"So that's how I ended up making the alliance." Liam awkwardly explained to Rey who nodded with complete interest, drinking in every little bit of detail as if his life depended on it. He even forgot that he never asked about any of it. Liam had simply seen the guy enter the system shop and grabbed onto him for dear life. Thanks to Rey he was able to change the topic and somehow escape the wrath of his two wives.
"Bro, can we also come to the sword palace and take a look at the archives?" Rey couldn't hold back his enthusiasm as he leaned forward, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Can you keep your pants on for a second!" Alex pulled him back. "Liam, no need to take any risks. Its the one place where you can securely make a name for yourself and grow. There is no need to risk that."
Liam nodded in agreement. "Not right now. But definitely in a few months." Seeing Rey become visibly deflated he chuckled and patted him. "I have another offer for you. There are still three months before the event and I am planning to go on a hunting trip to prepare my new army. Do you want to come with me?"
Rey's eyes lit up again, brighter than before. "A hunting trip? For a new army? Hell yes, I'm in!" he exclaimed, nearly jumping out of his seat. "What kind of beasts are we hunting? Something epic, right? Are we talking beast kings? Titans? Oh, oh, maybe even ancient drakes?"
Liam smirked, amused by Rey's enthusiasm. "It's not that straightforward," he replied. "We have to go to the world first and see what we can get our hands on."
Rey nodded, now looking more focused. "Alright, I get it. But seriously, count me in. I've been itching for some action anyway. I am already too far behind you brother!"
Alex, however, frowned. "Are you sure about this, Liam? If it's dangerous enough to be in your new army, then it's dangerous enough for Rey to think twice before tagging along."
Rey gave her a sidelong look. "Hey! I'm not some newbie. I can handle myself."
"Yeah, yeah," Alex shot back. "Until you trip over your own feet and land face-first into a nest of whatever monstrosity he's planning to hunt."
"So what? You are not planning to come?"
"Of course, I am going. I am a lot stronger than you. Psht. Don't even compare me and you. You-"
Liam raised a hand, cutting off their bickering before it could escalate. "That's enough. I don't have a lot of time. Arrange for a guild meeting in the main hall. The real guild meeting."
Hearing him, Shen Yue, Alex, Rey and even Tilia gasped in shock. Liam rarely called for what he referred to as a "real guild meeting." These meetings weren't the casual updates or celebratory gatherings but events where crucial decisions were made—ones that could alter the trajectory of the world and its future.
"Are you serious?" Alex asked, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and trepidation.
Liam nodded solemnly. "Yes. It's time we mobilize everyone. With the Treasure Hunt Event on the horizon, we need everyone to be prepared. I don't think I can take part in the Treasure Hunt. Instead, I am taking you all on this training trip. After that, its upto you guys to perform in the event."
Alex nodded, clenching her fists. She had been ready for something for a while now. A system notification instantly popped up in front of many people scattered on different parts of the new world. Within seconds the teleportation portals on the main system shop started lighting up and one by one familiar faces began to arrive.
Madan, Abraki, Ning Xi, Granny Ning who was no longer a granny, all the top elites of the old roster arrived promptly at the meeting room, dropping whatever they had going on.
Eldrin also finally showed up, though the elf was clearly unhappy about being called mid-battle. It also looked like he had taken a severe beating with numerous injuries on his body. Not that he was in any real danger.
Liam instantly guessed what was going on. "Were you sparring with the guardians?"
Eldrin smiled awkwardly. "I wouldn't call that sparring. Those bastards are strong. The leviathon particularly is a monstrosity. If any beast tamer manages to bond with it, then its growth would be even more exponential."
Liam smiled and did not say anything. In reality, just like the world tree the many guardians of this world were also naturally bonded to him but he was yet to do something about that bond. It was just one other item added to the long list of things he had to do.
The main hall of the guild quickly filled with the chatter of guild members, some exchanging theories about why a real guild meeting had been called, while others speculated on the nature of the Treasure Hunt Event.
Liam stood at the head of the hall, his presence commanding immediate attention. As the room settled into an expectant silence, he scanned the faces of those present—each one representing a crucial part of the guild's strength and resilience.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Liam began, his voice steady and authoritative. "I won't waste your time with pleasantries. As you've likely guessed, this meeting is regarding the treasure hunt event. To give everyone the opportunity to train themselves, I am investing in a massive group teleportation to one of the coveted training worlds in our sector."
"We are on the cusp of a pivotal moment. The Treasure Hunt Event is around the corner, and it's not just another system event. This is an opportunity—a chance for us to leap ahead and secure a stronger foothold in this ever-changing world."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Naturally, this training trip would be extremely dangerous with many life or death moments. I suggest grouping yourself into smaller teams of 5. If you want to go at it alone, I support that too." "Prepare yourself as best as you can. Spare no expenses. I will also deposit an amount to the system shop so that everyone can purchase what is necessary."
"I don't have much time. We will be leaving in another hour."