Hearing Ethan give his permission filled Jill with excitement that she could barely contain.

This would be the first time she entered the Raid Tower without being accompanied by Ashley or Ethan.

The realization carried a special weight for her. Up until now, she had always relied on their presence, whether for strategy, reassurance, or simply the sense of security that came from fighting alongside people far stronger and more experienced than herself.

This time, however, she would be standing at the front, carrying responsibility not only for herself, but for her entire team.

The party members who would accompany her were none other than Sherly and Leon. Both of them were people she trusted deeply.

Sherly was calm, analytical, and precise in her movements, while Leon possessed raw strength and steady reliability.

Jill knew their combat styles well, just as they understood hers. Even so, the situation felt different.

The absence of Ashley and Ethan meant that decisions made inside the Raid Tower would depend heavily on Jill's judgment.

Responding to Ethan's decision, Jill planned to inform Sherly and Leon about the expedition the following day.

She wanted to speak to them properly, explain the situation clearly, and make sure there were no misunderstandings.

This was not just another routine mission. It was a crucial opportunity for LionArk, especially with the guild assessment drawing closer.

Ashley soon instructed Jill to return to her room and rest. Jill nodded obediently.

She understood that exhaustion could dull her senses, and the coming days would demand sharp focus and steady nerves.

She bowed slightly, said her farewells to both Ethan and Ashley, then turned and left Ashley's office.

Her footsteps echoed softly in the corridor as she walked back toward the dormitory area.

Ethan remained seated in the chair across from Ashley's desk. Ashley herself was still busy, her attention fixed on the numerous documents spread out before her.

The invasion by Guild Silver Star had left behind more than just physical damage. It created a complicated web of economic and administrative issues that could not be solved overnight.

The situation in Mavelard required careful planning. There were many details to consider, especially regarding the city's finances.

Budget reports, reconstruction plans, compensation proposals, and loan schemes were all stacked neatly, yet overwhelming in number.

The budget plans included repairs to the city's vital infrastructure, such as the walls, gates, and major roadways.

Beyond that, funds had to be prepared for interest-free loans that would be offered to other guilds.

Those loans were particularly important for guilds whose buildings had been destroyed or severely damaged during the invasion.

Without assistance, many of them would struggle to recover, which could weaken the overall stability of the city.

"I've already calculated the funds needed for repairs and loans," Ashley said as she organized the papers.

"Natasha will help me announce the details to the other guilds."

"Yeah," Ethan replied while nodding slowly.

"She can also help decide which guilds are eligible to receive those loans. We need to make sure the funds are used properly."

"A fair system is important," Ashley added.

"Natasha and I will handle it carefully. You don't need to worry about this, Ethan."

Ethan gave a short nod in response. Ashley's work for the day was officially finished, though he knew she would pick it up again early tomorrow.

For tonight, he suggested that they both get some rest. The past few days had been relentless, filled with battles, negotiations, and heavy decisions.

The two of them left Ashley's office together and returned to their shared room.

After changing into more comfortable clothes, they lay down and rested while holding each other. In the quiet of the night, the tension they had been carrying slowly eased, even if only a little.

***

The next day arrived calmly, though the air in the city still carried traces of unrest.

After speaking with Sherly and Leon, the three of them began preparing together.

Jill explained the situation clearly, including Ethan's expectations and the importance of the upcoming expedition.

Sherly listened carefully, asking a few precise questions, while Leon simply nodded, his expression firm and confident.

They were officially ready to undertake LionArk's second Raid Tower expedition.

At the same time, Ethan issued orders to all LionArk members who were prepared to participate in expeditions, instructing them to begin that very day.

The announcement spread quickly through the guild, sparking a wave of activity.

Guild members began forming parties of four to five people. Some were veterans, experienced in Raid Tower battles, while others were relatively new but eager to prove themselves.

By ten in the morning, Ethan received a report stating that ten parties were fully prepared to embark on LionArk's second Raid Tower expedition.

Jill and her party stood ready among them. They lined up in the front yard of the LionArk headquarters, standing shoulder to shoulder with the other nine parties.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, mixed with determination.

Ethan stepped forward to the front of the headquarters building. He was accompanied by Hanss and several other senior members.

Ashley was not present, as she needed to finalize the loan regulations for the guilds that would soon be applying for financial assistance.

Ethan smiled as he faced them. He raised his hand in greeting, his expression calm but resolute. His presence alone seemed to steady everyone's nerves.

He began explaining the main objective of LionArk's second expedition teams.

