"Does it also take into account the need for recuperation, right?" Ben asked.

Queniel showed an appreciative expression. As a Tree Elf, they were rarely indirect in negotiations. Ben clearly understood their habits and was willing to adapt. He nodded, "Yes, we and the Druids need several years of recuperation, during which time we will witness you fulfill your promises."

"A few years might not be enough, but if you just want to see whether I keep my word, I don't mind." Ben nodded, feeling secretly delighted. Things were going more smoothly than he imagined. His discussions with the Druids about long-term plans were to retain these Tree Elves, Druids, and Centaurs. Of course, now the Green Tower had suffered heavy losses; although the population was better preserved compared to history, most of the ten thousand people were elderly, children, and women. The warriors suffered significant losses during the Wolf Calamity. Even if they joined him, they couldn't provide much support in the upcoming war; at best, it was a long-term investment.

Yet Ben didn't immediately make a decision after receiving the Oak Fruit. After some thought, he said, "I think we should maintain an alliance. My territory is also your homeland. We share common goals and don't need those formalities."

"Why?" Queniel didn't expect Ben to decline. He could see that the young man's original goal was this land.

"I need a wholeheartedly devoted ally, not a subordinate feeling constrained," Ben replied. He knew that Tree Elves and Druids couldn't live according to Human societal norms, and since they wouldn't, he might as well be more generous. Anyway, the Druid and Tree Elf warriors would definitely join his army to defend their homeland.

Queniel looked at him seriously, then turned to the other Druid Elders, each with a satisfied expression on their faces.

"You are the most different Human I've ever seen, Ben. Can we be friends?" Queniel asked.

Ben nodded, understanding the Tree Elf's intent that friendship requires time to be tested.

"Then, friend, can I invite you to the celebration we're holding for you?" Queniel smiled slightly.

But he didn't expect Ben to shake his head this time, "Unfortunately no, Queniel, I need your help."

"Help?"

"Yes, I'm about to temporarily leave here and return to my territory. But I need a batch of supplies: armor and weapons, and a group of Flying Horses to quickly take us out of the Black Forest," Ben replied.

Upon hearing this, the surroundings instantly fell silent.

Caglis and the Old Swordsman Kulan behind Ben suddenly understood why he was rushing back to the Green Tower with the others. It seemed there was trouble in the territory.

Queniel was silent for a moment.

"Are you in trouble, Human friend?"

"Yes, my territory is under threat. I need to address this small issue before returning to fulfill our agreement."

"Is it war?"

Ben nodded.

The tall Tree Elf Leader's eyes showed understanding. He stood upright, turned to face everyone, and loudly addressed the people in the forest: "Did you hear that? Our Human ally needs a fighting army. He once ventured alone into danger and saved everyone here from the darkest of situations. Now, my fellow kin, are you the kind to preserve your own lives?"

Queniel's voice echoed in the forest, leaving Ben stunned. He was aware of the Druids' situation; asking them to continue in warfare seemed quite demanding. Yet, the Tree Elf Leader was now rallying an army.

"Queniel, you..."

"I want to fight alongside you, Human companion." Queniel smiled slightly, "You were right, this is your territory and our homeland. Without bloodshed and battle, how can we protect these precious treasures?"

There were no fervent replies.

But in the forest, Elves carrying longbows began to emerge one by one; many were women, as most adult men had already died in the Wolf Calamity. Then came the Centaurs. Centaurs certainly wouldn't back down in their pursuit of combat glory.

The Druids responded to the call, a group indifferent to the outside world yet not cold inside—as they once promised, the war they protect holds meaning for them.

Nevertheless, even so, the army gathering outside the forest numbered only several hundred. The Druids suffered too severely in the Wolf Calamity; there's nothing they could do about it. Yet, unexpectedly, before the Elves had settled, another group emerged from the forest. They were mercenaries and adventurers, Humans wearing mismatched armor from various places, resembling a ragtag army, yet they all stood up.

Once they stepped forward, the forest quieted again.

Soon, a man was pushed out from among them.

"Lord, we survived this disastrous calamity thanks to your grace. Now, I hear you need an army," the bearded, somewhat carefree man blinked, spread his hands lazily, and asked, "So, dare I ask, do you need an army born for war, willing to accept your hire?"

Ben suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

"What price can you offer?" he asked in a deep voice, as if genuinely negotiating a price.

"One Gold Coin, how about it?" the man asked.

Ben looked at him—

"Alright, now you are my knights. One Gold Coin, I promise to lead you to witness my victory," he answered.

No further response; the mercenaries drew their swords and raised them high, creating a forest of longswords. Then the Elves notched their longbows.

Ben's heart surged with strange emotions; Humans and Elves stood together again after millennia. The sacred vows of the past seemed to manifest anew. No one would forget today's alliance; each witness to this moment would likely spend their lifetime recalling it.

The young men behind him also drew their longswords; the scene was too overwhelming. Even Kulan and Mephisto, whose sense of belonging was somewhat vague, couldn't help but be rendered speechless.

This alliance, though seemingly fragile, possessed a certain magic capable of altering everything.

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation tickets, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)