"We understand," the tribesmen affirmed, their expressions determined as they dispersed to their designated positions around the base. While they outwardly demonstrated their commitment to their duties, they couldn't help but anticipate the time when Aries and his companions would depart, leaving them to bask in the relative comfort and safety of the village's sanctuary. They recognized that even with potential threats like occasional beast waves, this base had transformed into a formidable fortress.
With an attempt at a confident whistle using his fingers, Aries called for Wolfie, his gesture a mixture of determination and a hint of awkwardness. Yet, the wolf responded eagerly, immediately following Aries as though anxious not to keep him waiting. Aries led Wolfie to the designated carriage location, where he set to work crafting a harness with durable materials he had gathered. The resulting harness, tightly secured and adorned with tough leather and sturdy ropes, bestowed upon the wolf an armored appearance, perfectly matching the carriage's design.
As the harness was affixed and the carriage was connected to Wolfie's side, Aries displayed a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the fit was flawless and secure. With the preparations complete, Aries addressed the waiting tribesmen, his words a testament to his earnest concern for their safety. He emphasized their value over the base's significance, cautioning them that if faced with overwhelming danger, their well-being superseded any duty to protect the base.
"We're leaving," Aries declared firmly, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility that belied his young age. His authoritative tone left little room for doubt. "The base is important, but your lives matter more to me. If enemies appear and you find yourselves unable to handle the situation, your priority should be your own safety, not defending the base. Understood?"
In response, the tribesmen nodded, their acceptance of Aries' command a testament to the aura of authority he projected, transcending the limitations of his youth. They recognized that despite his age, Aries possessed a unique blend of wisdom and determination that warranted their respect and compliance.
Effortlessly, the wolf pulled the carriage with the smoothness of well-designed wheels, making their journey remarkably efficient. Once the carriage had safely crossed the bridge, the youngsters and Aries themselves climbed aboard, ensuring that they brought only essentials and valuable items for trade. Among their cargo were Aries' inventions, showcasing his craftsmanship and innovation to potential trade partners.
Guiding the wolf with practiced ease using a rope around its neck, Aries skillfully controlled its speed, showing a deep connection between him and his newfound companion. The wolf responded eagerly, adapting quickly to Aries' commands as they communicated through subtle tugs on the rope. Their coordination allowed the carriage to gradually increase its speed as they traversed the terrain. Aries was vigilant, ensuring the stability of the wheels and the overall durability of the carriage.
As they traveled, the landscape of the drylands facilitated their rapid progress, offering flat surfaces and solid ground that mimicked a well-paved road. Aries' craftsmanship, combined with the wolf's strength, transformed what would have been days of arduous travel into a mere matter of hours. The three youngsters nestled within the carriage succumbed to the rhythmic swaying, their journey's comfort allowing them to fall into peaceful slumber.
With the arrival of night, the carriage's pace naturally slowed. Aries roused his companions from their rest, signaling their proximity to the village. The remarkably swift journey had condensed what should have been a multi-day expedition into just a single day's travel, thanks to their ingenuity and the wolf's assistance.
As they neared the village, Aries reflected on the remarkable transformation his life had undergone since arriving in this realm. The simple dreams of a house and a car from his past life were now surpassed, replaced with a reality of abundance and achievement. In the world he now inhabited, Aries had achieved a level of wealth and influence that set him apart from his peers, making him an invaluable asset to his village.
Wolfie came to a halt, sensing the agitation of the guards as they approached the village. The massive wolf paid little attention to their unease until the chief emerged from the gate. At the chief's appearance, Wolfie's demeanor shifted to cautious alertness. The chief's presence seemed to carry weight even for the powerful wolf.
"A dark wolf leader, huh..." The chief's voice carried a mix of intrigue and admiration as he assessed the situation. Aries, who had disembarked from the carriage, patted Wolfie's head to reassure the wolf in the presence of the chief. The chief's observation was met with Aries' explanation that the wolf was the most suitable creature to pull his carriage. Despite the unconventional choice, the chief's wide smile hinted at his approval.
The chief's initial expectations of Aries had been modest, but the exponential growth and transformation the young kid had brought to the village surpassed even the chief's imagination. Aries and the chief led Wolfie just outside the gate to ensure the massive creature's presence didn't block the entrance. Wolfie was entrusted with guarding the carriage, and Aries made sure the wolf had enough food and water.
The chief's invitation led the trio to a moment of rest, allowing them to recover from their journey. Meanwhile, Aries accompanied the chief to the village hall. A young child and a muscular man sitting across from each other. The unusual pairing was a testament to the extraordinary circumstances Aries had brought to the village.
Seated across from each other, the chief's question focused on the safety of the village and Aries' ability to control the powerful beast at his side. "Are you sure that you can control the beast?" the chief inquired, his concern evident in his tone. Aries responded with unwavering confidence, "Yes, I assure you." His self-assuredness spoke volumes, alleviating the chief's immediate concern about the wolf's presence.
Shifting the conversation, Aries turned the topic to their upcoming plans. "I heard that we are going to go somewhere the day after tomorrow," Aries remarked. The chief confirmed his words with a nod. "Yes, we are heading to the Sky Feather tribe. They hold these trade gatherings once a month," the chief explained. He continued to elaborate that the village's resources were limited, mainly consisting of meat and bones from hunts. As a result, their participation in trade gatherings had been infrequent and lacked substantial offerings.
The chief's expression turned contemplative as he shared the village's current challenges. "Due to the decreasing yields from our hunts, we find ourselves with little to trade. It has been a struggle to sustain ourselves and establish beneficial trade relationships." His words conveyed a sense of resignation, as if the village's prospects were grim. Yet, a glimmer of hope returned to his eyes as he shifted his gaze to Aries.
"But I think it's different now since you came," the chief said, his tone filled with a mix of gratitude and anticipation. It was clear that the chief saw Aries as a potential catalyst for change, a source of newfound hope and possibilities. The chief's words were not only an acknowledgment of Aries' contributions thus far but also an indication of the role he could play in shaping the village's future.
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