The encampment of the Crimson Star Tribe.
The sole brick house in the vicinity was where Sovita stood before Enzo, accepting a cup of water from Amy and taking a sip before continuing, "My lord Enzo, the small pool in the rear mountains is on the verge of drying up. Moreover, the tribe's current water consumption is increasing, and our people are required to transport water from a spring five kilometers away. Despite having pottery vessels, this undoubtedly consumes a significant amount of time."
Irrigating fields, firing bricks, daily consumption...
All of these combined have increased several-fold compared to the tribe's previous water usage, and the demand continues to grow. The small stream in the rear mountains is entirely unable to meet these requirements.
Enzo frowned and inquired, "Are there any closer water sources?"
Sovita replied, "Yes, there is. Near the southern marshes of the tribe, there is a vast lake, only two kilometers away from the tribe, visible from the mountains. However, that lake is often frequented by various ferocious beasts and even supernatural creatures for drinking water, making it extremely dangerous. Despite its proximity, nobody dares to fetch water from there."
Hearing this, Enzo murmured, "Supernatural creatures..."
Having made a vow and pledged allegiance to him, Enzo's initial promise to Clara remained intact - he had promised Clara the power of a totem.
However, to obtain the power of the totem, he needed the totemic fire and the essence of a supernatural creature.
The totemic fire was already in possession, but the essence of a supernatural creature was still missing.
Furthermore, as the tribe is currently thriving, any delay due to water shortage is a situation Enzo is eager to avoid. It is imperative to inspect the nearby lake.
This visit will also provide an opportunity to assess the progress of the combat unit.
Since Clara assumed the role of instructor and conducted specialized training, the combat unit has undergone a remarkable transformation. Notably, Tia has acquired extraordinary strength—boar-like power, combined with the combat skills imparted by Clara, she has become the strongest individual in the tribe.
Collectively, the entire combat unit is no match for her.
Therefore, following Enzo's orders, a detachment of twenty individuals from the combat unit, led by him personally and accompanied by Tia, Clara, and Amy, set out towards the southern lake.
Along the way, Tia once again brought up the Venom Tribe, who inhabit the swamp.
She mentioned that the priest of the Venom Tribe seems to possess the ability to communicate with wild beasts and insects, and they have also created floating platforms in the swamp using a unique plant.
As she described the plants with long, slender leaves that grow rapidly.
Enzo was struck with a realization.
This was none other than bamboo.
Intrigued, he inquired further: "Tia, have you seen such plants in other locations?"
Tia shook her head and replied, "I haven't seen them anywhere else around the Crimson Star Tribe... it seems to be unique to the Venom Tribe's territory, but it's difficult to communicate with the people of the Venom Tribe."
Clara also seized the opportunity to add, "They exist in other places, but they are too distant.
She has traveled far and wide, encountering bamboo in various places.
Having listened to the exchange between the two women, Enzo could not help but feel a pang of regret.
If only he could obtain a piece of bamboo, he could stimulate its growth with the "Stimulate All Things" spell, creating an entire bamboo grove. With bamboo at his disposal, he could produce a variety of bamboo products such as baskets and containers, and even hollow out the interior to serve as natural conduits for water transportation, saving significant time and effort in water delivery.
As the group contemplated these prospects, Amy suddenly halted, urgently warning, "Be cautious—there's danger ahead!"
Tia's expression shifted, and she promptly issued the command, "Defensive formation!"
The combat unit swiftly raised their shields made of wooden planks, encircling Enzo and vigilantly scanning the surroundings.
Soon, rustling of leaves filled the air.
A colossal figure emerged—the Huge Silver Backed Bear, towering at a staggering two meters in height and over four meters in length. What astonished Enzo and his companions the most was the sight of a young girl perched atop the bear's head.
With silvery-white hair and an icy stare, she brandished a blowpipe crafted from bamboo.
Peering down at them imperiously, she inquired, "Who are you, and what brings you to this place?"
After casting a glance at the bear and then at the girl, Enzo stepped forward and replied, "We have come to fetch water."
"Fetch water?" The silver-haired girl expressed skepticism, directing the Huge Silver Backed Bear, named Betta, to attack them.
