Cliff waited for a moment, allowing the leaders to discuss among themselves while he analyzed their dialogue, drawing out information from questions he hadn't thought to ask. After some time, he returned to his seat, eager to enjoy the meal before him. Rubbing his hands together, he picked up a pair of chopsticks that resembled those used in Eastern cultures.
He pinched a piece of meat, hesitated briefly as he dipped it in what appeared to be a sauce, and brought it to his mouth. For a few seconds, Cliff felt his taste buds ignite; he couldn't help but widen his eyes and hum in delight. He preferred his meat a little more cooked, and this sauce was exceptional. It had been a long time since someone had prepared such a dish for him.
Suddenly, his expression shifted as he looked up at Rakahn and Akumu, who were seated on either side of him. "Hey, how do you find salt?" he asked. "I mean, we're in the middle of the forest, over a day's walk from the sea. How do you get salt?"
Akumu glanced at him with a questioning look, his crimson eyes seeming to pierce through the air. "Are you talking about the salt crystals, my lord?"
Cliff nodded, recognizing that the term "salty crystals" was indeed related to salt. "So, if you're referring to salt crystals, they can be found on Chibrax Mountain. There's a large mine there, which is currently operated by the Xarus clan. They mainly rely on this mine for their livelihood, doing all the necessary cleaning and providing us with refined salt, ready for consumption."
"Ah, I see. I was curious about where this salt came from that they used to enhance the meat and the sauce. I've had this question for a long time but never found the right moment to ask," Cliff said, hungrily devouring his meal.
As the minutes passed, everyone focused on their meals. The tables were laden with copious dishes, the only sounds being the clinking of knives against plates carved from marble and the contented chewing of food.
The silence lingered until someone broke it with a question. "My lord, what do you intend to do with us, the heads of the clans? Do our clans no longer hold value if we agree to follow you?" Barock, the leader of the dwarf clan, posed this question, prompting the attention of all.
Cliff paused, voraciously chewing a piece of fruit before responding. "I initially considered that possibility, scrunch but something changed my mind scrunch," he replied, swallowing quickly and meeting their gazes.
"Even as generals of the legion, you will fulfill your duties as clan leaders for the time being. However, once we gain more territory, I intend to expand your authority. I don't plan to limit your power to just your clans."
If such words had come from a king or lord, they might suggest granting vassals greater power and notoriety. But that was not Cliff's intention. He had noticed the overwhelming responsibilities piling up before him with so many people relying on him, so he decided to delegate authority to the clan leaders, while he supervised their efforts.
And it worked!
The clan leaders had more experience in administration than he did, and each clan possessed its unique culture, beliefs, and morals, all of which they had long since assimilated. Cliff, who had appeared out of nowhere, couldn't govern them arbitrarily unless he wished to betray his own principles.
Ultimately, the clan leaders would retain their positions, making it easier for Cliff to control the territories by granting them new titles.
"After tonight's banquet, the stones of variant species will be distributed among a select few. Although I would prefer to give them to everyone, the rescue operation is in two days. I must prioritize distributing them to the strongest and most skilled in utilizing their abilities to ensure our success," he explained. "Tomorrow afternoon, we will hold a ceremony where I will assign those who have recently joined us to their respective positions and personally assess their newly gained strength."
"I would be honored, my lord. I truly want to face you; you are my master, and I look forward to witnessing your strength," Kido suddenly exclaimed, his voice tinged with eagerness.
Rakahn, sitting to his left, patted him on the back. "You're such a battle enthusiast. Just wait until you get beaten to the ground tomorrow."
"Is the master that strong? Besides the colossal amount of mana he possesses, he's on par with a variant monster, right?" Kido asked curiously.
"I'm a bit special. During my training sessions, I discovered that one of my skills has an ability called 'Chimerization.' It allows my body to adapt to the cells of creatures from which I absorb essences. For instance, my strengthening skill is more effective than even a half-ogre's," Cliff informed them, raising a bamboo cup to his mouth.
"And each cell I absorb can evolve. If I take in similar cells, like those from slimes, I can now secrete acid after absorbing a sufficient amount. And if I continue to absorb them, that ability will only increase. So, even being a variant monster, my power is comparable to that of a mutant!"
He took a sip and felt a warm liquid glide down his throat, leaving a sweet and tangy taste in his mouth. His eyes widened; it had been over a month since he arrived in this world, and the sheer magnificence of this drink brought him to the brink of tears.
It was alcohol—Cliff had tasted alcohol!