Chapter 088: The Great Relocation

"The sooner, the better," Rogan stated firmly. "We've just survived a battle here. Although the enemy is wiped out, we can't be sure they won't send reinforcements. Moving as soon as possible is the safest option."

"But where will we live once we reach the Han Tribe? I remember your cave was already overcrowded," Rat Chief asked, concern lacing his voice.

"And what about the river? How do we cross it?" Rat Shaman added.

"We can set up tents within our walls for now," Rogan explained. "The weather is warm, so staying outside won't be an issue. Before winter arrives, we'll construct better homes. As for the river, we have a few options: we can swim across, build a simple wooden bridge, or wait for our boats to return from transporting stone."

"Boats? What are boats?" Rat Shaman's face was full of curiosity.

"They're floating vessels made from wood that can carry people and supplies across water," explained Barrel, his enthusiasm evident. As a carpenter, he never missed an opportunity to discuss his craft.

"Really? That sounds incredible!" Rat Chief exclaimed. "Where do we go to take this… boat?"

"To the place where you cross during winter," Rogan replied. "If you don't want to swim or wait for a bridge, you can set up camp near the river and wait a few days. Once we finish gathering supplies, we'll bring the boats and take you across."

"Well… I suppose that makes sense."

"To ensure your safety, I'll have Beastfang and Stone accompany you. They'll lead you to the riverbank and help set up camp while the rest of us complete our task and return," Rogan added.

"Chief, what exactly are you gathering that requires traveling so far?" Rat Shaman asked. He seemed unaware that he had already begun addressing Rogan as 'chief.'

After a brief moment of thought, Rogan decided there was no need to keep secrets anymore. They were now his people, and sooner or later, they would learn about metallurgy. Hiding it would only create unnecessary division.

"We're gathering a special type of rock," Rogan explained. "Inside these rocks, there is metal—metal that we use to make sharp weapons and better tools. Like this," he said, tapping his bronze spear and the golden crown on his head.

"What? These weapons were made from stone? That's unbelievable!" Rat Shaman gasped. "Chief Rogan, may I accompany you to see it for myself?"

"It's best if you wait until we return," Rogan declined politely. "Right now, your tribe needs you. They're already anxious about the move, and without you leading them, they'll feel lost."

Realizing the truth in Rogan's words, Rat Shaman nodded, setting aside his curiosity for now.

With that settled, preparations for the move began. The battlefield was cleared, tents dismantled, and even the wooden fences were broken down to serve as fuel for burning the bodies of both fallen enemies and their own lost kin. Thick black smoke spiraled into the sky as the remains of the past were reduced to ashes.

Carrying what little they had—some animal hides and clay pots—Rat Chief led his people away from their old home toward a new future. Food supplies were nonexistent; winter had just ended, and the tribe had long since depleted their stores. They had no choice but to hunt as they traveled.

Fortunately, with Beastfang and Stone guiding them—and their newfound bows—the journey was fruitful. Their hunting efforts provided enough food to sustain the hundred-strong group, ensuring that no one went hungry.

Rat Chief and Rat Shaman were fascinated by the bow and arrow. Rat Chief eagerly sought to learn from Beastfang, while Rat Shaman, though equally curious, lacked the strength to even draw the bow.

Meanwhile, Rogan and his group of eight continued their trek toward the mines, bidding farewell to their new tribe members for now.

This time, their journey was uneventful. They pressed forward in silence, determined to reach their goal. Two days later, they finally reunited with Oak and his team at the eastern edge of Eight Treasures Mountain, near the wetlands.

The location was ideal—abundant in both food and water, perfect for both humans and their animals. When Rogan arrived, he found Oak's group roasting a small wild horse over an open flame.

Though Rogan had granted them permission to butcher their cattle if necessary, their bows had made hunting so easy that they hadn't needed to.

Earless' wounds had begun to heal, though he still moved with difficulty—likely due to internal injuries. His chest wound had been disinfected and was well on its way to recovery.

Strongman, who had suffered a concussion, had also improved. Though the dizziness had passed, his face was still swollen from the blows he had taken. Three of his molars had been knocked out, making his already brutish face look even more fearsome.

As for Grey Mountain, the elephant's gums had stopped bleeding, and there were no signs of infection or necrosis. However, the lost tooth would never grow back. The two young elephants were overjoyed to see Rogan again, playfully nudging him as he greeted them.

"Chief, what about Beastfang and Stone?" Oak hesitated before asking, seeing that two of their members were missing. "Did they…?"

"Oh, they're fine," Rogan assured him. "The enemy chased us all the way south, and we ended up at Rat Tribe's village. We joined forces and wiped them out. In the end, Rat Tribe agreed to merge with the Han Tribe, so from now on, we're one people."

"Really? Our tribe joined the Han Tribe?" One of the young former Rat Tribe members exclaimed in excitement. "That means I can see my family again!"

"If you've got questions, ask them," Rogan said, washing his hands in the creek before tearing off a piece of roasted horse meat. "Eat well, rest up. This afternoon, we start mining. The sooner we're done, the sooner we go home."

After the meal, the group set to work collecting minerals.

Their primary focus was copper and tin, though they also gathered a small amount of realgar. However, Rogan had another key target this time—limestone and pyrite, a type of sulfur-rich iron ore.

Eight Treasures Mountain was rich in sulfur compounds. Realgar (arsenic sulfide), pyrite (iron sulfide), and copper ores all bore high sulfur content. The lower the altitude, the more concentrated the sulfur.

Rogan wasn't interested in pyrite for iron smelting. Instead, he had a different plan—extracting sulfuric acid. If he could refine it, he would finally have the means to break open the salt mine's entrance.