230 The Neccesary Steps (1/2)
Jack didn't respond immediately. Still pondering his role in Daruun's plan, questioning more of Daruun's intentions.
But he also understood that he had no choice but to eventually return to his friends who were waiting for the next part of the plan. ”Yeah… I need to know how I can gain control of Trodar while saving it and what steps do I need to fill for that to happen.”
”That I can help you with.” Daruun nodded. ”For you to save Trodar and gain influence over it there are a total of five steps that you must follow. Step one: you must slow the Limneer-Sandros alliance's advance and find evidence for Tralon to push the Trodan Council to act. This will be one of the harder steps. Would you like to ask questions before I explain the other steps or after?”
”I'll ask the questions afterward…”
Daruun continued, ”Very well. Step two: you must find a way to cut off the supply lines from Churstin to Prachten, the very supply lines that the Trodan Council knows nothing about. Step three: you must help Korten in order to gain their trust. Also note, that your friend Daliea will be key to this and that without her this step will fail. Step four: you and your party must officially join the Leisure Guild. Step five: you will have to successfully be elected onto the Trodan Council.”
Jack scratched his head in thought, still irritated with Daruun. ”For step one will I need the entire party?”
”As you've already planned, I would advise that your party split up but in a different way. I believe a few party members should head to Prachten in order to learn more about supply lines. They won't need to act, though, so there's not too much danger there. On the other hand, those with you will be in immense danger as you infiltrate Limneer and forcibly halt their advance by some means after giving Tralon the evidence of their alliance, which breaks the war pact they signed. If you can't slow down their advance, then the Trodan forces won't make it in time to stop the invasion.”
”Then who do you suggest I bring?”
”I suggest you add a couple people to those you already planned to bring along. Together with Daliea and Rydel, your small party is quite powerful for its level but you'll still need the help of Eliza and Keela if you want to avoid catastrophe.”
With widened eyes Jack looked back to Daruun. ”You mean--”
Shook his head. ”The catastrophe will only happen if they don't join you. But if they're with you, then that catastrophe will be averted. Their help in controlling battles and healing the party will be a pivotal asset during this first step of your plan.”
”All right…” Feeling a bit more at ease Jack let his train of thought continue. ”Where do you suggest each of our parties began our searches?”
”Sounds simple enough… Why is step one so dangerous?” asked Jack.
Daruun shrugged and looked away. ”Because you will be dealing with a small army that only a handful of people know exists. The moment you make yourself known, they will do everything and anything to shut you up and keep you from revealing them. If they're found out, that means they've incited the anger of the high leveled people of Trodar, something that the Limneer citizens were always against. Which would then lead to a lack of support.”
”And what would happen if I fail any of these five steps?”
”Then you will either fail to save Trodar or fail to gain influence over it, only saving it a couple of years before its imminent collapse,” replied Daruun. ”Again, this is an example of how difficult a claim against fate is. But if you succeed in the end against all the difficulty that lay in front of your party, then you'll find yourselves in a much better position to protect your loved ones. Doesn't that sound worth it to you?”
A slow nod came from Jack's head. ”And what should I know of the other steps?”
”Most everything will explain itself as the situations unravel. For step two, all you have to do is stop the supply line and that can be by any means you deem necessary. Step four is self-explanatory and step five will involve you running a campaign where you publicly announce your involvement in steps one through three so that the public will rally on your side,” explained Daruun.
”Step three is the second hardest but is more than possible, so long as Daliea is with you. With her step three is a guaranteed success. Any other questions about this?”
”No, I don't think I will get anything out of you besides needless details,” grumbled Jack. He took a moment to think. With only one question left from the tutorial stone, Jack pondered what to do next.
”Shouldn't you save the last question just in case?” Mentioned Daruun.
Hearing that, Jack couldn't help but agree. After one last look at Daruun, Jack turned and walked away without a word. Just as he was about to exit the tomb, he heard Daruun's last question.
”Would you like to know what skills will help you the most?”