There can't be a Harvest Moon in the RimWorld.

Before I could even figure out what was going on, Bertholdt had already drawn his axe and was hacking at us. The remaining members of the Great River tribe filed in, wildly swinging their knives at us, completely disregarding whether innocent people would be harmed.

Even if only we and the Cedar Clan members were left in the house, surely they shouldn't be this brazen? Are tribal diplomatic relations determined by rolling dice? Did I mentally attack the visitors or mentally ambush the caravan?

I dodged the attack, turned around to block Chief Bertholdt's axe as it came down, and quickly said, "Chief Bertholdt, is there some misunderstanding?! We didn't do anything!"

But Bertholdt's white beard bristled, making him look like an old lion, his eyes gleaming, and his muscles bulging as he pressed the axe blade down even further.

This old man usually hides his true strength, claiming to be an old man who only knows how to play the sympathy card, but this time he made a move that showed me his hidden strength—it's quite amazing that he could unleash power that overwhelms my body in its normal state in such a short time.

And then, in just a few breaths, his strength increased further. His aging body exuded an aura that was overwhelming, like a giant beast awakening from its slumber, with every move he made capable of crushing everything in its path.

"Still trying to justify your schemes? Save that for the ghosts!"

During the struggle, Bertholdt was very close to me, his spittle almost hitting my face, and his usual kind facade vanished. More importantly, it was at this close range that I first truly understood his character attributes.

Among them was a purple-colored "Fighter" that I had never seen before!

This purple "fighter" is completely different from the green "fighter" I saw on Hamad.

The purple attribute reads: "After rigorous training, Bertholdt has learned the combat techniques of a gladiator and can unleash tremendous power in battle."

Behind it is a row of densely packed attribute buffs, including buffs to movement speed, melee evasion, immunity speed, and mental sensitivity!

Are these two characteristics with the same name just a coincidence?

It suddenly occurred to me that if a character's traits are partly derived from innate personality and talent, then could some traits be acquired through learning? Could Hamad's green "fighter" traits have been taught by Bertholdt, who possessed the purple "fighter" trait?

I've never explored the mysteries behind this; I always thought it was just like the pre-set characteristics within me, but things don't seem to be as simple as I thought...

In the blink of an eye, my path was blocked, and Ulises was also entangled by the Great River tribe. Due to the cramped space inside the tent, we could only fight one-on-one, which meant that none of us could escape for a short time and we were stuck here.

If this continues, we'll definitely be completely trapped once their reinforcements arrive!

Being trapped isn't a problem, but we're worried the enemy might take the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the Hechi tribe in the rear. Right now, the sound of horses' hooves is constant outside the camp, suggesting some kind of upheaval or conspiracy is brewing.

Moreover, Gray has not yet taken control of the tribal camp, and his power has been reduced to nothing. If I want to secure peace for the Brownpool tribe in the long term, I need to think of another way.

Therefore, for our own sake and for the greater good, our current task is to go back and reorganize our military forces. The situation is changing too fast, so let's abandon our illusions and prepare for battle!

It's worth mentioning that there was a mole, Gray, among those present!

He shouted loudly for Senbo and his men to leave, to prevent them from being caught in the crossfire. But in Bertholdt's blind spot, before leaving, Gray quietly kicked and broke several of the tent's pillars.

I guessed his intentions immediately, deliberately shifting my force to the side, and stumbled as I crashed into the central support pillar. With my intentional act, I easily snapped the tent pole, and as half of the pillar groaned under the weight, the tent collapsed in an instant!

The tent collapsed almost instantly, and the intermittent light created chaos. Even though the Giant River tribe was fighting for their lives, they still had to consider the safety of their own people, giving us a chance to escape.

Ulises' men were also carefully selected elites, so they were not greatly affected and escaped from the tent with me, starting to flee towards the exit of the besieging camp at the foot of the mountain.

"Marcus, why are you running? Aren't you capable of beating them?"

Ulisses followed me briskly, still managing to squeeze in a question: "Was this also part of your plan?"

My expression was grave: "Plan my ass! How would I know what happened! Everything was settled, but then they suddenly changed their tune. Did you guys eat too much of their food in the tent?"

Ulisses was shocked: "No way! I just took two extra ribs to bring back to Cardinal, and they're already fussing over that?!"

"...You really are a fucking genius!"

I praised him insincerely, and when I looked back, the tall Chief Berthold had already broken out of the tent with an axe and was shouting from inside the camp for the guards to catch us.

Like most people, we were still confused by the huge gap in our relationship. Some even greeted us with smiles, probably thinking that after the battle just now, we were starting a friendly sprint race with the theme of a 100-meter dash.

However, a few people managed to connect the collapse of the tent with our escape. These scattered brave souls resolutely stepped forward to stop us, but I ruthlessly pushed them aside, unable to effectively halt our advance.

