Village Head's Debauchery
chapter-1065

From the left side, another voice questioned, "I'm sure we're all aware of the capabilities of a Runaway City, let alone ones like the Sleeping Fox and Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City, both of which I've received information about being far more powerful than any Grade One Runaway City. As for the last Runaway City, I couldn't acquire much information, except that it's far beyond what ordinary stowaways can capture. So, how can you be sure your plan will be successful?"

"You have nothing to fear. I'm confident it will work. As we speak, two hundred more Stowaways from other regions are coming here. Regarding the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City, I had planned to wait until all the invited stowaways were present before sharing this, but I see no reason to hold back. So listen carefully: the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City is a Grade One city on the brink of being promoted to Grade Two."

"Even though it hasn't fully completed its promotion, its strength is vastly superior and incomparable to that of the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise or Sleeping Fox Runaway City," the man who had spoken earlier explained.

The room erupted into a clamour of voices as soon as he finished.

"A Grade One Runaway City that's about to become a Grade Two?! Didn't you previously mention that they were all Grade One?"

"You should have included this detail in your message beforehand! Do you think I'm willing to risk the safety of my Stowaway to take on a city that's on the verge of becoming Grade Two?"

"Even as the leader of the Hollow Bridge Stowaway, aren't you afraid of our reaction? How dare you withhold such crucial information from us!"

Multiple Stowaway leaders voiced their complaints, angered that such critical information had been kept from them.

They were only present because more Stowaways were on their way to this location, which would significantly bolster their forces and potentially make them capable of confronting a Runaway City.

However, their entire plan hinged on everything falling perfectly into place. They were already aware that the three Runaway Cities were after something from the four-eared elves from their numerous corpses retrieved from the river. This also implies that their confrontation would inevitably lead to a battle between the three cities, resulting in either annihilation or subjugation.

Regardless, none of the Runaway Cities-or whichever one survived-would return at full strength, which made them optimistic about the upcoming confrontation. But if none of this played out as expected, and all three Runaway Cities returned as strong as they left, their plans might be for nought.

Hearing that the last of the three Runaway Cities was one on the verge of becoming a Grade Two, they couldn't help but feel threatened.

The task seemed even more impossible. Though they were all here for selfish reasons, driven by conditions far worse than even the lowest dregs of a Runaway City, they weren't foolish enough to let desperation cloud their judgment.

"Everyone, please settle down. I can assure you all that this operation will be successful because we'll receive support from a force capable of handling the might of all three Runaway Cities. As for their identity, it must remain hidden until the plan commences," the man said. A pin-drop silence enveloped the room as the leaders mulled over his words.

"And what if it fails? Is the Hollow Bridge Stowaway and this supposed supporting force ready to compensate us for our losses?" the voice that had spoken earlier spoke once more. The leaders in the room perked up, awaiting the man's response.

"I may not be confident about everything, but I can assure you of one thing: this operation will succeed," the man replied. "However, that will only be possible if we come together to make it so."

"Alright, if that's the case, the Ashwind Stowaway will lend its assistance," the man responded with a chuckle.

"The Ironblade Stowaway will lend its assistance..."

"The Phantom Callers Stowaway will lend its assistance..."

They all declared their support, one by one. Seeing that none had backed down, the man smiled. He said, "As we wait for the rest to arrive, let's continue to discuss the plan so you can all share your ideas and suggestions."

...

Paradise

Orion's Manor

Knock! Knock!

Orion rapped his knuckles on Crystalia's door. Receiving no response, he waited a few moments before knocking again. This time, he waited for a full minute before knocking

again.

Just as he was about to, the door slowly opened, revealing Crystalia on the other side, still in her nightdress, her eyes baggy with sleep.

"What is it?" Crystalia asked, feigning confusion as she looked at Orion.

"I came to see if I could spend the rest of the day with you while I take a little break from my tasks," Orion replied.

"Only the rest of the day?" Crystalia asked, raising an eyebrow.

In truth, after Orion's words that day and with her sisters' additional help, she had calmed down and slightly reconciled with her mother. She knew he was actively engaged in activities that would determine Paradise's future and expand its influence.

However, she was still incredibly annoyed that the one who should also be held accountable for this mess was absent.

"It'll be for as long as you choose," Orion quickly corrected, realizing his mistake.

"Can I ask you to spend the rest of eternity with me?" Crystalia asked, her gaze fixed on Orion.

A sudden sneeze echoed from the hallway's corner, pulling her attention away. She scanned the entire manor with a sharp gaze, then snorted, dismissing the distraction before refocusing on Orion.

"I could give you my body and soul for as long as you want," Orion began, his tone passionate. "But even that wouldn't measure how much I will sacrifice for you. So, how about we make the most of every minute as if it were our eternity?"

He started to move closer to Crystalia, but his progress was abruptly halted as he bumped into the door, bringing his approach to an awkward stop.