The Man’s Decree

“Mr. Chance…”

As Jared and his companions continued their journey deeper into Cauldron Peak, they were abruptly halted by a shout.

When Jared looked over, he realized it was Forden and Heidi.

It seemed as though the two had been waiting for him.

“Mr. Zorn, why haven’t you ascended the mountain yet?” Jared asked in confusion.

“Mr. Chance, my father wishes to speak with you. Both Aunt Winona and Mr. Bellamy are present too,” Heidi said to Jared.

She probably feared that Jared wouldn’t go, so she brought up Winona and Hartwin.

After all, Jared came specifically for Winona, he should give her some face.

Upon hearing that both Winona and Hartwin were present as well, he simply nodded and followed Heidi and the others.

Viola and Sigurd, along with the newly joined siblings, Felipe and Freya, also tagged along.

Dylan, along with Waylon and the others, was waiting just ahead in a small grove.

Upon seeing Jared arrive, Dylan approached

him and said, “Mr. Chance, my friend, what took

you so long? You should know, the early climber always reaps the benefits.”

“I got held up with some matters, why are you looking for me, Mr. Zeever?” Jared asked.

“Mr. Chance, I’ve come to you seeking a favor. I’m aware of your good relationship with President Chance of the Central Alchemist Guild. Our two families hope to form an alliance with the guild. Like this, if anything were to happen on Cauldron Peak, we could at least have each other’s backs…” Dylan stated.

Jared was slightly taken aback. He looked at Dylan and said, “Mr. Zeever, is something going to happen at Cauldron Peak? Otherwise, with the combined strength of the Zeever and Rider families, there’s no need to underestimate yourselves. Why would you need to join forces with the Central Alchemist Guild? Moreover, the Epean Alchemist Guild was also involved, right? If there was an alliance, it should have been with the Epean Alchemist Guild, shouldn’t it?”

Jared knew there was something Dylan was withholding. After all, nobody wanted to form alliances at this juncture. The more people there were, the smaller portion of the magical items each person would get.

“Mr. Chance, to be honest, the reason we allied ourselves with the Central Alchemist Guild is to deal with Thaddeus and his group. We received word that Thaddeus has joined forces with the Dupont and Boucher families of Yannopolis.

They’re planning to make a move against us at Cauldron Peak. Our combined strength is not enough to face them, which is why we hope to form an alliance with the Central Alchemist Guild through you, Mr. Chance. You can assure President Chance that we will never shortchange him.

Of the treasures obtained from Cauldron Peak, the Central Alchemist Guild can take half. And when we returned to Yannopolis, both our families will present you with gifts.”

Dylan understood that without offering some substantial benefits, nobody would ally with them.

Upon hearing this, Jared’s brows slightly furrowed. If internal conflict were to occur among the numerous alchemists on Cauldron Peak, it would significantly weaken their collective strength.

If the day ever came when the Sky Slasher Sect truly attacked Medicine God Island, how could they possibly resist?

“Mr. Zeever, is what you’re saying really true? How can you be certain that Thaddeus will come for you?” Jared asked.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“Of course it’s true. Thaddeus had a clandestine meeting with the heads of the Boucher and Dupont families. It’s clear they’re conspiring against us. The four major families, including ours, are never on good terms to begin with. Conflict is inevitable,” Dylan said.

“Mr. Zeever, can’t you make peace with them? Even if that’s not an option, at least refrain from causing conflicts during our time on Medicine God Island,” Jared said with a very displeased look on his face.

“Why?” Dylan asked in confusion.

Jared sighed gently, then relayed to Dylan everything Sylvain had told him.

Upon hearing the mention of the Sky Slasher Sect, everyone’s expression changed instantly.

“The Sky Slasher Sect actually planned to seize Medicine God Island? I knew something was up when Sylvain suddenly moved the Alchemist Fair to Medicine God Island.”

“Well, that’s just great. They’re planning to rope in all of our ethereal realm’s alchemists, tying them to Medicine God Island, and having them join their fight against the Sky Slasher Sect.” Waylon voiced his dissatisfaction.