Gray, who had been watching the show from the sidelines, was not tempted. He had no liking for the old man who had ruined his plans.

But then I heard Bertholdt roar: "White Falcon Chieftain of the Cedar Clan! I beg for your help! You will gain the friendship of the Great River Tribe!"

“I’m sorry, I’m not good at running. Besides, the Snow Cow Priest warned us that the Giant River Tribe doesn’t seem to be a trustworthy ally.” Gray shook his head slightly.

Bertholdt, who had just been kicked by me in the chaos, was too late to retaliate. He anxiously explained, "You've misunderstood. I was merely an executor in the expulsion of the Cedar Clan back then! I also feel guilty for injuring your former chief! I hope you can put aside past grievances and help fight against these shameless invaders!"

Just moments ago they were peacemakers, and now they're shameless invaders. I feel immense pressure. I hope one day we can go from "The Corsican Monster Lands at Juan" to "His Majesty Arrives in Faithful Paris Today."

They spoke loudly, upholding their fine tradition of loud conspiracies, so I could hear them clearly as I searched for the exit in the tribal camp, until we got close to the camp's exit and they became completely inaudible.

But there's no need to listen anymore; Gray definitely won't agree, both professionally and personally.

After inspecting the outer walls of the camp, I said to Ulises, "I'll cover the rear. You all rush back to the mountain immediately to organize the city's defenses! Tell Jay to prepare for the upcoming battle!"

"What? No! We have to go back together! Do you think we're a burden, so you have to sacrifice yourself?!" Ulises shook his head angrily, indicating that this was a great insult.

But my tone remained firm: "Look carefully! You were given a chance to breathe before because the Giant River Tribe wanted to play a game of checks and balances. This time, once they get serious, you will be facing a united and powerful enemy! Only if I stay can we buy enough time to prepare!"

Ulisses was silent for a moment, then exchanged a glance with his subordinates beside him before suddenly saying to me, "No, if anyone's going to stay, it should be us!"

"Don't try to steal it if you're going to die! I'll definitely save it for you next time, okay?!" I've given up on this guy's stubbornness!

This time, however, Ulises' words carried a stronger emotional tone. "Marcus, we've all witnessed your strength firsthand; it's far more useful than our half-baked hunting skills. The mountains need warriors like you to boost morale. Let's go! I'll lead the brothers and draw the enemy away!"

"What did you say? I can't accept this attitude at all! Why are you suddenly talking to me like I'm about to die as an extra?!" I was shocked. This guy suddenly set up a death flag so noblely... Did he get the wrong script?

Ulises's subordinate volunteered, "We all saw your effort in fighting a hundred enemies single-handedly. Everyone understands that you are a true ally of the Brownpool tribe!"

Another said, "Don't worry, we're just going to lure the enemy away, not to die. These amateurs want to catch us old hunters? They're a hundred years too early!"

But Ulises added with a conflicted expression, "But let me make this clear beforehand: I only acknowledge you as an ally. I will absolutely not give up Cardinal to you! You better stay away from her!"

I blurted out instinctively, "What are you thinking?! I already told you I came here for the jays!"

Ulisses and his men simultaneously showed expressions of shock, involuntarily putting some distance between themselves and me, their expressions clearly conveying, "I never imagined you were this kind of person!"

"Get out! All of you, get out of my way!"

"Are these people's brains borrowed?" I roared, wanting to kick their damn asses hard with Uncle York's big leather shoes, and so I angrily kicked them one by one.

Ulysses tripped and fell to the ground in a sorry state. Just then, an axe came crashing down from the sky, slicing across the grass with a gust of wind. The blade of the axe spun as it passed right where Ulysses had just been. If it weren't for my timely kick, he might already be decapitated.

"This is not a place you can handle. Bertholdt's strength far surpasses yours. Get out of here!"

I sternly demanded that Ulisses take the repeaters and leave immediately. He hesitated for a moment, then noticed that a horde of mounted warriors had already poured out of the opposite camp, brandishing scimitars and giving chase.

He tried to argue, but a figure was already closing in on us at incredible speed. That vicious throwing axe had clearly come from this man. If Ulises had taken the hit, he might have lost both his legs.

Ulisses glanced behind him with mixed emotions, without saying anything hesitant about leaving together, and decisively left me with a khaki-colored figure.

Just as I was watching them leave, the pursuers behind me, who seemed to be accompanied by a level 5 gale, caught up with an extremely oppressive force. I didn't even need to turn around to know that a powerful enemy was approaching.

As soon as a hurricane alarm went off in my head, I turned around instantly, and the two of us exchanged a solid punch. After a deafening crash, both of us were thrown back dramatically by the force, leaving four deep craters in the ground where we landed!

