As the only two tribal leaders invited to the celebration banquet, Sethric of the Rhinoceros Tribe and Goldmanes of the Golden Monkey Tribe arrived together at Black Flag Territory in the afternoon.

  The werewolf chief had specially dispatched the highly respected Thorin to deliver the invitation, a gesture of such weight that neither tribe could afford to ignore it.

  The two leaders nodded briefly upon meeting. Once, the fall of the Serpent Tribe could be blamed on the oppressive power of the Succubi. But now, the submission of the three major northern tribes was entirely orchestrated by Black Flag Territory.

  These three tribes, each formidable in their own right, posed a challenge even when taken individually. For the Rhinoceros Tribe to face them collectively—now under Draven's command—was a daunting prospect.

  The presence of Thorin made Sethric inwardly tense. Fortunately, he had Goldmanes, the elder monkey chief, by his side.

  Compared to Sethric, Goldmanes appeared far more at ease. With a light chuckle, he quipped,"If they really wanted to take us down, they would've done it long ago." His casual tone eased Sethric's nerves.

  Indeed, if Black Flag Territory intended to crush the Rhinoceros Tribe, they had the power to do so already.

  Still, anxiety lingered as Sethric, accompanied by Goldmanes, arrived early at Village No. 2.

  As always, the werewolf leader greeted them warmly, ordering food and wine to be served.

  Inside the chieftain's hall, after a few rounds of small talk and drinks, Sethric felt some of his tension begin to fade.

  Goldmanes, on the other hand, was completely relaxed, even praising the monkey wine brewed by Black Flag Territory, claiming it was richer and more flavorful than what his tribe produced.

  After a few compliments, the elder monkey chief shifted the conversation, asking with interest about the submission of the three northern tribes. Sethric listened closely, but the werewolf leader brushed over the topic lightly and instead pulled out two leather-bound booklets.

  "These are the new policies of Black Flag Territory," the werewolf leader said."As fellow tribal leaders, I'd like you to take a look and share your thoughts."

  Though Draven's tone was humble, both Sethric and Goldmanes knew that the contents of the booklets were anything but trivial.

  To them, Draven was already operating on an entirely different level. His humility only made them more cautious.

  Opening the leather booklets, they found detailed policies on the work-point system, military merit rewards, and exchange regulations. Though they recognized the words, the combined content made both leaders frown in confusion.

  They exchanged a look—uncertainty mirrored in each other's eyes.

  Draven noticed and smiled, then began to explain the policies in detail. As his explanations continued, confusion gave way to growing astonishment.

  As tribal chiefs, they understood the weight of these policies. Such a system could only be implemented by a territory with immense strength and control.

  Otherwise, Draven wouldn't share them so openly, let alone explain them personally.

  Goldmanes slowly closed the booklet, his gaze penetrating beyond the text. Unlike Sethric, he immediately recognized that Draven's gesture wasn't pure generosity—it was a carefully laid temptation.

  Stolen story; please report.

  If the Golden Monkey Tribe could enjoy the same system...

  A glimmer of shrewdness flashed through the old chief's amber eyes, but he didn't speak hastily. Instead, he watched Sethric quietly, waiting to see his reaction.

  Though less experienced, Sethric wasn't as simple as he looked.

  Especially when Draven mentioned that constructing city walls would earn five work-points—equal to a day of hunting—Sethric immediately grasped the deeper implication.

  Currently, his people worked for Black Flag Territory in exchange for little more than a full meal. But if they could receive the same treatment as local residents, the rewards would be far more generous.

  However, to enjoy those benefits, they would first have to become part of Black Flag Territory…

  They were both tempted—and hesitant.

  Unspoken, Sethric and Goldmanes waited for the other to speak first.

  Draven sat at the head seat, quietly watching the two leaders' expressions.

  With both power and benefits in play, their hearts had already been stirred. But neither wanted to take the first step.

  Then, Draven smiled lightly and gave a soft cough—immediately capturing their attention.

  Inwardly, Draven was pleased. Some things truly did fall into place at just the right moment.

  When you are strong enough, even your unintentional actions will attract others' attention.

  Conversely, when you are weak, no matter how loudly you roar, others will at most find you annoying noise.

  A faint smile appeared on Draven's face, finally revealing his ambition.

  "Leaders, I believe you already understand my meaning. Unifying the Divine War Hills is the inevitable choice for Black Flag Territory."

  "As friends, I hope this matter can be resolved peacefully."

  At this point, the choice was entirely in their hands. Draven remained calm and unhurried, raised his horn cup, took a small sip of blood wine, and quietly awaited their response.

  After a moment of silence, the elder chief of the Golden Monkey Tribe, Goldmanes, slowly stood up, pushed back his chair, and intended to kneel on one knee to show sincerity—

  but was suddenly gently lifted by an invisible force.

  "Elder chief, there is no need to do that. I have already understood your intentions."

  Draven stopped his kneeling with a smile, motioned for him to sit, and spoke softly.

  Beside them, Sethric stood up. This time, without waiting for Draven's support, he knelt on one knee himself and said firmly,

  "The Rhinoceros Tribe is willing to join Black Flag Territory. We hope the leader will accept us!"

  Draven laughed loudly, stood up, and helped Sethric to his feet.

  "Good. With the addition of these two tribes, Black Flag Territory will surely grow stronger!"

  He raised his horn cup, and Goldmanes and Sethric raised theirs in response.

  The three horn cups clinked with a crisp sound, blood wine splashing, their liquids mingling—symbolizing the union of the three forces.

  Avoiding a war and winning the willing allegiance of the Rhinoceros Tribe and the Golden Monkey Tribe was Draven's original plan.

  Now that the dream had come true, how could he not be pleased?

  He toasted three times in a row, wiped the corner of his mouth, and began to explain the arrangements for the two tribes in detail.

  As a reward for their voluntary submission, Draven promised better treatment for the Rhinoceros Tribe and the Golden Monkey Tribe.

  They could continue living on their ancestral lands and did not have to relocate.

  But there was one condition: except for the direct descendants of the leaders, the younger generation of their tribes must be sent to Black Flag Territory for education.

  In other words, a disguised hostage policy.

  Although Sethric and Goldmanes hesitated, they had no choice but to accept since they came voluntarily.

  Moreover, it wasn't just their tribes sending members to Black Flag Territory; the young and strong from other tribes would also be relocated and distributed among different villages.

  In exchange, Draven would assign special personnel to garrison these two villages, responsible for hunting and defense tasks.

  Furthermore, after integration, the newly enacted systems of Black Flag Territory would apply to them as well.

  This was what concerned Sethric and Goldmanes the most, and upon hearing the promise, they finally relaxed.

  However, the elder Golden Monkey chief remained cautious. Known for their agility and intelligence but much weaker than the Rhinoceros Tribe in strength,

  he worried his people might lag far behind in treatment.

  Having just submitted, the old monkey chief couldn't openly voice objections and instead planned secretly to strive for more benefits later.

  Sethric had a different concern. He feared the Rhinoceros Tribe's slower pace might make it difficult to earn more war merits in future battles.

  Both Sethric and Goldmanes silently contemplated the road ahead.

  When Draven led the two chiefs out of the hall, they saw Big Bear and his companions carefully hanging wooden boards one by one on the wall behind the training ground.

  The first celebration of Black Flag Territory had officially begun!