"What do you mean, Ethan?" asked Ashley, her eyes growing teary as her heart pounded harder while staring at his face.

Ethan didn't answer. He stepped away from the table and began walking out of the cafeteria.

Ashley immediately reacted—she stood and ran quickly past him, blocking his path.

"Wait, Ethan! I'll recommend you. I'll convince them to put you in the team!" Ashley said, her voice trembling.

She stood in front of him, both arms spread out to keep him from walking away. Her face flushed red, and tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes.

Everyone fell silent, stunned by the sight of Ashley crying—they never imagined Ethan was someone so important to her.

"All of you, get out of here!" Jill ordered.

Hearing Jill's command, the LionArk members in the cafeteria began leaving one by one.

They carried their food and drinks out, while Jill stayed near the door, making sure no one disturbed Ashley and Ethan.

"Please… trust me, Ethan," Ashley said softly.

Ethan took a slow breath, then gently placed his hand on her shoulder. His other hand reached for his face, removing the black mask he'd worn all this time.

"I trust you. I believe you can form the best team to fight Silver Star."

"You'll be in the team. I promise," Ashley said firmly.

"There's no need, Ashley. I understand."

"Trust is the most important thing in a team. Without it, coordination between members will fall apart," Ethan explained.

"You decided not to bring me along after discussing it with the other guild leaders. That was the right thing to do," he continued.

"I… I actually wanted you in the team. I really did," Ashley whispered.

But in this situation, Ashley couldn't do much.

She might be able to propose Ethan, but every decision had to be made together with the supporting guild leaders.

Even if she tried her hardest, if most of them disagreed, she would still fail.

"I can't force you. You understand the guild's politics better than I do. I'm sure you have your reasons," Ethan said.

"You fight in the City Authority Challenge. I'll fight alone in the Tower."

"Don't order Leon to follow me. Let him stay here and help you and Jill," Ethan added.

Ashley's tears streamed down harder. Her hands trembled as she held onto Ethan, until her legs weakened and she fell to her knees on the floor.

Ethan was deeply disappointed by Ashley's decision. He believed she could have been firmer, could have pushed the other leaders to agree.

Yet despite his disappointment, he still respected her—no matter what happened.

But now, that disappointment weighed heavier than his feelings for her.

He slowly loosened Ashley's grip and turned to leave.

"ETHAN?!" Ashley cried out, but Ethan didn't look back.

"I'll fix everything! I'll fix everything!" she shouted, her tears falling uncontrollably.

Ethan stopped right before the door. He took a long breath and exhaled slowly.

Then he turned around. Ashley's face was red, her eyes swollen with regret.

His presence in the guild hall would only make her remember her mistake again and again.

"I'll still be part of LionArk, no matter the outcome of the City Authority Challenge. I'll return soon," Ethan said quietly.

The cafeteria door opened. Jill stood there, clearly having eavesdropped on their conversation.

When Ethan walked out, she straightened her posture, trying to act firm. Outside, many LionArk members were waiting, including all the guild officers.

"How?" Jill asked.

"I'll go raid the Tower alone. Don't send Leon after me. Let him help LionArk this time."

"Raid the Tower alone? Are you insane?"

"I have my own way to contribute to LionArk. Even if Mavelard falls to Silver Star, I'll remain with LionArk," Ethan replied.

"It's all up to you now. I'll focus on the Tower and return when I'm ready."

He summoned his black mask again and put it back on. The heavy rain poured over Mavelard City, more than usual. That night, Ethan had no plans to stay at the guild headquarters.

He would head straight to the teleport crystal and continue the Tower Raid.

Some LionArk members regretted his decision, but others understood his disappointment after Ashley refused to include him in the city's defense team.

No one could stop Ethan—not even Jill. She went back inside and saw Ashley still kneeling, her hands covering her tear-stained face.

It's the first time I've ever seen Miss Ashley cry like that. Will Ethan's departure affect the City Authority Challenge this much?

Meanwhile, Ethan walked alone across the LionArk courtyard. The main gate opened, and he stepped into the storm, leaving Mavelard City behind.

No one knew when he would return—months, maybe years.

But he believed Ashley could handle things on her own. She always knew what to do.

"ETHAN?!"

Just as he reached the northern gate, Ethan stopped when he heard someone shouting his name.

It was Leon. The man had sprinted from LionArk's base all the way to the gate, having heard everything from Jill—about Ashley's decision and Ethan's choice.

"Why are you going alone?" Leon asked.

"I've already joined LionArk. I can form my own party," Ethan answered.

They stood a few yards apart, alone in the downpour—no other players dared to stand under the heavy rain.

"Stay here and help Jill. Both she and Ashley need all the help they can get," Ethan said.

"You too should stay and help. With your experience, you could train the defender team," Leon argued.

"No. They don't need me. They know what they're doing."

Ethan narrowed his eyes and opened his message panel. He typed something and sent it to Leon.

Leon blinked in confusion as he read the message.

"What's this?"

"I'm thinking of the worst-case scenario. If you lose the City Authority Challenge, take Ashley and Jill to Seacrest City."

"There, you'll find the Trident Sea Guild. Meet Noah—he's an old friend of mine and the guild leader. I hope he's trapped in this game too."

"And what should I do with this message?" Leon asked.

"It's a secret only I know. Tell Noah about it, and he'll protect you all," Ethan said.

"Don't tell anyone about it before you meet him in person."

"I understand."

"Leon?" Ethan called. Leon looked up and closed his friend's chat panel.

"Take care of Ashley and Jill for me."

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