Chapter 053: Surely a Miracle

Rat the Wise, having heard from Rat the Great about the miraculous features of the Han Tribe—such as their glowing weapons and their possession of gigantic, obedient creatures—was driven by a burning curiosity to visit and witness these wonders himself. The description painted an image of a tribe blessed by divine powers, which seemed the only plausible explanation for their advanced state compared to the rudimentary lifestyle of the Black Rat Tribe.

Under Rat the Wise's leadership, preparations for a formal, meaningful visit to the Han Tribe began. Despite the scarcity of resources, they gathered nuts and replicated baskets, with Rat the Great carefully selecting intact peanuts to fulfill the trade agreed upon. The prospect of acquiring more valuable pottery and perhaps securing a lasting relationship with the Han Tribe spurred them into diligent preparation.

The Black Rat Tribe was buzzing with excitement over the upcoming exchange. Rumors of the Han Tribe's abundant food supplies and superior technology had spread, and many saw this as a potential opportunity for a better life. The women of the Black Rat Tribe imagined a place where hunger was unknown, while the young men fantasized about wielding luminous weapons and joining a mighty tribe.

Back at the Han Tribe, Luo Chong supervised the finishing touches on the temporary ice-brick wall. The wall, standing three meters high and nearly half a meter thick, was constructed quickly using the large, sturdy bricks initially intended for building a city. Water poured over the structure froze solid, cementing the bricks together into an impenetrable barrier. Additional brick terraces were built behind the wall to provide positions from which defenders could repel attackers.

The Han Tribe was also busy producing new weapons. Learning from past confrontations, Luo Chong had decided to enhance their armament by crafting tri-pointed bronze spears, designed for both durability and effectiveness. The spearheads, only 15 centimeters long and shaped for maximum penetration, were cast in simple molds and affixed to two-meter-long shafts. This rapid manufacturing process produced over two hundred spears in just a few days.

Four days after Rat the Great's visit, he returned to the Han Tribe, leading a delegation that included Rat the Wise. They carried with them the promised peanuts and other goods for trade. As they approached the Han Tribe's territory, they were taken aback by the sight of the massive, icy wall that now stood guarding the cave.

The transformation was so astounding that Rat the Wise couldn't help but proclaim it a divine act. The perfectly cut and assembled ice-encased bricks seemed beyond the capability of mere mortals. To him and his followers, such rapid construction confirmed the presence of divine influence at the Han Tribe.

Upon reaching the entrance, which was now marked by a solid ice wall, Rat the Great felt a mix of awe and fear. The miraculous barrier was unlike anything he had ever seen, and it stood as a stark symbol of the Han Tribe's strength and advanced capabilities.

Inside the Han Tribe's enclave, Luo Chong was ready to greet his guests with the same mixture of diplomacy and strategic display that had become his signature approach. The new wall was not just a defense mechanism but a statement of power and innovation designed to impress and intimidate any who approached.

As the delegates from the Black Rat Tribe were led through the gate, their eyes were wide with wonder. They were not only about to negotiate for much-needed resources but also to experience firsthand the advancements of a tribe that had quickly become the stuff of legends among their people.

The encounter was set to be a pivotal moment for both tribes, with potential impacts reaching far beyond the immediate trade of pottery for peanuts. For Luo Chong, it was an opportunity to solidify his tribe's dominance and influence in the region. For Rat the Wise, it was a chance to align his tribe with what he perceived as a divinely favored community, potentially ushering in a new era of prosperity and growth for his people.