Not yet through the woods ahead, the cheers of the tribes had already reached Ethan Drake's ears. To prepare the tribe for their return, Ethan had sent James Drake ahead at top speed to arrange for herbs, water, and supplies needed for treating the wounded. Many warriors were injured in the battle, and Ethan wasn't about to lose valuable fighters to infections or poor care.
Upon reaching the tribe, Ethan briefly acknowledged the jubilant reception before quickly directing attention to the wounded. He ordered them to line up for their wounds to be cleaned and treated.
For the uninjured women and children of the recently assimilated barbarians, Ethan designated a stretch of open ground where they could set up tents. He assigned a few members of Mirror Lake to lead this effort, fostering interaction between the old and new members of the tribe. The goal was clear: rapid integration and, hopefully, an increase in loyalty.
Once the immediate tasks were assigned and underway, Ethan finally allowed himself a moment of respite. Finding a quiet spot, he took a sip of water and opened his property panel. If his memory served, he had acquired a new skill during the battle.
He scanned the panel, and there it was:
**Weakness Pursuit (Passive):** When striking an enemy's weakness, there is a 30% chance to execute a follow-up attack. (This talent is influenced by 'Brave Force.')
Reading the description, Ethan smirked, the memory of the fight still fresh. "That explains it," he muttered. The seamless strike after injuring the wolf's waist hadn't been pure instinct—it had been a manifestation of this skill. The sudden follow-up, so fluid and precise, had felt natural at the time. Now he understood why.
His musings shifted to his own growth path. Based on his recent battles, he had formed a rough evaluation of attribute star ratings:
- One star: weak and ineffective.
- Two stars: average.
- Three stars: skilled and formidable.
- Four stars: a true powerhouse.
- Five stars: unmatched, the pinnacle of strength.
Ethan's bravery, capped at three stars, wasn't extraordinary, but it was respectable. Combined with his new skill, his combat effectiveness was solid. While he preferred leading and strategizing, knowing he could hold his own in battle was a reassurance.
Still, he resolved to refine his martial abilities further. The early stages of his journey required versatility—bravery and weapons training couldn't be neglected.
Ethan's property panel showed few other changes. The five military points earned in the battle brought his total to six, but he was still four points shy of leveling up his 'Weapon Polishing' skill. It would take more time and effort.
Another thought struck him: if he could acquire skills in battle, could others in the tribe do the same? His mind went straight to Rio Drake, whose exploits in the fight had been nothing short of legendary. Intent on checking Rio's skill panel, Ethan set out to find him but was intercepted by the barbarian leader, who had just finished having his wounds treated.
"What is it?" Ethan asked, his tone brisk.
"Um… Patriarch…" The title sounded awkward coming from the man, who was clearly still adjusting to their shift from enemies to subordinates. After fumbling for words, the leader finally explained, "Some in the tribe have been talking about… names."
Ethan's brow lifted in understanding. The concept of personal names, introduced only recently, had spread quickly among his people. He suspected that human vanity played a significant role—those with names flaunted them like prized possessions.
Ethan chuckled softly but waved over James Drake, who was recounting his heroic deeds to a wide-eyed child. "James, over here!"
James jogged over, and Ethan clapped the barbarian leader on the shoulder. "James will explain the concept of names to your people. I've got other matters to attend to."
James nodded with a grin. "Got it."
As Ethan walked away, he opened James's property panel for a quick glance. Nothing had changed—except for a new status: **'Moral Paragon.'** Ethan made a mental note to investigate this later. For now, his focus was on Rio.
Ethan found Rio sharpening two stone axes. He didn't interrupt, simply observing as he opened Rio's property panel.
As expected, Rio's bravery had returned to its normal three-star level, but the real surprise lay in his skill bar. A new skill had appeared:
**Single-Handed (Passive):** When fighting alone, with no allies within a 100-meter radius, combat power increases by 60%. (This skill is influenced by 'Brave Force.')
Ethan's expression shifted between intrigue and concern. The skill was undoubtedly powerful, but its conditions were troubling.
"These fights aren't a game of reckless heroics," Ethan thought grimly. Rio's success against the wolves had relied on their disorganized ranks. Against a disciplined enemy—especially one with hundreds or thousands of warriors—charging alone would be suicidal, no matter how strong Rio became.
Ethan sighed, rubbing his temples. Rio's new skill was both a blessing and a potential curse. Its utility would depend entirely on careful strategy, and Ethan had no intention of letting his strongest warrior throw his life away in a reckless charge. For now, he had to find a way to temper Rio's enthusiasm and ensure the tribe's long-term survival.