***

The next day.

Porco City.

The task of maintaining security and public order in Porco City was no longer LionArk's responsibility.

Today, their job as the mediator of the conflict was finished, and Guild Avalon would take over the city and protect it.

All LionArk members were ready. Ethan and Sherly climbed onto their horse mounts. Kevin and the members of the White Faction arrived at the City Hall.

They came to see Ethan off and send him back to Mavelard City.

LionArk's job was done, and Ethan didn't need to get involved in Porco's affairs. It would be completely unethical and bad for his image as a rising member of a potential guild.

He and the LionArk members began moving out, riding calmly north. Ashley had already been informed about Porco's current situation.

In two or three days, the refugees would return to Porco and rebuild their city together with Guild Avalon.

"Is there any potential city we can invite to cooperate with us?" Sherly asked.

"Every city is basically potential. But in the end, it depends on the decision of each city's guild leader," Ethan answered.

Ethan and Sherly rode ahead on their horses, leading the hundreds of LionArk members on their way home.

The first thing Ethan would do once he arrived in Mavelard was write invitation letters to the leaders of the small cities around Mavelard, asking them to join.

He had already considered the benefits and risks. They would read it. They would understand.

With a relaxed riding pace that matched the other LionArk members, Ethan would reach Mavelard in three hours, one hour faster than walking.

They climbed hills and passed through the forest. Ethan and the others kept their eyes forward.

Right on the wide clearing before the south gate of Mavelard, they saw a massive camp that housed thousands of Porco's refugees.

Seeing the LionArk banner flying on the horizon allowed some of the refugees to notice their arrival. They told the others, and more people became excited and cheerful.

Ethan was startled. As they got closer to the refugee camp, he could faintly hear cheering and clapping from the people there.

"Thank you for ending the war."

"You're our hero, LionArk."

The man smiled. It was truly unexpected that he and the LionArk members from Porco would receive such a warm and lively welcome from them.

Ethan didn't say anything. He simply raised his hand and waved at them. He was clearly grateful that the refugees supported and appreciated LionArk's effort.

Not only Ethan, but Sherly, Zidan, and the other LionArk members responded the same way. They were happy to help people, and they were proud to be an inseparable part of LionArk.

Ethan and Sherly entered Mavelard City, noticing that several residents came out to welcome them.

The news of the conflict and its resolution had spread, not only through the refugees but also among the citizens of Mavelard. They knew what Ethan had done in Porco.

With the strong friendship between LionArk and Avalon, the development of both cities could progress significantly.

When they arrived at the LionArk headquarters, one of the gate guards ran inside to inform Ashley of Ethan's arrival.

Applause filled the entire base from everyone present. They were happy and proud that Ethan and the LionArk members had successfully resolved the conflict in Porco.

Hearing that Ethan had returned, Ashley left her work immediately, with Jill following behind her.

They both walked down to the first floor and stepped outside the headquarters building. Ethan was standing beside his horse mount, and Sherly was as well.

"Ethan?" Ashley greeted.

Ethan turned and gave her a small smile, greeting her gently. Ashley and Jill walked until they stood right in front of Ethan and Sherly.

"You all carried out your duties very well. I'll arrange a reward for you," Ashley said, which immediately sparked excitement among the hundreds of LionArk members who had just come back from Porco.

Ethan glanced at them. If they were that happy, he couldn't refuse Ashley's decision.

"You'll receive it tomorrow. For today, get some rest," Ashley ordered.

Zidan looked at Ethan. The man nodded, agreeing with Ashley's command. Zidan shouted and told everyone to return to their dorms, while he headed to Officer Hans's office to report everything that happened in Porco.

Only Ashley, Ethan, Jill, and Sherly remained there. Ethan looked at Sherly. He knew what she had gone through in Porco.

Her energy had been drained, her focus split, and several dangerous situations had threatened her life. Today, after the conflict in Porco finally ended, Ethan wanted her to rest.

"You helped me a lot yesterday. You sacrificed your rest time to help me there. Now I'm giving back the time I took from you."

"Rest for two days. Come back on the third," Ethan said.

Sherly looked into Ethan's eyes. Her body was indeed stiff and sore, and she had barely slept while in Porco. In her opinion, she couldn't refuse Ethan's order.

"Thank you, Sir Ethan."

She said goodbye and left the area to head to her dorm. Ashley invited Ethan to her office to discuss many things.

She, Jill, and Ethan went to the third floor and arrived in Ashley's office. Just like before, the room was full of stacked papers waiting to be handled.

"So, what did you get from there?" Ashley asked.

"LionArk and Avalon will officially form an alliance. Since they're part of us, I suggested helping with the repair costs for Porco City," Ethan replied.

"How much do you need?"

"Around 2,000,000 gold."

Ashley heard that and looked toward Jill to check if their funds were enough. She confirmed that they were, and that LionArk's reserves were more than sufficient.

"Land rent in ring 1 and 2 keeps increasing. We're getting more and more profit," Jill explained.

"All right. I'll send the money there," Ashley said.

"Anything else?" she asked, making sure.

"Yes."

Ethan explained that the Guild War was extremely important for LionArk. Before the guild assessment happened, LionArk needed to improve their capabilities to compete better in the Guild War.

"Forming cooperation, building alliances, conducting sparring, and so on. The first step I need to take is inviting the leaders of the small cities around Mavelard to join the alliance."

Ashley froze for a moment. That idea had crossed her mind a few months ago, right before the City Authority Challenge.

But many city leaders refused because they didn't see LionArk as a good foundation for an alliance.

They were afraid of Scavenger and Silver Star. Those two guilds had been the most aggressive in opposing and antagonizing LionArk.

But that time had passed. Ethan was here now. His name was even more famous than LionArk itself.

Many people had joined LionArk lately because they were drawn to the figure known as EthanArk.

"Are you sure you can convince them?" Ashley asked.

"Of course, I'm sure I can convince them. This is only a matter of alliance benefits and risks."

"I'm doubtful, but it's worth trying. Maybe those small city leaders will listen to you more than they'll listen to me."

"If you need anything regarding administration or finances, don't hesitate to ask for my help, Ethan," Ashley said.

Ethan nodded and cleared his throat. Ashley was someone he could rely on. Accepting him at her side and letting him handle LionArk's management decisions was a wise choice.

For diplomacy and military policy, Ethan was the one who took responsibility.

"Of course. I'll rely on you more."

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