Jack calmly observed Spartacus fight with the raider leader, his evaluation and belief in the likelihood of the the soon to be former slaves' long term goal succeeding raising a fair few points. All while he also kept track of how his maids were doing. Nivi was right behind him, joining hands with several other healers and ensuring that as few of Selin's tribesmen died in this confrontation. Sure, it was impossible to avoid casualties entirely, but thanks to Jack's plans and the healers good work, their losses would be absolutely minimal.

  The same could not be said for the attacking side. Their numbers were shredded through in almost horrifying numbers. That too was the result of several factors all joined together to result in such a magnificent outcome. There was, of course, the effect that Jack's formation provided, creating small yet not insignificant illusions that messed with the attackers perception in some small ways. Then there was the gear Jack had crafted for the best of Selin's groups, providing them with an advantage that was much, much more obvious during the battle. And last, but not least, Jack was also allowing his Destroyers Presence to radiate outwards, though at a highly subdued potency. It still created a sort of sluggishness in their attackers that lowered their combat efficiency even further.

  Still, some casualties inevitably arose, as no matter how much one stacks advantages, if they act too confident- arrogant even- a much more skilled fighter will still find an opening to exploit. And that was precisely what happened, with cases where some of the raiders more veteran combatants did just that. They exploited the overconfidence of their given opponent and struck at the critical moment. Their small, but ultimately non consequential victories were not celebrated for long, as the raiders soon fell as well, cut down and ended by others from Selin's tribe who were more cautious.

  Spartacus too did not linger around, savouring his own victory over the enemy commander. No, he quickly turned and rushed over to the next, nearest dueling warriors, aiding his own side, cascading the effect with each successful assistance. In less than another half an hour, the outcome was clear, with only a few, desperate raiders still clinging to their lives. Desperation and clear anger seething through their eyes as their arms grew heavy, slowly but surely starting to refuse the orders given by their minds.

  "Finish up quicky and start moving their bodies to a single place!" Came a thundering command that swept over the entire battlefield- cold, detached and clearly commanding. Whoever had spoken was no doubt a monster in their own regard. Selin's people did as ordered, with more helpers coming over from further away to finalize the battle, soon enough felling the last few remnants of the enemy side. Then, they began to move the bodies as instructed, their own muscles complaining about the exhaustion. They knew better than to rest now though. Corpses were the one thing that was not welcomed anywhere near their rest places, not only because of the inevitable stench, but also the danger that a deteriorating carcass would soon emit.

  Had they been inside the dungeon, they could simply move a bit and allow it to do its thing, but that was not the case, thus they had to solve the problem in the old fashioned way. It had a little bit of a twist to it however. Instead of a bunch of people with carts drawn by domesticated pack animals that would be then loaded and moved away to the designated area, they did it a bit different, though still it could be called an old fashioned way, only this one was something the rich could employ. A bunch of people walked around the battlefield, their fingers clutching new, almost shiny rings. each corpse was walked over to, touched lightly and then it would disappear- clearly stored away in their temporary storage rings. It still took them a solid hour to collect the bodies of their attackers and deliver them to Jack.

  "Nicely done." He nodded in approval as Selin handed over the rings "Send over Mina so she can assist me in filtering through their trash gear and money. I might have no need of it, but your people might as well use it. I am talking about the local currency. The gear I will dismantle and make something that is up to my standards. You can distribute that as you see fit." Jack added as he began his own work dispersing bodies and filling his own matter storage.

  "You should expect a number of friendly visits spiking exponentially soon. There were plenty of scouts who kept a much larger distance than thus far, though their eyes were firmly locked on our fight. And now that they saw how easily we took care of quite the number disadvantage, what was previously regarded as a rumor with a sliver of truth inside at best, will spread faster than ever before, bringing plenty of opportunistic vultures to your doorstep." Jack smiled a small, but meaningful smile as he continued "But no matter what you do, do not be soft with them. Those few that came before the attack and those that came after must be treated differently. Make it be clear. If signs of a cooperation begin to form, you can- if you so decide- to warn them that without your tribe here, there would be no such an opportunity in the first place. And do make them bleed a fair bit. It would only be fair."

  "Understood." Selin nodded, bowed her head and departed. Her mind was already hard at work, focused on how to act when the time comes, ways of asserting control and the like, leaving Jack to his own devices. There was much to do for her tribe to assert dominance and most important of all- maintain their current status as the first to be drawn into this alliance that would one day take down the beastmen. But Selin was nothing if not smart and resourceful.

  As Jack had predicted, word spread like a wildfire into a forest after a prolonged drought, bringing news of their fight against the raiders far and wide across the outer regions, lending credence to the previous rumors of them somehow attaining a way to level further. On one hand, such news were indeed a blessing for it would mean that the people of the outer steppes could push past what had been considered the hard cap of their growth. On the other side, it also meant that a resource with scarcity unlike any before had surfaced. One that would reshape and remodel the entire power structure of not only the outer regions but the whole of the steppe- assuming there were no other, similar opportunities surfacing in any other place within the steppe.

