News of the Forest Guardians halting the advance of the beast wave spread like wildfire within their alliance and even among neighboring hostile tribes.

"Did you hear? It was the inventor who played the biggest role."

"Are you serious? I saw that kid at the trade gathering. How could he possibly stop a beast wave?"

"Don't be ignorant! That kid earned a title for his contributions. He's a vital asset to their tribe."

"I heard he was the one who convinced the chiefs to form the alliance as well."

"No way! This sounds too unbelievable!"

Rumors and speculations circulated freely about what transpired and who Aries truly was. It was hard for many to fathom that a child could have such a significant impact on a critical event like a beast wave.

In the weeks that followed the beast wave, the aftermath left the surrounding area in disarray. The destruction caused by the beasts and the utilization of various magic stones had taken its toll. However, after dedicated weeks of repairs and renovations, the village returned to a semblance of normalcy. The plethora of carcasses provided them with an abundance of preserved meat and high-quality materials. They capitalized on the formidable scales of the slain beasts, fashioning impenetrable shields and crafting weaponry from the sharp teeth and claws of wyverns. Spears hewn from the enormous horned reptiles and superior armor crafted from the hides of fierce creatures improved their arsenal. The losses incurred during the beast wave were heartbreaking, but the sacrifices were not in vain. The materials they acquired would fortify their defenses and contribute to the village's continued prosperity.

Aries came to the realization that his calculations and preparations for the beast wave were far from sufficient. Despite the strategic use of magic stones, traps, and enhanced long-range weaponry, his plans had faltered. The depletion of magic stones and the ineffectiveness of their bolts against some of the beasts' hides highlighted the necessity for a different approach in minimizing casualties during the next wave. However, the scarcity of accurate population data in this tribe hindered his ability to strategize effectively. With an estimated population of less than a thousand, the loss of over a dozen tribesmen and those maimed due to amputation underscored the urgency for innovative strategies.

Aries recognized the need to adapt and evolve his plans. He had already achieved a great deal, but mining had been an unexplored avenue for him. His months in this world had not yet led him to discover materials resembling the metals he was familiar with. Despite the potential risks posed by the scattered magic stones, Aries decided it was time to initiate mining operations, driven by his desire to secure the village's future.

This time, Aries fashioned shovels with elongated handles, providing a safe distance in the event of an explosion. The handles were three times the length of a standard one, ensuring that the villagers would be out of harm's way. He opted for shovels as opposed to long-handed pickaxes, prioritizing safety and ease of use over speed. Although digging might be slightly slower, it was a calculated trade-off for increased safety.

Prior to initiating the digging operation, Aries met with the chief to discuss his plans. The chief had summoned Aries to the village hall for this purpose.

"You asked for me, Chief?" Aries inquired upon entering the hall, acknowledging the chief's presence with a respectful nod.

"I've heard you're considering starting a digging operation," the chief began, his tone curious. He seemed genuinely interested in Aries' intentions.

"Yes, that's correct. I believe that beneath the surface, we might uncover valuable materials that could benefit our village," Aries replied, his conviction evident in his voice. While Aries was accustomed to making decisions independently, he sensed that the chief had something to address.

"I've learned that beneath this land, there are stones harder than our hardest stone. We've preserved one as an example and have shown it to those among us who expressed similar ideas. You're not the first to consider this path," the chief revealed, his gaze steady on Aries. With this disclosure, the chief aimed to dissuade Aries from proceeding. The chief retrieved a sizeable chunk of the black stone and presented it to Aries. However, as he observed Aries' unwavering expression, it seemed that the chief's attempt had the opposite effect. Evidently, Aries was undeterred by the potential challenges.

Aries eagerly examined the black stone, his curiosity piqued. The stone appeared ordinary at first glance, yet Aries was captivated by its potential. Without a word, he retrieved his prized stone knife, carefully crafted from the hardest stone available on the surface. This tool was his most advanced creation, capable of piercing through regular stone with minimal effort. However, to his astonishment, the stone knife made no mark on the enigmatic black stone's surface.

"Amazing! What an incredible find!" Aries exclaimed, his excitement evident. The discovery of a stone this resilient hinted at the possibility of crafting tools and implements of unprecedented durability.

Eager to explore the potential applications of the black stone, Aries attempted to lift it, only to realize that it was immovable. "Chief! Could you help me transport this to my workshop?" Aries urgently requested the chief's assistance. Despite the chief's grumbling about being ordered around, he eventually agreed, hoisting the heavy stone and accompanying Aries to his expanded workshop—Aries' domain as an inventor.

The plans for the digging operation were momentarily postponed, as Aries directed his focus toward the enigma of the black stone. Sleepless nights were spent laboring over the stone, testing various methods to shape it or determine its properties. Gradually, it became apparent that no physical manipulation could make even the slightest mark on its surface. Frustrated yet undeterred, Aries delved into his memories of his previous life, pondering any potential parallels or connections. The stone's nature left him questioning whether it was truly a stone or perhaps a form of metal. In a world where similarities existed alongside stark differences, Aries recognized that conventional knowledge might not suffice. Driven by his determination, he refused to abandon the pursuit of unraveling the mysteries hidden within the black stone.