Reborn As A Beastman With A System

"Don't worry, lord Begon," Kro said with a reassuring smile. "I heard directly from the captured coalition leaders, they threw everything they had into this attack. Their tribes should have little to no strength left."

Begon nodded but remained cautious. "That's good to hear. Still, be vigilant. Every warrior is a treasure to the tribe. I don't want us to lose more lives unnecessarily, especially not after such a monumental victory."

"I understand, Lord Begon," Kro said sincerely, recognizing the wisdom in his elder's words.

Logan, who had been listening intently, leaned forward slightly. "Here's what we'll do. Hoyle will accompany you with a few sixth-level warriors. That way, if anything unexpected arises, you'll have a strong defense. This isn't just about caution, it's about ensuring we act decisively without exposing ourselves to unnecessary risk."

Kro's face lit up at the suggestion. "Thank you, Chief. I appreciate the support. Having them with us will make a big difference."

Begon, too, gave a rare smile. "That's a wise move, Logan. With Hoyle and the others involved, I'm more confident things will proceed smoothly."

Logan gave a small nod of approval. "Good. Then it's settled. As for the captives, keep them under strict guard for now. Once we've secured and annexed the coalition tribes, we'll reassess their roles. No hasty decisions."

"Understood!" the council members echoed, their voices firm.

After the discussion about the captives, Begon cleared his throat and turned back to Logan. "Chief, there's another matter. What do you intend to do with the Duskin tribe? Their leaders; Surshen and the others; are waiting outside the hall for your decision."

The mention of the Duskin tribe sparked a ripple of curiosity in the room. The tribe's sudden surrender before the coalition attack had baffled many, especially Begon. Even knowing that Mamuti of the Duskin tribe had defected to the Silver Mane Tribe, Begon found it strange. Mamuti, after all, wasn't the tribe's absolute authority, and his word alone couldn't have swayed the entire tribe.

Kro and Lots, however, exchanged knowing looks. They were among the few who understood the situation. Having served closely with Logan, they were aware of the quiet but strategic visit the chief had made to the Duskin tribe just days before the battle.

While many still questioned how the surrender came about, Kro and Lots had no doubts. The image of Logan on the battlefield, defeating two seventh-level chiefs with devastating, single punches; left an indelible mark. If the Duskin leaders had witnessed even a fraction of that power during his visit, their surrender made perfect sense.

It wasn't just strategy, it was awe.

"Chief," Lots finally spoke, breaking the silence, "what about their losses? Should we assess their current strength?"

Logan turned to Begon, but his uncle shook his head. "I don't have the exact numbers. That's Kro's department."

Kro straightened and began his report. "From what I've gathered, the Duskin tribe sent over 2,000 warriors to the coalition effort. This included 150 wolf cavalry and the rest as infantry."

He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Begon before continuing. "The wolf cavalry was completely wiped out, and over a third of their infantry sustained injuries during the battle."

Begon's brows furrowed in disbelief. "That many? But they didn't even fight us directly. How could their losses be so high?"

Kro sighed, his voice tinged with regret. "Alirang had assigned the Duskin wolf cavalry to the coalition's vanguard. They were part of the initial charge against our defensive lines. When our crossbow corps and archers unleashed their volleys, the coalition's vanguard was decimated. The 150 Duskin wolf riders were wiped out alongside the others."

The hall grew still. Realization dawned on everyone, they had unknowingly killed warriors who, at that point, had already pledged their loyalty to the Silver Mane Tribe.

Begon let out a weary sigh, shaking his head. "Their surrender should have made them part of us. Those 150 riders were, by all rights, ours… and now they're gone."

The weight of the revelation settled over the room. Every warrior was a valuable asset to the tribe, and losing the Duskin wolf cavalry was a blow, even if it had been unintentional.

Logan, however, remained composed. "What's done is done," he said firmly, cutting through the tension. "We had no way of knowing at the time. What matters now is how we move forward. The Duskin tribe's remaining forces are still valuable, and their leaders are waiting for my decision. We'll ensure their integration into the tribe is swift and complete."

The room nodded in agreement, the chief's steady leadership dispelling lingering regrets.

As the council discussed the specifics of integrating the Duskin tribe, Kro couldn't help but reflect on Logan's earlier feats. He turned to Lots and muttered under his breath, "Can you believe it? Two seventh-level chiefs, taken down with a single punch each."

Lots chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, I still can't. And to think, the Duskin tribe likely saw a glimpse of that strength during the chief's visit. No wonder they surrendered without hesitation."

Their conversation didn't escape Begon, who glanced at them curiously. "You two seem very sure of why the Duskin tribe surrendered."

Kro smirked, leaning closer. "Let's just say, if you'd seen what we saw on the battlefield, you'd understand. It's not just strategy or diplomacy, Lord Begon, it's power. Logan didn't just win the fight; he redefined what it means to be strong. When the Duskin leaders saw that, surrendering was the only option."

Begon nodded slowly, his respect for his nephew deepening. "Then let's ensure we don't squander what they've offered us."

Logan stood, his voice cutting through the hall. "The Duskin tribe will be integrated fully into the Silver Mane Tribe. Their remaining warriors, leaders, and resources are now ours to rebuild and strengthen. Surshen and the others will receive my terms shortly. For now, focus on the bigger task: the complete annexation of the coalition tribes."

The council members rose in unison, their spirits renewed despite the challenges ahead. The Silver Mane Tribe had claimed victory, but it was the decisions made in the aftermath that would shape their future. Under Logan's leadership, they would ensure that future was unshakable.