  No longer could Selin's tribe be ignored or treated with mild curiosity. They either had to be befriended, convinced to share in their windfall through all sorts of gifts and bribes, or subjugated and forced to spill the secret. Unfortunately, the smartest of the leaders also knew that they would be in quite the disadvantage no matter which path they chose. With one attack already experienced and repelled, it was clear no similar thing could be pulled off easily, resulting in more than just significant loss of life. And once again, only due the attack already performed, it would be clear to Selin that those that came after had clear, ulterior motives. Which path to choose then, if both would result in less than stellar end result?

  Worse still, each of the tribe leaders had to consider yet another reason that always loomed overhead. The actions and decisions of their peers. Not one of the remaining chieftains would stand around watching, allowing such an opportunity to slip by. Not when such obvious proof stared in their faces in the form of the first failed attempt. If any of the chiefs decided on the forceful approach, even if joining together with another, they would incur massive loss in the no doubt happening fight, almost guaranteeing the success of the next tribe coalitions repeat of the same maneuver they had achieved. And that was assuming no all too eager tribe lept in to assist Selin's tribe at the last minute to earn as big of a debt as possible. In the end, only slow and seemingly cooperative maneuvering could achieve their desired results. And so, the chiefs acted, sending their own people to negotiate with Seline, ordered to earn at least some benefit for their own side.

  By the time the second wave of messengers arrived to the temporary camp Selin's tribe had occupied, it had long since been changed. No longer did the place looked like a typical nomad capm, ready at a moments notice to be taken apart and left behind. Two meter tall walls of clay bricks, all reinforced with mana, surrounded the settlement, wide enough to allow for a man to walk atop them. It was clear that the work was also not finished, as glancing further one could see the wall being raised higher. That alone gave all those messengers a clear information that they could act upon- its was the place that held strategic value. Whatever it was that allowed them to grow past the general soft cap of the area was located here- likely the dungeon itself. But that too was weird. No one entering from the other tree directions had noticed any change. Was it just this one entrance? It would explain the fortification. And yet, a gnawing unease scratched at their minds, warning that there was more to the situation than met the eye. And so, the yall arrived, seeked audience with Selin and expressed their tribes desires. They came bearing gifts, suggestions and promises, yet none could move Selin.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  ------------

  It was quite honestly getting a little ridiculous, Selin had to admit. Sure, she had known there would be quite the number of messengers sent to establish a rapport with her tribe now that it was a near guaranteed fact they could indeed grow stronger, but even she had undersold the sheer number of tribes who would do that. If someone were to ask her, she would be willing to bet a decent sack of gems that there were even members from tribes living in different 'zones' as beastmen put it. Nevertheless, here they all were, each speaking more and more honeyed words, promising this and that- either to her directly or for her tribe in general- all to get in her good graces and earn themselves a place at Selin's now abundantly filled table.

  She had kept her ground of course, not swayed by the scraps that would have seemed oh so enticing mere months ago. She had grown a lot in recent times though, as had her tribe. What had been considered great bounty now seemed like the scraps that they were. A mere and plain bone soup left after the meat had already been eaten. She was now the apex predator, so she could pick the best of what was available for meals. And so she had. She had not outright dismissed anyone of course, though she had not responded with agreement either. There were too many would be visitors and allies arriving near constantly, so she began holding meetings with several groups at the same time.

  Risky? Perhaps slightly, but thanks to the time it had taken for not only the first rumor to spread, but the talk of their victory as well, her tribe had grown considerably. Even she, with the limited time that her role as clans chief allowed, had reached level eighteen, almost stepping into nineteen. Mina had already broken through to twenty, and there were rumors that Jack's maids were nearing in on level twenty five. That speed was simply unreasonable. Then again, there had never been a dungeon that could be tuned in regards to its level, making such a situation unprecedented.

  Even as her mind wandered, a voice spoke in the background. Clearly yet another messenger delivering their well practiced speech. It was so much more easier to deal with them in bulks- Selin yet again affirmed her decision, her eyes momentarily darting across the room towards the rest of the messengers present. She had effectively cut out all that useless posturing and attempts to bribe her by doing so. One could not openly try and offer bribes, lest their offer was perceived as measly not only by the supposed recipient, but also one's peers.

  "And thus we are here at your doorstep. Offering both friendship and aide. The season of conflict is just around the corner, with some of our scouts reporting the early signs of beastmen scouts mapping the territory. With your settlement taking shape here it will no doubt be in quite the danger. You must no doubt be in need of assistance. One that we are more than willing to provide." the messenger speaking sighed heavily, as if truly regretful about what he has to admit next.

  "But it is also true that there only so much we can do in that regard. We all know beastmen have second awakening experts in every large city of theirs, while ours are near non existent." He said no more, but the intent was clear. Words that every one of the messengers had thought, but none bold enough so far to speak so directly. Selin was quite sure the man was betting on that precise fact, trying to make a unique impression in Selin's mind.

