402 Elven Elders Meet the Leisure Guild (2/2)

That elder sighed and nodded. ”Yes, that explains plenty.”

”Alright, next question.” Jack looked at all the elves, wondering who they had planned to speak next.

”How strong is the Leisure Guild currently?” asked another elder.

”That's a great question, one with two different answers. One answer is for public record and to maintain the public view of the guild and the other answer is for our personal records, keeping our trump cards hidden,” explained Jack. ”Which answer would you like?”

”Hmm… How about both?”

One corner of Jack's mouth arched up as he shrugged. ”On public record, everyone you see before you are our strongest experts. As for the quantity of members, that's hard to say as we've had a sudden influx of new recruits since the events a few days ago. I'm sure you can imagine why.”

The elves carefully eyed Jack as that same elder pried further, asking, ”... And the answer for your personal records?”

”That's something personal, so how could we share that with anyone not directly affiliated with us.” Jack laughed, causing the elves to all frown. However, Jack added, ”But to speak metaphorically… should an event similar to the destruction of Federal City take place here in Gilga, we should be able to ward it off no problem.”

Their anger instantly shifted into curiosity. Gwendon and the elven elders were extremely intrigued by such an answer.

It was obvious that having the public protection of a god was outstanding, especially compared to the rest of the world. And even though Lyrun technically resides in Estonya, he doesn't do anything or truly offer any protection to the elves, something only the elven chief and elven elders new about.

”You're saying that Gilga could ward off such an invasion without issues?” Gwendon asked to clarify.

Jack chuckled. ”Gwendon, I'll tell you something that most aren't privy to know. I'm preparing for an invasion far worse than what happened in Federal City, so of course repelling such a minor attack would be possible.”

”Jack… What do you mean by that?”

”How long do you think the other gods will remain hiding now that I've already started gathering the long-forgotten Neutral Gods?” asked Jack, stumping Gwendon. ”And let's be frank. I'm sure you're all smart enough to realize that the Godly War centuries ago never truly ended. Right?”

Since Gwendon and the elders were speechless, Jack continued, ”Rather than get caught up in an imminent storm, I'd rather spark the storm myself. That way I can at least guide the storm in a more favorable direction. And though Korten's hidden forces might be the strongest of all the nations thanks to the long lifespan of elves, can those forces compare to the Chaos Syndicate or the Adventurers Association? That's what every nation is probably wondering right now. Whether there's a way to survive or not? Or better put, whether there's a need to ally with one of those two monstrous powers or not, and which one to pick?

”My answer to that… Why not have my own power that can surpass them?”

The elders were carefully taking Jack's words in, trying their best to process them. At the same time, Gwendon eventually asked, ”Then… are you trying to propose something?”

”I'm fine with having a trading pact, even one without exclusivity, but would that be the best thing for Korten? We'll be fine here in Trodar, so that's enough for me, but would a trading pact alone give Korten what it needs most right now?”

Sighing, Gwendon shared a look with the elders around him. When they all eventually nodded, Gwendon proposed, ”Jack, if Korten was to ally with the Leisure Guild, would you be able to guarantee our safety and protection?”

Jack scratched his head put on a pondering face for a moment. He then replied, ”Yes, and no.”