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## Chapter 356: Unexpected Support
As time was pressing and I didn't know exactly when the Little People would launch their full assault, I only stayed Home for a brief three days. Then, with a heavy heart, I departed under the reluctant gazes of everyone. However, this separation wouldn't be for too long. Fara the Stingy Guy told me that Velas's Job Advancement would happen within the next month or two. As for Sarah, she could actually undergo the Promotion Ceremony now, but she wanted to wait for Velas, so she hadn't done it yet and was still practicing her Swordsmanship diligently.
Therefore, the most regrettable thing about this return was being constantly entangled/pestered by my two Beloved Daughters, even at night when sleeping, which slightly impacted my 'sex'ually 'happy' married Life with Velas.
"Wu, I'll have to trouble you with this..."
Inside the Mage Guild's Underground Remote Teleportation Station, only Akara and Cain were there to see me off this time. Before I left, Akara said this to me seriously.
"Since it's such an important Quest, don't give it to me to do..." I grumbled a few words in dissatisfaction, then reluctantly nodded.
"I'll do my best. Oh, is there anything else I should pay attention to?"
"Adapt as needed. I believe you can do it. The only thing to note is the Attitude between both sides. We are going to provide Aid, not Provocation, nor are we currying favor. So, on one hand, you must restrain the Adventurers' behavior, and on the other hand, you cannot let the Elf Race look down upon us. Just grasp this Balance. As for other Matters, leave them to us two old fellows."
Saying this, Akara smiled and stepped back a few paces, signaling the Mage to start the Teleportation Array. Before long, a faint white Glow enveloped me.
"Then I'm off. Hopefully, this Operation goes smoothly."
Within the Glow, I waved to Akara and the others. They had quite a few things to do next as well. I was Responsible for the overt Aid, while they would secretly contact the high-level members of the Elf Race. In fact, both sides had the intention of Reconciliation, but the Elf Race had always claimed Democracy, and wanting to reconcile with Humans without the Support of the populace was unfeasible. Therefore, I had to lead the Adventurers of Kurast to put on a show, giving the high-level Elf Race members an Excuse to persuade their stubborn people.
After returning to Kurast, I immediately went to find another Representative of the Adventurer's Guild—Thorn. Just as I expected, this guy also looked quite similar to Cain. However, their attire was distinguishable. Thorn's interest was Plants, so he was always seen wearing commoner's clothes and frequenting the streets. His exposed gaunt Lower Legs and arms were covered in Soil from cultivating Flowers and Grasses, looking more like a Farmer than a Great Scholar.
Indeed, like a dragon having nine sons, Cain likes reading books, Ryan likes doing business, and Thorn likes researching Plants. I wonder what strange hobbies the Cain's Family members in the other two locations have? Could the one in Harrogath be an Architect, and the one in Harrogath be a mountain climbing enthusiast? I maliciously speculated.
When I found Thorn, he was fiddling with his Flowers and Grasses, covered in Soil, which almost made me cast a suspicious gaze at the Mage Brother who led the way for me. I said, Brother, I'm looking for Thorn, not Uncle Farmer.
However, after learning my Status and Quest, Thorn received me and had me sit down. After fumbling around in his room for a while, he transformed and put on a scholar's robe, suddenly gaining a hint of a scholar's Aura, which made me couldn't help but exclaim that the difference between a Farmer and a Sage is just a fine line.
Soon, the three Representatives of Kurast—Thorn, Ormus, and Asheara, and of course, me—sat together and began discussing this Operation. Things were quickly decided, but truly implementing them was not easy. In a War, the most tedious and exhausting part is not the battlefield slaughter, but the army organization and Logistics before the battle.
The next morning, the huge Bell Sound on the Central Platform in the Central Area of Kurast suddenly rang out. The resounding voice, enhanced by Magic Amplification, spread throughout the entire Kurast.
"What exactly is this sound?"
Upon hearing the Bell Sound, everyone's reactions varied. In a Tavern, an Adventurer who had just arrived in Kurast not long ago curiously asked the Adventurer next to him.
"Uh, it should be the Alliance's Assembly Bell."