"During the final week before the guild assessment," Ethan said, his voice carrying clearly across the courtyard, "contribution points will be multiplied. This is a valuable opportunity for all of us."

He paused briefly, letting his words sink in.

"The more contribution points we earn, the more drastically our guild ranking can rise. I can feel it. This is our chance."

Then his tone grew firmer.

"LionArk will return to being a Rank S guild."

Cheers erupted across the courtyard. The members shouted in excitement, their voices overlapping.

For them, LionArk was more than just an organization. It was a place where they belonged, a home they were proud of. After surviving the invasion together, that sense of unity had only grown stronger.

"Jill's party will serve as the expedition team leaders," Ethan continued once the cheers died down.

"As for the technical details, Jill and her teammates will explain everything."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Jill felt a surge of pressure, but also a sense of pride. She straightened her posture, silently reminding herself to live up to the trust placed in her.

Ethan then glanced to the side and signaled Hanss, asking him to assist with any technical matters in the field.

With the main instructions complete, Ethan turned and walked back into the LionArk headquarters, intending to return to his office. However, his steps were interrupted when Darcy approached him.

"What is it, Darcy?" Ethan asked.

"This concerns the guilds that refused to help during the invasion," Darcy replied.

Ethan listened carefully as Darcy explained the situation. Some of those guilds had realized their mistake and were now prepared to accept punishment.

However, they were afraid of being expelled from the city and hoped Ethan would show mercy.

"They don't want you to drive them out of Mavelard," Darcy said.

"That wouldn't be ideal," Ethan replied after a brief pause.

"We need to strengthen the city's economy. Losing too many guilds would only weaken us further."

"That's why I propose fining them," Darcy said.

"At this moment, we need funds for repairs across the city," he continued.

"Additional funds for reconstruction would be a wise and practical solution."

Ethan considered Darcy's words carefully. The proposal made sense. A fine would serve as punishment, but the money would also be used directly for the benefit of the city.

"Fine them one million gold each," Ethan said firmly.

"They must pay the fine no later than next week."

"I understand," Darcy replied.

"I'll inform them immediately."

Ethan nodded and continued on his way, heading up to the third floor and back into his office.

With Sherly absent for the next one or two weeks, he knew he would have to manage many tasks on his own. It was tiring, but necessary.

Out in the front yard, Hanss officially sent off all the expedition teams. One by one, the parties departed, heading toward the Raid Tower with determined expressions.

Just as the last group left, a group of guild envoys arrived, catching Hanss off guard.

From their appearance and the emblem displayed on their banner, it was clear they were not a guild based in Mavelard.

Hanss immediately acted with caution. He summoned his sword, and members of the City Security Authority quickly surrounded the newcomers.

"Who are you?" Hanss asked.

He narrowed his eyes slightly. The emblem on their banner looked familiar, though he could not recall the details immediately.

One of the men stepped forward, raised his head, and spoke clearly.

"We are from Guild Glorious Sword, the rulers of Arkban City."

"I thought so," Hanss replied calmly.

"LionArk and Glorious Sword don't have good relations," Hanss continued.

"Your presence here requires Ethan's approval."

The representative from Glorious Sword glanced to the side, then behind him, looking at his fellow guild members.

They were smiling broadly, seemingly satisfied. The journey to Mavelard had already achieved one important goal.

Ethan was in the city.

News of Ethan's actions in Silver Town had spread rapidly, like dust carried by the wind. Everyone in Arkban had heard about how Silver Star had been crushed in their own territory.

It was a shocking development, one that few had expected.

As a result, the reputation of the central lands declined, while the influence of guilds in the eastern lands grew stronger. At the center of that shift stood LionArk.

Administratively, Arkban City was still considered part of the eastern region. However, its past alignment with Silver Star had made it a trusted city under Silver Star's influence.

Now, Silver Star had suffered massive losses. Their funds were seized, their resources drained, and their attention focused entirely on restoring their own city.

As a result, they began loosening their grip on smaller cities, including Arkban.

With LionArk's rising popularity and Arkban's strained relationship with Mavelard in the past, Glorious Sword acted quickly.

They chose to put aside old conflicts and seek better relations with LionArk.

Back inside the headquarters, the door to Ethan's office opened. Ethan lifted his gaze and saw a woman from the City Security Authority step inside.

"What is it?" Ethan asked.

"Envoys from Glorious Sword have arrived," she reported.

"They are the rulers of Arkban City."

"Arkban?" Ethan repeated.

"Yes. They wish to establish good relations with LionArk."

Ethan smiled broadly, "Let them in."

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