Chapter 98

"Thank you both. Good work."

"I didn't go up on the stage, though."

"Regarding the stage, you were probably more in the spotlight, weren't you?"

"No, I think Quon-san was more in the spotlight. But, let's get to the main point quickly—Quon-san also seems eager to get moving."

Altrius smiled faintly as he said this to me.

Altrius must have sensed that I already had a destination in mind.

Given this man's nature, it wouldn't be surprising if he already knew about the Tower of the Sacred Flame.

Altrius himself probably intends to act quickly.

"Have you considered the alliance proposal?"

"Yes, I've already discussed it. There are no major issues from our side—though, we'll need to finalize the details later."

"Of course, there will be various agreements needed between 'Camelot' and the 'Eleanor Guild.' However—"

Altrius turned his gaze towards me as he spoke.

He still had a faint smile on his lips, but his eyes held a serious light.

"Quon-san, there's nothing particularly complicated for you."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"'Camelot' will provide you with information and support you with manpower when needed."

"…So that's how it is. If that's the case, the 'Eleanor Guild' will provide you with item-related support."

"Wait a minute… Hold on, what do you mean? Why are you offering me all the benefits?"

Instead of presenting benefits to me, the two of them emphasized the benefits for me.

In an alliance, why am I the one receiving all the benefits?

Confused by their intentions, I was at a loss. Eleanora chuckled lightly and spoke up.

"That is, Quon. Your ability to move freely is a benefit to us."

"…What do you mean by that?"

"Considering the start of the World Quest, Quon-san has the strength to lead the game's front lines. Your actions naturally lead to the exploration of new territories."

"There's a high possibility of discovering new materials and quests. If you need help, you can rely on this alliance."

I understand what they're trying to say.

The start of this World Quest was undoubtedly due to me, and given the precedent, it's possible it will happen again.

However, that means I would have a monopoly on these things.

While it's true that we might not have enough hands, there are also many cases where that's not the case.

Could they be allowing me to have a monopoly?

"Although you seem concerned… it's not something to worry about. This world is vast, so even if Quon-san stands out, there are plenty of other areas to explore."

"We don't have the right to criticize your monopoly. Well, if you don't need it, we'd like the information… but do as you please. Your actions will inevitably lead to significant developments."

"…What do you mean by that?"

"It's obvious. You, who so strongly despise demons. Fighting demons means significant developments."

In other words, I can act as I see fit.

The items and information I gather will naturally flow to the 'Eleanor Guild' and then to 'Camelot'… which would benefit both parties.

Moreover, if I discover a large-scale quest, I might need to call for Altrius's help, which would be exactly what Altrius wants.

"So, what will you do, Quon?"

"Will you join this alliance?"

Eleanora and Altrius asked me in unison.

I closed my eyes for a moment.

The benefits are sufficient. And even if I act as usual, I can meet their expectations.

If that's all it takes, nothing will change from before. I'll just keep looking for enemies to fight.

"Hmm… If that's the case, I'll cooperate. If anything comes up, I'll let you know."

"Thank you, Quon-san."

"It's settled. Your presence significantly changes the value of the alliance, and it's a relief."

I don't think it's a matter that warrants such praise, but given the track record, I can't really argue.

Well, in the end, if I can act as usual, it's not a big deal.

Just as I was about to call Hizuma and head to our destination—someone who had been listening nearby interjected.

"I see, such a discussion was taking place… If possible, I'd like to be involved as well."

"Professor. I'm sorry, but this is a discussion limited to those present."

I had forgotten about him, but he's not the type to stay silent in such a situation.

For the Professor, this alliance was not something to be ignored.

Given his insatiable thirst for knowledge, he was undoubtedly interested in an alliance that could provide various information.

"I understand your information-gathering capabilities. It would be a great help to have your support, but—how many people would actually want to follow Quon-san?"

"…Hmm, that… to be honest, quite a few."

"For the 'Eleanor Guild,' the number of people who directly interact with Quon-san is limited, and Eleanora can control that. However, the 'MT Exploration Guild' is a group of enthusiasts. They specialize in information gathering and analysis, but they don't control the actions of their members after the information is gathered."