The Adventurer pondered, then said somewhat uncertainly. Unless it was a particularly important Matter, the Alliance's Bell Sound rarely rang, so even veteran Kurast Adventurers didn't dare to immediately make a judgment.
"Oh, the Assembly Bell? Could it be that something big has happened?"
His Eyes lit up, and the young Adventurer next to him murmured, then immediately stood up and ran outside the Tavern.
"Hey, what are you rushing for? Wait for me!"
The old Adventurer sighed helplessly behind him and hurriedly followed. Similar things were happening in other Taverns as well. Scattered Adventurers rushed over from various places, Taverns, Casinos, and even those who were dragged and pulled by their companions while In a Dream. These Adventurers gradually converged into streams, finally gathering at the Central Platform, from dozens to a hundred, hundreds, until thousands in Quantity. Never before had so many Adventurers gathered at the same time and place. Acquaintances greeted each other, loudly discussing the Bell Sound this time. Before long, the entire Central Platform was bustling with noise, raising wave after wave of excitement.
Seeing that the Adventurers had mostly gathered, Thorn, dressed like a scholar, coughed a few times and slowly walked towards the Platform under the gazes of all the Adventurers. Then he lightly pressed his hands downwards, signaling for quiet. The noise stopped before long. Everyone waited for Thorn to speak and explain, their Eyes more or less carrying a hint of curiosity and Excitement. I have to say, Adventurers are a bunch of guys who love joining in on the fun.
"The Assembly Bell of Kurast hasn't rung for over ten years. I didn't expect everyone to still remember it. I feel very gratified about this..." Unhurriedly, Thorn slowly said, then glanced around at everyone before informing the Adventurers of the reason for this Assembly Bell.
"Aid the Elf Race?..."
"Seems quite fun..."
As soon as Thorn's words fell, the Adventurers below the platform immediately became noisy. The Adventurers expressed their opinions, making it very lively. Listening carefully from behind the platform for a while, I suddenly let out a sigh of relief. The first Difficulty of this Operation was fearing that the Adventurers wouldn't be interested in the Elf Race and would develop resistance towards the Operation. But now, judging from the reaction below the platform, it seemed that no Adventurers opposed it. Of course, it's not that they liked the Elf Race. In my opinion, compared to supporting the Elf Race, the never-before-seen collective Combat Style was more attractive to them. Thousands of Adventurers mobilizing together, just thinking about this scene could make this bunch of Restless fellows' Hot Blood boil.
Forget it, anyway, as long as these Unruly fellows don't oppose it, it's fine.
"Cough cough, quiet down, everyone quiet down..." Amidst the discussions of thousands of Adventurers, Thorn's voice, enhanced by Magic Amplification, seemed so weak.
"Next, I will introduce to everyone the Representative for this Operation..."
As soon as the words were finished, the sound throughout the entire area suddenly stopped. The abrupt Atmosphere almost made Thorn bite his tongue. He saw each and every Adventurer looking at him with strange gazes, as if saying, Who is the Representative? I want to see how capable that guy is.
"It's me."
Without waiting for Thorn to speak, a faint voice came from behind. In an instant, thousands of sharp gazes focused on the area behind Thorn.
To be honest, the moment before, I was so nervous I didn't know what to do. Was this kind of big scene a bit too much for me to handle? In a daze, Thorn's speaking voice became blurry, but the faces of the Adventurers below the platform seemed to enlarge in my Eyes. But, when I saw the doubtful and disdainful expressions within them, an inexplicable impulse pushed me forward a few steps. There was only one thought in my blank Brain.
—I don't want to be looked down upon by others, I don't want to be stared at by doubtful gazes.
"It's me. Is that not allowed?"
Stepping with slow but firm Footsteps, I stood beside Thorn, standing with hands resting on the sword. I gently waved the black Cloak behind me. My Line of Sight swept across every Adventurer's face from left to right. It wasn't that I wasn't nervous, nor was I not timid, but standing on the Platform, my Inner Heart at this moment was filled with another, greater passion.
The Central Plaza, crowded with people, was completely silent. The Atmosphere was quite strange. Receiving the Baptism of thousands of gazes, the palm holding the sword hilt was slightly sweating, but I still stood up straight, making my gaze sharp, resisting these thousands of Presences without yielding at all. I cannot retreat. I cannot do things that would bring shame to Sarah and the others. Even if I am a Coward, I want to be a Coward that they can be proud of.
