'Of course, if there is a cat, there is also a dog.'

Reece was no surprised by the mention of cayotes.

"No. They are the type who will betray us if the goods are too good."

"I agree. We cannot trust anyone for this one."

The strict father-like bluebird and the redbird both replied with a serious expression.

After observing for a while, Reece notices something about the redbird.

'He doesn't look like an elder?'

Not because of his looks that Reece asks the question. It was because the redbird seems to be the leader as it shows how the two others were being respectful to him. They seem to be careful too when talking. They look like they are afraid of making a mistake.

'Could it be the Chief?'

Why else would these elder birds show respect to him if not?

[Redbird 'Russell.' Age, 200+ years old. He was known as the 'Acting Chief' of the Long Fangs Tribe. and is only second with the 'Chief' when it comes to strength, power, and ability.]

Most of these birds have an average of 300 and more lifespans. But lifespan always depends on the species and not generally.

Like the lions and the snakes, they are said to have one of the longest lifespans at 400 and up.

Especially for those who live in the ocean, their lifespan is ridiculously long.

Anyways.

'Acting Chief?'

Acting chief, not the chief.

'Then, where is the Chief?'

He did not check the room, but Reece was sure he did not feel anyone alive inside the Chief's house. No one was there.

So, then, where is the Chief? Who is the Chief?

[A mystery, I would say.]

It was not.

Daniel evidently knew but could not say anything due to his restriction. Or at least what Reece believes.

He did not mind though as he cannot force Daniel to say anything anyway. And, it is not like, he was that curious.

'Really.'

... Indeed he was curious. Very curious.

'Ahem... Anyway, what could they be talking about?'

[What do you think?]

Strangely enough, Daniel seems to want Reece to figure it out by himself. Although his tone sounds like the usual him who is making fun of him.

Reece contemplated but something immediately comes to mind as the birds mentioned the word 'goods.'

'The trade?'

The trade. Another thing pop into his mind almost immediately.

'What are they trading to the squirrels?'

It was not even less than 2 minutes when Reece got into the house, however, these birds never really mentioned even once what the item is. They keep referring to it as 'good.'

Also, to not let the other bird tribes notice something shady they are doing.

'More importantly, is this what Azure actually was aiming for?'

Azure was not actually looking for an opportunity to lessen the forces of the Long Fangs Tribe, but he was waiting for this!

[I am glad that you are paying attention.]

Daniel tried to flattered Reece but the latter did not care as he was too busy thinking.

'That bird really is sly. I will not be surprised anymore if there is more.'

Reece sighs but has no more strength to get mad and argue with Azure.

But the 'good.' Why was Azure aiming for it?

'Could it be an item that will strengthen Hugh?'

Azure cares for Hugh more than anyone else. Not to mention he was also the most loyal to him. It will not be strange if he was looking for a way that would strengthen Hugh Ibrahim.

There was even a high possibility that the 'good' Azure is aiming for was what actually made Hugh Ibrahim very strong in the future. A true king everyone will fear and respect.

There is no way he could become that powerful enough to conquer half of the world in the future with only hard work, through scheming, or anything.

Of course, it would be another story if Hugh Ibrahim has an ability, a special ability, that he posses as a mutant.

'But I am not entirely sure...'

All was only his speculation. Reece still doesn't know if it is really the case.

Nevertheless, Reece stayed still and listened to the birds talking. He might get a hint on what they are going to trade a few days from now.

"Anyway, the Chief will hand over the good to me. It will be in my care until the day of the trade come."

The redbird, Russell, declares and both the bluebird nodded their head.

"Yes, we understand."

With that, the bluebirds left and only the redbird remains in the house.

Unfortunately, the talk ends there without getting a single clue about what they are going to trade. Their talk was too short to gather enough information for the conclusion.

'But I could sneak in again to see for myself.'

After all, Redbird Russell mentioned that tomorrow, the Chief will hand him the 'good' and stay with him until the trading day arrives.

Russell did not move to his position even after the two left.

He simply stayed there unmoving and quiet. He looks like he was in deep thoughts. But Reece was getting impatient. He still has a job to do and the redbird is on the way.

'Where is the trigger button anyway?'

