Tribe Conquest: Harem starts in a tribe!-Chapter 11: Rewards

Your rewards have been calculated.

They are...

The panel of runes began to shift, new runes drifting like smoke, appearing line by line, following the whispers of the spell.

<30 Survival Merits.>

This was the original reward promised by the spell when the mission to survive was given to him.

A new line drifted below.

You have made favorable relations with two powerful individuals of the Roen Tribe.

Your chances of survival increases.

<5 Survival Merits.>

’Huh? Only two individuals? Shouldn’t they be three?’ Eric’s mind questioned.

However, no answer came in response; instead, as if mocking him, the reward continued with a sarcasm-filled voice.

On the first mission itself, you have managed to perform the miracle of getting your leg devoured by a Beast God.

Your chances of survival decreases.

<Deducting six Survival Merits.>

"What?!" Eric yelled, baffled upon hearing the spell’s last whisper.

Jule suddenly pulled on the leash of the hound, making it stop.

Turning around his head, he asked in a serious tone, ready to take action, "Is something the matter? Did you sense some danger?"

Jule thought that there was some danger that had startled Buan. He was already reaching for his the dagger on his waist.

Eric winced in embarrassment and said awkwardly, making an excuse. "N-No. I thought I saw something in the dark, but maybe I’m hallucinating due to my previous experience with the beast god."

Jule heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed.

Giving Buan a silent nod of understanding, he turned back to guide the hound onto the path leading to the Vila Tribe.

The spell, however, didn’t care whatever was happening with Eric as it continued to whisper,

Final rewards:

<29 Survival Merits.>

Eric’s face fell with disappointment, whining inside his head,

’Why didn’t the spell tell me it could deduct my rewards? And shouldn’t it give me a beginner’s benefit? I even lost my leg, and instead of consoling me, it punishes me?’

After a few moments, when his complaints were finished, the spell’s voice, which Eric thought had disappeared, whispered into his ears.

A whining and weak host... not good for my health.

Eric’s eyes widened in surprise as soon as he heard it’s whisper.

’Huh? You can hear me?’

The spell’s response came not too long after.

The spell is bound to the host and can hear his thoughts.

Eric’s lips parted a little but then closed off immediately, not knowing how to react. Instead, he spoke in his mind.

’Then can’t you give me a beginner’s discount and not deduct my rewards? I have suffered enough already.’

He had reduced himself to begging shamelessly.

For a few moments, the spell didn’t answer as if pondering over its response, and then, suddenly it whispered.

Alright.

Since the spell didn’t inform you beforehand, and this was your first mission, the spell will be merciful.

<Returning six Survival Merits.>

On the panel of runes, the survival merits count changed from 29 to 35.

Survival Merits: 35

Eric’s eyes shone with a newfound delight, mirroring a child who just received his favorite ice cream.

The spell then whispered a final line before disappearing.

Whenever you want to use your merits, call for the spell in your head.

Good luck. You’ll need it more than merits.

’Yeah,’ Eric agreed with that last line.

He decided to hold off on buying skills since there was no battle coming up. The only thing left was to confront Rokan and prove his crime in front of the patriarch and the council of elders.

As for his favorable relation with only two individuals of the Roen Tribe, he knew who was remaining.

He could feel a little hostility from Jule, however, it wasn’t due to Buan, it was due to Sefira’s friendly behavior with Buan just a few minutes before.

Even Eric could tell that Jule liked Sefira, and seeing someone else staring at her in awe of her beauty, anyone in his place would be agitated.

But since maintaining a favorable relation with Jule would get him Survival Merits, he had to try to get his favor.

[Jule’s Image.]

"So Jule," Eric quirked his mouth. "You and Sefira are a thing, or what?"

"A thing?" Jule’s brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You know," Eric teased. "Lovers."

"Ah, no." Jule’s tone suddenly lightened, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "What gave you that idea?" 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Well," Eric spoke in an obvious tone. "You are handsome and powerful. Who but you is a match for a beauty like Sefira?"

"Hahaha," Jule laughed, pleased to hear Eric’s words. "You really think so?"

"Of course," Eric said with an exaggerated confidence. "Only you will look good together with her as a couple. No other man can do justice, otherwise."

"Yes. Finally someone who understands," Jule agreed and then said. "Let me tell you about how much I have done for her and she still remains clueless."

Then Jule began to tell him the tale of his one-sided love, beginning from their childhood to the present.

Eric only played the role of a good listener, agreeing with whatever Jule said.

