"We're from the Ragh'Tal Tribe. We're here to discuss something important with your Tribe Lord." Ash said calmly.
The 3rd Rank Warrior looked at Ash with a weird expression. "Are you the Tribe Lord of the Ragh'Tal Tribe?"
"Yes." Ash nodded in response.
"Follow me then." He raised an eyebrow and led the way.
The warrior led them deeper into the swamp, weaving through narrow paths that only locals could recognize. The thick mist gradually thinned, and the soggy ground beneath their feet hardened little by little.
After passing through a final stretch of murky water, the scenery before them suddenly opened up.
At the heart of the swamp lay a vast stretch of solid land, elevated slightly above the surrounding marsh. Unlike the treacherous waters outside, this place was dry and firm, protected naturally by the swamp itself. It was here that the Mirefang Tribe had established their stronghold.
Ash's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the settlement. Simple wooden walkways connected several areas, preventing people from stepping directly onto damp ground.
The Mirefang Tribe's structures were remarkably similar to those of the Ragh'Tal Tribe. The people of the Mirefang Tribe also dressed much like those of Ragh'Tal.
Men wore pants fashioned from animal hides, their upper bodies bare and limbs wrapped in worn bandages. Women covered their vital parts with fitted animal skins, their clothing practical rather than decorative.
As Ash's group stepped fully into the open land, six figures emerged to greet them. He could tell from their aura alone that they were 3rd Rank Warriors.
They stood in a loose formation, hands resting casually on their weapons, yet their eyes never left Ash and his companions. Among them, one man stood slightly ahead of the others.
He was a middle-aged man with a stern face and a distinct vertical scar running across one eye, giving him a fierce and intimidating presence. A curved saber hung at his waist, its hilt worn smooth from frequent use.
"This Mirefang Tribe welcomes the Ragh'Tal." The man said in a low, steady voice. "I am Rokhan, Tribe Lord of Mirefang."
"Ash Ragh'Tal." Ash inclined his head slightly. "Tribe Lord of Ragh'Tal."
After a short exchange of formal greetings, Rokhan gestured toward the center of the settlement. "This way. We'll discuss matters in the main hall."
Without another word, the Mirefang warriors turned and led the group forward.
The main hall stood at the heart of the settlement, larger than the surrounding buildings and reinforced with thicker wooden beams. As they entered, the faint smell of damp wood and smoke filled the air.
Inside the main hall, the space opened up into a wide chamber supported by thick wooden pillars driven deep into the ground.
At the center of the hall stood a long, massive wooden table, its surface scarred with old knife marks and stains left behind by countless past meetings.
The two groups took their seats on opposite sides.
The Mirefang Tribe's leaders occupied one side of the table, with Tribe Lord Rokhan seated at the central main seat.
On the opposite side, Ash took his seat nearest to the main seat as well, positioned at the corner closest to the center. His posture was relaxed, yet his presence naturally drew attention, placing him almost on equal footing with Rokhan despite his age.
Behind them, the 2nd Rank Warriors of the Ragh'Tal Tribe stood in silence. Their expressions were stern, hands resting on weapon hilts or folded across their chests leisurely.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Ash broke the silence as he looked at Rokhan with a calm expression. "I have something important to discuss with you."
Rokhan looked at Ash with curiosity. "Important enough that you brought most of your tribe's strength?"
"Hahahaha." Ash laughed lightly and continued with a faint smile. "You'll understand after this."
Rokhan knitted his eyebrows when he heard it. "What do you mean by that?"
"Since we're all busy people, I'll get straight to the point," Ash said, tapping his finger against the table in a steady rhythm.
After pausing for a moment, he continued. "I'm planning to… hmmm, how do you say it once again?"
He glanced at Old Ni, feigning ignorance. "What is it again, Old Ni? You say it. I'm not very good with words."
"..."
The Mirefang's warriors were left speechless.
Old Ni shook his head helplessly, a smile tugging at his lips. He then looked at Rokhan and spoke clearly. "Our purpose for coming here is simple. We want the Mirefang Tribe to merge under the Ragh'Tal name. What do you think?"
The moment those words left his mouth, the atmosphere exploded.
"What did you just say?!" an elderly man seated across from Ash roared as he slammed his palm onto the table.
The others instantly put their hands on their weapons as if they were ready to take action.
Despite all that, the Ragh'Tal side remained relaxed, as if nothing unusual was happening.
Rokhan deepened his frown when he noticed this. Then, he waved his hand as he said. "Enough. Calm down!"
He then turned his sharp gaze toward Ash. "Aren't you looking down on us a bit too much?"
"Of course not, your tribe's strength was actually just slightly weaker than ours. That's precisely why we chose you instead of others." Ash replied with a faint smile.
"You arrogant brat! How dare you speak like that to us!"" A middle-aged man across Vakra slapped the table and stood up, pointing his finger at Ash.
Before the others could respond, Vakra instantly stood up as he slapped the table harder, creating a hand mark on the table. "Say that one more time and I'll slap the shit out of you."
"Vakra," Ash said coldly, glancing at him with irritation. "Do that again and I'll move you to the back of the list."
Hearing the words coming from Ash's mouth, Vakra froze instantly before bowing deeply. "My apologies, Tribe Lord."
Rokhan raised an eyebrow at the exchange, clearly intrigued. After a brief moment of thought, he waved his men back and looked directly at Ash. "Explain yourself."
"I meant exactly what I said," Ash replied. "Because I'm planning to expand the Ragh'Tal Tribe and subjugate other tribes starting today." Ash explained.
"And you chose us as your first target?" Rokhan asked, amusement flickering across his face rather than anger. "Why?"
"Why, you ask?" Ash raised an eyebrow, then continued with a chuckle. "Because your tribe is the best target since it's a strong one and at the same time, the easiest?"
Rokhan laughed lightly. "The easiest?"
Ash only smiled in response and gave a look at Old Ni.
"You still don't believe it?" Old Ni chuckled.
In the next instant, a terrifying pressure flooded the hall.
A powerful aura surged outward out of Old Ni's body, shocking the Mirefang's warriors.