The Tycoon's Odyssey

In the wake of the recent agreement with the Jawra tribe, Evan found himself deep in negotiations with their chief.

With the negotiations complete, the current meeting was focused on Evan trying to learn the political situation of the tribal communities in the region.

As they sat in a makeshift meeting area, the Jawra Chief, a stern yet resolute figure, began to explain the broader tribal situation of the region.

"There are other tribes beyond our own," the Chief began, his tone serious. "Among them are the Onge, the Great Andamanese, and the Nicobarese. But the Sentinels…" His voice trailed off, a shadow of unease crossing his face.

Evan leaned in, his interest piqued. "What can you tell me about the Sentinels?"

The Jawra Chief sighed heavily. "The Sentinels are the most formidable of all the tribes. They are isolated and fiercely protective of their territory. Their community numbers over a thousand have long-standing traditions of violence and are vastly known for their aggressive tactics. They rarely interact with outsiders and view any intrusion with extreme hostility."

As Evan listened, the Chief continued, detailing the Sentinels' appearance. "Their warriors are easily recognizable. They wear elaborate clothing adorned with intricate patterns and tattoos that symbolize their strength and achievements. Their attire often includes animal hides and feathers, and their bodies are covered with tattoos depicting their tribal history and achievements."

Evan nodded, absorbing the information. "What kind of tactics do they use during fights?"

"They are known for their ambushes and guerilla warfare," the Chief explained. "Their fighting style is ruthless and strategic. They use the terrain to their advantage and are experts in hit-and-run tactics. They have a reputation for being both cunning and brutal."

_____

In the days that followed, Evan, accompanied by a large contingent of Jawra men and a few from other tribes, set out to engage with the Onge, Great Andamanese, and Nicobarese.

The negotiations with Onge and Jarwa were relatively smooth, as both were more open to dialogue and less resistant to change. However, the atmosphere grew tense as they approached the territory of the Sentinels.

The Sentinel tribe's territory was marked by a heavy fortification of natural barriers, including dense jungle and steep ravines. As Evan and his entourage neared the borders of Sentinel land, they were met with a stark warning.

SWISH!SWISH!

From the treetops and hidden vantage points, a barrage of arrows and spears rained down upon them, stopping just before their feet, and drawing a clear line of demarcation.

The projectiles were aimed with precision and landed dangerously close to Evan and his guards. The gesture was unmistakably a warning to stay away or face death.

Evan's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene. The Jawra Chief, standing beside him, spoke up, his voice tense. "This is the Sentinel's way of greeting. They do not welcome outsiders. It's their way of showing we are not welcomed here."

Evan raised his voice to be heard over the commotion. "We need to negotiate from a position of strength. Prepare to defend yourselves, but do not retaliate unless attacked."

The Jawra Chief nodded in agreement. "The Sentinels value strength and respect. We will need to approach them with caution and demonstrate our commitment to peace."

As the initial volley of arrows and spears ceased, the Sentinels emerged from the shadows, their imposing figures silhouetted against the dense foliage.

Just as mentioned before, they were dressed in elaborate garments, their bodies adorned with striking tattoos, each symbolizing their rank and prowess. Their fierce expressions and ready stances made it clear that any further approach would require careful diplomacy.

"Evan!" Suri whispered, noticing dark figures that seemed to be guarding the posts.

These were panthers and there were many of them.

'What the hell? These people can even tame Panther,' Evan groaned in shock as his eyes widened.

He then looked at Suri with an inexplicable gaze and asked, "Can you handle the panther."

"I can easily but what about others?" Suri rolled her eyes, recognizing that this was Evan's subtle way of testing the upper limit of her strength.

"…"

'Just how much explosive strength do you hide under that frail body of yours?'

Evan kept quiet and observed the glaring Sentinels, using his insight to take a look at them and was stunned by realizing their skills.

'Damn! Each one of them is at an intermediate level, and few are even approaching beginner-advanced. So, this is what it means to be a full-fledged warrior.'

Sentinels could be said to be humans that closely resembled their ancestors or had their origins in African humans, earning them exceptional genetic potential.

With a glance, one could discern that each Sentinel stood at least 6ft tall. Also, just the people guarding the place numbered in the dozens and likely had means to alert others.

Evan took a deep breath, weighing the pros and cons, then turned back and ordered, "Let's retreat for now. Their numbers are too much for us to take them down."

"Are you sure?" Both Suri and the tribal chiefs accompanying him asked with their brows raised.

Suri asked out of concern, while the other chiefs simply wanted to see Sentinels fall.

"For now, yes…"

_____

After the tense encounter with the Sentinels, Evan and his team made a strategic retreat.

As Evan disembarked from the cruise ship, he was greeted by Elina, who approached him with a worried expression. Despite her attempt to appear indifferent, her concern was evident.

"Brother Evan, where have you been?" she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Why didn't you take me on the tour with you?"

Evan smiled warmly, sensing her worry beneath the words. "Elina, it was a dangerous situation. I needed to make sure that we had the right team in place for the negotiations. But I appreciate your enthusiasm. Starting tomorrow, you can begin touring the land. It will give you a better understanding of the area."

Elina's frown softened slightly. "Are you alright, oneechan?" Her use of the affectionate term for "older brother" made Evan cringe.

"What did you say?"

"Oneechan! You don't like it?" Elina blinked her eyes a few times.

"Where did you learn it?"

"From anime,"Elina answered with twinkling eyes.

Evan swallowed his discomfort and hid his unease before gently ruffling her hair. "I'm perfectly fine. Everything is under control. You'll have your chance to explore and help out. For now, focus on preparing for tomorrow."

Reassured by Evan's words, Elina's expression brightened. "Alright, I'll start preparing. Thank you."