Now standing before the chief, Carl felt the gravity of the moment. It was his first formal audience with Logan, and though he was apprehensive, Kro's assurances echoed in his mind, it was an auspicious summon.
Carl pondered what this meeting could portend.
"Ease yourself, Carl. Take a seat," Logan beckoned, studying the young beastman carefully. Carl, not overtly imposing but with a demeanor of quiet confidence, maintained a courteous smile despite his obvious nerves.
Logan appreciated the young beastman's effort to present himself well; first impressions were, after all, profoundly significant.
Carl glanced at the proffered seat but chose to remain standing, maintaining his composed demeanor.
Logan smiled, recognizing Carl's respect for protocol and didn't press further. "Carl, your contributions were pivotal in our recent successes. Has Kro recognized your efforts appropriately?" he inquired with a congenial grin.
"Thank you for your concern, Chief. Master Kro honored me by promoting me from deputy to captain," Carl replied with due respect, his voice steadier as he began to find his footing in the chief's imposing presence.
In the hierarchical ranks of the Silver Mane Tribe, a captain commands a formidable force of hundreds of warriors. Amongst the tribe's structured military, such a position is considered senior, second only to the army commanders, Kro and Lott.
Carl felt a deep sense of achievement upon his promotion. "That's excellent. It is vital that we recognize and utilize outstanding talent like yours," Logan affirmed with a nod and a congenial smile.
"Indeed, I've summoned you today for a matter of great significance, a pivotal event that could shape the future of our tribe. It's a task that demands your involvement," Logan declared, his tone imbuing the air with gravity.
Carl felt a surge of surprise and excitement. The weight of such a responsibility thrilled him, igniting a fervent spark in his gaze. He was eager to demonstrate his worth to the tribe.
"Chief, please entrust me with your commands. I will dedicate myself wholly to the cause," Carl responded, his eyes alight with determination.
"Very well, but let's not rush. Aside from this matter, I'm curious about your thoughts on our scouts," Logan said, noting Karl's fervor. His satisfaction grew; the tribe indeed benefited from such passionate members.
Scouts? The question momentarily puzzled Karl. Scouts typically gathered intelligence and surveyed battlefields, a straightforward role, or so it seemed.
Yet, the gravity in Logan's inquiry suggested a deeper significance. Karl pondered deeply before responding.
"Scouts are crucial for collecting enemy intelligence, surveying terrain, and identifying key resources like water sources and pathways. These insights lay the groundwork for our army's strategies and can decisively influence the outcomes of our conflicts," Carl articulated confidently after a brief contemplation.
Logan's eyes gleamed with approval. "Exactly, scouts play an indispensable role. Now, what if we were to expand their function, enabling them to infiltrate enemy lines directly from the battlefield?"
Carl suppressed his inner excitement, his voice steady and respectful.
"Okay," Logan acknowledged with a nod. "I attach great importance to the Silver Hidden Blade. It will be the eyes and ears of the tribe in the future, and it will be the cornerstone of our tribe's rise."
Carl's eyes gleamed with determination. Logan continued, "Of course, don't feel pressured. As long as you develop the Silver Hidden Blade to the best of your ability, you will be a hero of the tribe."
"Yes!" Carl nodded heavily. The weight of responsibility was immense, but he was willing to give his all, even his life, for the future of the Silver Mane Tribe.
"In my plan, the intelligence organization has three critical components," Logan began. "Espionage, subversion, and assassination."
Carl listened intently as Logan elaborated, "Espionage involves infiltrating the enemy, gaining their trust, and influencing their strategy without them realizing our presence. It's a game of patience and subtlety."
He paused, his gaze sharp. "Subversion, on the other hand, requires a silver tongue and a sharp mind. Subversion personnel must understand the intricate ruling structure of our enemies, like the Duskin tribe. Who is the chief? How many sixth-level and fifth-level strongmen are there? Who holds the military power?
Who manages the tribe?"
Logan handed Carl a parchment. "This is the ruling structure diagram. It outlines the hierarchy and relationships within the Duskin tribe."
Carl's eyes scanned the diagram as Logan continued, "Next is the upper and lower relationship diagram, who is whose father, who is whose son, who is a student, competitor, enemy, or friend. Understanding these connections is crucial."
Finally, Logan said, "The last component is the target selection diagram, divided into three parts. First are the diehards, those who are staunchly against us. Subversion is not an option here.
The second category includes those who go with the flow. They hold no strong loyalty to the Duskin tribe and could be swayed, but they are not our primary targets.
The primary targets are the revenge elements, those dissatisfied with their positions, rights, and interests. Their long-term dissatisfaction has likely turned into hatred. They are the most promising yet dangerous targets for subversion because their sense of revenge makes them unpredictable and potentially treacherous."
Carl absorbed every word, fully aware of the immense challenge ahead. He was ready to embrace his role, to lead the Silver Hidden Blade, and to shape the destiny of the Silver Mane Tribe.
"So, to instigate this kind of group, we first need to gather leverage on them. These revenge elements have, in one way or another, acted against the tribe's interests," Logan explained, his voice steady and authoritative.
Carl listened intently as Logan continued, "The more leverage we have, the more likely we are to successfully instigate them in the first batch. Understanding these techniques for instigating rebellion is crucial."
Logan' words weighed heavily on Carl. Though he felt a bit overwhelmed, he was struck by the depth and complexity of rebellion strategies. His respect for Logan, who was younger yet profoundly wise, grew even stronger.