LEVEL EVERYTHING UP in my Eldritch Tribe

Lyerin's gaze didn't waver as he leaned forward, his expression one of absolute confidence.

The members of his tribe shifted uneasily behind him, feeling the weight of his words.

He wasn't just speaking to Lucas; he was speaking to everyone who stood behind him, to the uncertain faces on the other side of Lucas's call, and even to the distant families he knew would be watching their every move before long.

"Lucas, listen carefully," Lyerin began, his voice even but resolute.

"The families control every corner of this world, every faction, every resource, every bit of strength—and they do it with manipulation, with an iron grip.

"They use influence, alliances, and hidden debts that chain everyone to them, even governments like yours, especially those who think they're free. But they're not. No one is. Not yet."

Lucas frowned, clearly trying to absorb the weight of Lyerin's words. Lyerin continued, letting each sentence sink in.

"To break free, you need something the families can't predict, a move they won't see coming. That's where I come in. If you and your people become part of my tribe, even temporarily, we'll get what we both need.

"I gain the manpower my people currently lack. And you'll gain a measure of immunity, of independence, that the families won't anticipate. They won't see your strength building because they won't believe it could come from an alliance with me."

Lucas listened intently, shifting his stance. His gaze flicked toward the ground as he weighed Lyerin's words, but Lyerin continued, his tone growing more intense.

"You see, the families view all alliances through their own twisted lens. They believe loyalty can only be bought or forced.

"They can't imagine a temporary alliance based on mutual benefit. They don't understand people working together freely, even if just for survival."

He glanced over Lucas's shoulder at his group of suited men, who all stood waiting, their faces a mixture of determination and concern.

"And that's the real trick here, Lucas. Once your people are part of my tribe, even if only in name, it changes everything. They'll get the benefits of Eldren strength and resilience, even if they're not born with it.

"They'll feel a shift—a new kind of power running through them that will make them stronger and more adaptable. I need your people's help to protect us now. And in return, your government gets that advantage. When this is all over, you're free to go."

Lucas ran a hand through his hair, and with a look of reluctant determination, he lifted his phone and relayed Lyerin's offer to the voice on the other end.

His voice was steady as he explained each point, his words brimming with urgency and conviction.

"This is more than just a simple alliance," Lucas explained.

"Yes, it's temporary, but the families won't see it that way. They'll have no reason to believe we're capable of aligning with someone like him, someone they've written off.

"And by the time they notice the change, by the time they figure out what's happening, it'll be too late. We'll be stronger, more prepared, and less reliant on the families' resources. We'll have our independence."

He paused, as if listening to a question from his superior, then added, "No, he doesn't want loyalty, he wants cooperation. He's not trying to control us. He's just... looking for a way to make sure his people and ours can stand a chance in what's coming."

There was a long silence as Lucas waited for a response, and when he spoke again, his voice grew a shade quieter.

"I understand. But here's what he said next." Lucas's voice took on a softer tone, repeating each of Lyerin's words with emphasis.

"He claims that he has no ability to control us even if he wanted to. He's a third-stage, middle-tier Eldren Mana user. But there are others, others he calls the fourth-stage.

"People far more powerful than him. If we align with him, the families will think we're desperate. They won't believe we're joining willingly. They'll underestimate us. That's exactly why this plan works. Lyerin's an underdog in their eyes, a wild card at best."

The silence on the other end grew heavier, stretching out for an excruciating minute before Lucas's expression changed, the faintest hint of frustration beginning to show.

The response must not have been favorable.

Lucas turned, throwing Lyerin a questioning look, his voice hushed as he pressed the phone to his ear.

"No, he's serious about this," Lucas insisted into the phone, his tone shifting from explaining to defending.

"This isn't a game for him. Look at it logically. The families will never believe we'd willingly ally with someone they consider beneath them.

"They'll assume we're acting out of desperation, and that gives us an element of surprise. And if this works… they'll be the ones unprepared, not us."

Lyerin listened to Lucas's side of the call with a small, knowing smile, his eyes glinting as he waited for the words to land.

"But the government is skeptical," Lucas muttered as he put a hand over the phone, looking at Lyerin.

"They'll see the benefit soon enough," Lyerin replied, his voice unwavering.

He glanced at the assembled group of government men, assessing each face with a steady gaze.

His calm, almost amused demeanor held a hint of challenge as he crossed his arms. He had anticipated their reluctance and knew that this was just the beginning of convincing them.

However, he had no doubt in his mind that he could win them over. He'd been playing these games far too long.

Lucas uncovered the phone, and with a determined expression, he continued.

"I understand, sir, but you have to see this from our perspective. If what he's saying is true, this is our chance to gain some breathing room, to stand on our own two feet without needing to bow to anyone else. Even if it's only temporary, it's worth considering."

After another round of silence, Lucas finally lowered the phone and turned back to Lyerin, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He looked as though he were about to relay yet another rejection. But Lyerin saw a glint of something in his expression—curiosity, hesitation, and maybe, just maybe, the start of understanding.

Lucas took a slow, steadying breath.

"They're willing to consider it," he said finally.

"But only if we can verify what you're saying. They want proof that joining your tribe will offer these benefits, that your system will work with our people, and if your claim as an Eldren Mana user were true."

At this, Lyerin's smile grew. He had anticipated their need for proof, and he was more than willing to provide it.

This was his game, and he was just getting started.