Farid explained the situation carefully so Cohen could easily grasp it.
"There are two main parties involved.. The Heavenly Spire Guild, which wants to completely crush Vanguard.
"Then there's Vanguard. They don't just want to establish a base here but also wants control over some of what Heavenly Spire has, like the Outliers."
Farid paused.
"Ophelius is a third party that only Heavenly Spire knows is present. They are passive and are just waiting for the right opportunity to decide what they'll do. Spire believes they can handle them anytime."
"How does the Spire know of them and Vanguard doesn't?" Cohen asked.
Farid took a sip of his drink, a calm smile crossing his features.
"Because the Heavenly Spire has me."
Cohen smiled at the man's words, gesturing for him to continue.
"The plan Vanguard has chosen to use is that while they hide in the shadows, they'll cause public panic.
"Then in the most vital moment of when the panic is loud, they will likely let Outliers go berserk, then make monsters go berserk to, making it seem like the Outliers were responsible.
"They believe Spire won't be able to stop this Berserkers, so they'll come in and win the people's trust."
"It's an obvious tactic… They underestimate the Heavenly Spire being able to handle the Outliers' possible chaos because Spire couldn't contain the orb that exploded.
"And that happened because a higher being was within that Orb.
"Anyways, while Vanguard are underestimating Spire, they have already discovered Vanguard's location. They're only waiting for the moment when Vanguard is seriously busy with manipulating the public's opinion to launch their attack."
Cohen raised a skeptical gaze. "Despite this, I feel like you don't think Heavenly Spire will win."
Farid sighed.
"There are two factors. One, Vanguard and a minuscule part of Ophelius has control of a strange energy called Red. With Red, they could make the Outliers harder for Heavenly Spire to contain, making things less smooth, but ultimately, Spire can still handle this."
"Red?" Cohen blurted.
"It's a weird energy that grants powers in exchange for negative effects. It's another topic on its own."
"I see," Cohen muttered, letting Farid continue.
"The second factor is the main problem. Vanguard's secret ability to cause a Dungeon Release."
"Huh?" Cohen was confused.
"They can release uncontrolled monsters… letting them swarm at the city. Although the monsters are low level, that's the most troublesome thing that could happen."
Farid then showed an even more arrogant smile than earlier.
"But even that… can be handled. My people, those in the underworld and those here, can stand as a guild on its own. We can tilt the scales to favour our city completely."
Cohen reflected on what he said.
"So the Outliers are being used to cause public chaos? That's why the rumors are spreading so fast—Vanguard is behind them. And Spire is allowing them do their thing, making the chaos even worse but keeping Vanguard distracted."
Farid nodded.
"That's it."
Cohen processed the information and asked:
"In this, what do you want? I can tell you have a goal."
Farid chuckled.
"You're sharp. I do have a goal.
"One is to absolutely crush Vanguard, obviously. Second, it's to use this situation for me to increase my influence within the City, or else, the Spire will waste it."
'That's why you've secretly been raising your group in hidden locations?' Cohen thought.
Farid said, "I have a bold idea, very risky. I want you to tell me what you think of it."
Cohen adjusted in his seat, feeling the weight of what was about to be said.
"The panic Vanguard wants to cause, I want to escalate it… It'll be a distraction so I can deploy my people to fix mediums for my barriers around the city."
Cohen raised a brow. "Why?"
"I plan to force Vanguard to release those monsters in the city when Spire doesn't expect it. My men would handle that situation and gain credibility amongst the civilians. Like that, my influence spreads."
Cohen's eyes widened. "That's dangerous."
"It is," Farid said. "That's why I'm willing to burn through my own vitality to strengthen my barrier abilities it so I can protect the whole city from the monster at once.
"In the end, my original plan for causing a larger distraction would have disadvantages like destroying multiple civilian buildings.
"But Cohen, if you help, the distraction can be different. It would offer a plan where only my life is very threatened."
Cohen ran his hand through his hair.
"Are you certain you will be able to protect the civilians?"
Farid's face was serious, his determination oozed.
"I have calculated all possible positions Vanguard can release monsters if I push them to it. There are 8,876 buildings in the city, and I have a plan for each district, maximizing my barrier and spatial abilities.
"I have about 437 men under me, I know all their abilities, and I have attributed each of their individual characteristics to the plan."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly. "Even so… nothing is perfect. Some mistakes are inevitable, but I will minimize them as much as I can. Civilians will not be casualties if I can help it."
"Your father saved me… so protecting what he left behind is the least I can do. All I do now is for its sake."
'If the Heavenly Spire actually corners Vanguard, they will still release the monsters, just outside the city. Farid plan gives an advantage where we forcing them onto our homegrounds.'
Cohen pondered silently before he asked.
"Why exactly are you doing this? Why not let Heavenly Spire have absolute control?"
Farid took a deep breath.
"I know the guild.
"Unofficially, I'm one of the leaders of Heavenly Spire. And for the future that's coming, the one I discovered after years of research, they're underestimating it and that will have repercussions.
"To survive, I'd rather have a level of control."
Cohen sighed before releasing a smile.
It wasn't relief. It was resolve.
"That's exactly why I'll accept your plan. For my family to survive, I also want to have a level of control."
Farid let out a satisfied sigh as he rested his back on the couch.
"Thank you so much, Cohen. I really appreciated this. What can I do to repay you?"
Cohen didn't hesitate.
"Help me grow stronger. I need to level up… and I need beasts. I believe you know my archetype."
'I must be strong… strong enough to handle a variable in this risk!'
At that moment, a large roar sounded in Farid's Teleportation Gate Hall.
The old man smiled.
"Perfect timing. Don't worry, Cohen. I will definitely make you as strong as possible.
"That was the plan all along. That's why I already told my men to catch something for you."
"No way…" Cohen revealed an amused glance.
Farid stood up, gesturing for Cohen to follow.
"I think you'll like it."
Cohen excitedly followed.
'There's no way he got me something ordinary! Is this what it feels like to have a godfather?!'
The roar echoed again—louder this time.
And this time, Cohen felt it in his bones.