Wang Jun, a dedicated gamer and student who spent much of his time playing games and reading novels, never imagined he would encounter a leveling system. However, his excitement quickly turned to dismay and disappointment.
He discovered that this system only applied to his subordinates, leaving him feeling hopeless.
However, despite the initial disappointment, Wang Jun knew that having a leveling system for his subordinates was still better than having nothing at all.
He reasoned that the stronger his subordinates became, the safer he would be. Moreover, he recognized that he had no choice in the matter - the system was given to him freely, and he was not one to be ungrateful for such a gift.
After checking his status, Wang Jun turned to the old man and silently uttered 'Status' in his mind.
---
Name: Grom
Age: 77
Status: Elder of the Barbarian Tribe
HP: 70/100 (Suffering from sickness)
Strength: 7 (Weakened)
Dexterity: 6 (Weakened)
Constitution: 6 (Weakened)
Perception: 10
Will: 14
Intelligence: 16
Charisma: 15
Skills:
Weapon Familiarity (Level 5): Have basic proficiency with simple weapons like clubs, spears, and axes.
Hunter Sense (Passive): Can detect a movement and sense danger from a distance
---
Despite the old man's sickness and advanced age, Wang Jun's respect for him deepened. Grom guided him through the village with a steady demeanor, as if his condition didn't affect him. This made Wang Jun realize the significance of the title of Chieftain that he held.
He chatted with Grom, as the old man seemed to know most things, and Wang Jun was trying to gather as much information as possible about the area, the dangers surrounding it, the nearest kingdom, and the overall circumstances of the tribe. However, what made Wang Jun feel depressed was that the useful information was limited.
According to the old man, their surroundings teemed with numerous tribes, varying in size from small settlements to formidable communities. Despite being relatively small themselves, their tribe faced a dire predicament. In the harsh seasons before and after winter, neighboring tribes with larger populations would frequently resort to plundering their food supplies, exacerbating the scarcity they already faced.
The situation was compounded by the kidnapping of women from their tribe, further depleting their numbers. With starvation claiming the lives of many, the tribe found itself in a state of decline, weakened by both external threats and internal struggles.
Beyond the challenges posed by neighboring tribes, the tribe also faced a constant threat from the beasts inhabiting the surrounding forest. Situated on the outskirts of the woodland, they enjoyed some degree of protection from creatures that preferred to remain within its depths. However, their relative safety was far from assured, as encounters with predatory beasts were an ever-present reality.
Among the most frequent assailants were packs of wolves, prowling the forest's borders in search of prey. Yet, the tribe's nightmares were further compounded by the occasional appearance of monstrous creatures such as trolls and goblins, whose presence added an extra layer of terror to their already perilous existence.
Furthermore, in this era devoid of modern means of transportation, the tribe relied solely on the strength of their bodies to carry goods and provisions. Utilizing ropes for assistance, they navigated the rugged terrain, transporting essential items from one location to another.
As a result, the men of the tribe were uniformly muscular, their physiques honed by the demands of their daily tasks. In this unforgiving environment, there was no room for frailty or excess, and
Wang Jun observed that there were no skinny or fat individuals among them.
The only useful information he received was that the winter would take a long time to arrive and the birth of the Chieftain, which was him, would lead the tribe to prosperity. Threats loomed over, and various problems weighed on his shoulders.
He was starting to feel stressed about everything, but he was thankful for the leveling-up system. At least it could reduce some of the weight on his shoulders.
As long as he could strengthen his subordinates, they could effectively counter all threats and solve all survival problems.
As Wang Jun rubbed his temple, pondering the weight of the future resting on his shoulders, the tantalizing scent of meat and fruits wafted through the air, capturing his attention.
He glanced around, observing the bustling activity of the tribe as men tended to pots simmering over open fires and grilled meats sizzled on makeshift grills. Meanwhile, women deftly sliced fruits, allowing the juice to pool in wooden bowls nearby.
Despite his stomach's protests, Wang Jun exercised restraint, prioritizing his responsibilities over his immediate hunger. He trailed behind the old man, Grom, his anticipation for the meal momentarily subdued by the weight of his duties.
Finally, they reached a grand seat adorned with the skulls of animals, a formidable symbol of authority. Grom bowed respectfully and announced.
"The Chieftain has arrived!"