  "They are welcome to try. If the songs of our predecessors are to be believed, rare had been the times their raiding parties ventured this far into the outer edges, and even if they did, we will be more than ready." Selin replied a shot moment later, her tone calm, collected, and most of all- cold. It was as she was not worried about their impending struggle for survival, confident, perhaps even overconfident, in her own power, and that of her tribe.

  "Besides, all I have heard so far are words of honey. Promises that hold no actual weight. Why should we open our greatest treasure for any of you?" she turned her head slowly, locking her eyes on the figureheads and spokespersons of each tribe, as though assessing their credibility and worth, and through them doing the same for the tribes they represented.

  "We are not without reason however." she then added a moment later, much like how she had done a number of times until now. "Send word back home and coordinate with those around you here. We will allow your tribes to form a team, consisting of a member from each, that then will be allowed access to our treasure. Thus, each tribe will gain their own second awakening expert. In return, we expect to be fairly compensated for it, both in physical materials and alliances."

  After a short moment of stunned silence, she added "Go on now, discuss it among yourselves. Decide on the roles each tribe will take on in this party. And do tell me whose tribe draws the healers role."

  She returned to her own thoughts leaving the tribes present to feverishly get together, all too eager to not be the one saddled with the healer role. Sure, a second awakening healer was a force to be reckoned with, but it could never contend with an actual damage dealer or even front liner when it came to serve as a deterrent for others all too eager to rob their tribe. Eventually, one tribe had to draw the short straw, their shoulders slumping in defeat. They all turned to Selin, informing her of their decision.

  "Well then, I suppose that's all then. You may all go now, except for your group." she pointed at the tribe who ended up with the healer position "Needless to say, none of you may disclose the information to those not of your tribes leadership."

  Nods and promises followed as all but one group retreated, bowing in thanks and nearly singing praises to Selin. There came a cold realization with that as well. If they were willing to provide a second awakening expert of their choosing for free, just what kind of foundation they already had. And that, was quite the terrifying idea.

  Once only the last tribe remained in Selin's tent, she looked at their leader and added. "You must be feeling quite depressed right now, what with being relegated to receive just a second awakening healer. Not much of deterrent is it?" Selin asked, a knowing smile creeping on her lips.

  "Tribe chief Selin jests." the spokesperson replied. "We are lucky to have a chance at all."

  "Oh, so if offered the chance, you would not want to attain a proper fighter instead?" she asked back, her smile growing more predatory by the second.

  "I-Im sorry?" the man stammered for a second, a clear glimmer of hope surfacing on his face.

  "It is not entirely impossible. Tell you what. When your tribe send over the people to deliver your chosen candidate, bring at least three healer candidates with you. All must be female and younger than twenty. Do so and we will chose one of them. They will become one of yours. In exchange, you get to add another member to the team already formed. The role is yours to chose, but do think of the team composition. And no funny business with brainwashing the girls we will chose from. I believe you know what it would mean to cross us. So, are you interested in this new offer?"

  "Of course Chief Selin. We will do just that." the messenger agreed immediately.

  "Off you go then." Selin waved them off, seemingly too busy with her own tasks now that the meeting was over.

  Each tribe meeting them would always 'accidentally' pass by Jack's small camp- his aura of a true second awakening level master engulfing the area. A slight warning that what they would get- and in a strictly limited quantity at that- was not a rarity here.

  'Heh. Just like the rest of them. All too willing to throw away the healers for a little bit of direct force.' Selin though as she smirked. This was not the first time she had offered such a deal, nor would it be the last. And at the end of it all, her tribe would be filled with an influx of second awakening healers, making their importance change to a whole another level. The beastmen regime will fall eventually- in their lifetimes even. And once that would be over, her tribe would become a holy hand of healing, with all others begging for favours. A single second awakening healer might not change the flow of a tribal war, but a bunch of them? They could ensure that their frontline never fell, no matter how hard the attack was.

  Jack Raja(?)

  Age- 27

  Species- human(?)

  Level- 33

  Class- Awakened twin aspect of Creation and Destruction(Ex)

  Stats unassigned: +14

  Attributes:

  Strength- 34 (14+7+13(gear))

  Vitality- 28 (12+8+8(gear))

  Dexterity- 29 (15+6+8(gear))

  Intelligence-20(15+ 5(gear)

  Spirit- Spirit- 30 (20+10)

  Skills- Wisdom of Creation and destruction(EX), Choice of the creator(EX), Eyes of procurer(EX), Matter storage(EX), Arukain language(C), Spark of inspiration(EX), Origin of matter(EX), Unbound by laws of the lessers(EX), The end made manifest(EX). Destroyers presence(unique legendary).

  Spells- none.

  Titles(unlocked): The real Monster, Big Game Hunter, The brilliant rookie, The insane Solo. Monster debugger.The actor. Executioner. Survivor. Pioneer, Record breaker.The new champion supreme. Slavemaster, Eldritch garbage disposal(legendary).

  Gear: Two handed sword(t3)+ 5 str +5 vit: Armor 3str +3 vit +3 dex; Ring 1 - spatial storage, ring 2 +5int, ring 3 +5 str; amulet +5 dex.