The Swamp Beast hunt leader, seeking to offer a solution, added, "It's true that land and resources are finite. If we are to survive, we must take a stand now. The central alliance's numbers will only grow with time. Perhaps we can even the odds by acting preemptively."

However, the Swift Needle hunt leader's apprehensions persisted. "Are you actually proposing that we challenge them head-on? You're being overly reckless. This kid's defense against a beast wave doesn't equate to taking on skilled hunters from the central alliance. We should consider negotiation—"

Attempting to mediate, the representative interrupted, "Let's not dismiss our hunt leader's concerns. Having previously encountered the central alliance, I can attest to their weaponry and armor superiority. Their hard stone weapons and formidable beast hide armor make our tactics ineffective."

Facing skepticism, Aries felt a surge of annoyance, yet his curiosity was equally piqued. "Though I hadn't intended to engage in your deliberations, considering our alliance brought us here, the Swift Needle hunt leader's doubt compels me to reveal something intriguing."

With rapt attention, the other tribes awaited Aries' next words, recognizing the importance of reaching a strategic decision that would impact not only the Sky Feather tribe but their entire alliance's fate.

Aries gestured to the Forest Guardians' hunt leader, silently asking to borrow his black spear, concealed beneath cloth. All the hidden black weapons of the Forest Guardians had been stored as Aries instructed. However, with Aries now revealing them, the hunt leader unveiled a completely black spear. Its design seemed as if it had been carved from stone, extending from its handle to its tip.

"Did you mention that they're using hard stone weapons?" Aries asked, seeking clarification. The Forest Guardians' hunt leader took out a spare hard stone knife and tried to slice through the spear's handle. The result was the knife shattering into pieces.

Everyone present understood that the weapon's material was significantly stronger than anything they possessed. What's more, Aries took out his stone knife and thrust it into the Forest Guardian's hunt leader's chest. Just like before, the knife shattered upon contact. The hunt leader then removed his leather armor, revealing a thin yet sturdy body armor made from black stone.

The room fell silent, an atmosphere of awe settling in as if they had witnessed some sort of magical feat. It was as though they were gazing upon armor and weapons crafted by divine hands.

"I'm the one who made these weapons and armors. After all, I'm the inventor," Aries said proudly.

Their eyes shimmered not with envy, but with a longing for security. Aries understood that by revealing this advanced technology, he held considerable sway over their decisions.

"Is there a purpose behind showing us this?" The usually quiet hunt leader of the Mountain Dwellers finally spoke up.

"Yes, nothing in this world is free. I can help us stand against the central alliance, but I do have a condition," Aries said, his reputation for mischief and intelligence preceding him.

"What's the condition?" Ember Boulder's hunt leader inquired. Despite their fighting style similarities with the Swift Needle tribe, the Ember Boulder tribesmen's adept use of fire stones could make such equipment valuable to them.

"I propose a renewed alliance, this time a permanent one, with the Forest Guardians as leaders," Aries confidently declared.

"Are you crazy, kid? You're not even part of our tribe. If I wanted to kill you, I could've done it when you first arrived," remarked the representative from the Swamp Beast tribe, recalling his previous encounter with Aries. Though the representative could have easily evaded such an attack using his symbol but underestimating Aries made him lose.

The Forest Guardians' hunt leader revealed symbols that extended up his arm, asserting his authority. Only chiefs could challenge a hunt leader on equal footing. Such symbols signified a hunt leader's elevated status, setting them apart from the rest. "One more insult towards our inventor, and I assure you, your head will be off," the hunt leader warned, causing the Swamp Beast representative to step back, impressed by the display of dominance.

"How is this different from the central alliance? Weren't we supposed to be equal?" The chief of Sky Feather tribe questioned, noting the discrepancy between Aries' new proposal and the initial agreement.

"The central alliance forces tribes to join or be killed and enslaved. I'm offering a fighting chance against them, along with a new trading concept that will revolutionize this world. It's not fully developed, but it'll be accessible to everyone, whether they join or not. I call it 'favors'," Aries explained.

"Normally, trade involves exchanging items of equal value, like trading a water stone for a fire stone. But what if you lack a fire or thunder stone? That's where favors come in. You can earn favors by trading valuable resources like food or materials, which can later be exchanged for items like a water stone. This is what a favor looks like," Aries demonstrated, displaying a coin-like sample with a mark on it.

"So, it simplifies trading? Doesn't seem significantly different, does it?" The chief probed further.

"While it might seem minor, it's when you want equipment like the armor and weapons I showed you that the difference becomes apparent. These tools require favors or even submission. Within the alliance, trading with these tools requires fewer favors. Exclusive items will be available only to alliance members. But joining or not is your choice. That's what sets our alliance apart from the central alliance," Aries clarified, piquing the curiosity of the hunt leaders.

"What if we agree and then later want to leave? What happens then?" The Ember Boulder representative raised a valid concern.

"This offer is one-time only. Join or decline—it's up to you. However, once you join and later leave, the alliance will unite to eliminate your tribe. This ensures that the alliance's exclusive knowledge remains protected. Keep in mind, what I've shown you is just a glimpse of what I possess," Aries asserted firmly.

"Quite confident for a young kid, aren't you? Regardless, we can't give you an immediate answer. We'll discuss your proposal with our chief and decide later," the Ember Boulder hunt leader added.

"Don't worry. I'm not here to persuade you right now, but to help a tribe in need. That's why we're here, isn't it?" Aries replied, glancing at the Sky Feather chief.

"Do you have any plans?" The chief asked Aries, recognizing his unique ability for unconventional thinking.

"Plans? Let the Forest Guardians set an example. We can just watch," Aries suggested confidently.

Without concluding the meeting, Aries left, having conveyed his intentions. Displaying the strength of the equipment he had crafted was merely a stepping stone toward his dream alliance. It was better to see the results unfold.

"Are you seriously thinking of facing the central alliance's raiders with just our tribesmen?" The hunt leader inquired.

"I've heard that you previously battled them and suffered significant losses. This time will be different, I promise," Aries replied, aware of the challenges posed by fighting humans compared to hunting beasts. Despite the serious nature of the conversation, Aries held insights from the village hall discussion and his vision, giving him an idea of the potential risks.

While leaving, Aries encountered a guard rushingtoward the village hall, suggesting forthcoming developments.