Chapter 032: A Moment of Peril

"Ha, no need to worry about that," Roach reassured Big Tree with a chuckle, "because I am the chief. As long as I agree, my people won't object, and they're all very welcoming. If you decide to join us, you will be treated just as any of my people."

"What? You are the chief?" Big Tree asked incredulously. Upon reflection, he realized it made sense. Though young, Roach's competence was undeniable. Consider the blue deer, which not even a grown man could easily capture, and how well Roach had managed to survive and thrive in the wild—qualities not found in ordinary individuals.

After pondering for a moment, Big Tree inquired, "Will you provide us with the same weapons as well?" He had long envied Roach's weapons, whether the white-shafted spears or the longbows with their arrows, all of which he desperately coveted.

With a slight smile, Roach handed over his own spear to Big Tree, gave a flint axe to Tree Cask, and presented a 1.5-meter-long shield to Tree Stump, who, although not tall, was robust enough to handle it effectively.

"There, now you have my weapons. I only have one bow, and it's tricky to use. Once we get back to my tribe, I'll ensure everyone is properly armed."

"Alright, I agree to join your tribe," Big Tree responded decisively, no longer hesitant. He had previously tried using the bow and found it challenging as Roach had told him.

After a hearty breakfast which seemed to seal the deal, the Tree Tribe was effectively absorbed into Roach's tribe. Facing no other viable options and having reached the end of the road, they readily accepted the union, convinced by Roach's demeanor that they were making the right choice.

Big Tree showed Roach the snow rabbits they had captured—over thirty in total, though most were small and fewer than ten were fully grown.

Roach was pleased, thinking about the rabbits' breeding potential—two litters every month. He was thrilled at the prospect, aiming for no less than four litters a year, a sustainable rate that would also allow the rabbits to recuperate.

"Even planning recovery time for the rabbits, what a good man I am," Roach thought rather shamelessly.

Expecting Roach to return immediately after breakfast, Big Tree was surprised to see him start collecting stones on the mountain instead. Asking about their purpose, he learned from Roach that these stones were merely ornamental, suitable for making decorations, which puzzled him as Roach began to collect them in large quantities.

"With these stones, I can make better weapons and enough food to eat thrice a day without ever running out," Roach stated with conviction.

Stunned, Big Tree and his tribe couldn't believe their ears. Eating three full meals a day was an unimaginable luxury, and they had never heard of weapons made from stones being superior to bows and spears.

Spurred by a newfound faith in Roach's abilities—they regarded his mastery over stones as nothing short of divine—the tribe helped to gather the stones more quickly. By noon, they had filled all the large baskets, focusing mainly on collecting ample copper ore and tin ore, essential for crafting better weapons and tools.

Given the physical exertion of the day, they ate another substantial meal, giving them a taste of what it meant to eat three times a day.

By afternoon, the caravan was ready to depart. The blue deer were organized in a single file, each carrying baskets filled with ore, fodder, rabbits, and seeds.

With fires burning brightly and unhindered, they marched westward. Roach took the opportunity to teach Big Tree and his men how to use the spears and axes effectively, turning the journey into a practical training session and ensuring their survival in the harsh wilderness.

That night, after a hearty dinner, they set up watch rotations and settled down early. The first part of the night passed quietly, save for the crackling of the campfire and the growing chill of the late evening.

However, the tranquility was abruptly shattered by the ground's trembling and the distant sound of heavy footsteps—ominous signs of approaching danger. Roach's mind raced to the fearsome war elephants used by the cannibal tribes as he swiftly rallied the group.

"Get up, everyone! Alert! Douse the fires and prepare for an enemy approach!" he commanded, throwing a fire-lit branch toward the advancing noises.

As silhouettes emerged from the darkness, revealed by the thrown torchlight, the scene confirmed their worst fears: a raiding party, fierce and painted, armed with spears and bone-decorated shields, charging towards them.

"Quick, lead the people away, head north around them!" Roach directed Big Tree, hastily formulating a plan to evade the imminent threat. As the tribe scrambled to safety, Roach prepared to confront the approaching menace head-on, ready to protect his new companions at all costs.