Kael stared into the flames of the campfire, the warmth licking at his skin as the centaurs sat around, eating the last of their catch from the day's hunt. The tension between him and Thorn had not dissipated—it was like a storm waiting to explode. But his thoughts were elsewhere. Something had changed within him since their victory over the wolves.
It wasn't just the physical exhaustion from pushing his body beyond its limits or even the thrill of the hunt. It was something deeper. A feeling, almost like an itch, that he couldn't shake.
The night sky stretched endlessly above him, stars flickering like distant beacons. Kael had always loved the night. In his previous life, before being reborn in this brutal world, he would often lay under the stars, imagining other worlds and possibilities. Now, though, his reality had shifted far beyond his wildest imaginings.
Suddenly, a sensation crept over him. It was as though something was tugging at the back of his mind. The air around him seemed to still, and before his eyes, a strange vision formed—not in front of him, but inside his mind. The camp, the centaurs, the territory... all of it began to lay itself out in neat, structured information, almost like he was viewing it from a bird's-eye perspective.
---
[Tribe Status]
Population: 54 (Adults: 38, Juveniles: 16)
Soldiers: 12
Resources: Low (Deer Meat, Stone Weapons, No Armor)
Territory: 10 square kilometers
Morale: Average
---
Kael's eyes widened in disbelief. What was this? Was it another ability? He blinked, but the display remained, hovering in his mind like a transparent overlay of reality. He could feel the presence of each centaur, sense the dwindling resources, and gauge their strength.
For a moment, he simply sat there, stunned by the enormity of what this meant. This was his first real taste of the power that his rebirth had given him—a 'cheat' ability, just like in those strategy games he used to play. But this was no game. The stakes were far higher, and the consequences far more real.
He closed his eyes and focused, willing the information to shift. As he concentrated, more details surfaced. He saw weaknesses—weaknesses that the tribe could not afford if they wanted to survive. They lacked metal weapons, proper defenses, and their numbers were too few to fend off serious threats.
We're sitting ducks, he thought grimly.
Kael opened his eyes again and glanced around. The other centaurs were unaware of his internal revelation. Thorn was gnawing on a chunk of meat, glaring at him from across the fire. Garth sat in silence, deep in thought, as always.
But Kael couldn't ignore the pull of his new ability. He needed answers. If he wanted to grow stronger, to lead, he would need more than just brute force. Knowledge was power, and right now, he knew next to nothing about this world.
The opportunity came later that night when he was alone with Garth, standing on the edge of the camp. The elder centaur looked out over the horizon, his face weathered but stern.
"Garth," Kael began, choosing his words carefully, "I've been thinking about the tribe's future."
Garth gave him a sideways glance but said nothing, prompting Kael to continue.
"We need more weapons, more resources. But I've realized something—I don't know much about the lands beyond our territory. What other races or creatures live nearby? Do you know of any tribes, or... enemies we should be aware of?"
Garth's gaze hardened. "You've lived among us for a short time, yet you ask questions like you've forgotten where you came from. But... I suppose you were alone before we found you."
Kael nodded slowly, thankful that Garth hadn't pried into his past. "That's right. I traveled far, but never ventured much beyond what's in front of us now."
The elder sighed and looked toward the mountains. "This land is filled with dangers. The humans we hunted earlier are but one of many threats. They roam in small bands, but they come from larger tribes, even kingdoms. They fight among themselves, but when united, they're dangerous. We also have to watch out for goblins. Filthy little creatures. Then there are the lionfolk to the south, fierce warriors who won't hesitate to attack anyone on their lands."
Kael listened closely, storing the information. "And what about allies? Are there any who might trade with us?"
Garth snorted. "Allies? We are centaurs. We've always fended for ourselves. Other races fear us, or they see us as animals to be hunted. Dwarves and elves won't bother with us unless they need something from us. But we don't have much to offer them. We're not forgers, nor do we have rich lands."
Kael absorbed the knowledge. It was clear that the centaurs were isolated and seen as primitive beasts. If he was going to change that, he'd have to use every advantage he had.
"We need to change that," Kael said, his voice firm. "The world is bigger than just our territory. If we can capture metal, if we can gather allies or subdue other tribes, we can grow stronger. We can conquer."
Garth's expression softened, though it still carried its usual weight of caution. "You think beyond what most of us do, Kael. I see potential in you, but remember this—strength must come from within first. If you want to lead this tribe one day, you must prove your strength. Not just in battle, but in loyalty. Thorn... he will not stand aside so easily."
Kael nodded, fully aware of the challenge that lay ahead. Thorn wasn't just a rival—he was a direct obstacle to everything Kael wanted. And Thorn wasn't someone who could be reasoned with.
In the distance, Kael could see Thorn sharpening his spear. His time would come, but for now, Kael had to bide his time, grow stronger, and gain the tribe's trust. The first step was clear.