"I am his Wife," I want my beloved to be able to say this to anyone with a proud tone.
One sound, two sounds, like bamboo shoots after rain, the quiet Plaza slowly began to make sounds, getting louder and louder, finally becoming intense. Unexpectedly, I originally thought it would require a lot of Effort to gain the Recognition of this bunch of guys, but I hadn't even had time to do anything, and I had unexpectedly already gained the Support of a portion of the Adventurers.
"Brother, do you still remember me? The one who bought an Axe from you, I support you!"
In front of the Crowd, a loud, booming voice rang out, overpowering everyone else. Looking in the direction of the sound, I discovered a big guy over three meters tall, who stood out particularly in the Crowd. I do have an impression; he should be one of the customers who visited my stall last time.
"Lord, your Potion is very cheap, sell to us next time too! We support you!"
The soft voice of the Rogue Maiden was instantly drowned out by the noise. Following the sound, I only saw a pair of small hands raised high, surrounded by tall Adventurers, energetically waving towards me. I couldn't help but smile.
"Senior, we also support you, but next time the price has to be 20% off!" This was a Druid Maiden.
"..."
I didn't know when, but my ears were already filled with such sounds of support, making me so surprised I didn't know what to do. It was originally just an unintentional decision to clear out my Inventory, but I didn't expect it to help me a great deal. Of course, what I didn't expect was that I could gain their Support not just because my things were sold cheaply, but because the Strength/Power indirectly demonstrated by the Action of selling things gained their Approval. Would an Adventurer who can casually give away Potions and sell Excellent Equipment as Junk be a person (Organization) without Strength/Power?
Among the Adventurers here, roughly % had previously patronized my stall. The rest were not all competitive and aggressive types. Roughly calculating on the platform, I found that the calls supporting me accounted for roughly 50%. The remaining faces still carried doubt. After all, I just came from Lut Gholein and was just a Rookie or a Stranger to the Adventurers of Kurast.
Actually, even without this 50% support rate, these Adventurers wouldn't do anything. After all, I represent the Adventurer's Guild, and they are a member of the Alliance. They would still listen to my Command. But this way, all I would have is the Alliance's Bind over them, while my own Bind over them would infinitely approach zero. At the Critical Moment, this single point of difference is very likely to lead to major changes.
Therefore, I need to gain the Support of everyone. I need to rely on my own Strength instead of the Alliance's prestige to restrain them. This is Akara's Request, and also a major Trial of my own Ability, although I don't Expect this kind of Trial to happen.
As time was pressing and I didn't know exactly when the Little People would launch their full assault, I only stayed Home for a brief three days. Then, with a heavy heart, I departed under the reluctant gazes of everyone. However, this separation wouldn't be for too long. Fara the Stingy Guy told me that Velas's Job Advancement would happen within the next month or two. As for Sarah, she could actually undergo the Promotion Ceremony now, but she wanted to wait for Velas, so she hadn't done it yet and was still practicing her Swordsmanship diligently.
Therefore, the most regrettable thing about this return was being constantly entangled/pestered by my two Beloved Daughters, even at night when sleeping, which slightly impacted my 'sex'ually 'happy' married Life with Velas.
"Wu, I'll have to trouble you with this..."
Inside the Mage Guild's Underground Remote Teleportation Station, only Akara and Cain were there to see me off this time. Before I left, Akara said this to me seriously.
"Since it's such an important Quest, don't give it to me to do..." I grumbled a few words in dissatisfaction, then reluctantly nodded.
"I'll do my best. Oh, is there anything else I should pay attention to?"
"Adapt as needed. I believe you can do it. The only thing to note is the Attitude between both sides. We are going to provide Aid, not Provocation, nor are we currying favor. So, on one hand, you must restrain the Adventurers' behavior, and on the other hand, you cannot let the Elf Race look down upon us. Just grasp this Balance. As for other Matters, leave them to us two old fellows."
Saying this, Akara smiled and stepped back a few paces, signaling the Mage to start the Teleportation Array. Before long, a faint white Glow enveloped me.
