Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 327: The Great Chieftain’s Trial

Chapter 327: The Great Chieftain’s Trial

The night of celebration had barely ended when Lyan began to contemplate his next move. The momentum from his recent victory and acceptance as chief could not be wasted. He gathered his companions early the next morning, the fire from the previous night’s bonfire still smoldering in the background.

"Lara, Tara, I need to know more about the other tribes," Lyan said, his voice calm but commanding. "Tell me about their strengths, their weaknesses, and their leaders."

Lara and Tara exchanged a glance before nodding. "Many tribes in mountains," Lara began, her voice soft but clear. "They raid each other often. No peace among them."

Tara continued, "Some strong, some weak. All fight for resources. They respect strength, but they also stubborn."

Lyan considered their words carefully. The mountain tribes were fragmented, constantly fighting each other for dominance and resources. If he could unite them under his leadership, not only would it bring stability to the region, but it would also strengthen his position and protect Grafen.

"We need to strike while the iron is hot," Lyan said, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We’ll begin raiding the other tribes, bringing them under our control. Once we have enough tribes united, we’ll hold a gathering to formally merge them."

His companions nodded, their expressions serious. The plan was risky, but it was the best way to secure their future.

Over the next few weeks, Lyan led his forces on a series of raids against the other mountain tribes. The battles were fierce, but Lyan’s strategic mind and his companions’ skills proved to be more than a match for the fragmented tribes. Each victory brought new warriors, resources, and territories under their control.

Lyan stood at the forefront of each battle, his magic glaive gleaming in the sunlight as he cut through the enemy ranks. His presence was a beacon of strength and leadership, inspiring his allies and intimidating his enemies. As they conquered tribe after tribe, the once-disparate groups began to see the benefits of unification.

During the downtime between battles, Lyan’s analytical mind was constantly at work, assessing their progress and planning the next move. His perverted side, however, often surfaced during these moments, his eyes wandering to the female warriors who fought alongside him. He tried to hide his interest, but he wasn’t as subtle as he thought.

Lara and Tara, always observant, would often catch him staring. They found his attempts to conceal his desires amusing and endearing, occasionally teasing him about it in private.

"You look at women like they best feast," Lara whispered one evening, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You think we no notice?"

Tara giggled, leaning in closer. "You not hide well, Lyan. But we no mind. You strong, you deserve reward."

Lyan flushed, his attempts at denial falling flat. "I... I just appreciate beauty," he muttered, trying to maintain his composure.

The teasing was a light-hearted distraction from the brutal reality of their campaign. Each victory brought them closer to their goal, but it also came with its own set of challenges. Integrating the conquered tribes was not an easy task. They were used to their own ways, and convincing them to follow Lyan required more than just strength; it required diplomacy and understanding.

Finally, after weeks of relentless fighting and strategic maneuvering, Lyan’s forces had conquered a significant number of tribes. It was time to hold the gathering.

The meeting was held in a large clearing, surrounded by towering trees and the distant peaks of the mountains. Representatives from each of the conquered tribes gathered, their faces a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and grudging respect. Lyan stood at the center, flanked by Lara and Tara, who would act as translators and mediators.

The discussion began, and as expected, it was far from orderly. The mountain tribesmen, true to their barbarian nature, spoke in rough, guttural tones, their words often simplistic and child-like.

"We no want fight more," one of the chieftains grumbled, his voice like gravel. "Why we follow you, outsider?"

Lara translated, her voice smooth and patient. Lyan listened carefully before responding. "I understand your concerns. We have fought each other for too long. But imagine what we could achieve if we were united. No more raiding each other for scraps. We could become stronger together, protect our people, and share resources."

Tara translated his words, her voice carrying his conviction to the assembled chieftains. There was a murmur of agreement, but also skepticism.

Another chieftain, a burly man with a scar running down his face, spoke up. "You say big words. But how we know you not betray us? We trust only strength."

Lyan nodded, understanding their distrust. "I have proven my strength in battle. I have led you to victory. But I also understand that trust is earned. That is why I propose we form a council of chiefs. Each of you will have a voice. Together, we will make decisions for the good of all."

"Outsider can’t be chief," one chieftain grumbled, his thick accent and broken words revealing his apprehension.

