Chapter 125: Return
Enzo's return was a momentous occasion for the entire Crimson Star Tribe.
Upon Amy's notification, all the tribal leaders gathered.
They were filled with excitement, with some even kneeling down towards the ritual square, expressing gratitude, "Great deity, thank you for bringing Lord Enzo back!"
Witnessing this scene, Enzo couldn't help but feel somewhat overwhelmed.
It seemed destined to be a day of joy. Shortly after Enzo's return, a massive caravan composed of hundreds of yaks appeared on the road outside the northern gate of the Crimson Star camp. Alongside them was Douglas, his rough voice announcing, "Fellow tribespeople, come and welcome the esteemed traveling merchant Mr. Douglas!"
"Douglas, shut up!"
Christina scolded sharply.
However, Douglas seemed emboldened and unafraid of Christina. "Captain Christina, are you trying to undermine my contributions this time? Hmph, I put in a lot of effort to ensure the success of this trade!"
Upon hearing this, Christina covered her face in frustration.
News of Christina's return spread to Enzo's ears, prompting him to lead everyone to greet them.
Douglas froze when he reached the entrance.
Seeing Enzo and the other tribal leaders come out, he was incredibly excited. He quickly approached Enzo and said, "Respected Lord Enzo, this trade was just a small success; it wasn't worthy of you coming out personally."
"Alright, Douglas, go on in."
Enzo said that, easily seeing through Douglas's desire to show off. Yet, he didn't mind. Enzo was always tolerant and generous towards his own people.
Nellies observed this scene, and it helped ease her heart slightly.
Perhaps her life wouldn't be so bad after all.
Douglas and his group's return once again stirred excitement among the tribal people. The yaks carried massive supplies, nearly encompassing all sorts of goods collected from the barren mountain area.
This would greatly enrich the Crimson Star Tribe's resource reserves.
Moreover, with Enzo back, spirits were high.
To celebrate this joyous occasion, upon the suggestion of the people, the Crimson Star Tribe held a long-awaited gathering. Dozens of iron pots were set up in the open space, and dedicated members prepared delicious food.
The atmosphere was lively and joyful.
However, not everyone felt the same way.
Nellies sat on the grass with a ceramic bowl in hand, filled with delicious food emitting an enticing aroma. Yet, she had no appetite and instead felt a loneliness creeping in, surrounding her like a rising tide.
While the Crimson Star Tribe celebrated, she felt she had nothing to share in their happiness.
"Nellies?"
At that moment, Nellies heard a call and saw someone approaching. She quickly stood up and exclaimed, "Lord Amy."
In the Servolk market, Nellies had been proud.
However, after everything she had experienced, her pride had been shattered. She realized she was just an ordinary person, at most knowledgeable about potions compared to others.
Especially upon entering the Crimson Star Tribe—
Everything in the tribe had shaken her to the core.
This place was too magnificent!
The towering walls, neatly planned houses, and the vast farmland outside the camp...
It was like a dreamland.
Because of this, Nellies felt a deep sense of inferiority.
She looked at Amy, and with hope in her eyes, asked, "Lord Amy, can I stay here after this?"
Upon hearing this, Amy smiled.
From the moment Enzo brought Nellies back, she had noticed her. From Enzo's gaze and Nellies' behavior, she understood Enzo's simple reason for bringing her back.
Nellies could help.
Moreover, Nellies was a supernaturalist, although it seemed she had encountered some form of setback.
As a direct manager of the Crimson Star Tribe, Amy had too many tasks on her plate. She was eager to find someone to share the workload with, so when she spotted Nellies sitting alone, she approached her.
Upon hearing Nellies' inquiry, Amy reassured her, "Don't worry, Lord Enzo bringing you back means he has approved of you."
These words slightly eased Nellies' mind.
Guided by Amy, Nellies then recounted what had happened at the Servolk market.
That evoked sympathy from Amy.
Learning that Nellies was a Potion Master, Amy understood Enzo's intentions.
Amy then took Nellies to Enzo's side.
Clara, Tia, and others were curious about the newcomer Nellies, but they did not resist her joining.
The group gathered together, chatting and laughing.
It was then that Christina spoke up.
Her smile faded as she cautioned, "Enzo, during our journey to trade with the Gold Oak Tribe, we passed several medium to large tribes training their combatants, seemingly preparing for war."
War!
These words caused Ward and others to tense visibly.
