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Aaron paused, then added, "We can take our time with it. Right now, we still need to finish building the houses."
Turning to the old chief, Aaron asked, "Old Chief, have the people started crafting bone axes? How long will it take?"
Khumba replied confidently, "Three days at most. Since you’ve already provided blacksmith tools, it’ll be easier, but we’ll need cooperation from your people."
Aaron nodded, "Don’t worry. They’ll cooperate."
Khumba smiled, "Good. I’ll gather the team and begin crafting."
With that, he left, leaving Aaron and Torvald alone.
Aaron turned to Torvald, "Torvald, have you ever noticed how climber plants have a coiled, circular shape at the top?"
Torvald’s eyes lit up with recognition, "Yes, I’ve seen it. The top portion is always curled like that. But what are you getting at?"
Aaron continued, "Have you ever wondered what purpose that ring serves?"
Torvald thought for a moment, "Honestly, no. I’ve been too caught up in my own work to think about it."
Aaron patted his shoulder, "If you had, you might’ve solved your problem already."
Torvald looked astonished. Before he could speak, Aaron added, "Those ringed tips are unlike any material we know. They stretch and act as supports for the plant."
He paused, then said with a hint of helplessness, "What happens after that, don’t ask me. Even I didn’t pay enough attention."
Seeing Torvald’s confused expression, Aaron smirked and lied smoothly, "I once asked a blacksmith to replicate that shape. He thought it was a childish request, but he made it anyway. Do you know what I discovered?"
Torvald leaned in, curious, "What?"
Aaron replied, "It was elastic. When I applied pressure, it shrank. But when I released it or placed it on the ground, it returned to its original shape."
Torvald’s eyes widened, "Impossible! Materials like that don’t exist. I’ve worked with wood all my life, nothing behaves like that."
Aaron laughed, "So, Torvald, let’s make a bet. If I win, you’ll do a task for me, no refusal. If you win, you can ask me any question. I’ll try to answer it, but if I can’t, you’ll have to change the question."
Torvald grinned, "Deal." He had been waiting for Aaron to take the bait, and now he was sure he’d win. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by NoveIＦire.net
Aaron smiled, "Let’s go to my tent. I’ll draw the diagram and explain what to keep in mind. And remember, this must be kept secret."
Torvald nodded, "Don’t worry."
But in his mind, he was already puzzled, "Aaron seems too confident. If such a material really exists, it could change how we view everything."
While Aaron and Torvald entered the tent, Khumba had already gathered a group from the village and headed to the blacksmith shop.
Inside, Toro was hammering out arrowheads for the Ballista. The power they had shown, capable of killing monsters, had filled him with excitement and pride.
Just then, Tino, the former slave now appointed to oversee the apprentices, approached and said, "Master Toro, the old chief has come to visit us."
Toro, drenched in sweat from hammering, stepped outside with a confused look. Upon seeing the old chief, he immediately bowed and greeted respectfully, "Old Chief, do you need any help? Please tell me."
Khumba nodded, "Toro, Lord Aaron has asked me to lead our people in crafting bone axes. I’ll need to borrow your tools, and your help."
Toro straightened and replied, "Of course, Old Chief. Please follow me inside."
But Khumba waved his hand, "Take them with you. I have other matters to attend to."
He added with a knowing smile, "If you’re interested, you can learn our unique bone forging technique."
Toro bowed deeply, "Then I thank you, Old Chief."
Khumba walked away, heading toward the sewing quarters. There, the women were busy knitting clothes for everyone. With Lord Aaron hunting and Rumba’s team gathering wild vegetables, the women had been trained in tailoring and clothwork.
Rina, patient and skilled, acted as their teacher, guiding both the women and the children Aaron had rescued. Even Rita was working here for the time being.
Khumba observed quietly. Everyone was working diligently, without slacking off. He felt a wave of relief and pride, then continued on his way.
Along the path, he saw children aged five and six playing joyfully. The men, especially those fifteen and older, were busy collecting dry wood, cutting trees, and producing salt.
Cooking, too, was a shared responsibility, handled by both men and women.
Khumba’s eyes softened. A faint smile formed at the corner of his mouth.
The signs were clear, a village was finally beginning to take shape.
Back at the tent, Aaron had already finished explaining the intricate mechanics of how a spring was made.
He had drawn a rough diagram and detailed how it could be used to create magazines for Ballista arrows, a concept that felt revolutionary.
Torvald sat in stunned silence. He knew he’d lost the bet. But his eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Aaron, the spring is a game changer," he said, voice rising, "If we can harness its force, we could even build new kinds of weapons!"
Aaron’s tone turned serious, "Torvald, no matter how advanced a weapon is, there’s a limit to the damage it can deal. Take the Ballista, it was designed to handle Tier 1 monsters. Tier 2 can only be taken down with surprise attacks. And Tier 3? Their speed and perception are on another level entirely."
Torvald leaned forward, "But Aaron, if we use springs, we might be able to take down Tier 2 monsters, and maybe even Tier 3!"
Aaron smiled, "Oh really?"
He paused, then added playfully, "Then how about another bet?"
Torvald immediately shook his head, "No way. I’m not falling for your tricks again. I give up!"
Aaron chuckled, "Torvald, do you know how hard it is to produce a spring? You’ll understand once you try.
Torvald nodded, "Of course I’ll try. But since you’ve won the bet... what’s my punishment?"