The first conflict between humans and the Werebeast ended in victory for the humans.
Although it was Origami Tobiichi who delivered the final blow, this battle had already made the Corpse Hunters realize just how powerful the strength granted to them by Mio Takamiya truly was—it genuinely allowed the frail humans to stand against other races.
Now, their strength was comparable to that of the Werebeast.
But as their combat experience and mastery over the skeletal crystals grew, they would surely be able to challenge even stronger races in the future.
After this battle, the Corpse Hunters became devoted and faithful followers of Mio Takamiya.
"But are you really planning to develop those Werebeast into followers as well?"
Outside the wolf tribe's camp, after instructing the wounded Corpse Hunters to rest and set up camp, Riku approached Origami Tobiichi, concern visible on his face.
"Is there a problem?" Origami glanced at him, not finding her decision to be inappropriate in any way.
"We just fought them. If you incorporate them now, there's bound to be unease among our people," Riku said worriedly. "And the relationship between humans and Werebeast has always been tense. During my years as chief, over thirty of our people were captured by Werebeast."
The first reason seemed rather weak.
Thanks to the defense granted by the skeletal crystals, the Werebeast's physical attacks had caused minimal damage to the humans—no one had been seriously wounded.
In fact, after the battle, the worst-off Corpse Hunters were those who had mismanaged their output and suffered backlash from using too much skeletal crystal power at once.
On the Werebeast's side, unfamiliar with the humans' new powers, they had suffered heavily. However, relying on their naturally powerful physiques, they had made the most of their strengths in close combat.
More than ten werewolves had unfortunately died in the battle, and another twenty to thirty had been wounded so severely—despite not receiving fatal injuries—that the erosion from the spirit bones would likely finish them off.
Compared to the humans, who had a few seriously wounded but no deaths, the wolf tribe had lost about a quarter of its fighting force.
If anyone were to harbor resentment, it would be the wolf tribe.
As for the deep-seated hatred between humans and Werebeast, Origami showed no interest.
"Because they have a grudge against humans, I shouldn't try to convert them into believers?" Origami asked flatly. "If that's the case, then tell me—among the fifteen races, is there even one that doesn't hold a grudge against humans?"
Caught off guard by the question, Riku fell into thought.
Now that he thought about it… there probably wasn't a single race that didn't harbor animosity toward humans.
Though the Werebeast captured humans, it was more out of necessity for survival than cruelty—if they had better options, they wouldn't choose to prey on humans.
The Vampiric race, Demonic race, and Mechkai race had all harmed humans to some degree.
The Forest Elves and Dwarfkin looked down on humans, and the war between those two races had devastated the continent and left humans in a miserable state—over half of their suffering could be attributed to that conflict.
As for the high-level races—there was no need to even mention them.
One casual blow from a race like the Spiritkind could unleash destruction equivalent to a full-scale war between the Forest Elves and Dwarfkin. Most of the spirit bone fragments that constantly fell from the sky came from them.
Aside from the Sea Dwellers living in the ocean and the Moon Song race dwelling on the crimson moon, there was no race without a grudge against humanity.
"You must understand one thing," Origami said calmly. "My mission is to summon the Spirit main god. If any race has the potential to convert, I will try. If members of your tribe feel uncomfortable about it, that's your responsibility as chief to resolve—not something that should interfere with my decision."
"I'm not trying to avoid responsibility. I also want to summon the Spirit main god as soon as possible," Riku said, waving his hands. "It's just… the Werebeast are a god-created race. Even if their creator god has long died, their loyalty remains. Even if they agree to believe in Mio Takamiya, they won't be as devout as our tribe. If both tribes live together, there'll be constant friction—that won't be good."
"That's not something you need to worry about," Origami replied. "I have no intention of merging the wolf tribe with yours. From now on, you only need to refrain from attacking each other."
Upon hearing this, the concern on Riku face diminished greatly.
He had originally thought that Origami intended to integrate the werewolves into the human tribe and have them live together.
While most of the tribe might accept it, and some would accept it out of respect for Riku and Origami authority, Riku knew there were individuals in the tribe who harbored deep hatred due to lost loved ones. If something happened, it could spell disaster.
But if it was just a non-aggression pact, then that was acceptable.
Origami looked at the wolf tribe's camp in the distance, waiting for their reply.
Not long ago, she had asked one of the elders of the wolf tribe to make a decision. However, he lacked the courage to decide for the entire tribe and said he needed to discuss it with everyone.
Origami hadn't pressed them too hard. She allowed the surrendering werewolves to return to tend their wounds and hold a proper discussion.
As a sign of goodwill, she had even returned the tribe leader and the bloodrage unit.
Because bringing the Werebeast under her control would greatly help her plans.
Perhaps they wouldn't become devout followers like the humans, but even if they were shallow believers who only offered a tRikule of faith, the sheer numbers would still make that offering substantial.
Moreover, the system had issued a Side Quest #3: Expand Territory. The more land she conquered, the higher her completion percentage.
She couldn't expect a mere two thousand humans to occupy all of Lucia Continent.
To extend her influence, bringing these Werebeast tribes under her control and turning them into outposts of her power was necessary.
After one or two hours, people emerged once again from the wolf tribe's camp.
The old chief and young heir had both regained consciousness. With them at the lead, every able-bodied werewolf followed behind.
"Milady, we have made our decision."
The old chief knelt along with the rest of the tribe, speaking with unwavering resolve, "We are willing to become vassals of the Spirit main god and follow your command."
He had awoken shortly after being brought back to the camp.
Upon learning what had transpired, he made the decision to pledge allegiance to the Spiritkind without hesitation.
Thirty-plus members of the hunting party had gone missing, and another forty or so warriors had died in battle against the humans. The wolf tribe was now half-crippled.
The chief didn't know how much longer his tribe could survive.
Origami hadn't killed him or his granddaughter. In fact, she was even willing to protect them and lead them in revenge against the Flügel race. He had no reason to reject such a generous offer.
"Then from today onward, you are under my protection," Origami declared. "In return, I can provide you with some assistance."
"Our tribe currently faces a food shortage. Most of our warriors are wounded and can't go hunting. Could you please grant us some food?" the old chief asked urgently. "If you could help us through this difficult period, every werewolf in our tribe will remember your kindness—and that of the main god—for the rest of our lives."
"No problem."
It was the perfect opportunity to win loyalty—Origami wasn't about to let that go.
However, the human tribe didn't have much food to spare. She couldn't just take from Riku supplies to feed the entire wolf tribe.
After thinking for a moment, Origami seemed to come up with an idea and asked:
"By the way, can you eat Dragonkind meat?"