The aroma of cooking meat filled the room, prompting a jovial comment from Barnett. "It smells like we're in for a splendid feast!"
"Indeed, Grandpa," Logan replied with a laugh, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. He gestured towards the table, and as if by magic, four wooden wine bottles and a large bag of maltose materialized amidst the dishes. "This meal will surely satisfy everyone. And for now, lets enjoy these!" he added, pushing a jug of wine and a stack of sugar cubes towards Barnett.
Barnett eyed the maltose with a slight grimace. "I'll pass on the sugar, it's too sweet and sticky for my liking," he commented, recalling how a piece given to him by a young grandchild had left his mouth uncomfortably sticky.
His attention, however, quickly shifted to the wine. "Is this wine?" he asked, his interest piqued as he uncorked a bottle, releasing a rich, inviting aroma.
"It smells wonderful!" Barnett exclaimed, his face lighting up with a satisfied grin.
Begon and Reynolds, unable to resist the aroma, each took generous sips, their expressions one of immediate delight.
After a moment of savoring the wine, Barnett's surprise was evident. "This is excellent wine, truly top-notch! It's been ages since I've had such a fine brew outside our own reserves."
Logan smiled and generously pushed a bottle towards each of his uncles, encouraging them to enjoy more.
As they indulged, Barnett, seemingly struck by a sudden thought, fixed a keen gaze on Logan. "Your strength, it's nearly at the sixth level, isn't it?" he asked, his tone mixing astonishment and pride.
The room fell silent at his observation. Begon and Reynolds turned towards Logan, their eyes wide as they considered the implications of Barnett's words.
The air was thick with the scent of wine and the weight of revelation, as they all pondered just how formidable Logan had become.
Logan was taken aback by his grandfather's insight. According to his own understanding, he was on the brink of the sixth level, but how had Barnett discerned this merely by observing him?
"How did you see through my progress so accurately, Grandpa?" Logan inquired, his surprise evident.
Barnett chuckled heartily at the question, shaking his head in amusement. "You haven't yet grasped the full extent of your own power, have you? Can't you feel that your Heavenly Spirit is on the verge of forming a core?"
Logan, no stranger to introspection, quickly turned his focus inward. Sure enough, beneath the surface of his consciousness, a golden energy core was taking shape, its form becoming more distinct by the moment. He realized then what this phenomenon was, the Dou He, a vital step in achieving the next level of his strength.
"I've learned that there are disaster victims nearby who desperately need help. We have the means to help them. My plan is to send out search parties to rescue these victims and bring them into our fold," Logan explained, outlining a vision of growth that was not just about territory, but also about mercy and strength.
"As we chart our course forward, it's imperative we also consider the smaller tribes in proximity. We should seize the opportunity to incorporate them swiftly and decisively."
Logan confidently projected, "I anticipate that within six months, our tribe will boast a strength of at least 20,000 members."
This declaration took Begon and the other leaders by surprise, sparking an immediate reaction.
Barnett, too, was taken aback. He had thought the tribe's financial health might support modest expansion, perhaps influenced by the grand gesture of a thousand gold coins he had hinted at earlier.
He had hoped this sum would tempt his grandson towards growth, but the scale Logan now proposed was staggering, more than 20,000 new tribesmen, effectively absorbing the population of six or seven neighboring tribes.
Begon, sensing a rash move, could not help but voice his concerns. "Isn't this too rushed? As of now, our tribe hasn't achieved full self-sufficiency in food production. Even with the income of a thousand gold coins per month, sustaining over 20,000 individuals could prove challenging."
He continued, trying to instill a sense of caution, "Wouldn't it be wiser to wait until next month? If our cultivation of sweet potatoes and potatoes hits the targets you've set, then perhaps it would be safer to consider expansion."
Begon then looked towards his father, Barnett, knowing well that his own influence was limited. The final persuasion, if any, would depend on the elder's stance.
Barnett weighed his son's words before addressing his grandson Logan. "While I support the idea of expansion, your proposal to swell our ranks to over 20,000 in such a short time is indeed startling."
"Consider that it's been merely a month since we last integrated four tribes, and their loyalty is not yet solidified. I have no objections to assimilating those in need, but we must tread carefully."
"Is the tribe truly prepared for such a rapid increase? Do we have the governance capabilities to manage a population exceeding 20,000? Is there adequate sustenance available?"
"And which tribes are you considering for this annexation? The nearby small tribes alone won't suffice to reach your target. What about medium-sized tribes like duskin? Are we prepared for the potential repercussions of such ambitious expansions?"
"Does our tribe currently possess the strength for such an expansion?" Logan inquired, already bracing for the cautious perspectives of his elders.
Barnett, reflecting on his experience as a former chief and the current patriarch, addressed Logan thoughtfully. "As your grandfather, your ambition fills me with pride. However, as someone who has led our people, I must urge you to proceed with caution. As Chief, the wellbeing of our tribe is your ultimate responsibility."
Logan listened intently, having anticipated some pushback from his grandfather and uncle.