Altrius's words made the Professor's expression turn sour.

From his reaction, I could understand the internal situation of the 'MT Exploration Guild.'

They are essentially a group of scholars.

They gather information as a hobby and enjoy analyzing it, but their main focus is on gathering information, and their activities are not particularly regulated.

In other words, each member acts as they please to gather information, and while the Professor is the clan master, he doesn't have much control over them.

"…In other words, if that can't be done, you don't intend to include us?"

"This is a test case. We'll operate this way for a while, and if it goes well, we'll expand it."

"I see… In that case, I'll hold off for now. Haste makes waste, as they say."

The Professor seemed to be rational and backed down.

It would have been troublesome if the discussion had become complicated, but he is a mature individual.

When he turned around, his expression was no longer bitter, but rather full of vitality.

"We have a challenge now. I'll work on improving our organizational structure so we can participate next time. Until then."

With that, he bowed to us and left the scene.

From his demeanor, it was clear he intended to bring this up as a topic in the clan.

Well, if he doesn't interfere, his information-gathering ability could be useful, and I hope he can make it work.

"Well, is that all? If so, we'll take our leave."

"Of course. We'll discuss the details of the alliance a bit more."

"If you need anything, let us know. We'll prepare it."

With that, we exchanged smiles, and I turned to call Hizuma.

"Hey, let's go."

"Um, Mr. Quon. That's fine, but… over there."

"Huh? Is something wrong?"

Hizuma, with a furrowed brow, and Lumina, with a puzzled expression.

As I looked in the direction Hizuma was pointing, a group of unfamiliar people was approaching us.

The leader was a large man, carrying a massive battle axe on his back, and his gaze was fixed on me.

It seems he has some business with me, but—

"Hizuma, who are they?"

"They're from 'Clifot Gate.' I thought they'd come eventually, but not at this timing."

"Ah…?"

As I raised an eyebrow at Hizuma's explanation, I glanced at the stage.

The three admin avatars were still there.

I thought they would leave once their business was done, but if they're still here, it's convenient.

As I was considering how to handle the situation, the group from the clan had already reached us.

The large man at the front grinned and spoke in a loud voice.

"Hey, you must be Quon!"

"That's right, but who are you?"

"I'm Raison, the clan master of 'Clifot Gate'! Hey, Quon, you're strong, right?"

"Sure, I'm stronger than most."

"Great! Then, Quon, join my clan!"

Raison laughed confidently and said this.

I was somewhat surprised by his words.

He seems different from what I had heard—no, maybe he just doesn't have the intention to govern but is good at gathering people?

That could be a problem, but I don't sense any malice from him.

Despite his rough words, it was a normal invitation, so I decided to respond normally.

"Sorry, but I'm not interested in any invitations. If you want to recruit, try someone else."

"Why not? It's better to team up with strong people, right?"

"I might consider it if there's someone stronger than my disciple, but otherwise, it won't help his training."

"Disciple… Oh, right, that's true."

He seems like a kid at heart, but he can be reasonable.

However, I don't think he would have such a bad reputation if that was all there was to it… Is there something more to it?

I kept my doubts to myself and continued speaking.

"Do you have anyone stronger than this guy in your clan?"

"…No, we don't. But—"

"Raison, let me handle the negotiations from here."

At that, a man stepped out from behind Raison.

He was quite small compared to Raison, wearing a gray robe and holding a staff, looking like a magician.

Hizuma whispered to me from behind.

"That's Marvel, the sub-master of 'Clifot Gate.' He's not the type to speak much—"

"I get it, thanks."

Under the hood, I could see a lecherous smile.

The emotions I sensed from him were far from pleasant.

It seems this man intends to speak to me with some sort of ill intent.

I don't know what he plans to do, but it seems the reputation of 'Clifot Gate' is influenced by people like him.

(Well, what should I do?)

I narrowed my eyes and muttered to myself.

If he has ill intentions, I'll respond accordingly.