Upon hearing this, the Huge Silver Backed Bear let out a deafening roar, slamming its powerful paws onto the ground, causing the earth to tremble. Tia's complexion turned slightly pale, but her mind remained clear, as she issued the command, "Disperse and attack!"
The combat unit immediately scattered, drawing their bows and aiming at the silver-haired girl perched atop the Huge Silver Backed Bear's head.
Sensing the danger, the silver-haired girl grew anxious, urging the Huge Silver Backed Bear on even more.
The giant bear swung its massive claws, launching an attack towards Tia. A silver-white aura enveloped Tia as she stood her ground, not evading the attack, but directly confronting the bear.
Boom!
The dull sound of impact reverberated as Tia was sent flying, but the Huge Silver Backed Bear also staggered back a few steps.
The girl atop the Huge Silver Backed Bear was shaken off in disbelief, looking at Tia incredulously.
To think that someone could match strength with the bear! It was simply unbelievable!
However, Tia was not in good shape. Although she had blocked the bear's attack, she was also seriously injured. Enzo hurried over, using divine arts to heal Tia. His expression darkened as he reprimanded, "Tia, is this the result of your training? Who allowed you to confront such a massive bear head-on?"
The colossal bear, though not a supernatural creature.
It possessed a size comparable to some ordinary supernatural beings.
Faced with Enzo's rebuke, Tia dared not retort.
Not far away, the silver-haired girl witnessed the scene, especially noticing Enzo treating Tia, growing increasingly desperate as she commanded the Huge Silver Backed Bear, "Betta, kill them all!"
Tribal conflicts have always been bloody.
However, to the silver-haired girl's surprise, the Huge Silver Backed Bear did not obey the order. Instead, it slowly approached Enzo, emitting a low growl and twisting its massive body as if to please him.
This strange scene left everyone puzzled.
Clara, standing guard beside Enzo, seemed to grasp something. She said to Enzo, "It seems that the bear is longing for your healing power, or rather, the power to unlock its potential."
Every creature has the instinct to become stronger and evolve.
The Huge Silver Backed Bear was no exception.
After confirming the bear's lack of hostility, Enzo attempted to place his hand on the bear's soft fur, infusing a bit of the power of the leaf totem.
Instantly, the bear roared to the sky.
And then, the bear lay down and stuck out its tongue, resembling a gentle cat wanting to lick Enzo.
Startled, Enzo hurriedly dodged, not wishing to be drenched in saliva.
Not far away, the silver-haired girl called out anxiously, but unfortunately, the Huge Silver Backed Bear was unwilling to pay her any mind.
Seizing the opportunity, Clara moved swiftly, circled behind the silver-haired girl, knocked her unconscious, and casually brought her back to Enzo, inquiring, "How should we deal with her?"
Enzo did not reply immediately. Instead, he looked at Tia, still hanging her head, and asked, "Tia, can you tell which tribe she comes from?"
Tia nodded and said, "This type of blowgun is standard issue for the Venom Tribe."
Upon hearing this, Enzo turned to the unconscious silver-haired girl and asked Clara, "How long do you think she'll take to wake up?"
Clara replied, "About half an hour."
Enzo nodded, gave a few orders to the others, and then slowed his pace, continuing toward the lake. The Huge Silver Backed Bear followed closely behind the group, carrying the bound silver-haired girl on its back.
Half an hour later, the silver-haired girl regained consciousness.
She finally managed to free herself from the loose vines and softly called out to the Huge Silver Backed Bear, "Betta, let's go back."
However, the bear still paid no attention to her.
The silver-haired girl, feeling quite helpless, jumped down from the ground and ran into the nearby jungle.
Upon hearing the commotion, Enzo and his group came to a halt.
Clara, with a smirk on her lips, said, "She's gone back to the Venom Tribe. The powder left on her will guide us in the right direction."
This was all part of Enzo's plan.
After confirming that the silver-haired girl was from the Venom Tribe and learning about the abundance of bamboo there, Enzo devised this plan to have her lead the way to the Venom Tribe.
In the marshland, apart from the terrifying marsh poisonous insects, there were also many toxic gases present.
It was extremely dangerous without a safe path to guide them.
Following this, Enzo ordered, "Tia, Amy, and Clara, you will come with me to the Venom Tribe. The rest of you, stay here, regroup, and remain hidden!"