Chapter 202: Sorry, But That Is My Trump Card
Chapter 202: Sorry, But That Is My Trump Card
"Once again, I welcome you all to the Aslan Tribe," Leone said. "Please enjoy the food and drinks we have prepared for all of you!"
Just like always, Kael took this opportunity to once again show off his magic tricks, filling the base of the mountain with tables and chairs.
Naturally, the ladies and warriors of the Aslan Tribe served the food, seeing that all the tables were accounted for
This time, Leone invited Hagen, Malik, Wayne, Ragnar, and the three chieftains of the middle-ranked tribes to join him at his table.
Logan didn’t want to rub shoulders with the barbarians, so he left as soon as he was done playing his role.
Truth be told, some of the barbarians felt a little anxious because of the Orc’s presence. So, the moment he left, the atmosphere became livelier.
"I have to admit. You’ve surpassed my expectations, Leone," Malik said with a smile. "You’re so young, yet you’re already this decisive. My sons can learn a thing or two from you on how you handle your diplomatic relationships."
Leone didn’t know if the Chieftain of the Sandreaver Tribe was being serious or not. Because of that, he did the only thing he could do, and that was to smile at his praise.
"I never thought I’d live to see a day when a barbarian tribe allies itself with an Orc tribe," Hagen commented from the side. "Perhaps your background of not being born here in the Borderlands affected your decision."
"I won’t deny it played a role in my decision." Leone nodded. "However, there is another important reason why I’ve decided to form this alliance."
"Is it because you needed help to fight against the Darkmane Tribe?" Malik inquired.
"Originally, that was the plan," Leone admitted. "But even without the Orcs, our tribe was already prepared to face the Darkmane Tribe. The main reason I allied with the Orcs has something to do with why they have migrated here to Grimjaw Mountain."
The young man scanned the faces of everyone gathered around him before sharing the news that truly mattered.
"The Orcs said that a Monster King has been born in the west," Leone said in a serious tone. "It’s currently gathering its forces to march not toward the Kingdom of Britannia but to march southward instead."
Just as he expected, Malik and Hagen’s expressions turned solemn after hearing this news.
"Are you sure about this news?" Hagen asked.
"Yes," Leone replied. "Since I don’t have enough manpower to send to the west, how about the high-ranking tribes send a scouting team to confirm this matter? Also, I have a request for the high-ranking tribes.
"If possible, please grant permission for the Redmaw Tribe, the Grimfang Tribe, and the Ironhide Tribe to evacuate to Eden. I don’t mind taking them in, but since I am about to go to war with the Darkmane Tribe, their lives would be in danger if they stayed here."
Malik and Hagen exchanged glances with each other.
Leone also asked Ragnar and Wayne, who represented the Warclaw Tribe, to ask their father for permission as well.
"If what you say is true, then we will grant this permission," Hagen stated. "How long before the monster stampede comes?"
The birth of a Monster King was the sign that a monster stampede was about to happen. While the bulk of their forces would always head north, a portion of them would charge toward the south.
The barbarian tribes had experience dealing with this calamity, but since it had never been on a large scale, their losses had been minimal.
But if what Leone said was true, things would be different.
If the brunt of the monster army truly headed south, then the barbarian tribes must start preparing their defenses now, while they still can.
"I’m estimating it would start in four to six weeks," Leone answered. "I actually asked the Guardian of Grimjaw Mountain to fly to the west to check what is happening there right now."
After the Orcs allied themselves with the Aslan Tribe, Leone asked Astravor to check the monster army in the west.
That way, they would know what kind of monsters they were dealing with. Depending on the information they receive, they would decide what defenses to prepare for that occasion.
"Wait, if the monster stampede really happens, wouldn’t that affect your war with the Darkmane Tribe?" Ragnar asked.
"I’ll be honest. I hope the monster stampede appears when my battle with the Darkmane Tribe starts," Leone replied. "I want to see them get trampled by the monsters while running for their lives."
The young man smiled evilly. If that scene really happened, he would enjoy every second of it.
Ironically, the tables where the warriors of the Darkmane Tribe were currently seated were right in front of the stage where Leone and the other chieftains were dining.
Some of them were paying close attention to their discussion. Since Leone didn’t bother lowering his voice, they heard about the monster stampede, which made them frown.
"I don’t think Troy will be stupid enough to send his army if a monster stampede is really going to take place," Hagen said.
"I hope he is." Leone smirked. "I’m really itching for a fight right now."
Leone wasn’t lying.
He was truly itching for a fight.
He and Daedalus had already formulated a plan that would start the moment Troy and his army left their city gates.
"It’s good to be confident, but you’re underestimating the Darkmane Tribe too much," Malik said. "I think your fortress will be able to handle a siege. However, do not forget that they will come here fully knowing what they are about to face."
"Do they?" Leone chuckled. "I don’t think they do. Well, I’m sure none of you believes me when I say that we can win a war against the Darkmane Tribe. It will be an interesting show either way. But if you do plan to watch the battle, do keep in mind that a monster stampede might happen anytime."
"Can you tell us where your confidence is coming from then?" Ragnar asked. "This is the reason I have come here to see you. I don’t think you can win a war against the Darkmane Tribe, and yet, you sound so confident. It just doesn’t make sense."
"Sorry, but that is my trump card," Leone replied calmly. "If news of it reaches the Darkmane Tribe’s ears, it will not be a laughing matter. At least, not for my tribe."
Ragnar knew that he was being unreasonable.
Yet, he was truly curious!
However, he had no choice but to back down. He understood that a secret like this really couldn’t be shared, especially since the Aslan Tribe was about to fight against a high-ranking tribe.
If he were in Leone’s position, he would also hold this secret close to his heart and would not tell anyone about it.
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