BXBX NOVEL Chapter 55: Dinner Party
As the overseer of the industrial zone and a manager within the tribe, Brian was aware that the Mpondo Tribe from Plata Plain could arrive at any moment. They would face fierce Giant Bone Wolf Riders, clad in tough leather armor. According to Neville's accounts, ordinary wooden weapons posed no threat to them.
But iron weapons were a different story.
This realization filled Brian with determination.
Despite physical limitations preventing him from intense combat, the thought of weapons he forged being able to kill enemies filled him with pride.
Over the following time, Enzo demonstrated the entire process of weapon forging.
He also instructed Brian on blacksmithing techniques and prioritized making tools necessary for crafting ironware.
Making molds was straightforward, using refined clay with openings for pouring molten iron.
Soon enough, a palm-sized dagger was completed.
After polishing on a stone, the first ironware crafted by the Crimson Star Tribe was ready.
Excitedly holding the dagger, Brian pleaded, "Lord Enzo, could I keep this dagger as a memento since you made it yourself?" .
Enzo sighed, "Alright, it's yours."
He reiterated, "Don't delay the production of other ironware, not just these knives, but also weapons, iron pots, and the like. Later, I'll have Amy bring the corresponding equipment designs. Right now, focus on smelting the iron from those yellow iron ores."
Brian replied loudly, "Yes!"
Afterward, all the blast furnaces were filled with charcoal, igniting flames to begin smelting the yellow iron ore.
Meanwhile, Enzo returned to his bamboo lodge.
The crops in the lodge's courtyard were thriving without any weeds, clearly well-tended by Amy. On one side, the apple tree had produced quite a few apples, and Enzo picked one, taking a bite with pleasant surprise.
Finally, these apples had become sweet.
However, another peculiar fruit tree remained unchanged.
What kind of tree was it?
Enzo was curious about this tree. With the tribe's safety assured for now and no immediate need to venture out, Enzo decided to infuse a significant amount of totemic power directly into this peculiar fruit tree.
Gradually, changes began to appear.
With the infusion of totemic energy, the fruit of the peculiar tree started expanding continuously until it reached the size of an adult's head. The black patterns on the fruit's skin became more intricate, and the tree itself grew taller, with the trunk's bark developing black stripes.
Overall, it looked quite peculiar.
At this moment, Amy returned carrying a bag of refined salt.
Enzo called out to Amy and asked, "Amy, do you feel anything about this fruit tree now?"
Amy took a careful look and replied earnestly, "It looks very ugly and sinister."
Enzo examined the fruit tree closely and realized Amy was spot on. The twisted black patterns on the fruit were disorienting to look at and indeed gave off an unsettling vibe.
Enzo plucked a fruit, peeled it open, and tasted the flesh, finding it even more repulsive. He hastily spat it out, rinsed his mouth with water to rid himself of the indescribable taste.
Unable to resist, Enzo asked again, "What kind of tree is this?"
Amy chuckled, covering her mouth, and suggested, "Enzo, why not ask Priest Lucy? She's knowledgeable about many things and might know."
Enzo nodded thoughtfully, "That's a good idea."
Amy continued, "Also, should we consider having a grand bonfire dinner? The tribe has been very busy lately, and it's been a while since we had such an event. Now that we have plenty of food salt, we can prepare many delicious dishes."
Upon hearing Amy's suggestion, Enzo immediately agreed.
As news of the dinner spread throughout the tribe, everyone cheered enthusiastically, with many already preparing for the event in advance.
...
The tribal camp, near the agricultural area.
As the captain of the Vanguard squad, Heru naturally had his own separate residence.
However, he found himself in a dilemma.
After registering Yara's group with Ward, Heru hoped Ward would assign them tasks. Instead, Ward angrily dismissed him, complaining, "Heru, do you have any idea how much I have on my plate right now? I don't even have time to arrange their work. You handle it yourself! Whether it's in the agricultural area, industrial zone, or even clearing land outside the camp, let them finish and then go to Monta for crop seeds. They can learn how to farm from other tribe members."
Ward was genuinely overwhelmed, and Heru didn't want to trouble him further.
