"Since you have a plan, go ahead and do it!" Logan said with a warm smile, his tone encouraging.
Abate blinked, momentarily taken aback. Did the chief really just agree? His mind raced with excitement, but there was also a flicker of concern in his eyes. He glanced at Logan, hesitant.
Logan noticed Abate's hesitation immediately and chuckled. "Ah, I see that look. You're worried about the budget, aren't you?" he said, his grin widening. "Look, if one thousand gold coins aren't enough, we can discuss more later. Just focus on getting things started for now."
Abate's eyes brightened with relief. Logan's confidence and swift decision-making always impressed him. "And about the manpower," Logan continued, "whether you recruit from within the tribe or elsewhere, that's entirely your call. I trust your judgment."
Abate felt a surge of responsibility wash over him. Logan had given him both the authority and resources he needed, but with it came the pressure of knowing the academy's success now rested on his shoulders. Logan, reading his thoughts, smiled once more. "There is one condition though," he said, leaning in slightly. "I need more spellcasters recruited for the tribe, and quickly.
The success of the academy depends on it."
Abate straightened, his voice filled with determination. "Yes, Lord Chief. I won't let you down."
As Abate left, his mind already turning over strategies, Logan turned his attention elsewhere. His steps led him to one of Jane's famous baozi shops. There were six of them now, and they had become a sensation in Canyon City. The novelty of the food, combined with its rich flavors, had attracted loyal customers; especially mercenaries, who lined up daily for their fix of the delicious steamed buns.
The previous night, Logan and Jane had discussed their future. They had decided to wait until Jane's father returned, so their families could come together and formally decide on the wedding date. Logan knew that, despite the rapid expansion of the Silvermane Tribe and the prominence of the Greymane family, the marriage couldn't be rushed.
It needed to be a proper, thoughtful occasion; if not grand, at least dignified.
By the early morning of the third day, Logan was back in the Silvermane Tribe, having returned with five sixth-level orc warriors and thirty-nine fifth-level warriors; each one a valuable addition to the tribe's growing forces. Jane had remained behind in Canyon City, awaiting her father's return to finalize their wedding plans.
After his return, Logan sent the newly recruited warriors to the Youth Army Guard, where they would serve as instructors for the younger soldiers. Their experience and strength would help shape the next generation of warriors in the Silvermane Tribe.
Later that evening, at Logan's home, he sat with his mother, who was bubbling with excitement.
"Are you really planning to marry Jane?" she asked, her eyes shining with joy. There was a hint of disbelief in her voice, as though she had waited for this news far longer than her son realized.
Logan smiled and nodded. "Yes, Mother. We've talked about it. We'll set the date once her father returns."
Mother Wolf clapped her hands together in delight, unable to contain her excitement. "Wonderful! When will it be? I've been waiting for this day for so long!" she exclaimed, her joy filling the room.
For years, she had quietly worried about Logan settling down, and while she respected her son's leadership as chief, this was one decision she had been eager for him to make. Jane's family was well-respected, and Mother Wolf knew that her son's marriage couldn't be rushed. There were family matters to consider, particularly the opinions of Jane's parents.
"Everything will fall into place once her father returns," Logan reassured his mother, a warm sense of satisfaction settling over him. His tribe was growing stronger, his future with Jane was secure, and the Silvermane Tribe was poised for even greater things to come.
The reality was clear, there was an undeniable gap between the two families. No matter how Logan looked at it, he was, in a sense, marrying up into Jane's family. The thought didn't bother him, but he knew it weighed on his mother.
"Mother, why are you so anxious?" Logan asked, smiling gently at her as he noticed her glowing excitement.
Wolf Mother couldn't hide her joy. "I'm just happy, that's all! You're finally going to marry Jane. But of course, it all depends on her parents' approval," she added, her eyes twinkling.
Logan chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Yes, mother, it's important we wait for their blessing first."
