Tribesman's New Life

Chapter 14: Supplies

With swift purpose, First hastened to meet the familiar faces of the tribesmen, guiding them towards the remarkable stronghold that the youngsters had orchestrated. The tribesmen's astute eyes did not miss the sheer magnitude of the base that had emerged in the span of a mere month. As they approached the bridge fashioned by First over the wide, deep trench, Aries' fortress-like structure stood before them, an imposing testament to the group's collective effort and ingenuity.

Amidst their astonishment, a cascade of questions flooded the tribesmen's minds. How had these three youths and a child managed to accomplish such a feat in such a short time? The fortress bore an aura of invincibility that stirred their curiosity and admiration. Yet, it was the sight of the armor crafted from the vanquished Chaser that stirred the most profound astonishment among the tribesmen. The mere presence of this formidable beast's headpiece on First emitted an aura that even seasoned hunters could not help but find humbling.

An exclamation erupted from one of the tribesmen, a voice that resonated with recognition, "That's a Chaser!" The revelation sent ripples of awe through the assembled group, igniting a flurry of inquiries within their minds. How had First managed to triumph over such a fearsome adversary? What other accomplishments had been achieved in their seemingly brief time away? As they approached the awe-inspiring stronghold, the tribesmen found themselves standing on the precipice of uncovering the remarkable journey and achievements of Aries and his young companions.

"Welcome," Aries extended his warm greeting as the tribesmen stood outside their newfound haven, visibly overwhelmed by the sights that lay before them. The scope of what they had encountered left their senses somewhat befuddled, struggling to fully grasp the magnitude of the accomplishments they had stumbled upon. However, this initial amazement was merely a prelude to the vast unknown that awaited them within.

Functioning as the designated supplier, Aries assumed the role of their guide, ushering them into the heart of the base. The group advanced towards the storage area, a sanctuary of provisions meticulously assembled through their collective efforts. With a sense of pride, Aries unveiled an impressive assortment of preserved meat, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and edible herbs. These vital sustenances were safeguarded beneath the protection of dry and resilient giant leaves, artfully bound together with ropes to ensure their preservation.

Kindly seeking their aid, Aries requested, "I'd appreciate your assistance in transferring these supplies to the carts." With a simple gesture, he directed their attention towards the substantial wheeled contraptions that stood nearby. The term "cart" might have appeared unfamiliar to the tribesmen, having encountered it primarily during the visit of the central alliance messengers. Memories of a few carts utilized for supply purposes lingered within their recollections, a testament to the connections that wove their experiences together.

"Of course," The tribesmen wasted no time and eagerly hastened towards the storage house, their curiosity piqued once more by the bounty they encountered. Their sense of astonishment was reignited as they beheld the abundance of supplies before them. Among the provisions, containers brimming with an array of cooking ingredients beckoned, promising to add flavor and richness to their meals. Additionally, there were vials of potent healing concoctions, each with its own specific benefits, ranging from rapid wound healing to energy restoration.

Strewn amidst the provisions were sturdier implements, including axes, hoes, pickaxes, and an arsenal of weapons such as knives and spears. These implements, meticulously crafted from the finest quality stones, bore the hallmark of Aries' exceptional craftsmanship.

The tribesmen diligently set to work, dedicating an entire hour to transferring the supplies onto the two carts and the pair of wheelbarrows. However, a certain essential seemed to be conspicuously absent. "I apologize," began one of the tribesmen with a polite tone, "but we couldn't locate any water supply. We were informed that water would also be included in the provisions." The inquiry hung in the air, a query that hinted at the vital necessity of a resource as fundamental as water.

At Aries' prompting, Third gracefully entered the main base to retrieve a specific item. Magical stones, owing to their immense value, were securely stored within the confines of the main base. A leather backpack was handed to the tribesman who had inquired about the water supply. With a deft motion, Aries opened the bag, unveiling the unique contents within. "This is known as a water stone," he explained, his voice tinged with a note of fascination. "Upon striking it with a hard stone, it releases water proportional to the extent of damage inflicted on the stone itself."

Aries proceeded to demonstrate, delivering a controlled blow to the water stone. The stone's response was immediate and exuberant, as if responding to the energy it had absorbed. A small chip in the water stone resulted in a torrential release of water, akin to a cascading fountain. The force of the impact not only created the chip but also propelled the water upwards, resembling a spontaneous rainfall that drenched the entire base. The mere spark of the stone had previously dispensed enough water to fill multiple bamboo containers; it was a testament to the stone's potential when shattered into pieces.

The tribesmen, having borne witness to this astounding display, found themselves rendered speechless by the sheer wonder of it all. Amidst the awestruck silence, one of them ventured a statement that resonated deeply with the group: "I want to live here." The declaration hung in the air, a bittersweet sentiment that bore an undeniable ring of truth. While the place seemed nothing short of paradisiacal, the weight of their existing familial ties within the tribe anchored their intentions. Thus, a fleeting but poignant moment ensued, where a seemingly light-hearted remark held the undercurrents of genuine longing and earnest desire.