The barbarians stopped what they were doing and erupted into enthusiastic cheers, their voices echoing through the air with unrestrained jubilation.
Women joined in with applause, their hands creating a rhythm of celebration. At the same time, the children gazed at Wang Jun with wide-eyed curiosity, their youthful innocence adding to the palpable energy of the moment.
Wang Jun forced a smile, masking the nerves that churned within him. His fingers traced restless patterns along the arm of the chair. This was the first time in his life he had received such respect from people, uncertainty gnawed at him as he silently pondered.
Should I say something? But what could I possibly say at this moment?
"Ahem!" Grom cleared his throat, his commanding presence instantly capturing the attention of everyone present. With a stern gaze, he signaled for silence before addressing the crowd.
"As you may be aware," Grom began, his voice resonating through the tribe, "I have received a revelation."
"Initially, I too questioned its origin, wondering if some vile entity had intruded upon my thoughts. However," he paused, his tone firm, "it became apparent that this was no mere aberration."
"It was a truth," Grom continued, his words carrying weight, "a truth that bestowed upon us a Chieftain.
This Chieftain is not a foreign invader but a beacon of hope, destined to lead us towards prosperity, to illuminate our path in times of darkness, to instruct us in our errors, and to mete out justice when needed.
Though the Chieftain may appear unfamiliar to our eyes, in the essence of the Barbarian Tribe and the memory of our fallen kin, he is kin."
A hushed silence enveloped the gathering, pregnant with anticipation, before erupting into a crescendo of energy as the crowd erupted into cheers.
Tears of joy streamed down the faces of some, while others embraced their loved ones tightly. Laughter mingled with heartfelt embraces, filling the air with an overwhelming sense of jubilation.
Though the children may not have fully comprehended the significance of the moment, their innocent laughter and playful antics added to the buoyant atmosphere.
In that fleeting moment, the weight of their burdens seemed to lift, replaced by an indomitable spirit of unity and happiness. It was a rare and precious moment, one in which the tribe basked in the purest form of joy.
Grom observed the crowd in silence, his gaze sweeping over the assembled members of the tribe. After a moment of contemplation, he raised his voice above the din, his words echoing with authority, "Any objections!"
One of the barbarians shouted, "No, elder!" and was quickly echoed by others in the crowd.
Grom nodded in acknowledgment, a faint smile touching his lips. "Good," he murmured, satisfied with the response.
"From today onwards-" Grom paused for a moment, then leaned in close to Wang Jun, his voice lowered to a whisper.
"From this moment forth," Grom's voice boomed across the crowd, his words carrying the weight of a man who guided the tribe for many years, "Wang Jun ascends as our Chieftain! Let it be known that he is to be revered and honored by all. Any act of disloyalty shall be met with swift and severe consequence."
With a decisive tap of his wooden staff upon the ground, Grom punctuated his declaration, the sound echoing through the crowd. "Let the feast resume!"
Wang Jun watched with a tender smile as the men danced joyously, surrounded by friends, family, and children. A profound sense of contentment washed over him, akin to the comfort of lying in a soft bed within a tranquil valley, utterly spent yet at peace. He reflected inwardly.
When my mother said she was already happy just seeing me happy, so this is what she meant. How strange.
A woman approached Wang Jun, her lean and muscular physique exuding strength and confidence with each step. Her white hair cascaded behind her like a flowing river, adding to her wild beauty. Her unwavering gaze locked onto Wang Jun, causing a flutter of nerves to stir within him.
"This is Freya, my granddaughter," Grom introduced.
"Wang Jun..." Freya's voice trailed off as she sensed a sudden jolt at her feet. "Chieftain, my grandfather spoke of your power, but from what I see, you appear as frail as..." She hesitated for a moment, searching for the right comparison. "...as a reed in the wind. I hold respect for you, but true respect is reserved for leaders who exude strength. Prove to me that you are worthy of it."
Of course, there is always one... Wang Jun sighed.
---
Name: Freya
Age: 20
Status: Hunter of Barbarian Tribe, Granddaughter of the Elder
HP: 100/100 (Healthy)
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 14
Perception: 12
Will: 14
Intelligence: 10
Charisma: 12
Skills:
Weapon Familiarity (Level 7): Have basic proficiency with simple weapons like clubs, spears, and axes.
Hunter Sense (Passive): Can detect a movement and sense danger from a distance
---