In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 190 Weakness Of The Empires

Alex and Antony had yet to awaken their aura. Perhaps due to this, they appeared overly anxious, eager to prove their worth in any way possible. Michael shook his head and gestured for them to come closer.

"No, it’s fine. Come here," he said. Hesitant, Alex and Antony exchanged glances before shuffling forward. Having grown up in a humble environment, Michael tended to do things on his own.

"Master, did we do something wrong?" Antony asked cautiously.

Michael smiled and shook his head. "Not at all, Alex. You no longer need to handle menial tasks. Your job now is to train. Starting tomorrow, join me for an hour of training every morning and evening. I apologize that I can’t spare more time, but I need you to awaken your aura as soon as possible and stand by my side."

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The sincerity in Michael’s voice moved the attendants, who bowed their heads. Having spent time with him, they understood his character well and harbored no unnecessary doubts. Accepting Michael’s words at face value, they expressed their gratitude.

"Thank you, Master. It’s an honor that you would dedicate your precious time to us. Shall we prepare your sleeping quarters?" they offered.

Michael laughed. "Didn’t I just say no more menial tasks? Don’t worry and leave. I’ve already instructed the guard knights to arrange your tent."

Exchanging glances, Alex and Antony left the tent with joyous expressions. Once alone, Michael fell into deep thought. Preparing to rally the weaker tribes of the Pamir Empire required thorough planning.

He called for Iskar, who had been hiding in the shadows. Since the intrusion of Babaru, the shamaness of the Rock Bear Tribe, Iskar hadn’t left his side for a moment.

"Iskar, you mentioned being from one of the Pamir Plateau tribes. Do you remember which one?" Michael asked.

Under the flickering light of a magical candle, Iskar’s composed face wavered slightly. After a moment of wistfulness, he shook his head.

"I don’t remember. I was kidnapped as a child, and my memories are fragmented. I don’t even recall my name or family," Iskar admitted.

Michael clicked his tongue. How should I open the way forward then? he pondered, tapping the table lightly with his fingers.

Watching Michael, Iskar finally spoke. "If you wish to understand the state of the tribes, I can provide some insight. When I wandered to search for my roots, I gathered a significant amount of information. However, my tribe wasn’t one of the five great tribes or any powerful group, so I didn’t think it would be useful and kept silent."

Michael’s eyes lit up. Information on the weaker tribes was precisely what he needed most now.

"What I need is knowledge about the weaker tribes. Are you familiar with their traits? Which tribes exist?" Michael inquired.

Iskar nodded confidently. "Yes, I am well-acquainted with them."

He continued in a calm voice. "The weaker tribes are generally categorized by their innate abilities, often referred to as the power of spirits. These tribes usually name themselves after animals, which makes them easy to identify."

Michael listened attentively, nodding along. Most tribes of the Pamir Empire bore animal names, though there were rare exceptions, like the descendants of Botan who had joined him.

"The five great tribes also bear animal names. The Rock Bear Tribe you encountered earlier is an example. Tribes with animal names tend to wield the power of the corresponding animal spirit," Iskar explained, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

"However, the weaker tribes harness the powers of gentler animals, such as sheep, goats, rabbits, or mice. For some reason, they instinctively submit to tribes with stronger powers, much like how prey freezes before predators. It’s unfortunate that their limits seem predetermined from birth," he remarked, his gaze distant as if recalling the past.

"I once met the heir of the Mountain Hare Tribe. Even without invoking his spirit’s power, his hands were covered in soft fur," Iskar said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Michael leaned in, intrigued by Iskar’s connection to a high-ranking member of a weaker tribe.

"That heir told me their abilities were rooted in ancestral power rather than spirits, meaning it depended on bloodline. Other than running away swiftly in emergencies, they had little else to boast of," Iskar recounted, pausing before meeting Michael’s eyes with a cautious expression.

"This is merely my own theory, so take it with a grain of salt. I believe these tribes are the descendants of beastfolk who once roamed the plateau, using the diluted powers in their bloodlines as so-called spirit powers," he speculated.

Michael nodded thoughtfully. He, too, had suspected something similar after witnessing the Rock Bear Tribe wield their abilities. Unlike magic, their powers emitted no mana waves or external energy.

Iskar continued. "The five great tribes have maintained their dominant positions due to their pure bloodlines. In contrast, the weaker tribes have mixed bloodlines or descend from less powerful ancestors, which is why they remain subjugated. Of course, this is just my hypothesis."

Iskar finished speaking, and Michael rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought. After a while, he turned his gaze toward Iskar.

"You’ve given me excellent information, Iskar. Thank you. Are you still on good terms with that Mountain Hare Tribe successor you mentioned?" he asked.

Iskar nodded. During his travels across the Pamir Plateau, he had accompanied Yuran, sharing trials and tribulations together. They had continued to exchange letters afterward, and Iskar had even spent his own money to help Yuran’s tribe during a drought and periods of exploitation. Their relationship could be considered quite close.

"Yes, I wouldn’t claim we trust each other with our lives, but he’s one of the few friends I have," Iskar admitted.

This was fortunate. Michael observed Iskar carefully. With his shadow-stealth abilities now honed to perfection after his transformation into a yokai, Iskar could infiltrate the tribes and complete the mission safely.

"I see a deep divide among the tribes of the Pamir Plateau," Michael said, his tone deliberate. "I intend to exploit those feelings. To do so, we’ll need…"