At the end of the previous chapter, the mysterious footprints left by the shadowy figure in black cast an ominous cloud over the hearts of the Victoria family. Now, a new threat looms silently on the horizon, like the heavy, suffocating air before a storm, making it hard to breathe.
In the harsh, desolate northern lands, where the environment is brutal and resources are scarce, the Wild Wolf Tribe has survived against all odds. This dire existence has forged them into fierce, warlike people. One young warrior, excited and full of energy, brandished his spear and declared loudly, "Here in these frozen lands, where resources are few, only battle can keep us alive. Only through combat can we achieve glory!"
"Exactly! We will show those southern fools just how powerful the Wild Wolf Tribe is!" another warrior shouted in agreement.
The Wild Wolf Tribe's culture, deeply rooted in the respect for strength, had shaped its people into warriors without equal. The tribe's leader stood atop a massive rock, his eyes gleaming like embers as he called out to the warriors below: "Warriors! Our strength is unmatched. We shall conquer more lands and seize more resources!"
"For the Tribe!" the warriors roared in unison, their voices echoing across the icy wasteland.
Their battle style was wild and untamed. Mounted on enormous battle wolves, they descended like a black flood upon their enemies. Before every raid, the warriors would gather in a circle, and an older warrior would speak. "In battle, there is no need for complicated strategy. With our strength and courage, we charge in and leave no survivors!"
"Haha! Yes! Let the enemy witness our might!" the younger warriors cried out, their blood boiling with excitement.
Meanwhile, in the south, the Victoria family had become aware of the growing tension. Solomon summoned the key members of his family to the council hall to discuss their response.
"The Wild Wolf Tribe is stirring. We must take action." Solomon said, his face set in a grim expression.
Elder Claude furrowed his brow, speaking slowly. "Forming alliances with other factions is an option, but the process will be fraught with difficulties. Some factions fear being dragged into conflict and are hesitant to cooperate; others seek to exploit the situation and make unreasonable demands."
"Hmph! These factions only care about their own interests and pay no attention to the greater picture!" a family member said angrily.
Solomon paused for a moment, then said, "We cannot afford to give up. For the family, for the peace of this continent, we must work to align the various interests."
"Solomon, what do you propose?" Elder Claude asked.
"We begin by engaging those factions that seem more open to cooperation, showing them our sincerity and strength. For those that make unreasonable demands, we cannot simply capitulate, but we can make some concessions in order to secure their cooperation." Solomon explained.
"Hmm, that might work. But we must be cautious. We cannot allow the family to fall into a disadvantageous position." Elder Claude nodded in agreement.
Before the Wild Wolf Tribe could launch its invasion, strange signs had begun appearing throughout the continent. The skies of the north were often veiled in a blood-red hue, and at night, the wolf packs became unusually active, gathering together and howling in eerie unison as if to proclaim something. In the more remote villages, huge and peculiar footprints had been found—footprints unlike those of ordinary beasts.
Solomon and Lianna were discussing these disturbing phenomena in the family's estate.
"Solomon, these strange occurrences are deeply unsettling. I fear they may be the precursor to an invasion by the Wild Wolf Tribe." Lianna said, her brow furrowed with worry.
"I share your concerns. These omens are no coincidence. We must accelerate our preparations." Solomon said, his eyes filled with determination.
"What should we do?" Lianna asked anxiously.
"I will assign a team to conduct a more thorough investigation into these phenomena. Meanwhile, I need to coordinate with the allied forces and finalise the battle plans." Solomon said.
"Be careful, Solomon. The Wild Wolf Tribe is fierce, and you must protect yourself on the battlefield." Lianna said with concern.
"Don't worry, Lianna. With you supporting me, I feel invincible." Solomon took Lianna's hand, squeezing it gently.
Solomon arrived at the allied camp, where commanders from various factions were gathered to discuss their strategy.
"Gentlemen, the Wild Wolf Tribe fights with savage abandon. We cannot afford to engage them head-on; we must devise flexible tactics." Solomon said.
"Do you have any suggestions, Solomon?" one of the commanders asked.
"We can divide our forces into smaller units: some will engage head-on, some will harry them from the flanks, and others will move to encircle them. This will allow us to exploit our strengths and disrupt their formation." Solomon explained, laying out his plan in detail.
"Sounds good, but coordination between the units will be crucial. How do we ensure effective cooperation?" another commander asked.
"We will increase training and establish clear signals and commands. Every unit must know its task and timing." Solomon replied.
"Agreed. We'll proceed as you suggest. We have confidence in your abilities, Solomon." The commanders nodded in agreement.
In battle, Solomon always led from the front. Mounted on his steed, he brandished his weapon and shouted, "Warriors, for the family, for glory—charge!"
"Kill!" the allied soldiers roared in unison, charging alongside Solomon to clash with the Wild Wolf Tribe in a battle to the death.
However, as the battle raged on, a group of mysterious figures appeared at the edge of the battlefield. Dressed in black robes, their faces obscured, they stood silently, watching the fight unfold. Who were they? What was their purpose? What role would these enigmatic figures play in the battle ahead? Their sudden appearance cast a shadow of uncertainty over everything, and the outcome of this fierce conflict seemed more uncertain than ever, shrouded in an atmosphere of fear and mystery.