"I can’t believe the Bloodtusk Tribe lost."

Hagen paced back and forth after listening to Marcus’ report about everything that happened at Grimjaw Mountain.

He had already expected that Gundar would interfere to save Leone, Ulric, and his daughter, Yuni, after the Aslan Tribe was defeated. However, reality couldn’t be any more different. Not only did they survive this calamity, they also didn’t suffer a single casualty.

In fact, the ones who suffered the most was the Bloodtusk Tribe, for they would never have the chance to recover from this setback.

Though Hagen did feel a little annoyed. From the report he had received, Gundar had extended an alliance to the Aslan Tribe without his permission.

He knew that the old man only had praises for Leone. But to think that he liked the young man this much was still news to him.

"You said that the Aslan Tribe lived in a fortress in the mountains?" Hagen asked.

"Yes, Father," Marcus replied. "A fortress made out of stone. It’s not something that can be destroyed using ordinary means. We will have to use considerable manpower to break past its defenses."

"How long does it take for a fortress to be built?" Hagen asked his youngest son, Elias, the smartest in their family.

"It depends on how big the fortress is, father," Elias replied before turning to his older brother. "How big is that fortress when compared to the one we have in Eden?"

Marcus pondered a bit before giving his answer. "A quarter of the size of Eden."

Eden was the sacred land of the barbarians in the Borderlands.

It was their dungeon city, boasting the highest level of security and defense that could withstand an all-out war from their neighboring kingdoms.

The fortress of Eden could fit all the tribes during an emergency, serving as their last stronghold.

The high-ranking tribes and the middle-ranked tribes had sent thousands of their men to help build the fortress city, and it was only completed after three years.

"If it’s a quarter of what’s in Eden, given the number of people that the Aslan Tribe, the Riverfang Tribe, and the Black Wolf Tribe have... building a fortress like that should take anywhere between three to five years."

Marcus blinked because he had completely forgotten that simple fact!

"Y-You’re right..." Marcus frowned. "Just how did they manage to build that fortress? Do they have Earth Shamans with them?"

"Why are you asking us?" Hagen glared at his son. "You were the one who was there!"

"Even with Earth Shamans, it’s still impossible to build a fortress of stone in less than half a year," Elias commented.

Marcus pondered a bit before an idea came to his mind. "Wait... I think I got it! It’s Leone! The Chieftain of the Aslan Tribe might have made that stone fortress!"

Hagen and Elias exchanged a glance with each other at those words before realization dawned on them.

"So... the reason why Gundar only has high praises for Leone is because of this ability?" Hagen rubbed his chin. "If it is, it makes sense why he decided to safeguard Leone from harm. You already confirmed that he isn’t a barbarian, right?"

"No." Marcus shook his head. "He looks like those exiled nobles from the Kingdom of Britannia."

Hagen quieted down a bit. He had suspicions about Leone. Originally, he thought the young man might be a spy sent by the Kingdom of Britannia to infiltrate the barbarian tribes.

Then again, if he were in Leone’s shoes, he would be more low-key, not stirring up trouble left and right!

"Anyway, it’s safe to assume that Leone Frontera might possess a special power that Great Uncle appreciates," Elias said calmly. "As such, he wishes to form an alliance with him to maybe bring Leone under our protection."

"If he is someone who can really build a fortress in the span of a few months, then he is indeed a talent worth nurturing." Marcus nodded in agreement. "Abilities aside, he is a very charismatic leader. While I was there, I even began to envy the Aslan Tribe for having such a good chieftain."

"...Oi. Did you just subtly tell me that I’m not a good chieftain?" Hagen glared at his eldest son, who could only avert his gaze in response.

The Elders inside the room smiled faintly. Hagen was a good leader, but sometimes, he would get a bit too heated up during certain situations and discussions.

"Brother, you’re the smartest one here." Marcus decided to change the subject, so he shifted his attention towards Elias. "What do you think will happen next? Will the Darkmane Tribe pay the ransom or not?"

"They will pay it reluctantly," Elias answered in a heartbeat. "Or they will pay it partially. For example, instead of four wagons filled with iron ore, they will only send two. Of course, to make it work, they will send a good negotiator. It’s very likely they will threaten to declare war if they refuse to accept their compensation."

"So... they’re going to use intimidation." Marcus scoffed.

"Well, it will be in their best interest to accept this compromise." Elias shrugged. "If the Chieftain of the Aslan Tribe has a good head on his shoulders, he will choose to de-escalate the conflict between their tribes."

Hagen agreed with his son’s statement. The Aslan Tribe might have won against the Bloodtusk Tribe, but the Darkmane Tribe was a high-ranking tribe.

They were capable of sending over twenty thousand warriors. Their shamans had high offensive powers as well.

And now they knew what awaited them, they would be prepared for a siege.

"Great Chieftain, should we formally accept the alliance of the Aslan Tribe?" one of the Elders asked.

Hagen didn’t answer right away. He closed his eyes for a bit to weigh the pros and cons of allying themselves with the Aslan Tribe, who were now making their rise in the east. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

The Ashclaw Tribe was as good as gone. And among the low-ranking tribes, only the Stormhorn Tribe remained.

Since the Aslan Tribe was composed of three tribes, they would undoubtedly be the strongest faction in the east.

Unless more tribes came looking for trouble, they should be able to slowly grow their forces over the years.

It was not only fortune who favored the bold. The barbarians also favored brave and courageous warriors.

And if Leone were to become an asset to them, then becoming his ally was an investment that Hagen couldn’t afford to miss.