Logan leaned back slightly in his chair, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room. He wasn't overly concerned about the accidental deaths of the Duskin wolf riders. Casualties were inevitable in war, especially when crossbows and arrows rained indiscriminately on the battlefield.

Still, he couldn't help but consider the circumstances.

"If we're honest," Logan began, his tone even, "the fault doesn't entirely lie with us. Why didn't Surshen, Mamuti, and Kule keep their cavalry close when they knew they were planning to turn against the coalition forces?" His voice carried an edge of skepticism, and his words drew nods from a few council members.

He let the question hang for a moment before answering it himself. "If I had to guess, those three didn't fully commit to betraying the coalition at the start. They probably thought the coalition would crush us. It was only when they saw the Silver Mane Tribe's strength on the battlefield that they decided to switch sides. If that's true, their indecision is what cost those 150 wolf riders their lives."

The hall was quiet, except for the occasional murmur of agreement. Logan's reasoning was hard to argue with.

"Besides," he continued, his voice firm, "while I do feel a degree of sympathy for those riders, they weren't our people. If they died, they died. They weren't part of our tribe."

Kro stepped forward, adding more context. "As for the infantry," he explained, "when the coalition forces charged, their formations were chaotic. Soldiers from many tribes got mixed up, including the Duskin warriors. When the Duskin tribe switched sides, many of their fighters were isolated and became easy targets for the coalition forces. That's why their casualties were so high."

Kro paused, glancing at the others before continuing. "Honestly, it could have been worse. Alan's quick action leading the wolf cavalry into the fray saved many of the Duskin warriors. Without him, their losses would've been far greater."

Begon and the others nodded in agreement, acknowledging Alan's critical role.

Logan raised a hand, signaling for quiet. "Enough," he said, his tone calm but commanding. "There's no point dwelling on this further. We still need to integrate the Duskin tribe into our ranks. If word spreads that their warriors; brothers, fathers, sons; died at our hands, even accidentally, it could create unnecessary friction. The Duskin families don't need to know who fired the fatal arrows."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Let's avoid confusion. Let's avoid rumors. What matters now is uniting the Duskin tribe under the Silver Mane banner without unnecessary complications."

The council murmured their agreement, recognizing the wisdom in his words.

Logan straightened in his seat, his expression hardening slightly. "Bring in Surshen, Mamuti, and Kule," he ordered. "It's time we settle things with them."

Begon immediately stood and left the hall. Within moments, he returned with the three Duskin leaders trailing behind him. Surshen, Kule, and Mamuti entered the room cautiously, their postures stiff with unease. The betrayal of the coalition forces had clearly weighed on them, and now they faced the one man whose judgment they feared most: Logan.

"Surshen. Kule. Mamuti." Logan's voice was steady but carried an unmistakable edge. "You wanted to speak with me. What's the matter?"

The three immediately dropped to their knees, bowing deeply. "Chieftain," Surshen began, his voice respectful but nervous. "We are here to report and express our loyalty."

Logan studied them for a long moment before a faint smile played on his lips. "Report? Let me tell you what I see first. The Silver Mane Tribe's victory over the coalition forces wouldn't have been possible without your Duskin tribe. Your decision to turn on the coalition in the rear caused chaos, weakened their resistance, and helped us crush them from both sides. Many surrendered because of your actions. Your contribution cannot be overstated."

The three leaders exchanged relieved glances, but they remained cautious. They knew that Logan was not one to heap praise lightly.

"That said," Logan continued, his tone sharpening, "your decision to betray the coalition was… delayed. It nearly cost your tribe dearly. Your hesitation meant your cavalry was placed under Alirang's command, and we all know what happened to them."

Surshen flinched, his expression darkening with guilt. "Chieftain, we didn't—"

Logan raised a hand, silencing him. "I don't need excuses. What's done is done. Your hesitation killed those 150 wolf riders, not our arrows. But despite that, I recognize your ultimate decision was crucial to our victory. It doesn't absolve you of your mistakes, but it does give you a chance to make amends."

Kule, sensing an opening, spoke up. "Chieftain, we pledge our full loyalty to the Silver Mane Tribe. The Duskin warriors and their families will follow you. Please, grant us the chance to prove ourselves worthy."

Mamuti nodded fervently, adding, "We acted late, yes, but our intentions were clear by the end. We want to be part of the tribe's rise. We will do whatever it takes."

Logan leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto each of them. "You'll have your chance. But understand this: the Silver Mane Tribe does not tolerate half-measures. You're either fully committed or you're against us. There is no middle ground. Your tribe is mine now, your warriors are mine, and your loyalty will be absolute."

The three leaders bowed deeply again, their voices uniting in agreement. "Yes, Chieftain! We swear it!"

Logan straightened, his expression softening slightly. "Good. Then rise. Your tribe will be integrated into the Silver Mane Tribe immediately. We'll ensure your people are treated fairly, but make no mistake, any disloyalty will be met with swift consequences."

Surshen, Kule, and Mamuti stood, visibly relieved. "Thank you, Chieftain. We will not disappoint you."

"See that you don't," Logan replied firmly. He glanced at Begon. "Ensure they're given clear instructions for integrating their tribe into ours. I want it done efficiently and without confusion."

Begon nodded. "It will be done, Chieftain."

As the Duskin leaders left the hall, Logan turned to his council, his voice calm but resolute. "This is how we build strength, not through force alone, but through strategy, unity, and purpose. The Duskin tribe is ours now. Let's ensure they become a cornerstone of our future, not a fracture."

His words left no room for doubt: the Silver Mane Tribe was on the path to dominance, and Logan would see it through, no matter the challenges.