Hanss clearly delivered Ethan's message to Guild Star Shield and Yotsuba. The order itself was direct and left no room for misunderstanding.

Ethan wanted them to come to LionArk Headquarters to discuss an important matter. There was no attempt to soften the tone or disguise the intent.

From the moment Ethan told him to summon them, Hanss already understood that this was not a casual invitation.

Based on Ethan's behavior and timing, Hanss could easily predict that the discussion would be connected to Guild Glorious Sword, the same guild that had recently expressed interest in forming an alliance.

The situation surrounding Silver Star, the collapse of its influence, and the sudden movements of affiliated guilds were too obvious to ignore.

Ethan would not call two major allied guilds without a reason that affected the balance of power in the region.

The message was sent through formal written correspondence on paper, sealed and stamped according to alliance protocol.

There were no personal messengers whispering secrets, no informal notes passed discreetly.

Everything was done by the book, which only emphasized the seriousness of the summons.

Hanss estimated that representatives from Guild Star Shield and Yotsuba would arrive within one or two days at most.

This meeting could also become a valuable opportunity for all involved. Cooperation with LionArk meant more than just military alignment.

It opened doors to deeper business partnerships, more efficient trade routes, shared logistics, and long-term planning that could benefit every city in the alliance.

Strength was not measured by blades alone, but also by how well resources and interests were aligned.

After sending the letters, Hanss went up to the third floor and arrived in front of Ethan's office. The door was already open.

As soon as Hanss stepped inside, Ethan's attention shifted immediately. He stopped what he was doing and looked straight at Hanss, his gaze sharp and focused.

"How did it go?" Ethan asked.

"The formal letters have been sent. Based on distance and response time, they should arrive in Mavelard within one to two days," Hanss replied calmly.

"Good."

Ethan paused briefly before continuing, his voice firm and authoritative.

"Make sure security is tight. Do not let anything happen to them. They are our guests, and their safety is the top priority while they are in Mavelard."

"I understand, Sir Ethan," Hanss replied without hesitation.

With that, Hanss excused himself. There were other preparations to handle, and he needed to return to his own office to make arrangements.

Ethan remained in his workspace, turning his attention back to the pile of documents that still demanded his focus.

At the same time, Sherly and Jill's party had already left the city. Together with LionArk's second expedition team, they had entered a dungeon floor suited to their current strength.

Their objective was clear. Floor 40.

If they succeeded in reaching that level, LionArk's contribution points would surge dramatically. Even reaching floor 30 would already be enough to push LionArk into the criteria of an S-Rank guild.

Ethan was well aware of how significant this expedition was, not only for rankings but for LionArk's standing among other major powers.

However, whether LionArk could compete with the top three guilds was still uncertain.

Predictions could be made, strategies could be planned, but the final verdict always came from the system. Numbers did not lie, and the system never favored ambition alone.

Time passed quietly. Afternoon turned into evening. By the time night approached, Ethan had finished all urgent work for the day.

He stepped out onto the balcony of the headquarters and looked down at the city walls.

Repair work was ongoing. Builders moved steadily, reinforcing stone and repairing damage left behind by previous conflicts.

From what Ethan had heard, the loan process to support guild repairs had already begun. Seven guilds had come forward to request loans, each offering valuable items or portions of their authority as collateral.

Ashley was responsible for screening them, carefully deciding which guilds were reliable and which ones posed potential risks.

Lending resources without proper judgment could easily turn into a long-term problem, and Ethan had no intention of allowing that.

So far, the reconstruction was progressing smoothly. Guilds helped one another, sharing manpower and materials.

Cooperation had become the norm rather than the exception. As a result, the names Ethan, LionArk, and Mavelard spread rapidly through conversations, markets, and taverns.

Those affiliated with Silver Star began to panic. Fear crept into their actions, and uncertainty clouded their decisions.

Meanwhile, guilds that had once been hostile toward Silver Star openly showed support for Mavelard. Neutral factions, on the other hand, displayed unease and concern, unsure of how this shift in power would affect them.

Ethan understood the risks clearly. This path was dangerous. Every move he made drew attention, both wanted and unwanted.

Still, he had prepared for this outcome long ago. His immediate goal was simple, even if achieving it was not.