"Strong, but not one of us," another added, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"Prove! Need more prove!" a third chieftain insisted, banging his fist on the table for emphasis.

The elder, a wise and venerable figure with a long, braided beard and eyes that held the wisdom of ages, raised his hand to silence them. "We do value strength," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "But we also value tradition. Lyan has shown strength, but he must show he can lead, understand our ways."

I stood tall, my gaze unwavering. "I respect your traditions and your strength. I want to learn your ways and lead with honor."

The elder nodded slowly. "Good words. But words not enough. Prove with action."

From the back of the room, a tall, gaunt man with piercing eyes and long, braided hair streaked with gray stepped forward. He wore a cloak of animal fur and feathers, adorned with talismans and beads. This was Togar, the tribal mage, known for his mastery of lightning magic and his staunch defense of tribal customs.

"Outsider must face trial," Togar declared, his voice sharp and authoritative. "Fight ogre. Prove strength and wisdom."

The room fell silent, the gravity of Togar’s words sinking in. The ogre was a fearsome creature, known for its immense strength and brutal nature. Defeating it was no small feat and would prove my worth beyond any doubt.

Lara and Tara exchanged worried glances but stepped forward to support me. "You can do it, chief," Lara said, her voice filled with conviction.

"Yes, we believe in you," Tara added, her eyes shining with determination.

I nodded, feeling their support bolster my resolve. "I accept the challenge," I said, my voice steady. "I will face the ogre."

The chieftains murmured among themselves, some nodding in approval while others looked on with skepticism. The elder raised his hand once more, silencing them. "Very well. The trial will be tomorrow at dawn. Prepare yourself, Lyan."

The next morning, the village gathered at the edge of a wide clearing. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the scene. The air was crisp and cool, filled with a sense of anticipation and tension. The ogre, a towering figure of muscle and rage, stood at the center of the clearing, its eyes gleaming with a primal fury.

I stepped forward, my magic glaive in hand. The crowd watched in hushed silence as I faced the ogre, their breaths held in anticipation.

The elder raised his staff, signaling the start of the trial. "Begin!"

With a roar, the ogre charged at me, its massive fists swinging with devastating force. I dodged the first blow, feeling the rush of air as the ogre’s fist grazed past me. I moved with a fluid grace, my movements precise and controlled.

"Come, ogre!" I taunted, my voice strong. "Show me your strength!"

The ogre roared again, its fury intensifying. It swung its fists wildly, but I was always one step ahead, dodging and weaving with a dancer’s agility. I countered with quick strikes, targeting the ogre’s joints and weak spots, each hit precise and calculated.

The crowd watched in growing anticipation, murmurs of approval and surprise rippling through them. My strategy was becoming clear: wear the ogre down, let it tire itself out. It was a stark contrast to the tribe’s usual brute-force approach, and the people were intrigued.

"Smart fight," a woman commented, nodding thoughtfully. "He use brain, not just muscle."

"Yes, but can he last?" another man questioned, his tone skeptical. "Ogre strong, can take many hits."

The ogre, panting and visibly frustrated, bellowed in rage. "Fight like man! Stand and fight!"

I smirked, dodging another swing. "You want me to stand still? That doesn’t seem very smart, does it?" I ducked under a haymaker and delivered a swift kick to the ogre’s knee, causing the beast to stumble.

With a roar, the ogre charged again, but its movements were slower, more desperate. I seized the opportunity, darting in and delivering a flurry of punches to the ogre’s midsection. The ogre doubled over, gasping for breath, and I finished with a solid uppercut that sent the giant crashing to the ground.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, clearly impressed by my performance. The elder raised his hand, declaring me the winner. The ogre, groaning, slowly got to its feet, nodding in grudging respect.

"You strong. You worthy," the ogre grunted, its voice filled with reluctant admiration.

I nodded, offering a hand to help the ogre up. "Thank you. You fought well too. Strong and fierce."

The crowd cheered louder, their voices echoing against the mountains. The elder stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Lyan has proven himself. He is our chief!"

The tribe erupted into celebration, their voices filled with joy and excitement. My companions rushed forward, their faces alight with pride and admiration. Lara and Tara were the first to reach me, their eyes shining with love and respect.

"You did it!" Lara exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. "You strong, wise chief!"

Tara nodded, hugging me from the other side. "We knew you’d win! You make us proud!"