his tribe, a future where strength and strategy would pave the way for the Silvermane's ascendancy.
"Dick something to hydrate yourselves!" Logan exclaimed as he noticed Ken and Relek ambling towards him, hands cupping their bruised faces. Turning his attention to Kevin, he couldn't help but reprimand, "You rascal, aiming for their faces? What if you mar their looks for good? Who would marry them then?"
Kevin, with a scoff, retorted, "Looks? Who cares about looks? Strength is what matters. The stronger you are, the less you need to worry about finding wives you can even find many if you're strong enough."
Logan paused, a moment of realization washing over him. "You have a point," he admitted, acknowledging the harsh truth of their world where might trumped beauty.
Out of the blue, Kevin challenged, "So, big brother, how about you spar with me?"
Logan shot him an annoyed glance. "As if I have time for that. Besides, I'd easily flatten you," he responded, his words laced with irritation.
Just then, Ken chimed in with a grin, "Brother, go on, take him on!"
Logan, puzzled, asked, "And why's that?"
Seeing an opportunity, Relek joined Ken in egging Logan on, pointing at Ke Wen, "If he thinks he can best us easily, he'll be unbearable. You see how cocky he's getting."
Kevin, unfazed by the jab, simply sneered, "As if I'd boast over beating you two."
Logan, caught in the moment, declared with a hint of jest, "So you want me to knock some sense into him?"
Relek was about to agree enthusiastically when he suddenly paused, realizing the trap they were setting for themselves.
Laughing, Logan saw through the ploy, "Ah, trying to use me to do your dirty work, huh?"
Ken shot Relek a look of mock annoyance for their foiled plan.
Seizing the moment, Kevin locked eyes with his brothers, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips, "Seems like our little chat wasn't convincing enough. Shall we go another round?"
"I won't fight!" protested Ken and Relek in unison.
"No, please!"
"Ouch, that hurts!"
"Brother, save us!" they cried out, their pleas mingling with laughter and mock outrage, a chaotic yet endearing symphony of brotherhood.
Logan, lounging on his chair amidst the playful chaos of his siblings, couldn't help but smile at the lively scene. Once an only child, he now found himself in the midst of a boisterous family, a stark contrast to his previous life.
His musings were abruptly interrupted when a werewolf soldier, a dedicated member of his personal guard, burst into the courtyard with urgent news. "Chief, Commanders Crowe and Lotts await you in the council hall with urgent matters to discuss," the soldier announced, kneeling before Logan in respect.
Sitting up straight, Logan's curiosity was piqued. "Do you have any idea what it's about?" he inquired, knowing the soldier's close proximity might have offered him some insight.
The soldier shook his head, "I'm not privy to the details, sir."
Without hesitation, Logan stood, sensing the gravity of the situation. He and his guard made haste to the council hall, where he was surprised to find not only the two commanders but also his uncle Begon, awaiting his arrival.
After formalities and settling into his chief's seat, Logan wasted no time, "What brings such urgency that you've gathered here?"
Commander Crowe stepped forward with a grave tone, "Chief, our scouts report that the Youwa tribe is conspiring with others to launch an assault on Silvermane."
Logan's brow furrowed in confusion, "The Youwa tribe? Aren't they a small faction of just a few hundred?"
"Do they truly believe they stand a chance against us?" His disbelief was evident.
Commander Crowe attempted to elaborate, "Chief, it's possible that they're aligning with a more formidable tribes..."
Logan cut in, "Joining forces with stronger tribes, you mean? Do they think such alliances will tip the scales in their favor?" His interruption was sharp, laced with both skepticism and a hint of strategic foresight.
He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with a mix of cold resolve and a smirk, "I had plans to approach them eventually, but it seems they've decided to bring the fight to our doorstep instead." His tone, a blend of readiness and anticipation, underscored the unexpected turn of events as an opportunity rather than a mere threat.
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