Heru added, "Deep within the Plata Plain, we occasionally hear the roars of supernatural creatures, audible even from its outskirts. We suspect some kind of disaster might be brewing deep within."
One unsettling piece of news followed another, dampening the group's spirits.
If disaster or war were to strike, everything the Crimson Star Tribe had built could be at risk.
However, Enzo remained calm.
Having reached the Level 5 and forged his new totem, the Ring of the World, he believed he could handle any threat, unless it was from a massive tribe like the Golden Lion Tribe.
Yet, he chose not to share this information.
He believed it beneficial for the tribe to maintain a sense of urgency.
Subsequently, Ward and the others took the opportunity to report various updates and changes within the tribe.
During the report, the emotions of the crowd were very high.
The current Crimson Star Tribe covers extensive areas including most parts of the jungle, Plata Plain, Qaidam Lake, and some parts of Rivaille Forest in terms of tribal activities. Adventurers like Gene and Lester have ventured even farther.
It can be said that the Crimson Star Tribe qualifies as a large tribe.
Such achievements make every member of the Crimson Star Tribe immensely proud.
Enzo, too, spared no praise for their accomplishments.
As the atmosphere of the gathering reached its peak, many tribe members began dancing hand in hand. Amidst the loud singing of the tribe, the entire Crimson Star Tribe was filled with joy.
...
In front of the bamboo lodge.
Enzo returned with Clara and Tia, who were groggy with sleepiness. Thinking about the tart juice Ward had carefully prepared earlier, Enzo couldn't help but mutter, "With our tribe's food reserves now sufficient, perhaps we could start brewing some alcohol."
Tia overheard this remark.
And she asked curiously, "Alcohol? Lord Enzo, what is alcohol?"
"It's a drink."
Enzo casually explained and then asked, "Tia, why don't you—"
He had intended to ask Tia why she hadn't returned to her own place to sleep, but seeing Tia's and the others' expressions, Enzo instantly understood what might happen next.
Having been away for so long, it was clear that Tia and the others were feeling amorous.
Clara leaned close to Enzo's ear and whispered softly, "Enzo, we've agreed among ourselves that tonight, none of us will let you off easily."
Hearing this, a teasing smile spread across Enzo's lips.
He deliberately provoked the women, saying, "Last time, you all said the same thing, and in the end, you all begged for mercy."
"This time is different." Tia argued back.
Enzo asked, "How so?"
Confidently, Tia replied, "My skills have improved a lot."
Improved skills?
Hmm, it seemed her skills had indeed improved significantly.
Of course, to avoid dampening Tia's enthusiasm, Enzo didn't say anything about it.
The group then crowded into Enzo's bedroom.
As the night grew darker, delightful sighs echoed throughout the room.
...
Golden Lion Tribe.
Under the same pitch-black night sky and serene atmosphere, Freya stood in a massive wooden hut with a faint smile on her lips. This expression infuriated Priest Chloe, who was currently reprimanding her. He roared in anger, "Freya, what are you doing?"
Freya snapped out of her thoughts and calmly replied, "I'm contemplating."
Her answer momentarily puzzled Chloe, who grew even more enraged. He demanded, "Freya, regarding the incident at High Tower Space and Zona's death, I expect a truthful report from you. This not only concerns your ability to become a priest of the Golden Lion Tribe but also the future of our tribe."
Freya's expression remained cold.
She responded, "Lord Priest, it was you who insisted on collecting resources from other tribes, allowing them to benefit from the assistance of Golden Lion Tribe members in the High Tower. As for Zona, I have no information, but isn't it reasonable that he died? "
"People live, and people die. Don't they?"
Chloe's anger surged again, but this time he remained eerily calm. His aged eyes fixed intensely on Freya as he continued, "Freya, you're hiding something from me."
He went on, "Given the circumstances, I can disclose some information to you. The recent events at the High Tower will not only affect the Golden Lion Tribe but will bring disaster to the entire Barren Mountain region. At that time, all tribes in the Barren Mountain area will face destruction."
"This is not an exaggeration."
"This is the impending future!"
"Freya, I need you to understand the gravity of this situation. To prepare for the impending disaster, the Golden Lion Tribe needs accurate information."
"And you are the only survivor from the High Tower Space."
Freya remained silent.
After a moment, she looked up as if about to speak.
This gesture brought a sense of relief to Chloe, believing his persuasion was having an effect.
However, Freya's next words sent him into a fit of rage.