Terry suggested conducting a systematic assessment of each portal’s threat level and potential benefits to make an informed decision. By gathering information and forming a task force of experienced guild members, they could thoroughly analyze the portals and present a comprehensive report to guide their decision-making.

The guild masters, acknowledging the wisdom in Terry’s proposal, agreed to proceed with a more strategic approach. They saw the value in evaluating the portals collectively, considering the immediate impacts on their territories and the long-term strategic implications.

While Terry leading the operations was something that everyone could agree with, it seemed that other things still had a lot of things to be done and solved. Terry expected that as much since people rarely can reach an agreement even with the most simple things. Terry was fine with that, but he wasn’t fine with what happened next.

As the guild masters were engrossed in their discussions, Louis, the mastermind behind the magic communication device, suddenly appeared on the call. His presence took everyone by surprise, and all eyes turned to him as he proposed a bold idea.

Louis put forth the suggestion that their first mission should take them beyond their own territories, specifically to Canada, where a troll’s camp awaited. He explained that the dungeon held valuable resources, and the hunters from Canada also offered the materials necessary to create powerful magic staves in exchange for their assistance in clearing the dungeon.

The guild masters listened intently, intrigued by the opportunity to obtain such valuable resources. Some expressed their concerns about venturing outside their familiar territories. In contrast, others saw the potential benefits of expanding their reach and strengthening their guilds.

Terry, considering the proposal, weighed the pros and cons in his mind. On the one hand, the allure of acquiring the materials and bolstering their magical arsenal was undeniable. On the other hand, the risks associated with tackling an unknown dungeon in unfamiliar terrain gave him pause. Besides, there was another issue.

"You have some balls, dude... if anything, I admire your courage to enrage me even further with your nonsense," Terry said while feeling like strangling Louis through the hologram. "Why the hell should we go abroad first when we have hundreds of those portals in our territory, and it will take years, if not decades, to close then?"

"Because the situation over there is really bad, the type of monsters they are dealing with, and their numbers are simply too difficult for ordinary hunters to deal with," Louis replied. "Also, the portal in question is pretty close to our border; it is only a matter of time before those beasts decide to come south and attack us as well. It will be better if we deal with them before they can come at us. Well, this is just an opinion; we agreed that you all would only participate in missions that were essential to the defense of our country. This will be up to you all."

As the guild masters discussed the merits of Louis’ proposal, Terry’s frustration began to boil over. He felt like he was on the verge of having an aneurysm from the mounting anger directed towards Louis. The audacity of his sudden appearance and his seemingly self-serving motives infuriated Terry to no end.

Just as Terry was about to voice his vehement objection, Louis abruptly left the call as if sensing the brewing storm. His swift exit spared him from Terry’s wrath, leaving Terry seething with unexpressed rage. His hand clenched into a fist, and he gritted his teeth, contemplating the best way to release his pent-up frustration.

Taking a deep breath, Terry collected himself, realizing that lashing out in that moment would accomplish nothing. He knew he needed to maintain his composure and focus on the bigger picture—uniting the guild masters for the upcoming mission.

Though Terry yearned to make an oath to kick Louis’ ass, he suppressed the urge for the time being. He understood that their mission required cooperation and teamwork, even with someone as infuriating as Louis. However, deep within Terry’s resolve, he made a silent promise to himself that once the mission was over, he would have a reckoning with Louis and ensure that his actions would not go without consequence.

Vanessa chimed in, relaying an urgent message she had received from Louis. She explained that guilds in Canada were facing a critical situation—a dangerous troll’s dungeon needed to be dealt with. In exchange for their help, the Canadian guilds were willing to provide an airplane to Terry. He knew that Louis was behind that as well.

Vanessa conveyed the gravity of the Canadian guilds’ predicament, emphasizing the strain on their resources and manpower. The guild masters silently contemplated the implications of their decision, recognizing the weight of their responsibilities.

Terry, temporarily setting aside his anger towards Louis, listened attentively to the discussion. The urgency of the situation resonated with him, prompting a shift in his focus. He understood the significance of their collective strength and the opportunity to extend a helping hand to fellow guilds in need.

"What do you think, Terry?" Joan asked after she crossed her arms. "We assumed after that also would lead this kind of operation, but we need to hear your opinion on this matter before we make our choice as a group. Just like Louis said, we aren’t obligated to fight beyond our countries, and if you aren’t willing to lead the operation, we don’t have many other options when it comes to this."

Terry stays silent for a while to think about that. They didn’t have an obligation to help, but it is also something that they should do to avoid problems down the road.

The idea of mass-producing magic staves and leveling them up would also increase the power of his guild at a quick pace. The power armors are better, but they take time to make; right now, the blacksmiths can only make the incomplete versions once every five days.

"I suppose that is fine; I don’t like the idea that another group of enemies is growing so close to us," Terry replied.