Reece grumbled to Daniel.

'Is it in the middle?'

The round table has an odd bulge in the middle. It suits the design of the table.

[Indeed. In the round table, in the middle.]

'Of course.'

This time, it was a bit expected.

This mostly happens in movies and novels too. They also put some clue somewhere too obvious.

It was only after 10 minutes that the Redbird Russell has finally left the house. He never voices out a single word the whole time.

'What was that?'

Reece sighs and comes out from where he was hiding. The huge torch.

Now that everyone was gone, Reece now has a clear view of the entire house.

The house does not have any room. After entering the entrance, you would see the gigantic room, one round table with 7 chairs, including the Chiefs'. It was also different than the rest as they put some effort into their furniture and details. Especially the chairs.

Reece shook his head.

'It seems the plainer the design is, the lower the status.'

Of course, the Chief's chair has the most details of them all. It was no surprise.

'Who cares?'

Without wasting a second, Reece then proceeded to block the alarm connection. As well as the others scattered around the tribe.

There is one in a tree, two in the ground pretending to be a rock, one bush, and lastly, the one in Hugh's family home.

It took three hours to fully block everything. And since he was done...

'And since I am here too, let us go to Hugh.'

It is time to improve his relationship with Hugh Ibrahim.

"Hey there..."

Reece quietly whispered as he took out the token that he never returned to Azure from his personal dimension.

This personal dimension was a special trait he got from the bastard Chaos so that he can have his own personal space to store things he wanted and needed. He is going on an adventure after all. A place where he can store everything is what he needed.

Anyhow...

Hugh Ibrahim who was in deep sleep awoken from the very low yet adorable voice whispering in his huge ears. As he was in his real form.

"Pink fairy...?"

Reece snorted but his voice was still gentle.

"Call me Reece."

"Ah, yes... Reece?"

Hugh goes back to his human form as he rubs his eyes. He looks tired.

'Hmm, should we help recover his energy?'

[Granted. Please place your hand on his forehead.]

Flying closer, Reece stretches out his right hand and gently places it on Hugh's forehead. And just like what happened when Daniel is blocking the emergency alarms connection, there is a light eliminated in his palm.

Hugh looks at him, puzzled. But soon, Hugh's complexion turned better and the fatigue in his face was now gone. He looks healthy now and energetic, just like their first meeting.

"Oh my! Thank you so much, Reece. I feel better now."

"It was noth... nothing?"

'What is he doing!?'

Reece was feeling uncomfortable because Hugh's hand was now in his small back, not letting him escape its grasp. Reece was all stiff as Hugh place him in his huge hands.

"Hmm? I am glad you have decided to visit me. However, do you need something from me to come in the middle of the night? Do you want us to play?"

Hugh looks so innocent as he asks. He looks like a real child and not a lion.

'Play!? What bullshit is he spewing!?

This is a matter of peaceful life and annoying life!

"I am no kid?"

Reece accidentally blurted out in shock. 16 years old do not play with children anymore! Well, most of his classmates do actually. But Reece quickly regained his composure as it does not matter.

"Ahem. I did come here for a reason but not to play with you."

"I see..."

For a second, Reece thought he saw Hugh's lion ears go down in disappointment.

"You remembered what I told you? That I will make you the hero of all mutants?"

"Yes! Of course, I do! It never leaves my mind!"

He was so excited.

It was a good thing that Reece still has the token or this could create trouble hearing the young mutant shouting in joy in the middle of the night.

Reece smiled, satisfied with Hugh's reaction.

"Good. You have to listen to whatever I say from here on now. I will be your guide to a better future."

"I understand! I will forever listen to your guidance!"

"What nonsense!?"

"Yes...!?"

Reece was shocked when Hugh said 'forever' that he accidentally said it was nonsense. And Hugh too, he so shocked and confused at Reece's response with a voice full of horror.

'What do you mean by forever!?'

He was shouting inside.

Both of them stare at each other as they process what they are going to say next.

"Ahem. I said sure."

"You did...? Ah! I understand."

Although Hugh was still confused, he still answered. Reece wanted to laugh at that stupid reaction but stop himself. This is not the time to laugh.