He wanted to restore LionArk to its former glory.

That goal was only one among many. With the authority and power he currently possessed, he had no choice but to move forward. Even if it meant placing his own life at risk, he would not hesitate.

Whether I like it or not, LionArk will rise again and become a guild feared and respected by all.

***

The next day.

The delegation from Guild Yotsuba arrived first, answering LionArk's summons without delay. As a core member of the city alliance, they were the first to appear at Mavelard's gates.

Hanss personally went out to greet them. Yotsuba was represented directly by their Guild Master, Ayaka. She arrived accompanied by her aide and ten guild members.

Their numbers were smaller than the first time they had visited LionArk headquarters. This was not due to negligence, but trust.

Ayaka believed that LionArk would not act against them, especially under the banner of the city alliance.

"Welcome to Mavelard City, Lady Ayaka," Hanss said politely.

"Thank you," Ayaka replied with a nod.

"Where is Sir Ethan?" she asked.

"He anticipated that you would arrive first. He is waiting for you in his office," Hanss answered.

Hearing that made Ayaka feel both pleased and touched. She followed Hanss into the headquarters with her aide, while the ten guild members were guided to rest at the headquarters' cafeteria.

Hanss did not explain the reason behind Ethan's summons. Because of that, Ayaka and her aide felt increasingly curious about what Ethan intended to discuss.

Still, given that both Yotsuba and Star Shield had been called, it was highly likely that the topic concerned the city alliance itself.

They walked up several floors until they reached Ethan's office. The door opened. Ethan smiled and stood up, stepping forward to welcome Ayaka personally.

"Thank you for coming at my request, Lady Ayaka," Ethan said.

"Of course. Guild Yotsuba has joined the city alliance you lead. It is only natural that we respond when you call," Ayaka replied calmly.

Ethan nodded. He turned slightly and instructed Hanss to return to the front courtyard and remain on standby in case representatives from Guild Star Shield arrived.

After Hanss left, Ethan invited Ayaka and her aide to sit on the sofa. They began talking casually, discussing various matters while relaxing.

Ayaka explained that the cooperation between Mavelard City and Kuniko City had already brought significant benefits.

Merchants from both sides, especially those from Kuniko, were thriving. Their goods sold well in Mavelard, and the city's residents welcomed their products warmly.

"This is only the beginning of what this alliance can offer," Ethan said.

"In the future, both of us can gain much more."

Ayaka smiled as she looked at him. "I look forward to that day."

They continued their conversation while enjoying the wine Ethan had prepared. Not long after, Hanss returned, this time accompanied by a representative from Guild Star Shield.

It was not Rion.

Instead, a middle-aged man older than Ethan stepped into the room. Hanss introduced him respectfully.

"Sir Ethan, I've brought Sir Gregor to see you."

Ethan turned and smiled. The man had come alone, without aides or deputy guild leaders. Gregor introduced himself as the Guild Master of Star Shield.

There was a specific reason why Gregor had chosen to come personally. He did not want to offend Ethan.

He had already heard about what had happened to Silver Town, and he understood the danger of showing even the slightest disrespect.

For Guild Star Shield, maintaining a respectful attitude toward Ethan was no longer optional. Fear had made them cautious, and caution made them obedient.

Ethan recognized Gregor immediately. He walked forward, shook his hand, and invited him to sit with the others.

"Since everyone is here, I will explain why I called you," Ethan said.

"This concerns the ruling guild of Arkban City."

Ayaka and Gregor exchanged brief glances. Gregor narrowed his eyes slightly, focusing his attention on Ethan.

"What about them?" Gregor asked.

"They have requested to join our city alliance," Ethan replied.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Ayaka said. "The more members we have, the stronger and more stable the alliance becomes."

Ethan fell silent for a moment before looking at them seriously.

"The ruling guild of Arkban City is Guild Glorious Sword. They were previously affiliated with Silver Star."

"In short, they are seeking our protection after Silver Star fell into chaos," Ethan explained.

"That's outright hypocrisy," Gregor muttered.

"I don't trust people like that," Ayaka said firmly.

Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at both of them.

"So," he asked, his voice steady, "what is your decision? Do you agree to accept them, or do you reject them?"

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