Tribesman's New Life

Chapter 13: Progress

Their recent weeks had proven to be fruitful and exhilarating. Aries and his group had amassed an abundance of resources, reaching a point where further collection seemed wasteful. The risk of items like food spoiling due to overstocking was a real concern, even with their improved storage capacity. Recognizing this, Aries made the decision to halt their daily routine of hunting and exploring, instead focusing on refining their preparations and inventing new tools.

During these weeks of relative stability, Aries threw himself into the process of innovation. His sharp mind and keen observation led him to a unique discovery: a plant with rubber-like vines. These vines possessed an extraordinary durability, requiring a sharp blade to sever them. A resilient material, they could be stretched without snapping, surpassing the capabilities of regular rubber. Though the vines were scarce and hidden deeper within the forest, Aries saw their potential.

Harnessing this discovery, Aries set to work on a bold creation: a crossbow. Despite the prototype's limitations, such as a relatively short firing range and bolt deviation, the crossbow displayed exceptional force. When coupled with a meticulously crafted stone bolt tip, the fired projectile pierced even the hardest of trees, underscoring its potency.

In addition to this invention, Aries turned his attention to crafting specialized projectiles using the potent magical stones they had acquired. Thunder and fire stone bullets were meticulously attached to sturdy stones, forming a powerful ammunition. When propelled by Second's sling, the thunder stone bullet caused explosive devastation upon impact, tearing through anything in its path. The fire stone bullet, upon hitting its target, triggered a fiery conflagration, engulfing both its victim and the surrounding area.

First also dedicated his efforts to fortifying their defenses. Deep and wide trenches encircled their base, strategically positioned to fend off potential beast waves. Within these trenches, wooden spikes formed crude but effective traps, capable of incapacitating any beasts that ventured too close. The combined efforts of all three - Aries' innovations, Second's formidable weaponry, and First's strategic defenses - provided them with a renewed sense of confidence. Their arsenal of tools and tactical preparations made them feel better equipped to confront and potentially quell any future beast wave.

Amidst the flurry of innovation, fortification, and exploration, Third assumed a unique role within the group. While her companions focused their efforts on refining tools, strengthening defenses, and surveying the landscape, Third channeled her energy into providing nourishment and sustenance through her own dedicated training and discoveries. Unlike her comrades who excelled in combat, Third's talents lay in a different realm - her remarkable memory and innate ability to gauge precise measurements when combining various food supplements and healing remedies.

Her contributions took on a nurturing aspect, ensuring that the group remained well-nourished and energized. Through her efforts, she crafted nutritious delicacies and invigorating drinks that bolstered their stamina and resilience. These offerings were the culmination of her training and insight, representing her distinctive expertise within the group. Her presence served as a reminder that each member of their team contributed in their own unique way, creating a harmonious synergy that ensured their progress and success.

As they surveyed their base, now fortified and brimming with a sense of readiness, the group shared a mutual understanding. These past weeks had been an exercise in resourcefulness, unity, and the unyielding determination to adapt and thrive in a challenging environment. The fruits of their labor stood before them, tangible evidence of their progress, serving as a testament to the strength that came from collaboration and the indomitable human spirit.

During their third week, Aries and his group delved into the intricate process of crafting a wheel, an innovation crucial for their progress. Aries had a specific goal in mind: to create a wheel that boasted exceptional durability and longevity. Initially, he crafted a rudimentary wooden wheelbarrow, which served as an initial prototype. The sturdy wooden wheels exhibited commendable functionality, sparking excitement among the youngsters who took turns playfully maneuvering the contraption. However, Aries remained unsatisfied. The wheels, although robust, grappled with the challenge of friction due to their spinning motion. This issue threatened their viability for sustained and rapid travel.

Despite the week's conclusion yielding two wheelbarrows and two wooden carts with large wheels - designed for single-person hauling - Aries was resolute in his pursuit of a superior wheel design. With a determined spirit, he embarked on his final week, dedicated to achieving an innovation that would surpass their current capabilities.

In the final stretch of their preparations, Aries dedicated his last week to perfecting a paramount creation: an advanced wheel that blended the strengths of wood and hard stones. Meticulously carving the stones to reduce friction, he elevated their performance further by applying animal fat-derived oil, resulting in an astonishing level of smoothness. This refinement allowed the wheels to rotate with unparalleled speed and steadiness, surpassing their prior endeavors.
Replicating this design threefold, Aries produced three identical wheels of enhanced quality. Guided by the enthusiasm of the youngsters, their combined efforts culminated in a wheel that met their exacting standards. This exceptional wheel, larger than the norm, stood as a testament to their relentless pursuit of innovation and improvement.

Acknowledging the unforgiving nature of their arid surroundings, marked by relentless heat, Aries made a pragmatic decision. Strengthening the wheel's utility, he fortified it with a sheltering covering. This inspired adaptation transformed the advanced wheel into a practical carriage, offering respite from the unrelenting sun.

However, a vital piece of the puzzle remained absent - a robust creature capable of propelling the carriage forward across the challenging terrain. This realization emphasized that their journey's next chapter necessitated a partnership with an animal capable of bearing the load and accelerating their progress.

As the deadline for Aries' task approached, Third's keen observation signaled the impending arrival of fellow tribespeople on the horizon. Their approach marked the culmination of weeks of innovation and hard work, heralding a new era of possibilities for their tribe. Filled with anticipation, the scene was set for Aries' creations to shine as they awaited the tribespeople's arrival.