The Alliance.
Ronan Mountwell and Kira Oakmoor panted heavily, their faces filled with the relief of having survived a brush with death.
"The fog rolled in so suddenly, and swarms of zombies appeared out of nowhere. If we hadn't reacted quickly and used the 'dig three and fill one' strategy, we would've died right there!"
Ronan Mountwell recalled their traditional survival tactic.
Fortunately, they had a map, which allowed them to dig their way back near the portal from underground.
Otherwise, given the sheer number of zombies, they might have really perished in there.
Glancing briefly at the two, Mark noticed the new equipment on Kira Oakmoor.
Fiery Plate Mail—one of the strongest armor sets in the Twilight Forest!
Mark didn't press for details and instead greeted them with a smile.
"Hahaha, welcome back, my allies!"
In truth, the Alliance hadn't had it easy during this time either.
Seeing that the lava was ineffective, they knew they couldn't fight head-on against the unending waves of zombies, so they had retreated into their rooms to hide.
Only when the sunlight returned did they dare to show their faces again.
Having gone a day and a night without proper rest, the Alliance players weren't in the best state.
But they had managed to endure.
"Damn, Mountwell almost got us killed in the Twilight Forest!"
"Fortunately, he made up for it later. If he had died in there, Ronan would have become the greatest sinner of our Samurai Nation!"
"Figuring out how to craft Fiery equipment makes it somewhat worth it, I suppose!"
"This gear is likely the strongest available right now; even Galen Yu is using it!"
"Mark is wearing it too. We can expect the Alliance's standing to rise once again!"
"This is great!"
Seeing Mark's change in attitude, the audience from the Samurai Nation was the most thrilled.
The image of Soren Park was still fresh in their minds—when he had returned wielding a gun.
His authority had increased; he no longer had to handle various chores himself. Instead, he stood beside Mark as an equal, giving orders.
While a single piece of armor might not compare to a firearm, their status would no longer be what it once was.
Takeshi Sable was also very pleased.
Although he was both shocked and enraged by Galen Yu's recent actions.
'With so many firearms, how does he still have enough ammunition to resupply?'
Was it because his resources were simply too vast, or were there hidden conditions they didn't understand?
He couldn't wrap his head around it, but he turned his attention back to the Alliance.
An increase in influence meant they might be able to use certain methods to force Kapil to hand over the SlashBlade!
Kira Oakmoor had discussed the details of the SlashBlade with him many times.
The weapon looked simple enough, but when she had received the inheritance, she learned that it contained many powerful sword techniques stored within its progression!
Some even involved time and space; to a certain extent...
It was even a few steps above the gun mod!
"The SlashBlade!"
Anticipation shone in Takeshi Sable's eyes.
Within the Alliance.
After the pleasantries were exchanged, the other players were no fools.
They naturally noticed Mark's shift in attitude and the equipment on Kira Oakmoor.
Unconsciously, they began to look at the two with a bit more respect.
"I hope everyone can value harmony from now on, get along well, and face the Crisis together!"
Mark patted their shoulders, saying no more.
The message was clear: although Kapil's behavior was somewhat detestable, he was still a capable assistant, and he hoped the two sides could live in peace.
Ronan Mountwell agreed verbally, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"Mark, come look at this! Why did a fellow like this appear on our chunk?"
After their conversation, Jett's shout drew everyone's attention.
Approaching the spot, they could see a figure in a long robe leading a llama within the chunk.
"Hrmm..."
A Wandering Trader!
One could trade with him to obtain many things, but what surprised Jett was more than just that.
"This is a friendly creature that appears randomly. Now that he's appeared on our chunk, he seems to be recognized as a villager."
"A special type of villager... associated with us, and by extension, with the Spartans?!"
After trapping the trader with blocks, the two of them looked on with sparkling eyes.
The death of the two Spartan Warriors had been a lingering ache in their hearts, but now, a new opportunity had presented itself!
Ronan Mountwell was equally delighted.
He signaled Kira Oakmoor with his eyes. After exchanging some emeralds and trading for something from the merchant...
They sought out Kapil.
"Apologies. We were too impulsive before, just as Mark said."
"We need to coexist in harmony!"
Kapil looked on with a wary gaze, not expecting the two of them to come and apologize.
Knowing he wouldn't be easily convinced, Ronan Mountwell produced the Crumble Horn.
This was the treasure they had just obtained from the Questing Ram.
"Please accept this as an apology. This is a hidden treasure from the Twilight Forest!"
Taking the horn, Kapil was genuinely surprised.
Although he wasn't clear on its exact function, its appearance alone suggested it was anything but ordinary.
More importantly, he had never seen anyone else use it. It might truly be a hidden treasure!
"Why give me something like this all of a sudden? You two...?"
"To make amends, of course! We are expressing our most sincere apologies!"
Kapil's heart wavered, and he became certain.
The two were truly apologizing to him; otherwise, there was no reason to hand over such a valuable item.
"Thanks. Our past grievances are wiped clean!"
"Excellent. We're brothers from now on. Since that's the case, I know the location of a treasure. Are you willing to go with me?"
Since they were in an alliance, players couldn't harm each other anyway.
After a moment's thought, Kapil believed this was a gesture of goodwill; it seemed they really weren't after the SlashBlade anymore!
"Since my brother says so, let's go!"
Exchanging a glance, Ronan Mountwell and Kira Oakmoor smiled.
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