“Finally, they’re gone. Now I can focus on dealing with you, Berthold…”

I got up from the ground, still wondering why the colonist system hadn't automatically activated its counterattack this time. I was only halfway through my sentence when I saw Gray's stupid face in front of me...

"Don't do anything! It's me, the boss!" Gray chuckled and leaned closer.

"...So it was you who led the Imperial Army here?! You've got to eat my words, Beidou Youqing!"

I angrily threw a punch, instantly hitting Gray in the face and sending him flying two meters away.

What the hell is this bastard up to?!

I thought Bertholdt had caught up, but it's this guy instead! No wonder the colonist system didn't automatically retaliate!

Well, I thought Bertholdt was on the first level and I was on the second, planting spies to plot against him. Could it be that I'm on the second level now, and Bertholdt is already in the atmosphere? He turned Gerfred to his side with just a few casual words?!

After landing, Gray rolled over and cautiously kept his distance, saying, "Boss, don't get me wrong, I'm here to buy you some time!"

"Tell me! What are you up to!" I said irritably.

Gray quickly said, "I just realized that since the peace talks have fallen through, our previous plan can continue! I need an opportunity to regain our strength. Those small tribes are all opportunists and can't be trusted, but I can use this opportunity to sow discord between the Great River Tribe and other tribes. Now is a great opportunity to make a name for myself!"

...Holy crap, what he said makes so much sense, I can't even refute it! How come this guy's head is full of all sorts of scheming and plotting now? Who did he learn that from? Lu Bu, the ruthless ruler who destroyed his father during the Eastern Han Dynasty?

"What you said makes some sense! Then tell me how to stall for time?" I asked again with a dark face.

Gray continued, "Boss, that old man Bertholdt just told me that all three of their Great River tribe's garrison legions have arrived here, ready to join the siege at any moment. I don't know what happened, but I can only legitimately inform you under the pretext of pursuing them. As for the method, it's simple..."

Gray glanced back at the approaching assault force about to storm the mountain path and smiled, saying, "All we have to do is make our fighting more dramatic, right?"

I immediately understood and distanced myself from Gray. "You're itching for a fight, aren't you? Well, I'm going to make my move then. Don't blame me if you cry after being beaten by my Ultra Instinct!"

Gray smiled and said, "I wanted to go up there earlier! And hey boss, if I beat you this time, the Batman title is mine!"

I laughed and said, "I knew you were up to no good! The Batman cape is right here. Come and take it if you dare!"

"System command: Power-up mode activated."

I decisively issued the system command, feeling the surging power coursing through my body. In this fight with Gray, I decided to go all out and test him, to see just how much Gray had grown.

Gray took a deep breath, and his aura suddenly changed.

The feeling of this change wasn't an adjective; rather, it was the sensation of low pressure that came from his breath, as if a black hole inside him was continuously devouring oxygen, accumulating a surging torrent.

I stomped my foot on the ground, propelling my body forward and carving a deep furrow in the earth. Gray, with his arms outstretched, suddenly opened his eyes, transforming into a blurry figure, and collided with me!

The pursuers in the tribal camp were closing in, some intending to surround and capture me, while others would head up the mountain to pursue Urisses. But my figure, still fighting Gray, was like a ghost, drawing in everyone my fists and feet touched. Intentionally or unintentionally, I occupied the center of the main path up the mountain, turning it into an insurmountable chasm between people!

Chapter 515 This is called a pincer movement

"Just admit defeat!"

Gray was radiating heat, as if he were a burning flame. With a casual punch, he shattered the gray-white rocks by the roadside.

I reached out to block his punch, and an equally violent force followed, creating a distinct buzzing sound in the air, accompanied by a simultaneous cry of pain from both of us.

Gray was sent flying backwards and knocked down a group of enemies, while I was injured by the obvious burns on my arm.

My right elbow, where we just clashed, is now covered in dark red, scalded marks, and my skin is throbbing with pain. Although there are no physical burns like blisters, it gives me the illusion that I've accidentally come into contact with molten steel.

"You little rascal, you secretly practiced this move to deal with me, didn't you!"

I shook my hands, barely managing to shake off the discomfort in my body, and strode towards Gray once again.

Gray scrambled to his feet from a fallen warhorse, and when he turned around, he found that the horse he had smashed down to serve as a cushion for was dead without a sound, its belly smashed beyond recognition.

"You're not bad either."

Gray snatched a lance from a cavalryman on the side and charged once again.

Unlike Gray's strange attacks that cause a burning sensation, the attacks in charge mode carry an invisible penetrating force that can indiscriminately affect anyone or anything it touches.

If Gray had stood still and tried to withstand the attack, his entire arm would probably have been shattered into a fragment.

Overall, Gray's attacks were wide-ranging and swift, as if he wanted to chop down everything in his way as kindling, throwing it into the raging volcano within his body to generate endless forward momentum.