"And as for what assassins do and how they operate, I believe you understand that well enough," Logan said, looking directly at Carl.
Carl nodded. He was well aware of the assassins, a group of warriors skilled in special combat techniques, masters of stealth, known as the hunters in the dark night.
"Contact the Silver Hidden Blade," Logan instructed. "If you have any questions or needs, you can come to me at any time. Moreover, whether they are soldiers or ordinary tribesmen, as long as they meet the requirements of the Silver Hidden Blade, the tribe will support them."
Logan emphasized patience, "There's no need to rush establishing the Silver Hidden Blade. We have plenty of time to take it step by step."
"Yes!" Carl replied respectfully, his mind already brimming with ideas and plans.
Logan then delved into more details, sharing various espionage methods and knowledge that Carl needed to learn and use. He spoke of the organizational structure, symbols, and the underlying principles of the Silver Hidden Blade.
Initially, Carl suggested that the strongest should lead, but Logan disagreed. While strength was vital for the assassin group, who dealt in killings, sabotage, and urban destruction, lurking and subversion required different skills.
"For the lurking and subversion groups, strength is not the primary criterion," Logan explained. "Eloquence and wisdom are far more critical. Therefore, for these groups, we will assess members based on their eloquence, experience, achievements, and leadership."
Carl absorbed this new perspective, understanding the importance of diverse skills within the intelligence organization.
They also discussed the types of individuals who could become spies. Carl initially thought of young and strong orcs. However, Logan had a broader vision.
"Spies can come from all walks of life," Logan said. "The elderly, women, the disabled, slaves, vagrants, even children, everyone has the potential to be a spy. Each has unique strengths and perspectives that can be invaluable."
Carl was enlightened by this inclusive approach. The conversation left him with a newfound understanding and a clearer vision of his mission. With Logan' guidance, Carl felt more confident and prepared to lead the Silver Hidden Blade, ready to secure the tribe's future through cunning, strategy, and unwavering dedication.
"We must arrange spies suitable for every environment," Logan stated, his voice resolute. "If necessary, even races other than beastmen can become subordinate spies of the Silver Hidden Blade."
Carl was deeply inspired by this perspective. The chief's words that spies could be anyone, from the elderly to women, children, the disabled, and slaves, were shocking yet enlightening. He realized the terrifying power of a world where anyone around you could be a spy.
"Now, this is the conventional spy mode," Logan continued, "but there is also the concept of the independent spy."
"Independent spy?" Carl echoed, perplexed. After hearing so many theories and methods from the chief, his admiration for Logan had grown immensely. He hadn't expected there to be even more spy knowledge.
Carl's mind raced as he processed this new information. The idea of a counterintelligence department made perfect sense. "That's a great idea," he admitted. "But how do we go about it?"
Logan leaned forward, his voice low and intense. "That's all my opinion on intelligence organizations. The specifics of its operation will depend on you. I trust you to develop the Silver Hidden Blade."
Carl nodded resolutely. "I will not disappoint you, Chief. I will ensure the safety of our tribe."
Logan's smile returned, but his eyes remained sharp. There was more to espionage than just the establishment of a department. The real test would be in maintaining the loyalty of spies, controlling them, and keeping them true to their cause. But those lessons, Logan decided, would come with time and experience.
"Yes!" Carl said with determination. "Please rest assured, Chief. I will complete the task!"
...
Ten days slipped by like sand through fingers. Each day, Logan and Jane rode their menticore, scouring the skies far from the tribe, especially over the eastern lands and the Tara Hills. The landscape was dotted with refugees, their plight growing more desperate by the day.
In just these ten days, the number of refugees within the Silver Mane Tribe swelled to over 10,000 orcs. And this number was set to rise even more sharply in the days to come.
The southern wasteland was home to around 10 million werewolves. Even if only one percent became refugees, that would still be hundreds of thousands. The northern wasteland, with its minotaurs, wild boars, centaurs, and other tribes, was home to tens of millions of orcs. The potential number of refugees was staggering, nearly impossible to estimate.
Even if only one thousandth of these orcs sought refuge, the influx would be immense. The Silver Mane Tribe braced for the days ahead, knowing that the challenges they faced were only beginning.
Although the tribe has not stopped searching for disaster victims, Logan no longer participates in the search efforts himself. The population of the tribe has reached a critical mass, aligning with his strategic goals. The focus has now shifted to integrating these new members into the Silver Mane tribe as quickly as possible to bolster its strength and ensure its development.
Despite the strain on resources, these disaster victims have brought valuable strength to the tribe. According to Lot's latest statistics, among the new arrivals are two fifth-level warriors, over twenty fourth-level warriors, and more than three hundred third-level warriors.
Additionally, the tribe has gained a fourth-level priest, six third-level priests, and a host of second and first-level priests.
It was reported that a conflict in the northeastern part of the southern wasteland caused this influx. High-level priests either surrendered or perished in the war, leaving the lower-level priests to flee and seek refuge.
Priests hold a significant position within the orc tribe, symbolizing the power of theocracy. Although Logan personally detests theocratic influence, he understands that it would be unwise to reject it outright without sufficient power to back such a decision.
These priests are not just religious figures; they possess healing spells and the ability to prepare various medicines, making them invaluable to the tribe. Essentially, every priest or priestess is also a pharmacist, albeit one with higher status.