In the blink of an eye, 20 months have passed since Minos and his group arrived in the heart of the Phoenix Tribe's territory!
In the meantime, Minos and his group had done everything they could in this area where Gorgons didn't dare to go, and so they had spent months without any problems.
Things had gone so well for the group during such a period that they had even decided to stay a little longer than the 1.5 years that Minos had planned to stay in this area when they had arrived months ago.
But it wasn't for nothing!
During their time of seclusion in this area, he and his group had not only experienced opportunities for advancement in this high-level territory but had also made many important contacts for the future.
Minos and his wives had acted for the good of their group and the Black Plain Empire, searching for contacts and potential friends or allies of theirs or this state.
However, nothing prevented his teammates, such as the Arctic Whale and the Krakens, from making their own contacts in the area.
These individuals were on the side of Minos' group for the adventure they would have until they entered the North Sea. But why not use this trip to make new friends and contacts for the future? Those who survived such a journey might one day have new relationships that could benefit them or even their tribes.
So, in the place where the phoenixes gathered their subordinates and friends, the whole group had great opportunities to create new partnerships for themselves or their groups.
Meanwhile, as a friend of the tribe, everyone had been given access to places that were important to the tribe and the opportunity to meditate in places that could improve their chances of progress.
With opportunities, some of the members of Minos' crew had made significant progress, with some reaching the 10th stage, but most of those who benefited had only improved their levels.
Besides, the group had gained new companions for their departure, which was not far off!
...
In the large camp near the Phoenix City...
At this moment, Minos had just entered the tent of the tribe's leaders, preparing to say goodbye and thank them for the opportunities this tribe had created for him and his people.
In the 20 months he had been there, Minos had raised his cultivation to level 84, and he already felt that he could make another breakthrough in no more than two years.
In addition to him, the Stuart family had benefited from the progress of Gloria, Abby, and Isabella, the first two of whom had advanced to level 83 and the last to level 82, the same level as Ruth.
But they weren't the only ones in the Stuart family to improve!
Of the two women from the Longus family who were in the group, one had reached level 90 weeks ago, becoming the second Demigod for the Black Plain Empire from Minos and his wives' point of view.
They didn't know the situation of the level 89 people in the northern region of the Central Continent, so until they returned to their state, that woman would be the second of their empire's forces to reach the 10th stage.
In short, he and these women, as well as the other members of the group, had achieved advances not only with the resources of Emperor Stuart himself but also with the help of the phoenixes.
Arriving at the place where the four strongest elders of the tribe stood, Minos curved his head and thanked them.
"Elders, thank you for welcoming my group so well and still offering us opportunities." He said sincerely. "I hope to be able to give back some of what I've received here when I'm stronger. I certainly won't forget my friends when I get over my current troubles."
That was all these high-ranking Demigods wanted to hear from Minos.
All that mattered to them was that this young man survived in the short term and was willing to work with this tribe in the future.
They didn't need Minos to sign a Soul Contract or anything like that. His word was enough for them.
Hearing his words, they looked at him with discreet smiles, wondering what they would hear from such a young man in the future.
"There's no need to talk about it, Minos," Onyx commented. "But I must congratulate you and your people on what you've accomplished in your period here. We really haven't done much. You are the ones who achieved so much."
"Hmmm." One of the two women there agreed. "The doors we have opened for you are the same ones we would open for many of our friends and allies.
But the progress you've made is all your own. Without your extraordinary resources and talents, you wouldn't have accomplished 20% of what you have in the last few months."
Everyone there had seen how much stronger Minos' group had become, witnessed their skills in action, and realized the true potential of the crew he was putting together.
Hell, even though they had assessed Minos' forces well before, they were still surprised by some of the things they had seen in the past few months.
Considering the speed at which Minos and especially his women were progressing, they saw that such a crew could reach the level that would make them relevant to the strongest in the world in less time than they had previously imagined.
As such, they were more confident than ever that they had supported Minos!
"In any case, take care of your women, Minos. You can do great things with them." The other man in the group said.
The last woman there agreed. "And be careful on your journey ahead. The moment your group leaves our territory, you will be pursued by a team of Gorgons even stronger than the last.
I imagine you'll have from weeks to two months of 'peace.' After that, be prepared to face these creatures."
"I am aware of that. Thank you for your concern." Minos said, still bowing his head.
Onyx looked at him and asked. "Are you really going into dragon territory?"
"Yes, my group has already agreed this way we have the best chance to survive on this continent. Unfortunately, we'll have to take our chances." He confirmed.
"Be careful. Even if you have the aura of a dragon, it doesn't mean you will be welcome in this tribe. It might even cause you more trouble than good." Onyx advised. "But it's not impossible for you to find some allies there. Try to earn the respect of a 10th-stage dragon if you can. That will be the way for your group to survive."
"Thank you for the advice, elder."
"Now go. We don't want to slow your people down." With these words from Onyx, Minos returned to his group, who were already waiting for him outside that camp to return to their journey across the continent!
...
