Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 191: Sly Yet Smart Strategy

[Monthly Bonus Chapter]

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Adrian's eyes glinted with calculated confidence. "Power. Resources. A chance to thrive instead of being locked in an endless struggle. With me, you can unite your forces and dominate this forest. Alone, you'll only weaken each other until neither of you can defend your territory."

"Besides... You would die anyway if I hadn't appeared now."

The chiefs exchanged wary glances, their suspicion evident. Brakkar growled, "What exactly do you mean by that? And why should we believe that?"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Tell me, what do you know about Warlords?"

Brakkar's eyes narrowed. "They are conquerors, beings of immense power who come to claim lands and subjugate their inhabitants."

Gnarl nodded in agreement, his forked tongue flicking out. "Yes, they wield magic and might beyond our understanding. They seek to dominate and control, often leaving destruction in their wake."

Adrian listened intently, nodding as they spoke. 'Here comes the free info. Then, I should act like I know it... Let's see...'

"Well, you are somewhat correct. Warlords are indeed conquerors, but there's more to it than just power and domination." He paused for emphasis, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I am not the only Warlord who has come to conquer this land. And from what I remember, the other Warlords aren't as merciful as I am."

The chiefs looked at each other, uncertainty creeping into their expressions. Brakkar grunted, "W-Why should we believe that?"

Adrian's eyes hardened. "Because the other Warlords despise you - monsters. They see you as nothing more than obstacles to be eradicated. They wouldn't even consider taking you as a subordinate. They would rather wipe you out completely."

Gnarl's eyes widened, his suspicion giving way to a mix of fear and realization. "You mean... they would slaughter us without a second thought?"

Adrian nodded solemnly. "Exactly. They wouldn't hesitate. I've seen their ruthlessness firsthand. Your only chance of survival, of preserving your tribes and your way of life, is to unite under my command. So decide now.

They have already started conquering the regions where they arrived and will come knocking on your door soon. "

Brakkar's grip on his club tightened, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and resignation. "If what you say is true, then I will agree to your solution, however, you must promise you will leave us and the forest alone once this is over."

Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of amusement flickering in their depths. He could see the conflict playing out within Brakkar and Gnarl. They were proud leaders, not easily swayed by the promises of an outsider. Yet, the threat of annihilation by other Warlords was a reality they could not ignore.

"Leave you and the forest alone once this is over?" Adrian repeated, his tone thoughtful. "I can promise you this: Once the threat of the other Warlords is dealt with, you will have your autonomy. The forest will remain under your control, and you will govern your tribes as you see fit. However, you will always be part of my domain, and you will answer my call if I ever need your strength again."

The chiefs exchanged a glance, considering his words carefully. Adrian could see the struggle in their eyes. They wanted to protect their tribes, but they were not keen on the idea of submitting to anyone, even if it meant survival.

Brakkar finally spoke, his voice gruff and resigned. "If it means the survival of my tribe, then I will agree to your terms. We will follow you, Shadowbinder, but we will not forget our autonomy."

Gnarl hissed in agreement. "We will accept your protection and your leadership, but we will not be your slaves. We will fight for our survival and our way of life."

Adrian's smile was cold and calculating. "Agreed. You are not slaves; you are allies. Together, we will overcome the other Warlords and secure this forest, this land as a bastion of strength and unity."

He extended his hand, a gesture of alliance. Brakkar hesitated for a moment before gripping it firmly, his massive hand engulfing Adrian's. Gnarl followed suit, his serpentine form coiling around Adrian's arm in a show of solidarity.

"Now," Adrian said, his voice commanding, "let us prepare for the battles ahead. The other Warlords will not wait, and neither should we."

With the two chiefs now under his command, Adrian had turned a potential conflict into a powerful alliance. As the new leader of the united tribes, he was ready to leverage their combined strength to dominate the forest and maybe even the game. However, give time was only three hours, so he needed to hurry.

"I am planning to raid the temple ruin not far away from the forest. Do you two know anything about it?" Adrian asked since the nightstalkers he sent to scout the temp still haven't come back yet. "Or which place do you think is easiest to conquer or take control."

Brakkar and Gnarl exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful. Brakkar was the first to speak, his voice gruff but cooperative. "That temple ruin is known to be a place of mysterious power, guarded by unknown magic and creatures. Many of our tribe have tried to explore it, but few have returned."

Gnarl nodded, his forked tongue flicking out. "Indeed, the temple is said to contain a powerful treasure. It is a place of great risk but also great reward. However, it is not the only place of interest in this land."

"Oh, tell me more about it." Adrian's interest was instantly piqued. he guessed one of the relics might be in that temple and it seems his guess is correct.

Brakkar continued, "There is a cave to the north of this land, known as the Howling Caverns. It is said to be home to a pack of powerful spirit wolves. They are fierce guardians, but those who can defeat them might find valuable resources and a treasure they have been guarding within their den."

Gnarl added, "To the east lies the Glimmering Lake. Its waters are enchanted, and it is rumored to be the resting place of an ancient water spirit. The spirit is said to possess a treasure of immense power, but it does not take kindly to intruders."

Adrian nodded, absorbing the information.

'So, I already know the three potential targets for the relics' locations: the temple ruin, the Howling Caverns, and the Glimmering Lake. I think the others were teleported near those locations like me. But it's just a guess after all... I can't be too careless..'