Day 19 in Integration

The tribesmen packed as many belongings as they could and gathered with the squad in front of the podium where Will was standing. The morale of tribesmen was very low, despite all help that Will provided and knowing that it is maybe the best option for them it wasn't enough to make them willingly reject the usual life and obey a stranger, and constant incitement of Okra wasn't helping at all.

"It is time to improve morale"

-Dear friends, today you gathered here because I wanted to reward brave heroes who made great contributions to our victory.

Will's announcement immediately got everyone's attention.

-The man with the greatest contribution is Sadar, he helped to create a plan of battle, held back the bandit leader for a long period of time by himself, and also was the one who made a plan and killed the enemy leader. As a reward Sadar appointed as head of the First Army, given the armor of bandit leader, horse, and awarded with "F" grade mana manual.

As Will finished the first announcement especially when he said about the mana manual from everyone came cheers, Will expected that the tribesman won't be that happy about it but looks like in such a short amount of time Sadar already gained their friendship. First Army on the other hand was a temporary name of the regular army that Will decided to make, the reason why he named it First Army is because it sounded much better than the regular army.

-The second main contributor to victory is Tonra, he killed three enemies by himself, and without him it would've been impossible to kill the bandit leader. At a critical moment, he saved Sadar and held rhinotar by himself. As a reward, Tonra is appointed second in command of the First Army, given mount and weapon of the bandit leader, and awarded with "F" grade mana manual.

Very loud cheers broke from tribesman who was really happy that one of their own get such rewards, which maybe even better than Sadar's reward especially considering that Tonra got a large rhino whose species in the game as it turned out was rhinotar. In the matter of giving rhinotar Will didn't have any choice as rhinotar became fond of Tonra and was obeying just him.

"I guess it is because they both are stupidly strong and straightforward"

Will awarded non-combat squad members with extra food, squad "Hunters" with bows, and except Rey, all "Militia" was for now appointed in defense of village and given spears. Excluding Tonra, all 28 remaining tribesmen were given iron armor set, in addition to armor 18 tribesmen that were fighting in close combat were given spears and shields, and 10 who were armed with slingshots were given bows, of course they also were appointed to First Army. The reason why Tonra didn't get any armor was that unfortunately there wasn't any armor that would fit his size.

The main reason why rewards and appointments were like this is that after talking with Sadar it was decided that making army from tribesman would be much better, tribesman who was constantly fighting and hunting had much better fundament than squad's non-combatants and non-combatants themselves didn't want to be in the army after losing some their own, Will didn't appoint squad "Hunters" to army either despite their good archery skill's because village needed them to gather meat and skins by hunting.

The ones who really pissed off Will were militia, all of them received notification that they can become "Soldiers" but they set condition that they would become one just if Rey would be appointed as their leader. Will refused, he didn't know from where came their loyalty to Rey maybe it was the effect of her class or her own leadership but he didn't want to give her more power, especially now when she disliked him even more after one of the first villagers and her close friend "Farmer" died in the previous battle.

"Action's of "Militia" only confirms that NPC from teleportation gates don't have much loyalty to me, in near future I would need to figure out how to strengthen their loyalty to me"

-There is a man who didn't participate in battle but has great merits. For his long years of service to the tribe, Mushra would be appointed as one of the village's main officials.

As from tribesman again come cheers and faces of squad members especially "Militia" darkened, Will decided to raise their morale a little bit too.

-There remained one more person who has to be rewarded, for previous accomplishments in the village as scout team captain and contribution in this battle, Rey is appointed as head of village defense and given as equipment leather armor set, sword, and crossbow.

It was more of an appointment for a show, Rey was in the head of just five men but Will thought that this will make everyone happy, Rey wouldn't need to obey anyone except Will, "Militia" got her as their leader, and Will wouldn't have to worry about her.

When Will finished his speech in front of his eyes came notification.

You are 9'th player who earned the friendship and respect of the human tribe

You acquired the "Human Tribes Friend" title

Despite this time title didn't have any description Will knew what effect it has. "Human Tribes Friend" title is in simple words improved the attitude of all human tribes to him so if he would meet other tribes it would be much easier to make friendly relationship with them.

"So now I can automatically feel what is effects of titles, it looks like developers really trying to minimize the influence of system in the game"

After the speech, Will gathered the most important figures, Sadar, Tonra, Rey, and Mushra to discuss future plans.

-Mushra, how the preparations for departure are going?

-My lord, we already collected everything that we can carry away so we can leave at any moment.

-I want you and Rey to lead tribesman to our village, meanwhile I would take First Army and twenty more people for an attack to the enemy village that is nearby. The only thing that worries me is that on the way, you would meet quite a few goblins.

The total population of the tribe was 250, unfortunately as most of the elders didn't survive hunger and a significant number of younger tribesmen were killed and kidnaped in hunting or defending tribe, most of remaining tribesmen were children and teenagers.

-My lord, don't worry even our youngsters can easily kill goblins so you can as many people as you want, we would be fine.

The one who objected was Rey.

