"I know the idea carries a lot of risk," Kael said calmly. "But if it’s Malcolm and those who had stayed behind to listen to the favor you asked of them, I think we can accept them.

"The Bloodtusk Tribe will soon cease to exist. The Darkmane Tribe is very opportunistic, and they will definitely absorb everyone left under the premise that they also hate your guts, Great Chieftain.

"I believe that is enough persuasion to have the grieving tribe members accept their offer."

"If that really ends up being the case, then why should we accept the members of the Bloodtusk Tribe?" Jason asked. "Wouldn’t that be similar to inviting a fox inside a hen house?"

"No, it’s not." Kael shook his head. "Not everyone likes the Darkmane Tribe. Also, I believe that after seeing our Great Chieftain’s kindness, some of the survivors will prefer to serve him as well.

"However, we will only accept the Bloodtusk Tribe members who will come seek us first. If any more of them come to us in the future, we will politely turn them away. After all, time will have passed, and they will more likely be spies sent by the Darkmane Tribe to monitor us."

Ulric and Otto frowned in response, while Jason lowered his head to think about Kael’s statement.

They had mixed opinions on whether the Bloodtusk Tribe could be trusted or not. But in Leone’s opinion, there were indeed people like Malcolm who could see the bigger picture.

"Very well." Leone nodded. "I will also accept anyone from the Bloodtusk Tribe who will seek asylum. However, I will only accept the first batch."

"It’s a very risky move," Ulric stated.

"I know." Leone smiled. "That’s why I will show them that being with me is far better than siding with the Darkmane Tribe. If I can’t move their hearts, then that means I still have a lot more to learn.

"Also, Kael is right. What we need now is numbers. According to Great Uncle, the Darkmane Tribe has over 30,000 people. Meanwhile, we number less than five hundred. The disparity is that big."

After being reminded of their population deficit, a sigh escaped Ulric’s lips.

Seeing his reaction, Kael chuckled. "One step at a time, Ulric. I’m sure that one day, we will surpass the Darkmane Tribe. As long as Sir Leone leads us, we will be unstoppable." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Jason and Otto nodded in agreement. They were now in a far better place than they were a few months ago.

Even if the high-ranking tribes were to give them offers in order to make them jump ship to their side, Leone’s vassals would firmly reject them.

After all, Leone was the light who showed them that...

Even they could take that step to greatness.

Even they could become strong.

Even they could fight for their future, even when up against the middle-ranked tribes of the Borderlands!

"For now, I will build some shelters near the second river to accommodate the Stormhorn Tribe," Leone declared. "They will be staying there for a while until we have time to rebuild the barracks.

This statement was well-received by everyone since rebuilding the barracks now was not an option.

If the other tribes were to discover that the Aslan Tribe could instantly build something out of thin air, Leone’s life would definitely be in danger.

This was their closely guarded secret. Even Gundar, whom Leone trusted to a certain extent, was still ignorant of Daedalus’ existence.

Daedalus itself told Leone that he should keep it a secret from the Great Shaman, at least for a little while longer.

After all, this kind of miraculous power defied all logic. The moment its existence was made known to others... it could lead to an all-out war.

"Daedalus, how are our Raptor Spies doing?" Leone asked. "Do you have some important information to share?"

"Oh, I have plenty," Daedalus replied. "First, Vlad talks to Rappy a lot. He tells him how much he respects you and how he wants to grow up like you. Zed is always around him, and he only sighs helplessly at his Young Lord’s demeanor."

The grimoire chuckled, which made the tense atmosphere liven up a bit.

"I think it’s a brilliant move to give Malcolm a Raptor as well," Daedalus added. "His tribe members have been feeling helpless about what to do after they arrive at their camp.

"I think they also understand that the Bloodtusk Tribe is in danger of being absorbed by the Darkmane Tribe. Of course, they’re not happy about it. Some of them are even saying that they would rather stay with the Aslan Tribe than become members of the Darkmane Tribe."

"See?" Kael smirked. "Not everyone likes the Darkmane Tribe. Daedalus, please keep an eye out on the warriors who badmouth Leone. We will kick them out if they dare come here."

"Understood!" Daedalus nodded in agreement. "We will not allow these ungrateful bastards to enjoy the benefits of becoming part of our tribe."

The grimoire then began to share the news of his spying network, making it look like an aunt gathering its friends to listen in on the latest gossip.

—————

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Borderlands...

After traveling as fast as they could, Brann, Gromm, and their retinue finally arrived at the Stormhorn Tribe.

As soon as they entered the camp, the Elders immediately came to meet them, asking about the details of everything that happened during their trip to Grimjaw Mountain.

However, Brann only raised his hand and gave an order.

"Gather everyone at the tribal square," Brann stated. "I have an announcement to make."

The Chieftain of the Stormhorn Tribe knew that they were currently in a race against time.

He wished to tell his people about his decision as soon as possible so they could start to migrate to Grimjaw Mountain before the middle-ranked tribes made their move.

Now that the Ashclaw Tribe was as good as gone after their warriors and chieftain had been slain, only the Stormhorn Tribe remained as a representative of the low-ranking tribes.

With that said, since the balance of power had already shifted, it would only be a matter of time before they were devoured by their neighbors.

As such, Brann made the choice that he believed would allow his tribe to prosper.

Several minutes later, the Chieftain of the Stormhorn Tribe stood in front of his people

"Prepare yourselves," Brann said firmly, his voice steady with conviction. "Because we march toward a future that will either save us... or break us."

Brann knew that he was taking a gamble.

But after seeing Leone and the place he was building in the Borderlands, the chieftain believed that if it was him and Leone working together, they could build a future that would be far stronger than their past.