After all, his responsibility was solely with the Vanguard squad.
Consequently, Heru had no choice but to bring Yara's group to his own residence to organize their assignments.
At that moment, Shirley, one of Yara's group, stepped forward.
She held the still-sleeping Bella, her expression concerned as she asked, "Lord Heru, did we upset that manager?"
Heru looked at Shirley with care in his eyes and quickly reassured her, "Shirley, don't worry. Ward is just too busy. Trust me, I'll take care of everything for you."
On their way back, Bella was entrusted to Heru's care.
While Heru was adept in combat, he had no experience in caring for a baby.
Shirley bravely offered to help.
And Heru gladly accepted. Through their interactions, feelings began to grow between them.
However, Shirley was currently a slave of the Crimson Star Tribe and needed to provide sufficient value to earn her freedom, a rule set by Enzo that Heru would not violate.
Despite this, his concern for Shirley prompted him to think of ways he could assist her.
In resignation, Heru could only bring Yara and the others to seek out Monta.
Catching sight of Heru, Monta looked up from recording agricultural information in the camp and greeted him, "Heru, you're back. Did you encounter anything interesting with Lord Priest this time?"
Among the tribe's managers, Monta was considered relatively young.
Heru got straight to the point, "Monta, I need your help..."
After hearing Heru's brief explanation, Monta glanced at Yara and the group, suggesting, "Heru, my suggestion is to have Yara and them cultivate the land outside the camp. There aren't many people in the tribe now, and there are plenty of flat areas outside the camp lying vacant, perfect for cultivation. If some time passes, those areas might be impossible to obtain."
Heru frowned slightly and asked, "Monta, have you heard something?"
Monta shook his head, "It's just speculation."
Lowering his voice, he continued, "Lord Enzo set this strange rule for Yara and them to join the tribe as slaves, but after paying a price, they can become full members. If it's only about Yara and them, it would be a fuss over nothing. So, I suspect Lord Enzo will soon allow exiles to join. He might even let managers from different regions recruit their own members."
Monta's speculation surprised Heru.
Yet upon reflection, it seemed entirely reasonable and in line with Lord Enzo's typical approach.
Heru vividly remembered Enzo's words, "The tribe's strength lies not in one person's strength but in the strength of all clanspeople."
Therefore, he realized, the tribe was heading towards greater changes.
At that time, the tribe would become even stronger.
Understanding this, Heru felt immensely grateful. Following Monta's guidance, he picked up tools and headed towards a flat grassland outside the camp, bringing along some official members of the tribe.
With the guidance of these tribe members, Yara and his companions quickly caught on.
They loosened the soil, leveled the ground, removed weeds, planted young plants, and brought water for irrigation.
Despite their fatigue, they felt deeply fulfilled.
One of them couldn't help but ask, "Yara, I heard from Lord Monta that for the land we cultivate outside the camp, we only need to give up one-fifth of the produce, the rest is ours. Even the tribe's priest cannot take it away. Is this true?"
Yara didn't know how to respond.
He sighed and said, "I don't know. The Crimson Star Tribe feels different to me compared to other tribes. Despite being labeled as slaves, we haven't been treated like slaves, have we?"
These words resonated with the others.
In the cruel jungle, slaves had no standing.
Yet, although Lord Enzo had declared them slaves of the Crimson Star Tribe, their actual treatment differed little from other members, apart from this one title.
Understanding this, their concerns faded.
They worked even harder at cultivation, soon clearing a large expanse of land and planting crops.
As dusk approached, Heru returned and called out to them, "Yara, stop for today. The feast is beginning!"
Yara couldn't help but ask, "Heru Lord, can we... can we join the feast too?"
Heru replied, "Of course, Lord Enzo is a generous person. You all have the right to join the feast."
Yara and his companions were stunned once again.
They had never imagined that such a tribe could exist in the jungle.
Led by Heru, the group arrived at the feast area, a large open space near the ritual square. Dozens of bonfires were already lit, and steam rose from numerous large pots filled with a savory mix of vegetables and meats.
Yara especially noticed a young girl with fox ears adding pure white salt to the pots.