"Quite the caravan, that. From some Great House south o’ here, I’d wager. Take it back—might survive yet, if they don’t stumble onto a proper primal. Look’st at those six riders up front. Armor’s the real deal. Rest o’ the lot is a mess, aye, but those six... aint their first time in the thickets, I’ll bet me boots."

Mestin turned his gaze towards the area they had left. "Looks like they came from Caer Affalen."

"No need to get involved with others. Make a note of the area, though. With a shrug, the large man turned around and headed the opposite way. They were determined to find a few more beasts to hunt.

Heading towards the next location, they moved steadily and, without much difficulty, cleared the area of a few lurking beasts and patrolled the already controlled area.

***

Back at the camp, Bramm was in his cabin, a large map of the current area spread out on his table. He had been getting messages from the system about the beasts of both Keren and Mestin slain.

With another ding sounding off, Bramm looked up as if seeing something in the air, "Well, that’s number five already. I wonder if they found a new area with a few beasts or if some of them keep lurking nearby..."

"Pity all of them are only Light Red primals... just one True Red primal would’ve boosted my renown quite a bit. But I guess I shouldn’t complain... Mestin seems to be almost halfway through Deep Red, and Keren has also advanced to True Red." With an envious nod, he pulled up his status panel.

[Name: Bramm Osric]

[Realm: Light Red]

[Soul Spirit Tattoo: The Great Anchor]

[Summoned Warriors: 3]

[Renown: 550]

"If only we could also advance as fast as them... lucky bastards," he gave a wry chuckle as he took a glance at his renown, knowing it was due to their strength increasing quickly, which enabled them to gather more renown and exp quicker.

"Let’s see what they have for me later... for now, let’s see. The Great Horned Deer should be roaming around this area... I don’t like the fact that the beast has been this close to us. It has danger written all over it. We’ll stop scouting further east than that for a while..."

His eyes were focused on a few areas on the map that were marked in color, all of which were of interest to Bramm ever since the two men had returned two days prior and told him about the majestic beast.

Bramm felt he had been on a rollercoaster of emotions. He was first shocked, then fearful, before curiosity and intrigue overtook them. That isn’t to say he was foolish enough to try and even follow a beast like that anywhere...

"Mestin and Keren are lucky they have only been running into a few Light Red and True Red primals, with their strength they can’t even fight a Deep Red primal, not to mention the beasts that lurk further into the forest."

Bramm was concerned with the appearance of the beast; however, that was not the only concern he had. Ever since late last night, he could hear a slow and low rumble echo from the great peaks to the north, as if a sleeping dragon was awakening from its slumber.

And even from here, Bramm could feel the elements move as if in rhythm; every time the rumble echoed, the wind would pick up and blow past them for a while.

"I have no doubt it’s quite a strong beast if I’m able to feel the Vitre from all the way here. But none of us would be able to beat the beast now... agh even with the continuous updates to the renown, I don’t know if ill be able to afford a warrior of sufficient strength." With a snort of frustration, he decided to leave the large matters for later, wanting to see if the two men had any suggestions.

’The cabin is finished and it should have enough room for another warrior... but if I am to summon more, then it won’t be enough. I should probably ask Resven how much it would cost to bring a few builders and carpenters up here to build some more...’

His thoughts ran away as he imagined what kind of area and buildings he wanted across the area, how he imagined his new clan to grow and populate the area.

With a smile, he sat down and started to work on increasing his realm. He was nearly close to advancing to the True Red tier, and within a few more days, he was certain he would be able to advance.

***

As the day drew to a close, the sun began to set and threatened to disappear beyond the horizon. Bramm, deep in meditation, was awoken by the sound of someone entering his clearing. With a soft smile, he stood up to welcome back his brother.

Standing on the porch, he could see Resven walking towards him with a slow and steady movement. Tired and weary from travelling, his clothes were somewhat in disarray.

"I greet the Mormaer," with a heart salute, the man bowed slightly.

"Haha! Rise, son of House Osric, we welcome you back from your journey." With an even more satisfied smile, Bramm went forward and stuck out his arm, to which Resven responded in kind, grabbing Bramm’s forearm.

"It’s good seeing you back. Come, let’s wash off this grime and tiredness, then join me for dinner down at the cabins," Bramm gave Resven no time to answer as the man was basically pushed into the area where he could wash himself off.

"Jeez, wanting to report directly without bathing... reminds me of the good old days," he laughed in delight as he made his way down towards the other cabins.

By the time Resven was done, Bramm had already started a fire and had meat over the fire. His broad back hunched slightly over as he took careful care of his dinner.

"Mormaer..." Resven began stiffly.

"Come sit, then tell me what you have been up to and what you have heard." Bramm nodded to a log across from him and the fire.