"We shouldn’t leave every single day to close portals, but I guess just relaxing on days off won’t do it either," Rebecca said. "I will continue building the tunnels underwater to increase our movement speed until it reaches the land... perhaps I will continue from there as well."

Rebecca’s amusement at the idea of extending the tunnel seemed to align perfectly with her personality. Her talent with Earth magic could be an innate reflection of her adventurous and playful nature. Terry appreciated her ingenuity, as her suggestion to extend the tunnel would indeed save them time in the long run and provide a useful escape route if needed.

Seeing an opportunity to further enhance Rebecca’s Earth magic skills, Terry decided to support her by purchasing magic items that would amplify and refine her abilities. He carefully selected items that would complement her talents and boost her Earth magic proficiency. After acquiring these items, he diligently worked on leveling them up to maximize their potential.

As he presented the improved magic items to Rebecca, she was genuinely delighted. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly embraced the new tools at her disposal. Terry knew that empowering his guild members was essential, as their strengths would ultimately contribute to the guild’s overall success and safety.

One week after, the group had closed three more dungeons, and Rebecca had finished connecting the tunnel to the continent properly. She always returned refreshed after working there.

"What a weirdo..." Terry thought when she returned that day.

"Terry, it seems that Louis wants to talk with us," Vanessa suddenly appeared and then said it. "I am guessing that it is another international mission."

"You can tell him that he doesn’t give me orders; if he has something to say, he should say it in my Face," Terry said. "Once he finds in which pocket he lost his balls."

"While I understand your anger, it seems that things are a bit serious this time... an Overlord has come to Earth," Vanessa said.

Terry’s internal struggle was evident as he contemplated the information Louis had provided. He was deeply unsettled by the thought of following anything suggested by the mysterious and suspicious individual. Still, the possibility of an overlord on Earth was too significant to be ignored. However, it did feel a bit premature, and there were no clear signs of the overlord’s imminent arrival. On the other hand, leaving the country now seemed equally risky, as they might expose themselves to potential dangers without a proper plan in place.

After a prolonged internal debate, Terry let out a heavy sigh, realizing that they couldn’t afford to overlook the potential threat. With a determined expression, he made his way to the communications room, signaling to the others that it was time to contact Louis. Although reluctant, Terry understood that communication with Louis was essential to gather any additional information and potentially uncover the truth behind the recent attacks on the guild masters.

"It has been a while; how is everyone doing?" Louis asked.

"Spare me the crap; tell me what you know already," Terry said.

"Right... I recently started to keep in contact with an old acquaintance, he was a hunter from our country, but he decided to move to Europe for personal reasons," Louis explained. "It has been ten years since he left, and he lived a relatively peaceful life there until numerous portals of the same type began to open around his town."

The guild masters were well aware that portals appearing in the same location wasn’t an everyday occurrence. It certainly raised suspicion that multiple portals in close proximity were spawning the same type of monster. While it wasn’t an entirely unheard-of phenomenon, it was rare enough to draw their attention.

The implications of this occurrence added to their concern about the sudden appearance of an overlord on Earth. They knew they needed more information to connect the dots and understand the situation fully. The possibility that the repeated appearance of the same type of monster was somehow related to the overlord’s arrival intrigued them. Still, it was merely speculation at this point.

"The people of the city of Florence in Italy fought the army of Stone Knights until they could, but once the overlord showed up, hundreds were killed, and the survivors ran away and took shelter in Rome," Louis explained. "The overlord and its army are planning to launch an assault in Rome."

Terry’s mind wandered as he imagined the army of Stone Knights. These monsters were imposing and eerily powerful, seemingly devoid of emotions, fear, or pain. Their appearances were that of statues brought to life, standing tall and majestic with stone bodies that gleamed under the sunlight. Each Stone Knight was crafted with intricate details, resembling ancient warriors from different cultures, adorned in ornate armor, and wielding imposing weapons.

Their cold, lifeless eyes stared blankly ahead, giving them an aura of unwavering determination and resolve. Terry envisioned them moving in perfect synchronization, marching with a mechanical precision that struck fear into the hearts of anyone who witnessed their approach. Their footsteps echoed like thunder as they advanced, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

As Terry considered their goals, he imagined these Stone Knights as tools of a malevolent mastermind, cold and calculating in their actions. It was as if they were acting on a single directive – to conquer and destroy. They had taken over a city, turning it into their stronghold, and now they were setting their sights on a larger target – perhaps the most populated city with survivors in Italy.

"What are we going to gain out of this?" Terry asked.

"Terry..." Rebecca said and then facepalmed.

"What? We can’t ask the other guild masters to help, so the danger will be pretty high," Terry said. "When did we become a charity institution that risks our lives to help strangers?"

"Are you considering going?" Vanessa asked.

"Only if the rewards surpass the demerits, naturally," Terry replied.