In the beginning.

Due to being squeezed by Hilus, the colonizers of the Sak Empire who had also rooted themselves in the Northern New Continent befriended the Iroquois among the Aboriginal people. Based on various contradictions, they often joined forces to attack the Tulip colonies, causing severe losses.

At that time, the number of pioneers coming from Tulip's homeland to here was too small. Even though they had sharper weapons, they suffered several significant defeats.

Later, they simply followed suit and started trying to befriend some of the Hurons who opposed the Iroquois.

Not only did they forge alliances, but they also armed them with more advanced weapons, supporting them in their revenge against the Iroquois and the Sak Empire colonies allied with the Iroquois.

These weapons included steel daggers, war axes, knives, swords, and most importantly, firearms!

At the same time, they began to conquer some small tribes around them that were also in conflict with the Hurons, absorbing the weak into the colonial system, mostly using them as low-level labor.

Just like the experienced chieftains who traded their own people in the Southern Continent's wars, the seasoned pioneers were adept at this.

In over a hundred years of pioneering history, colonizers and Aboriginal people gradually formed a subtle balance in this advance, retreat, confrontation, and cooperation.

Even, due to this seemingly peaceful policy of absorption and integration, a large number of mixed-race Mastizo people were born.

However, according to Aiven's foresightful experience, this balance will eventually be broken with the continuous influx of homeland personnel and the widening power gap.

Race, belief, ideology, language, position... All these barriers will eventually push both sides to an opposing stance, just like Hilus, who, upon landing in the New Continent, decided to directly implement a policy of national extermination and slaughter.

Until there is only one ruler left on this land.

However, future matters can be left for the future to handle.

The current situation does not hinder the pioneers from making money.

The colonial economy is currently divided into three parts: plantations represented by Kajinia, mainly growing tobacco, rice, and indigo (natural dye, the Navy's deep blue uniforms use this dye);

shipping and shipbuilding industries represented by Far Sails Territory and Fordmon; and fur trade represented by the Central Colony of East Lenz and others.

Among these, the fur trade, with high domestic prices and strong demand for various furs, is the most important pillar industry! It is the most valuable substitute that later comers found after missing Hilus's gold and silver!

It is said that early colonizers could exchange ten firearms and corresponding ammunition for a large piece of land from local chieftains or tribal leaders.

Although, decades later, the Aboriginals who have seen the world have become more savvy and are no longer willing to do such losing business, trading fur for "trade rifles" is still enough for fur traders to return home and make a fortune!

Had he not been unable to return in a short time, Aiven originally also wanted to do the same.

A round trip could easily earn about a thousand Golden Lions.

Da-da-da...

They rode on horseback along the way, from the smooth avenue originally built by the colonizers, to the wilderness dirt road, and then to the path created by hunters.

In the end, they did not venture too deeply into uninhabited areas. Although there were some difficulties, the carriage could still pass.

Having set out from the afternoon and walked for nearly two hours, they finally arrived at their destination by a clear river.

This is a branch of the Hurons tribe, called the Yucatan Tribe, with longhouses made of bark, branches, and leaves, which appear much cruder and rougher than the wooden houses of the colonizers.

Based on the number of houses, it is estimated that this branch has about three to four hundred people. However, according to Nekado, this is just a small part of the Yucatan Tribe.

Due to the constraints of environmental carrying capacity, several thousand of their main force is scattered in other inland places.

Most of the fur captured by the entire Yucatan Tribe will be concentrated here, conducting transactions with the pioneers through this semi-settlement.

Of course, the trade forms are varied. It is said that on the Sak Empire side, several dozen border trading posts have been established inland.

Specially serving the most courageous hunters among the Atrean People, the "Mountain Guests", who stay alone in the wilderness for months, holding the most precious fur in their hands.

Toot—

Seeing the convoy's arrival from afar, the sentries on the tribe's outskirts had already blown the bullhorn.

In an instant, a group of robust men with deep brown skin, draped in animal fur and bright textiles, rushed out from various houses.

Some held bows and arrows, spears, while more wielded cold firearms!

If it weren't for their appearance and attire not matching, one might think they had arrived at some immigrant's settlement.

Aiven paid special attention to the "Reboso," a versatile shawl worn by most of them, already an industrial fabric from the homeland.

It was considerate of the customer demand that the pattern on it still belonged to Aboriginal style. Cotton textiles traded for fur, this business was done well!

"Hahaha, my friends, welcome to your arrival!"

Seeing the sizeable postmaster leading the way, wearing a magnificent feathered crown, adorned with gold and bone ornaments, the slim tribal chief waved his hand to make his tribesmen retreat.

Leaving only one dark-skinned, tall, and robust Aboriginal warrior whose size could rival Gary's.

Then, he walked out of the camp gate, laughing heartily in fluent Alliance language to welcome the guests.

"Chief Apsuova, it's great to see you!"

Nekado dismounted and embraced the other warmly.

The next steps were simple.

Having been in contact for years and traded many times, both sides were already familiar with each other.

