"A deal is a deal," Aries asserted with a fierce determination. To those who saw him for the first time, the level of confidence he exhibited might be perplexing. Yet, his own tribe was well-acquainted with his capabilities, understanding that only those unfamiliar with him would dare to question such confidence.
"Show some respect to the chief, young one!" One of the Swift Needle tribesmen retorted in a heated tone.
"Respect is earned, not bestowed. Now, relinquish the thread," Aries held his ground firmly.
"You!" The same tribesman, consumed by anger, appeared ready to lunge at Aries, but his chief intervened to stop him.
The Swift Needle chief begrudgingly handed over the thread. "I admire your audacity, young one. Perhaps one day, I will earn such respect from you," he conceded, his voice tinged with a mixture of begrudging admiration and humility. With that, the tribe turned and departed, the tense atmosphere finally dissipating.
The Forest Guardian chief observed the exchange, maintaining his distance and allowing Aries to handle the situation. As he witnessed Aries put the Swift Needle chief in his place, a subtle grin appeared on the chief's face, conveying his unspoken approval of Aries's actions.
"Nice job, Master," First exclaimed, the respect for Aries growing stronger among his companions.
Amidst the bustling activity of unloading the carriage and transporting their acquired goods, Aries found himself engrossed in the Trapper's thread. He marveled at its sturdiness, and as the Swift Needle chief had stated, it resisted a knife's edge but was vulnerable to fire. Despite its limitations, Aries recognized its potential applications and considered it a valuable addition to his resources.
As the evening settled in, Third treated the group to a feast, filling the air with the tantalizing aroma of their meal. The neighboring villagers couldn't help but feel their mouths water at the scent, longing for the dishes that had aroused their senses.
"Master, it's time to rest," First gently reminded Aries. With the night stretching on and Aries having spent an extended period tinkering with the thread, his curiosity had once again gotten the better of him, leading him to tinker with the thread until morning.
The long-awaited trade gathering was finally underway. Each tribe, represented by ten members, gathered outside their designated buildings that served as makeshift shops for the event. The trade gathering spanned three days, providing ample time for participants to engage in trading, with deals being made through mutual agreement. Aries, who was meant to represent the tribe in trading, spent the entire first day sleeping. This decision initially angered the chief, but he held back his frustration, recognizing that Aries might have a plan in mind.
Aries' companions took the opportunity to explore the offerings of the other tribes. However, their excitement quickly turned to disappointment as they found that the quality of tools, food, and materials available was inferior to what they had in their forest home. Their initial enthusiasm waned as they realized that the trade options were subpar and not worth pursuing. The stark realization led them to wonder whether Aries had been aware of this beforehand.
As the third and final day of the trade gathering dawned, the tribe had yet to make a single trade. The chief's frustration reached its peak, and he voiced his dissatisfaction to Aries with harsh words, threatening consequences if they returned empty-handed. Despite the chief's stern warning, Aries seemed unfazed by the threat, as if the chief's words had little impact on him.
As the final day of the trade gathering approached, Aries decided to take action. Assuring the chief that he had a plan, Aries declared confidently, "Relax, chief. I've got this."
Equipped with his knowledge of trading dynamics from his past life, Aries came prepared. Although he wasn't naturally skilled in bargaining, he was experienced in showcasing achievements and leveraging them to his advantage, particularly in games. Observing the tribes' traditional ways over the past few days, he recognized their resistance to change and innovation. Aries believed that altering the quality of life and implementing better rules and regulations could lead to prosperity in this world.
Using his inventory, Aries produced a water stone and began offering free water to members of other tribes. His actions seemed wasteful to them, as they were familiar with the value of water stones. Curiosity arose among the tribes as they wondered if Aries had an abundance of these valuable resources. Aries elevated his gesture by infusing the water with herbs, creating a refreshing lemonade-like flavor that impressed the tribes. Many chiefs engaged in conversations with Aries, discussing the potential benefits of his offerings.
Water stones held immense value in this world, capable of providing water for days. This convenience reduced the need for carrying excessive water supplies during hunts, enabling greater capacity for game. The concept of extended travel distances also intrigued the tribes. Aries' actions not only showcased his resourcefulness but also left a positive impression on the chiefs.
As the trade gathering concluded with no conventional trades involving the Forest Guardian tribe, Aries had managed to spark interest among the other chiefs. This resulted in a private meeting being organized between Aries and the chiefs of all six tribes, including Sky Feather, Swift Needle, Ember Boulder, Swamp Beasts, and Mountain Dwellers. The meeting took place in the grand hall of the Sky Feather tribe, where the chiefs gathered, each projecting their tribe's unique characteristics through their presence.
Despite their distinct attributes, the chiefs exuded an imposing aura, displaying their authority and dominance. The atmosphere was tense as they convened, reluctant to even take their seats, exemplifying their pride and determination. The fate of the tribes' future interactions hung in the balance as discussions were set to begin.
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