Chapter 102: Curious Cat

Lyerin returned to the Borgias Market, a place teeming with energy and commerce.

The marketplace was bustling with traders and buyers of magical stuff, all engrossed in their business.

The air buzzed with the sound of haggling, the smell of exotic spices, and the shimmering glow of magical artifacts being exchanged. But Lyerin had no time for the distractions. His mind was focused on what he needed to buy for the Stonehooves Tribe.

He moved through the market, his eyes scanning the stalls and shops. His first purchase was a collection of Big Trees, their roots strong and deep, capable of purifying the air around them.

These trees were massive, their branches thick and leaves broad, designed to provide shade and produce clean air for his tribe.

Next, he acquired Massive River Pools. These weren't ordinary pools; they were enchanted to constantly flow with fresh, drinkable water.

The pools were large enough to serve as both a source of drinking water and a place for the tribe members to bathe. The water sparkled in the sunlight, promising a never-ending supply of life-giving liquid.

Lyerin then selected Special Grasses for food.

These grasses were nutrient-rich and could sustain the Mana Beasts and other members of the tribe. They had a subtle glow, indicating the magical energy infused within them, making them more than just a food source—they were a means of empowerment.

Finally, he chose strong, Massive Huts for shelter.

These huts were built from durable materials, resistant to both natural and magical elements. They were large enough to house several members comfortably, providing safety and warmth against the harsh elements.

Satisfied with his purchases, Lyerin paid the traders and carefully stored everything in his magical ring.

With his supplies in hand, he made his way back to the Stonehooves Tribe's territory.

Upon arrival, Lyerin wasted no time. He started with the Big Trees.

Finding a suitable spot, he planted the first tree. As he did, he channeled his mana into the ground, willing the roots to take hold and the tree to grow rapidly.

The tree responded to his magic, its trunk expanding and its branches reaching high into the sky.

The leaves rustled as they unfurled, releasing a fresh, clean scent into the air.

Lyerin moved on to the Massive River Pools. He dug out a large basin and carefully placed the pool within it. Using his mana, he activated the enchantment, and water began to flow.

The sound of water splashing against the rocks was soothing, and Lyerin smiled as the pool filled, its surface glistening under the sunlight.

Next, he planted the Special Grasses. He spread the seeds over a wide area and infused them with his mana. The grasses grew rapidly, covering the ground with a lush, green carpet.

The scent of the grasses was sweet and inviting, a promise of nourishment for the tribe.

Finally, Lyerin turned his attention to the Massive Huts.

These were the most challenging to set up. He placed the foundation stones and began to construct the huts, using his mana to bind the materials together. But halfway through, he started to feel the strain. His mana reserves were depleting quickly, and the effort required to complete the huts was immense. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and drawing upon his inner strength.

With a determined grunt, he pushed forward, continuing the construction despite the growing fatigue.

As he finished the final hut, Lyerin stepped back to admire his work.

The trees towered over the area, the river pools sparkled invitingly, the grasses swayed gently in the breeze, and the huts stood strong and proud.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling a sense of accomplishment. But just as he was about to relax, a sudden notification appeared before him.

[ Ding!

[ You have built unfamiliar structures.

[ Mission failed ]

Lyerin's heart sank.

Shocked, he stood frozen, his mind buzzing. How could this be? He had done everything right, or so he thought. He had bought the best materials and put his heart and soul into building these structures. But the system was telling him it wasn't enough.

"What did I do wrong?"

Lyerin muttered to himself, his brows furrowed in frustration.

He began to speculate.

"Was it the trees?"

He wondered if maybe the Big Trees weren't compatible with the tribe's environment. But that didn't make sense—they were supposed to purify the air. Sёarch* The NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Was it the river pools?"

Perhaps they were too unnatural, but they were made to provide clean water, something the tribe desperately needed.

"Maybe it was the grasses," he thought, biting his lip. Were they too foreign, too different from what the tribe was used to?

"Or could it be the huts?"

Were they too advanced, too imposing for a tribe just starting out?

Lyerin shook his head, dismissing each thought.

None of these seemed like the real problem. He had followed every step carefully. Yet, something had gone wrong. He was about to delve deeper into his thoughts when suddenly, the air around him grew sharp and cold.

With chill running down his spine, he turned to see the panther again from the Borgias family standing behind him, its presence both majestic and terrifying.

Lyerin was startled. He hadn't sensed the panther's approach, and its sudden appearance was enough to make his heart race.

The creature's fur was pitch black, blending seamlessly with the shadows around it. Its eyes glowed with an eerie light, and it radiated a powerful, silent energy that made the very air tremble.

The panther spoke, its voice low and resonant. "What are you doing, little Halfling?"

Lyerin hesitated, unsure of whether to reveal his failure. But he knew there was no point in hiding it.

The panther was the guardian beast of the Borgias family, and it likely knew more than he could ever hope to understand.

Maybe he could use its experience in creating a tribe too.

Finally, Lyerin spoke, his voice tinged with frustration and confusion.

"I'm trying to build a tribe," Lyerin admitted. "But something's wrong. The Big Trees, the Massive River Pools, the Special Grasses, and the Huts—they're not appropriate."

The panther's gaze swept over the structures Lyerin had created. It was silent for a moment, as if considering Lyerin's words. Then, with a slight tilt of its head, the panther spoke again.

"You're right," the panther said, its tone calm but firm. "These structures are inappropriate. The magic particles within them are not harmonized with the land. If you truly want to create a tribe, you should use materials from the surrounding environment. A halfling Borgias like you should know better."

Lyerin was stunned. He hadn't considered the possibility that the materials he brought from the market might not mesh with the natural magic of the tribe's territory. His reliance on external resources had blinded him to the importance of the land itself.

"It seems I've made a mistake," Lyerin murmured, bowing his head slightly. He was grateful that the panther had pointed out the issue, even though it was a blow to his pride. "I was too eager and overlooked the basics."

The panther's eyes softened slightly, recognizing Lyerin's willingness to learn. "Building a tribe is no small feat," it said. "But now you know. Use what the land provides, and your tribe will flourish."

Lyerin would smile, he knows that the panther has seen a lot in the Borgias about the tribe, and it's a thing here because the Borgias family desires to create a spirit of their own so they won't be under the Kingdom of Rose anymore.

Therefore, his decision to use the cat's curiosity was the right one.

He was about to move, ready to dismantle the structures and start again, but the panther stopped him.

"Do it later," the panther instructed. "For now, you must return to the Borgias Family."

Lyerin paused.

The Borgias Family. He had almost forgotten the looming appointment.

The gravity of the situation pulled at him, and he realized that as much as he wanted to stay and correct his mistakes, he had other responsibilities.

Reluctantly, Lyerin nodded, casting one last glance at the tribe's territory. He would return, and when he did, he would build the tribe from the ground up, using the wisdom the panther had imparted.

Suddenly, a magic circle appeared beneath Lyerin's feet.

Swung!

The runes glowed with a vibrant blue light, and before he could say another word, the circle activated, pulling him down into its depths.

As the magic engulfed him, Lyerin's thoughts were already occupied on what to do ahead. He had much to do, and little time to do it. But one thing was certain—when he returned, the Stonehooves Tribe would rise to level three.