Not long after, Hans came to Ethan's office just as the man had asked. He arrived together with Sherly, Ethan's aide.

The woman had already told Hans what Ethan needed, but she still wanted to know the exact reason Ethan asked for that number of teams.

"Sir Ethan," greeted Hans.

"Hans, how are you?"

"I'm good, Sir. Is there something you need from me?" asked Ethan.

"Yes. I called you here because I need your help."

"I'm listening, Sir Ethan."

Just like when Evan told Ethan everything, Ethan began explaining the situation to Hans.

He told Hans about Porco City, the civil war happening there, and everything else.

It would lead to long-term problems if Ethan didn't step in soon, especially since there was a chance enemy guilds were interfering in the civil war.

Hans listened. His first reaction was shock and disbelief. He thought Porco City was doing fine because there had been no information coming from there.

But Ethan explained everything to him. All the information clearly showed that Porco City was not in good shape.

If left alone for too long, Ethan worried more lives would be lost and the city would fall apart even faster.

"Then what are you planning to do, Sir Ethan?" asked Hans.

"Put together small teams and send them to Porco City. Meet Guild Avalon and hand this letter to their guild master," answered Ethan, giving him a sheet of paper sealed inside a white envelope.

"After he reads this letter, he'll explain everything to the small teams you send," Ethan added.

Hans went quiet, reached out, and took the message with both hands. Ethan nodded and allowed Hans to leave and prepare the teams he needed.

The man agreed obediently. Slowly, Hans left Ethan's office, carrying the message that would be delivered to Guild Avalon.

Sherly was still in the office, waiting for Ethan's next orders.

But there was nothing more she needed to do. Ethan only had to wait for time to move everything into place.

If Ethan's guess was right about Silver Star's involvement, then LionArk would have no choice but to respond in a real way.

"You can go back, Sherly," said Ethan. Sherly nodded obediently.

Some time later, Sherly returned. She didn't come alone this time. She arrived with Lara and the others, envoys from Sword Liberation.

Lara smiled, stepped into Ethan's office, and waved at him. Today was the day Ethan had promised them.

Today, he would give his decision about LionArk's stance toward the situation in Porco City.

"You're here because you want my answer, right?" asked Ethan.

He stood up and walked away from the chair behind his desk. He stepped around the desk and leaned his back against it.

Earlier, Ethan had already explained everything to Hans, but Lara and the others were not permanent members of LionArk.

Before giving them a final decision, Ethan wouldn't reveal everything to them.

"I've gathered information about Porco City. We've decided we'll help you," answered Ethan.

"For the details, LionArk's envoys will go to Porco and act as mediators in the conflict there, making sure both sides can reach the best peaceful resolution."

Ethan's words sounded reassuring to Lara and the others. Lara had no choice but to accept what Ethan said, mainly because she didn't understand the bureaucracy and administrative work of a big guild like LionArk.

"That's good. It's a relief for us," replied Lara.

"To make sure you return safely, some members of LionArk will escort you home," Ethan added.

"No need, Ethan. We can return safely on our own."

Ethan paused, then agreed with what they said. They exchanged goodbyes and left the LionArk headquarters.

Now only Sherly and Ethan were left in the office. Ethan's words to Lara were very different from what he told Hans.

"You said you'll act as the mediator in that conflict?" asked Sherly.

Ethan smiled and turned around, looking at Sherly with a growing smile. Yes. Ethan would play both sides.

His right foot would stand in the open as a public mediator who wanted to resolve the conflict peacefully on behalf of LionArk.

But his left foot would remain in the shadows, making sure the Red Faction's strength would be cut down significantly, whether through calculated covert attacks or other methods.

That way, no one would suspect LionArk since their public role was that of a neutral guild trying to make peace.

Of course, LionArk would involve Guild Alanor as supportive mediators as well.

"Looks like you still can't understand my strategy, Sherly," said Ethan.

"Hans's small teams will work from the shadows to weaken the Red Faction even more. In public, LionArk will show up like heroes trying to stop the conflict."

"So the war can be ended through Hans's plan, and LionArk's image as a capable mediator will be respected even more. Is that right?" asked Sherly. Ethan nodded in agreement.

Sherly shook her head slightly. She was shocked and surprised to see Ethan had come up with a strategy like that.

The woman began to feel even more admiration for him. She felt curious about how Ethan's plan would turn out.

Would people find out about LionArk's involvement through Avalon, or would they believe the conflict in Porco ended because of LionArk's efforts as a mediator? Only time could answer that.

For the rest of the day, Ethan finished the work he hadn't completed yet. Sherly helped him in the office.

When the sun finally set, Sherly said goodbye and went home since her tasks were done.

Ethan also planned to relax that evening while keeping an eye on the situation in the city. But his steps stopped when Ashley walked up to him.

Clearly, she wanted to know what Ethan had done and what plans he had for involving LionArk in the Porco City conflict.

"How was your work?" asked Ethan.

"Jill and I finished everything. You don't need to worry about that."

Ethan nodded. He walked with Ashley toward the city center. It would be better to explain everything while enjoying dinner, especially since many players were arriving from out of town tonight.

Ashley didn't mind. Her work earlier had drained her energy and mind. Relaxing over dinner was the right choice for her.

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