But Wolf Mother wasn't done dreaming. "Oh, of course! And once you're married, I hope you and Jane will have some children soon. Our family needs an heir, after all!" she said with a beaming smile, her voice filled with hope.
Logan sighed, a little helpless in the face of his mother's wishes. "Mother, really? You're already thinking about grandchildren?"
He smiled to himself. It seemed like every parent, no matter where they were from, shared one universal wish, grandchildren.
"By the way," Wolf Mother said, her thoughts racing, "I should let your grandfather, second uncle, and fifth uncle know about this. They're your elders, and they should be involved in the discussions with Jane's family." She quickly untied her apron, wiped her hands, and began moving toward the door, her mind set on her new task.
"Mother..." Logan started, his tone half-pleading, but she was already halfway out the door, ignoring him entirely.
He shook his head, amused. There was no stopping her now, not once she had her heart set on something. Still, he figured, perhaps it was time to involve the rest of the family. It wouldn't hurt to have the support of his grandfather and uncles.
As he turned back inside, he noticed his younger brothers, Kevin and Ginny, at the table, completely engrossed in their bowls of bread porridge. They were eating like little wolves, too hungry to even notice his presence. Logan ruffled their hair affectionately as he passed, but neither of them paused to look up; they were too focused on their food.
With a quiet chuckle, Logan made his way back to his room. Once inside, he closed the door and sat at his desk, opening his attribute map to assess the tribe's progress.
Logan didn't hesitate for a moment longer. It was time for the next step.
"Upgrade!" he said aloud, his voice steady as he clicked the button on his attribute map.
A surge of power coursed through his body, his fighting spirit rising like a storm before settling again, hidden from the outside world. He felt the energy pulse within him, twice as strong before it leveled out. His heart pounded as the realization hit him; he had reached the ninth level.
He stood still for a moment, letting the gravity of his achievement wash over him. It had only been ten months since he had arrived in this world, and in just eight months, he had climbed from a mere fourth-level warrior to a ninth-level powerhouse. It felt unreal, almost too good to be true.
The powerful, swirling fighting spirit within him seemed endless, growing thicker with each passing second. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "This cheat really is something else," he muttered. It was, indeed, an incredible feeling to ascend so rapidly.
---
Name: Logan
Age: 10 years old
Occupation: Ninth-level Warrior (Experience: 7/1000) (Reputation: 546/50,000) (Practice: 3/10)
First-level Ice Magician: (Experience: 7/100) (Reputation: 546/1000) (Practice: 7/10)
Position: Chieftain of the Silvermane Tribe
Population: 65,378
Soldiers:
Infantry: 2,216
Wolf Riders: 1,236
Boar Riders: 500
Thunderbird Air Riders: 27
Wyvern Air Riders: 14
Reserve Infantry: 8,000
Territory: 2,020 square kilometers
Mall: Opened
Professional inheritance: Opened
Sub-professional inheritance: Opened
Stable: Warg
---
Looking over the changes in his attribute map, Logan felt a deep sense of satisfaction. His warrior promotion experience cap had increased to 1,000, and his reputation limit had jumped to 50,000. His progress as an Ice Magician was still in its early stages, but that didn't bother him much. For now, his strength as a warrior was more than enough to protect the tribe and lead them into the future.
---
Meanwhile, in the Adik Tribe, things weren't as peaceful as they were in the Silvermane Tribe. The other tribes in the region, both large and small, were growing restless. They felt the pressure that came from the Silvermane Tribe's rapid rise in power, and unease spread like wildfire.
Everyone knew that the root of their anxiety was the Silvermane Tribe itself. As Logan and his people grew stronger, neighboring tribes began to fear what that strength could mean for them. The Silvermane Tribe's influence was spreading, and it was clear that they were no longer just another tribe in the region, they were a force to be reckoned with.
But for Logan, the future was clear. With the growing trust of his people, his rising strength, and the tribe's ever-expanding influence, he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.