Employees from the East Lenz Company and the Aboriginals responsible for trading in the tribe meticulously checked both parties' goods, inspected, registered, unloaded, and loaded.

Aiven and his group did not need to do these tasks. Together with Milan and Gary following the postmaster, they entered the longhouse belonging to the tribal chief at the center.

"My friend, it's truly not easy to see you in person. Just think about how long it's been since you last came for a trade yourself?"

"Hahaha, I've gained weight, I've gained weight. It's not easy to come out once in a while."

"I really envy you people of the Phaletis Tribe, you don't have to worry about survival. In our tribe, even the chieftain cannot enjoy the offerings of other tribesmen without guilt, except during sacrifices."

"....."

Sitting on a mat made from a whole large buffalo hide, listening to Nekado chatting with the opposing chieftain, Aiven shifted his focus to the strong warrior sitting beside the chieftain.

More precisely, on the warrior's body, which bore a set of totem tattoos—simple yet vividly lifelike.

Although the creature tattooed was different from those depicted in the "Eagle Warrior Training Method," the flavor was undoubtedly of the same lineage.

This was clearly another kind of "Totem Warrior" inheritance besides the "Eagle Warrior"!

"This trip was worth it, they indeed have a similar Extraordinary inheritance."

Aiven felt a bit pleased inside and was contemplating how to start a conversation.

Glare——!

The strong indigenous warrior evidently possessed extraordinary senses, or maybe Aiven's actions were too obvious. He quickly noticed this unfamiliar fair-skinned young man looking at himself.

He turned his gaze towards Aiven, his eyes not large but inherently carried some powerful predator-like pressure.

The totem of the brown bear on his body also seemed to come alive with the flexing of his muscles.

If an ordinary person were here, they might be so scared to the point of frozen silence, or even, if timid, take flight immediately.

Aiven, however, didn't react much. Judging by the intensity of his Life Energy Field, no matter how strong, he was equivalent to an Official Knight. Even if there were three or five of them, they wouldn't be a match for him now.

But Gary beside Aiven, seeing the other party's somewhat impolite "fierce" look, this hot temper of his instantly glared back in kind.

The two who were chatting soon noticed the subtle change in atmosphere around them.

"Uwakaza!"

Interrupting the eye contact between the "Brown Bear Warrior" and the guests, Chief Apsuova finally noticed the few new faces who came with Nekado, and their unusual nature.

Especially Gary, whose build was similar to his strongest warrior, following the very simple indigenous notion of "big equals strong." His expression turned slightly serious as he asked Nekado:

"My friend, who are these?"

"Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is Captain Aiven, a Navy Officer from our Phaletis Kingdom, and the two beside him are officers from Captain Aiven's ship.

They just arrived in the New Continent and want to meet some native friends. Hearing about your hospitality, they specially came with me to visit."

Though himself merely a Civilian Position officer, it didn't mean Nekado was completely unaware of matters concerning the Extraordinary.

Saying this, he gave Aiven a look, signaling that although their equipment was outdated, the strength of the warriors was formidable, so best avoid any misunderstandings.

Aiven was certainly very interested in their "Totem Warrior" inheritance but had no plans to seize it forcefully.

Since the heritage between different tribal groups wasn't uniform, trying to trade for the inheritance from their enemy tribes should be feasible.

After all, before the colonizers arrived, their internal wars had been going on for countless years. Such things shouldn't be unavailable. Maybe, if he negotiated well, he might get several at once.

"Chief Apsuova, my apologies.

It's our first time to the New Continent, and we've never seen a warrior as powerful as this gentleman; I couldn't help but take a few more glances.

As a first meeting gift, please kindly accept this small token!"

Saying this, Aiven handed over an exquisite long box. If you wish to take, you must first give; he understood this principle well. Once the gift was given, negotiating would naturally become easier.

Entirely unaware that this young man had already set his sights on his inheritance, the chieftain's expression eased upon seeing the gift presented.

Lacking the politeness and grace of civilized people, he directly opened the box in front of everyone.

Snap——

At that moment, the young man lightly said;

"Unlike ordinary standard firearms, this Hawkins Rifle is 0.81 meters long, weighs 4 kilograms, and has a caliber of .54. It can drive off a grizzly bear with one shot! It's a rare gem among flintlock guns."

The chieftain gently touched the bright walnut stock of the rifle, the brass snake motif on the left side of the barrel, and the shiny barrel itself. Even without firing a shot, just from its appearance, he could tell it was a fine weapon!

Gently closing the lid, he carefully placed it beside him.

The middle-aged chieftain's face was already full of smiles. From the moment he decided to trade with these distant visitors, wasn't it all for a better life? Weapons, iron pots, fabrics... each new day brought such delight.

"We Yucatecos are very straightforward.

Though I've never seen such firearms before, it doesn't prevent me from assessing its value.

Young man, whatever you require, feel free to say it, we won't be stingy with our return gifts."

"Hahaha, Chief Apsuova, indeed...."

Bam——

The wooden door was suddenly pushed open, interrupting Aiven's words.

"Chieftain! The hunting team has returned; something's happened!"

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