-Integration of that many people won't be easy, we would have to quickly build homes for them not to mention friction's between villagers and tribesmen that can appear, it would've been much better if you would be at the village during all this.

-I understand what you mean but unfortunately every day our enemies becoming stronger and stronger so it is better to quickly eliminate this threat and now when we are that close to them it is the perfect opportunity.

The reason why Will was in a such hurry to attack the player's village is that he already was quite delayed and by the time he gets there they would already have a population of 200.

Seeing that Rey won't add anything else Will finished meeting and went to talk with the prisoners that were guarded by a few armed tribesmen.

-Great boss, you honored me with your presence what can your miserable slave...

Gouren was one of the bandits that last fell from their mount's, he was the one who urged bandit's to surrender and as it turned out was the one who before battle tried to stop bandit leader from reckless charge.

-I am going to attack someone so I may need you and your friends to be on horseback, for now you needed just for intimidation of the enemy but maybe it can change in the future.

The reason why Will needed these bandits is that they were the only ones except for Sadar and Will himself who knew how to ride a horse, they although were seasoned warriors that can be really helpful in the near future.

-Great boss, I and my brothers are wholly loyal to you from the moment you saved us from death. If you would let us, then we will gladly die for you...

Seeing that Will doesn't believe in any of his words Gouren added with quite voice.

-And considering that bandits in our base won't forgive us after the previous boss's is death, without you we won't have any place to go.

Will didn't fully believe Gouren so he decided to prepared something to test their loyalty.

Day 20 in Integration

Will with his army was staying in front of the player's village, he thought about a surprise attack but decided that open field battle would be much better for him.

Will's forces were 30 men from the First Army and 30 more tribesman 20 of which were equipped with spears and 10 with bows, despite having much fewer numbers Will already seen what can do individuals with higher power and better equipment. Will's two champions, Tonra who is "G" (Peak) grade with rhinotar at supposedly "G" (Peak) grade too and "Uncommon" weapon, with Sadar who today broke through to "G" (Medium) grade thanks to mana manual and enlightenment in a previous battle equipped with bandit leader's black armor that is supposedly at least "Rare" rank, just by themselves can inflict heavy losses to enemies.

The only thing that made Will worry and hesitate to attack the village is fear that they have an "F" grade guardian spirit beast too.

-My name is Sargon Kondor! And I demand you to surrender!

Will didn't expect to this work but surprisingly shortly after his words from the village came an elegant man with goat beard, he calmly came close to army and said.

-My lord would like to swear allegiance to you and sent me for negotiation of terms.

Happy that he can conquer the village without bloodshed Will came forward on the grey horse that he took for himself.

-My name is Tao, I am advisor of lord Nigel head of Zachberg house.

Said Tao with a gracious bow.

A little bit bewildered by the manners of Tao, Will decided that it would be better for his subordinates to introduce him so he turned head to Sadar who was at his left on a black horse that he picked. After few seconds of awkward silence, Sadar finally understood what Will wanted from him and said.

-This is lord Kondor... oh sorry, lord Sargon the head of Kondor house.

As Will wanted to facepalm because of Sadar's introduction, Tao again took initiative.

-Lord Kondor it is uncomfortable to talk like that, would you mind coming inside of our humble village so we can treat you with the respect that you deserve?

Despite Tao said this with a sweet tone and smile on his face, Will felt a hidden threat in words "respect that you deserve".

-Me and my men are really tired so we gladly will take your offer.

With the same warm smile, Tao continued.

-I am afraid that this many armed men can scare villagers, would you mind leaving your weapon's here then?

-Your lord didn't even come here personally to negotiate but you want me to go in your village without protection?

Tao made a sad face.

-My lord can't come because of poor health he...

Tired of empty talk Will interrupted Tao.

-If you are uncomfortable negotiate like this then put chairs in the middle ground between my army and your village, we will meet there in an hour with three people representing each side.

Tao bowed.

-As you wish lord Kondor.

After one hour in the middle ground were chairs and umbrella to protect from the sun.

-Sneaky bastard!

Will was unhappy because Tao came to the place of negotiation just by himself.

"If I would go there not alone then both army and the village will think that I am a coward who is afraid of Tao"

-Should I go and represent you?

Knowing his worries Sadar proposed his candidacy.

-No offense Sadar but I don't think that you would be able to deal with this sly fox... I would go there by myself.

-You can't! What if it is his plan to attack you?

-Tell me what is saying your instincts, is he much stronger than me?

Sadar hesitated.

-No he is not that stronger but... can you at least take a weapon with you?

-I can't, he is not armed so it wouldn't be right to take a weapon with me.

Seeing that Sadar wasn't convinced Will added with a smile.

-Don't worry even if he will attack me you'll see it right away and would be able to quickly come for aid, don't forget that my dress is "Rare" (Peak) rank so even if he will be stronger than me I would be able to survive enough long for you to save me.

Sadar finally stepped back.

-As you wish, but please go there in the mount so if something happens you would be able to quickly retreat.

Touched by Sadar's worry Will smiled and went for negotiations.