"Let’s discuss our next steps."

Victor Fromm sat up straight. "The refugees may have died or fled, but that only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. Once things calm down, those unable to survive will just flock back here. And the disaster itself won’t recede because of it."

"So, the plan to develop the Delusional Land must continue."

"In that case, I have a proposal. First, we establish a trade station on the periphery to serve as a forward outpost. Then, we can explore deeper inland. Even if we make no further progress, the outpost can help alleviate some of our pressure and burden."

Ron shared his idea. ’The main thing is, this gives me a reason to linger at the edge of the Delusional Land and buy time for the goblins to migrate,’ he thought. ’Once they arrive in large numbers, the whole mission will inevitably move faster.’

’Otherwise, with just the few of them, who knew how long it would take to survey the entire Delusional Land.’

"That’s not a good idea," Ming Datiss immediately objected. "Just as the Lord said, it only treats the symptoms, not the root cause."

"I’ve crossed the Delusional Land before, so I’m familiar with it. We should cross it again, find the lords on the other side, and coordinate a two-pronged approach for the best results."

In other words, he was just waiting for reinforcements. Quest had mentioned that Ming Datiss might be in the service of another lord on that side.

"Hmm..." Victor fell into thought. Ron’s suggestion was relatively reasonable, but he could also see what Ming Datiss was trying to do. ’Getting help would be a good thing for me, too.’

"Why not split into two teams?" Lavinia, who had been watching the drama from the sidelines, said unexpectedly. "Ron and this Elf can each lead a group. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket."

"That way, whether there’s a mole in the group or if one side’s progress is unsatisfactory, the loss will be acceptable."

Victor’s eyes lit up. "Excellent idea! We’ll do it just as you’ve said!"

"Alright then, everyone, divide into teams. You’ll head out after you’ve had a chance to regroup. Victoria, who will you go with?"

"I choose Ron, my Lord," the Priest answered without a moment’s hesitation. "He was already leading a small team before last night’s events, and his proposal sounds very reliable."

"Delaford and I are going with Ron, of course," Aive said, rolling her eyes at Ming Datiss. "I’d rather not have some treacherous, ungrateful snake stabbing me in the back."

"Vermin!" Delaford spat at Ming Datiss.

"I’ll go with Ming Datiss!" Sera scrambled to her feet and shouldered her giant axe. "In my opinion, Ron’s proposal is far too timid. The people of my Ocher Tribe would never accept something so cowardly!"

"As for who I get along with, I don’t particularly like either group, so it makes no difference to me."

"Ming Datiss," the Dwarf declared next, shooting Ron a sullen look. "In my view, failing to rescue the Lord at the first opportunity and then letting yourself be captured by barbarians are both incredibly self-centered acts. How can someone who doesn’t grasp the fundamentals of leadership possibly lead a team effectively?"

That made four people on Ron’s side and three on the Elf’s. All eyes fell upon the Tiffling, Quest.

"What are you hesitating for?" Aive frowned. "Are you really planning to team up with that guy?"

"Er, actually, yes."

To everyone’s astonishment, Quest actually nodded.

"Please forgive me, Ron, my friend," the Tiffling said, his tail coiling nervously around his calf. "It’s not that I want to betray you, but I also don’t like putting all my eggs in one basket. Now it’s four against four. Perfectly fair."

"Besides, hedging my bets is the best option for me. Don’t forget, I did provide you with funding, did I not?"

"If that’s how you see it, I understand." Ron shook his head gently. "I won’t hold it against you. You’ve already given me a great deal."

’If it weren’t for him, I’d probably still be just an ordinary person right now.’

"If I succeed, you can come and find me. If Ming Datiss wins... well, I hope he’s able to grant your wishes."

"I hope so, too." The Tiffling bowed repeatedly to Ron in gratitude.

"Lavinia? And you, Buni?" Ron turned to the two Half-Elves. "We can always use more people."

"I would only slow you down," Buni said with a gentle smile. "Besides, with Victoria leaving, the town is short on Priests. I can’t just leave now."

"But I will pray to the Goddess for you every day."

"Talk to me once you’ve established that forward trade post," Lavinia said with a wave of her hand. "I’m not the type who enjoys rushing about. While I am interested in researching the various alchemical materials in the Delusional Land, I need a stable residence where I can set up my workshop first."

"As for you," Lavinia said, pointing at the Elf, "you can shut up. I don’t like you. Simple as that."

"It seems the teams are decided," Victor said, clapping his hands with a smile. "Then I wish you all a swift success!"

"Oh, right. You’ve all just been through a major battle, so you must be exhausted. I’ve had rooms prepared for you at my estate. You can wash up and rest there. Just call for a servant if you’re thirsty or hungry. If you need to upgrade your equipment or purchase items, I can help. I will do everything I can to ensure you are well-supplied."

"However, I do hope you will all press on toward your goal as quickly as possible. After all, we don’t know if more disasters—and more refugees—are on their way."

In contrast to Ron’s group, who decided to rest and recuperate, Ming Datiss immediately urged his team to depart. It was a show of resolve, meant to prove he was more determined than Ron.

Ron and his group, however, completely ignored the provocation. They spent a comfortable day resting in Fromm Town, repairing their armor and organizing their belongings. Ron brewed Potions, Delaford had already slipped away, and Aive even managed to acquire a massive tower shield from the Lord’s armory, large enough to hide her entire body behind.

"You can’t rush a good thing," Ron said, placating a rather anxious Victoria.

In short, Ron didn’t lead his team out until the next morning. And their destination wasn’t south, but due north.

"Why?" After a day and a half of marching north, Victoria’s disappointment was palpable. She planted her feet and began to protest. "If you don’t give me a reasonable explanation, I’ll have no choice but to leave the party and catch up with Ming Datiss’s group."

She was even starting to regret joining this team. ’The goblin disappeared, and now these two are stubbornly marching north... What on earth are they doing?’

"Patience, patience," Ron said with a light chuckle, holding up his hands. "You’ll find out soon enough. I sent Delaford with a message before we even set out. We don’t have to go much farther; they’ll be here soon."

"Listen closely. The wild is calling."

Across the open plains, wolf howls began to sound, one after another.