They continued to put forward proposals, share opinions, offer advice, and even openly challenge Ethan's statements. Ethan did not feel offended.

He understood that major decisions within the Eastern Alliance had to be based on collective agreement.

Through debate and mutual advice, the decisions produced by the alliance would bring benefits to all of its members.

The meeting went on for hours. When the time reached five in the afternoon, Ethan had already drawn conclusions from the day's discussion.

Sherly, acting as the meeting secretary, began reading aloud the agreed conclusions reached by the five core members of the Eastern Alliance.

The main point of the current decision was the formation of guild alliance participants consisting of one core member guild.

Each core member guild had the right to decide which non-core guild members would join their team.

Not only that, the minimum power threshold for each guild was also raised. In short, members of event participant teams had to meet the established requirements to be eligible to join the event.

Ethan himself had proposed this in order to balance power between guilds and improve their survivability during the event.

As for Ethan, he would provide subsidies to every core alliance member who shopped at the equipment stores in Mavelard.

He would offer large discounts to every guild member participating in the Guild of Champions Event. Ethan only needed the list of names from each core member guild.

This policy was considered extremely helpful for the other core member guilds. Even though they had many equipment shops in their own cities, when it came to completeness and quality, Mavelard was far superior.

As for Yotsuba not participating in the event, Ethan would not force them. Instead, he would form a regional security authority with Ayaka and Ashley as its leaders.

Ayaka had no objections at all. In fact, Ethan's proposal aligned perfectly with her current mission of protecting her city from the threat of Shadow Guild.

"I know this event is important for every guild. However, I suggest that only one official participates in the event," Ethan said.

"What do you mean?" Kevin asked.

"Take LionArk as an example. I will personally lead LionArk's team, while Ashley will not be included in the team," Ethan replied.

"That's because I need Ashley to ensure city stability when the event begins."

"You're being too paranoid, Ethan. Nothing will happen to our cities, since all our enemies are participating in the event," Noah commented.

Ethan turned to look at Noah. "This is not fear. It's a preventive measure."

"We never know what our enemies are planning. What if they attack Seacrest when all the strongest players leave their guilds for the event?" Ethan asked.

The question immediately silenced Noah. He had not thought about that possibility at all. Ethan shifted his gaze forward again, looking at everyone present.

"It doesn't have to be the guild leader or vice leader who stays behind. If you have a third-strongest player in your guild, you can entrust city security to them," Ethan said.

"But the positions of regional security team leader and vice leader will still be held by Ashley and Ayaka," Ethan added.

Ayaka stood up, looked at all her alliance partners, and apologized for not being able to participate in the guild war event.

She even promised to protect every city belonging to alliance members who left for the event.

"I, Ayaka, Guild Leader of Yotsuba, swear before Ethan and all of you that my guild and I will do everything we can to maintain stability in the eastern region," Ayaka said.

Ethan smiled and began clapping. The others followed suit, applauding and placing their full trust in Ayaka.

Ayaka had already proven herself by reducing crime caused by Shadow Guild in her city to a level beyond what other cities had achieved.

That alone was more than enough to demonstrate her capability.

Sherly finished reading the meeting's conclusions and looked up. Ethan nodded and stood, bringing the meeting to a close.

"I will hold a major meeting for all Eastern Alliance members next week. I expect all of you to have decided on your guild partners and submitted the names by then," Ethan said firmly.

"Of course. We'll do it as soon as possible," they replied in unison.

The meeting of the five guilds ended, and Ethan allowed them to rest. As he had instructed Sherly earlier, LionArk members were already waiting at the entrance of the guild hall to escort them to their luxury accommodations in the city center.

They all left, except for Ayaka.

"I'm really worried that once you all leave, Shadow Guild will go on a rampage again," Ayaka said.

"I don't know if I can handle that," she added.

Ethan fell silent for a moment and turned to look closely at Ayaka. The fear on her face was justified.

Besides Shadow Guild's massive and undetected movements, Yotsuba's combat strength was also not on the same level as LionArk's.

Seeing Ayaka's concern made Ethan want to take her to a certain place, a coffee shop in the western district, ring three. That was where Ethan obtained the information he needed about Shadow Guild.

"If you don't mind, you can come here again at ten tonight. Alone."

Ayaka narrowed her eyes, unsure of the reason behind the invitation. Still, Ethan was Ethan. He would not say something meaningless without reason.

"Ten at night?"

"Yes."

"All right. I'll come."

After confirming her attendance, Ayaka left with her vice guild leader, accompanied by a LionArk member who would escort them to their lodging.

Sherly remained standing beside Ethan, holding the documents containing the alliance's decisions. Ethan turned when Sherly called out to him.

"Go to Ashley's office and discuss the discount percentages and subsidies," Ethan instructed.

"Yes, Sir Ethan."

Sherly walked away from the first floor, leaving Ethan alone in front of the guild hall.

He opened the message menu and began typing a message to the player AllMighty01. He needed to confirm the man's whereabouts before heading to the western district, ring three, that night.

[EthanArk: Erik, where are you tonight?]

[AllMighty01: Same place as usual]

[EthanArk: I need to meet you]

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