After Jule was finished, they were already in front of the outer gate of the Vila Tribe.

"You know, I judged you wrong at first." Jule said delightedly. "From now on, you are my younger brother. You can ask me for any help and I’ll do it."

As he announced this, the spell whispered into Eric’s ears.

Congratulations, host. You have gained a powerful individual as an ally.

Your survival chances increases.

<5 Survival Merits.>

Eric’s eyes widened. ’This easily?’

’Men are really simple beings.’

At this moment, a crowd of beasts, humans riding on top of them, appeared from a different direction, approaching the Vila Tribe’s outer gate.

"Hey, your tribe’s patriarch has returned," Jule said. "Let’s go and greet him."

While the patriarch and the others were waiting for the tribe’s gates to be opened, Jule and Eric, riding on the hound, appeared from the cover of trees, revealing themselves.

The hound’s footsteps attracted the gazes of the patriarch and his companions.

In their view appeared a grimtrail hound, a muscular, tall warrior sitting on top of it, his azure blue hair tied into a ponytail, his steel blue eyes not carrying any hostility. Behind him sat a familiar warrior with a leaner physique, hazel brown eyes, and long dark hair; however, he was missing the lower part of his right leg.

Murmurs rolled across the Patriarch’s group, then a piercing female cry came from among them.

"Buan!"

A white wolf emerged from the group, sprinting towards Eric’s hound. The wolf was majestic and radiant, almost like a divine beast, roughly twice in height when compared to the grimtrail hound; however, more majestic were the two females riding it.

The one in front was a mature, breathtakingly beautiful woman. She had long, dark raven hair, cascaded in thick, silken waves past her waist; a delicate golden headpiece adorned her forehead, her deep amber eyes reflected intelligence and a quiet fire.

Her figure, mature and alluring, with soft, natural curves and a confident posture. A black-and-gold tribal top clung to her sensual body like a lover’s desperate grasp. The dark fabric of her skirt parted high on both thighs, revealing long, toned legs. She was like a forbidden goddess carved from midnight and molten gold.

[Image.]

In the back was a younger girl, her features matching the woman in front. Her long, dark hair was woven into thick braids that spilled down her back, adorned with small wooden beads and delicate white feathers that trembled with every subtle shift of her body.

Her eyes—bright hazel, flecked with molten gold and burning green—truly ensnared the heart of everyone who looked into them. The metal shoulder guards and arm plates gleamed coldly against the warm glow of the dawn, while the short, ragged skirt of layered leather and cloth parted high on her thighs, revealing long, powerful legs bound in matching bracers and straps.

[Image.]

In the span of a few seconds, the wolf reached Eric, beginning to lick him affectionately. Both women jumped down from the wolf’s back, rushing to check if Eric had any other wounds.

The mature one cupped his face, worry and panic reflecting in her eyes. "Buan, are you alright? Are you in any pain?"

"What happened, Buan?" The younger one asked, her voice breaking with love and emotions. "Why is your right leg cut in half?"

Eric almost wanted to cry.

’At least someone cares.’ He smiled faintly.

He had so much to tell them, but not now.

He spoke with resolve filled eyes. "I will tell what happened in front of the patriarch and everyone. Please stay calm till then. Also, I’m not in any pain."

They nodded in understanding, reluctantly stepping back still with worry reflecting in their eyes.

"Should I proceed?" Jule asked softly.

Eric nodded. "Yes."

Jule flicked the leash in his hands, making the hound move forward.

Only after he was in front of the patriarch did he pull the leash, forcing the hound to a stop.

He dismounted from the hound’s back and pressed his fist against his chest, bowing respectfully.

"Jule of the Roen Tribe greets the Patriarch of the Vila Tribe. You might know me better as the son of the Vice-Patriarch of the Roen Tribe."

The patriarch looked at Jule with interest, asking calmly from the top of his towering beast’s back: "What brings you here, Jule of the Roen Tribe?"

"I’m here to act as a witness to Buan Vila’s accusations." Jule replied respectfully before raising his head to request, "Please organize a trial for attempted murder against a fellow tribesman."

"What?" Surprised gasps spread in the group behind the patriarch. "Murder attempt?"

"Who is the criminal?" The patriarch questioned with furrowed brows.

Jule turned his gaze to Buan, inviting him to answer.

Buan bowed slightly and announced confidently, "It’s Rokan! The son of the Vice-Patriarch and my brother in law!"

"What?"

An hour later, all of the Vila Tribe were gathered at the trial altar, spectating the trial against Rokan.