In the end, Coulson spoke, trying to ease the intense atmosphere.
"Well, why don't we try to stay calm and talk things through?"
"I imagine your name is Ka-Zar, a prominent representative of this community's people. We come from the SHIELD organization of the 'surface world', so to speak. We are an organization devoted to protecting ordinary people and the planet Earth. Honestly, we came here to understand this world and, if possible, build a good relationship with it."
He spoke as he calmly walked toward the center of the arena.
"Not interested. Our people do not need the protection or resources of others. I come from that world, but this culture represents an isolated environment. We have our own rituals, strength, and traditions going back hundreds of years. We do not require your intervention."
His words seemed to silence Coulson—but it was only an impression.
"I understand. However, this location is now on SHIELD's radar. Even if we decide not to interfere and leave you isolated, other forces will eventually discover you. And without our neutrality protection, governments and organizations with far more aggressive and hostile approaches may attack with the intent of domination and exploitation."
He paused, then continued.
"Our organization proposes an alliance. We will provide some protection and try to keep this area hidden from other forces, while you allow us to register and collect certain rare resources—under your regulation, of course. You would determine the limits. We do this to create a more united and secure Earth."
His words sounded noble and heroic, but it wasn't hard to sense the underlying warnings and threats. Even if SHIELD wasn't actively collecting resources, their mere acknowledgment of this place meant other forces would inevitably take interest.
In fact, I could already imagine aggressive mutant factions, military units from various nations, or even groups like A.I.M., which I had encountered before, becoming interested. That last one, in particular, was hard to track—Anturian had managed to pick up some traces, but since it wasn't urgent, he didn't focus on it too much.
Especially because as my mental energy and synchronization with the Force connected with this Savage Land environment, I felt its special resources went far beyond extinct plants and dinosaurs.
The tribal leader also seemed to pick up on Coulson's implications and remained silent for a few more seconds before locking eyes with me.
Understanding what he meant, I stepped forward and spoke.
"I'm not directly affiliated with SHIELD. I'm friends with some of its members and ally with them at times, but I don't belong to the organization. It's made up of humans—diverse individuals devoted to science and protection. As an old saying goes, the human heart is always full of mystery."
My words defended SHIELD, suggesting there was no harm in forging an alliance with them. But I also made it clear not to dive into blind trust. There were many different people in SHIELD's leadership, and while many had good intentions, some might be hiding greed or personal ambition. Caution was essential.
The tribal leader, along with SHIELD members, understood my point—though no one from SHIELD commented on it.
I also sent him a telepathic message:
"You can trust them if you wish—but don't forget your priorities."
I found the Savage Land fascinating, with potential to become a powerful ally. I still intended to develop my own plans here. As for SHIELD, our relationship was an alliance, not a contract. I didn't work for them.
What intrigued me most was the idea of SHIELD, the Savage Land, and other forces potentially uniting to protect the planet. I knew threats far beyond Earth existed—in other dimensions, from alien races, or even beings like the Asgardians, who, though officially allies, were still unpredictable. I remembered Thor mentioning wars against Dark Elves, Frost Giants, Trolls, and others.
Putting aside anxious thoughts, I awaited the tribal leader's reply.
"Soldiers, fall back!" his voice boomed. Everyone lowered their weapons and retreated. Seeing this, I did the same, making my light spears and razor threads vanish with a snap of my fingers.
I stood calmly, absorbing information from my bees, while my Haki extended subtly, gathering any useful intel and remaining alert. I might be safe—but others could still be in danger.
"Please, come to the village. There, we can talk in more depth."
With that, he led us into the settlement.
…
Third POV — Back at the Base
Some guards approached. A few seemed normal, but others had limbs made of stone—unnatural and unlike mutants. It felt more like a mystical enhancement.
They scanned the base. One of the stone warriors, seemingly the leader, raised his spear and launched a dense magical attack. But before it could hit the base, it was stopped.
They saw a glowing energy barrier. Strange symbols and runes blocked the attack.
But that wasn't all. Around the magical energy, cursed-looking letters appeared and rushed toward the attacker. Alarmed, he dropped his staff.
The staff was quickly enveloped by those runes. Even without understanding them, the others could feel that touching it would not end well.
Then a golden rune formed on the barrier. A surge of destructive magic launched from it.
They dodged just in time as their previous position was obliterated. After that, the runes vanished—but growls and howls echoed.
Some sounded alive. Others didn't.
"Retreat! We must inform our god!" one shouted in a strange tongue.
They fled instantly—except one. A massive ice eagle swooped down, snatched a warrior, and brought him inside the barrier.
Once within, the cursed runes immobilized him.
The eagle, clearly satisfied, delivered the "offering" to those inside.
Meanwhile, an ice tiger tracked the fleeing group. Upon finding no one, it roared in frustration and lay down—once again becoming statue-like.
…
MC POV
I sat, listening to Coulson and Ka-Zar negotiate terms of alliance.
Then I received a message from one of my bees back at the base.
"We can allow X grams of material every three months. Research can happen five days per month. In exchange, no outsiders are allowed, and SHIELD must share resources…"
"How about this instead—"
I interrupted. I wasn't interested in negotiations.
"Mr. Ka-Zar, do any of your men have stone skin?"
He looked surprised.
"No—but there's another tribe here that does. They're led by someone who believes himself a god—Garokk. He possesses unique mystical powers: energy manipulation, apparent immortality, and immense strength. Even I've had trouble with him and his growing cult."
Hearing that, I connected the dots. Coulson did too and asked me,
"Why do you ask?"
He knew I never asked without a reason.
"Some of those men—with stone skin—attacked the base."
Both of them were surprised. Before Coulson could ask about the base's safety, I added:
"Everyone's fine. They weren't strong enough to get through my defenses. They retreated, but one was captured and sealed by my ice eagle."
Coulson looked relieved.
Ka-Zar seemed to consider something.
"I have a proposal. I'll pledge alliance to SHIELD—though we still need to discuss the details—if you help me defeat, seal, or eliminate Garokk and his followers."
Of course, when he said that, his gaze locked on me.
"Alright. I'll help."
I didn't yet know Garokk's full strength. But judging by the fact that this warrior before me had survived him, he couldn't be invincible.
I looked at the update to my side quest:
Savage Land Side Quest: The "Stone God"
Objective: Defeat Garokk and his followers, the enemies of the Savage Land's leader.
Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique (Fourth Hokage)
Seeing the reward, I was thrilled. That seal would increase my power and greatly improve my survival capabilities—faster and more versatile than Kai Kai or wizard apparation, and even better for tracking than Blink at short range. It had many uses at long distances too.
"Continue the negotiations. I hope I can trust you, leader," I said with a smile—but subtly released a wave of mental pressure as a warning.
"I know the price of betrayal. A warrior always keeps his word," he said with honor.
I smiled.
"This war must be fought by your people. Prepare your men. I'll deal with the leader. For now, I'll gather intel."
He didn't argue and agreed.
Leaving the tent, I saw Skye and my two friends chatting with the locals. I glanced at May and sent her a telepathic message. She nodded, and I smiled softly.
"Apparate."
My body shimmered with mystical energy as I used spatial powers to teleport to the edge of the village.
There, I used ghost techniques and Zetsu-style concealment to suppress my presence. Light winds and my white threads carried me silently through the forest—toward the tribe of this so-called god.
It didn't take long before I arrived at the outskirts of a massive village.