Ace and everyone looked at Eva with astonishment. Then, a realization dawned on them as they finally understood how Eva knew so much about the Evernight Council and why she was so confident about going to the King Circle.
Ace smiled wryly, looked at Eva, and said, in resignation, "You could've told us this from the start and saved us some dismay."
Alina also scoffed, retorting, "She just wanted to show off. But guess what? I'm not impressed."
Eva remained indifferent, but her look at Alina changed subtly. She didn't comment on it because she knew this wasn't the time.
"First, I'm not trying to impress you, and second, even if I have an insider in the King Circle, don't even think about it. It'll be easy to get more core information. I might've drawn a Half-King attention, but she wasn't the only one.
"After all, I have to hide my true identity as a Void Abyssal Devil, or you can only imagine all the Abyssal Kings in the Abyss of Wandering Souls coming after me like rabid dogs.
"However, it was worth the risk. At least, now we can consider taking the Abyss Route with all things considered. After all, even if we go against the Lord Circle, the upper circles will not sit still while we humiliate their entire organization.
"So, we have to risk it. Let's take the biggest risk; whatever the result might be, it'll be my responsibility." She stated.
Ace pursed his lips, but sensing Eva's conviction, he could only remain silent. Now that everything was clear, he had to make a decision. He looked at the House Members, who were now also looking at him, and said, "Alright, your preparations are no doubt very good, and you came prepared. But I still want to make a point. As everyone has read the rules of the Abyssal Mission Series, in rule number 34, it is stated that once the Abyssal Mission Series begins, all the participating members will be directly teleported to the mission venue, which is currently the Abyss of Wandering Souls.
"And unless we reach a conclusion to the Abyss Mission Series, we'll have to remain in the Abyss of Wandering Souls. Furthermore, the more difficult the mission, the more time-consuming it'll be; we might even have to stay there for hundreds of years.
"But right now, each House Member has their own organizations and roles to play, and most of you have managed to infiltrate one of the top organizations of Mortal Ascension Heaven.
"So, if you suddenly vanished for hundreds of years or, lest say, for a few decades, are you willing to abandon everything you've worked for for all these years? Undoubtedly, the rewards of the Abyss Mission Series might topple everything you have worked for, but in the end, we still need to return here.
"That's why, even if some of you want to participate in the Abyss Mission Series, it'll be unfair for those who still want to stay here and continue with their lives. So, I'll choose the Abyss Route if all the members willingly want to participate.
"I can't have you on such a dangerous mission if you're unwilling to go, and I hope others will respect their decision. That's all. Now let's put it vote who wanted to go and who wanted to stay." Ace declared before he went silent and left them to make their decision.
After all, Ace still didn't want to select the Abyss Route, but if he imposed his will on this decision, there was no point in doing everything to keep the Thief House in order. He can just let the Thief House run like before and let it divide in the future.
Furthermore, since even Eva wanted to go with the Abyss route, he was helpless to oppose the others, and now he leaves it to everything to decide. After all, whichever the difficulty he had to go, it was mandatory.
After Ace's speech, the house members also fell into silence as he said nothing wrong. Everyone here except Zaria was part of big sects, especially Alina, Freya, and Winter. Even Noa was working towards infiltrating the organization behind the Fiend Assassin Guild.
But if they leave for Abyss, they will have to abandon their progress, and when they return, they'll have to start all over again. It was just like Eva abandoning her progress in Abyss.
Eva also said nothing else and looked at Ace with a hint of helplessness. She knew he was indecisive about people he cared about, and despite the advantages, he was still unwilling to put everyone's life at risk, especially hers. But she didn't hate him; instead, she loved him for his quirks.
At this moment, Noa spoke, "I'll go to the Abyss of Wandering Souls. Although I might lose the opportunity to infiltrate the sect behind the Fiend Assassin Guild, if I look at this from another perspective, I'll grow stronger during these missions.
"So, once I return, it'll be even easier to infiltrate King Sects without going through so much trouble. Besides, since I've already done it once, doing it again will be effortless. As a Thief and Assassin, infiltrating my target's location is part of the process."
Noa then looked at Eva before glancing at Ace as she concluded her speech: "Lastly, it is important for a fellow house member. If we can't help her in her time of need, I don't expect her to help me when I need it as well. We should help each other when it counts, even if we abandon our own interests. I know that the leader will do the same for each one of us as he always has."
Ace's eyes flashed with a complicated glint when he heard those unexpected words and remained silent.
Winter spoke the next moment, "Heh, I never thought I would hear those words from you, cold-blooded woman. But I also agreed with her. As long as we can become more assertive, with all the information we've already gathered, infiltrating our desired targets won't be a problem.
"Furthermore, this opportunity can make us grow faster, so I won't miss it while I'll be doing a favor to a fellow house member. That's why I'm in!" Freya spoke next, "Well, I have no problem going under for a hundred years since I'm in a special position. In fact, it'll be very good for me. Even if it weren't, I wouldn't have said no to a fellow house member in need. I'm also in favor of going."
Alina pursed her lips as she glared at Eva, who was smiling charmingly at her, waiting for her response, and as if taunting her: if you dare, step away! "I would love to do exactly the opposite of what you wanted. But not , since I don't want to hear any excuses when I defeat you. So, I'll help you with everything I have!" She curtly stated.
"Just admit it, you love your 'Big Sis'."
Eva suddenly sent Alina a spirit transmission, which made her expression turn from red to purple. Alina was furious and almost launched an attack, but she calmed herself and pretended not to hear anything.
Now, everyone looked at Zaria since she was the only one left. If she agrees, they'll all be going to the Abyss of Wandering Souls, which means choosing the Abyss Route, but if she doesn't agree, then the best they can get will be the Hard Route, and another member will have to stay behind.
Furthermore, Zaria was new, and her roots were in the Mortal Ascension Heaven, unlike the other house members who didn't have any close ties with anyone here.
This realization made Eva narrow her eyes subtly as she looked at Zaria, who seemed to be deep in thought with a deep frown on her face!