Night gradually fell, and in Village No. 2, roaring bonfires were lit, their flames reflecting the joy and fatigue on everyone's faces.
However, beyond the glow of the bonfires, faint green lights flickered along the village roads and on the city walls, like secrets hidden in the night.
Thalia was drawn to these green lights and approached a wooden post for a closer look. At the top of the post, a flowerpot was fixed, containing several small plants.
The green light was emanating from these young shoots. The closer she got, the stronger the glow became. The gentle green light felt both mysterious and calming.
Thalia did not know that these night-glowing plants were the result of Viola's painstaking efforts. They were plants Viola had cultivated carefully using specimens Draven had brought back from the Riftworld.
Perhaps due to the change in environment, the original pale blue glow gradually transformed into a rich green. Although the color changed, the brightness became stronger and more lasting.
Even more fascinating was that when someone approached, the plants would automatically intensify their glow. The more people got closer, the stronger the light became.
Viola shared this discovery with Draven. After some research, Draven found the best use for these plants: planting them atop the village's wooden posts as natural street lamps.
From then on, the nights in Village No. 2 were no longer pitch black but warmly and brightly dotted with green lights. Draven gave these glowing plants a special name:"Street Lamp Flowers."
What was especially interesting was that these Street Lamp Flowers were particularly sensitive to females. Whenever a woman approached, the plants not only emitted stronger light but also slightly curled inward, as if they had a natural reaction to the female aura—almost as if they were born afraid of women.
Now, the roads on both sides of the village and the city walls were covered with Street Lamp Flowers. Because they had been cultivated only for a short time, the plants were still small and not yet capable of fully replacing the bonfires for lighting.
But as time passed, they would grow larger, and one day the entire village would be as bright as day at night.
Most fortunately, Liliana's help made a difference. With just a soft command, the Street Lamp Flowers would obediently enter a dormant state, much more convenient and flexible than any switch.
Draven even planned to have Viola develop a sound-recording array to record Liliana's commands, so that in the future these Street Lamp Flowers might be promoted throughout the entire Black Flag Territory.
When that time came, the village's green glow would become a unique spectacle—strange in color but distinctive in character.
While Thalia was focused on observing the Street Lamp Flowers, the chiefs from other villages gradually arrived and gathered together.
The two brothers of the Black Tiger tribe shared their experiences with each other and, upon learning that everyone was safe, relaxed smiles appeared on their faces.
Hyena Man Sardon followed Gregor, visiting Village No. 2 for the first time, full of curiosity about everything here.
After checking on the tribe's cubs, he kept asking questions to the snake-man's duplicate, trying to learn more.
Elira's behavior was rather cunning. Hearing that Viola and others were Draven's women, she brought along her daughter, who studied street lamps, trying to build good relations with Viola's group.
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Viola politely received these women and invited them inside the stone house for a casual chat.
Liliana, however, disliked such social occasions entirely. If Viola hadn't kept her in check, she would have rushed out several times to confront the Leopard tribe girls.
Draven was busy answering questions from the two newly submitted village chiefs and had no time to intervene. Liliana could only roll her eyes in boredom, her pointed ears drooping slightly.
Not long after, a female slave came to report: the celebration banquet was ready ahead, and the leader requested everyone to come and take their seats. Viola nodded, stood up, and led the women to the plaza, with only Liliana staying behind.
At that moment, Viola felt filled with pride. As a high-bloodline fire fox woman and partner to the werewolf leader, enjoying such honor, she knew it was the result of countless efforts.
Entering the plaza, Draven greeted her warmly, gently taking Viola's hand and seating her beside himself.
Liliana and Martha did not receive such treatment, but Liliana didn't mind and went straight back to her own seat.
Though Martha felt a bit envious, she understood Viola's special status in Draven's heart.
Once everyone was seated, Draven slowly stood up, raised his hands slightly to signal everyone to remain seated, preventing anyone from standing. Then he announced the formal inclusion of the two southern tribes.
As soon as the words fell, even before the celebration banquet officially began, the atmosphere was already ignited and unusually lively.
Goldmanes and Sethric stood up one after another, solemnly announcing to everyone that they would officially take office as the village chiefs of Black Flag Territory's Village No. 5 and Village No. 6.
The demi-humans below immediately started excitedly discussing, eager to see the future development and changes of their villages.
Draven spoke again, announcing that a brand-new system was about to be officially implemented. His voice was firm and powerful, capturing everyone's attention.
All eyes turned to the wooden board hanging on the city wall, where the specific contents of the system were clearly written. Each demi-human's eyes sparkled with hope.
Several village chiefs exchanged glances, silently plotting how to promote this new system in their own villages after returning.
A Black Wolf cub held a scroll detailing the system's contents. Previously, Linda had repeatedly taught him, and this time Arnold read smoothly and clearly, without a single stumble.
Draven patted Arnold's little head with satisfaction and solemnly said,"The development of Black Flag Territory depends on the effort of each and every one of you! My task is to ensure that your contributions receive the rewards they deserve!" Though brief, his words were full of power.
He was not good at stirring emotions, nor fond of flowery language, but his sincerity resonated with everyone present.
Immediately, the square erupted with enthusiastic shouts:"Black Flag Territory! Black Flag Territory! Draven! Draven!" The crowd's voices rang through the air, stirring the soul.
Amid the cheers, Draven felt a strange electric current run through his body, sending tingling sensations all over.
Closing his eyes to savor the moment, he suddenly understood why to be promoted to lord one must have territory and people—not only as a symbol of power but also as a responsibility and bond.
The cheers gradually subsided. Bran, as the representative of Black Flag Territory, stood with Draven at the front of the square.
He unfurled a large beast hide, on which the names of all participants in the northern campaign and their deserved rewards were meticulously recorded.
Although the rewards had long been distributed, when Bran's voice rang out, everyone involuntarily held their breath and listened attentively.
Bran read one name after another. Behind each name was a story of struggle and sacrifice, along with the corresponding reward.
The system of Black Flag Territory was beginning to truly take effect for everyone, bringing tangible changes.
The list was long, and Bran read slowly and clearly—even Liliana, who was usually impatient, showed no sign of irritation.
When the list finished, Village No. 2 erupted in even more vigorous cheers. The demi-humans expressed their excitement in their own ways—some pounding their chests, others howling loudly. The roar echoed across the nearby wilderness, filling the Divine War Hills with wild power and heroic spirit.
At the same time, deep within the last remaining territory in the south yet to submit, a huge pit echoed with a low, angry roar.
Perhaps disturbed by the howls outside breaking the silence, the roar grew louder, angry and wild. But no matter how loud, it could not drown out the fervent celebration in Village No. 2.
Bran's face glowed red with pride as he returned to his seat. The festive atmosphere officially kicked off.
Tonight, all free people of Black Flag Territory could drink fine wine and celebrate to their hearts' content.
Even the slaves' bowls were filled with more meat, and a few could share a bowl of wine. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