"Then I'm off. Hopefully, this Operation goes smoothly."
Within the Glow, I waved to Akara and the others. They had quite a few things to do next as well. I was Responsible for the overt Aid, while they would secretly contact the high-level members of the Elf Race. In fact, both sides had the intention of Reconciliation, but the Elf Race had always claimed Democracy, and wanting to reconcile with Humans without the Support of the populace was unfeasible. Therefore, I had to lead the Adventurers of Kurast to put on a show, giving the high-level Elf Race members an Excuse to persuade their stubborn people.
After returning to Kurast, I immediately went to find another Representative of the Adventurer's Guild—Thorn. Just as I expected, this guy also looked quite similar to Cain. However, their attire was distinguishable. Thorn's interest was Plants, so he was always seen wearing commoner's clothes and frequenting the streets. His exposed gaunt Lower Legs and arms were covered in Soil from cultivating Flowers and Grasses, looking more like a Farmer than a Great Scholar.
Indeed, like a dragon having nine sons, Cain likes reading books, Ryan likes doing business, and Thorn likes researching Plants. I wonder what strange hobbies the Cain's Family members in the other two locations have? Could the one in Harrogath be an Architect, and the one in Harrogath be a mountain climbing enthusiast? I maliciously speculated.
When I found Thorn, he was fiddling with his Flowers and Grasses, covered in Soil, which almost made me cast a suspicious gaze at the Mage Brother who led the way for me. I said, Brother, I'm looking for Thorn, not Uncle Farmer.
However, after learning my Status and Quest, Thorn received me and had me sit down. After fumbling around in his room for a while, he transformed and put on a scholar's robe, suddenly gaining a hint of a scholar's Aura, which made me couldn't help but exclaim that the difference between a Farmer and a Sage is just a fine line.
Soon, the three Representatives of Kurast—Thorn, Ormus, and Asheara, and of course, me—sat together and began discussing this Operation. Things were quickly decided, but truly implementing them was not easy. In a War, the most tedious and exhausting part is not the battlefield slaughter, but the army organization and Logistics before the battle.
The next morning, the huge Bell Sound on the Central Platform in the Central Area of Kurast suddenly rang out. The resounding voice, enhanced by Magic Amplification, spread throughout the entire Kurast.
"What exactly is this sound?"
Upon hearing the Bell Sound, everyone's reactions varied. In a Tavern, an Adventurer who had just arrived in Kurast not long ago curiously asked the Adventurer next to him.
"Uh, it should be the Alliance's Assembly Bell."
The Adventurer pondered, then said somewhat uncertainly. Unless it was a particularly important Matter, the Alliance's Bell Sound rarely rang, so even veteran Kurast Adventurers didn't dare to immediately make a judgment.
"Oh, the Assembly Bell? Could it be that something big has happened?"
His Eyes lit up, and the young Adventurer next to him murmured, then immediately stood up and ran outside the Tavern.
"Hey, what are you rushing for? Wait for me!"
The old Adventurer sighed helplessly behind him and hurriedly followed. Similar things were happening in other Taverns as well. Scattered Adventurers rushed over from various places, Taverns, Casinos, and even those who were dragged and pulled by their companions while In a Dream. These Adventurers gradually converged into streams, finally gathering at the Central Platform, from dozens to a hundred, hundreds, until thousands in Quantity. Never before had so many Adventurers gathered at the same time and place. Acquaintances greeted each other, loudly discussing the Bell Sound this time. Before long, the entire Central Platform was bustling with noise, raising wave after wave of excitement.
Seeing that the Adventurers had mostly gathered, Thorn, dressed like a scholar, coughed a few times and slowly walked towards the Platform under the gazes of all the Adventurers. Then he lightly pressed his hands downwards, signaling for quiet. The noise stopped before long. Everyone waited for Thorn to speak and explain, their Eyes more or less carrying a hint of curiosity and Excitement. I have to say, Adventurers are a bunch of guys who love joining in on the fun.
"The Assembly Bell of Kurast hasn't rung for over ten years. I didn't expect everyone to still remember it. I feel very gratified about this..." Unhurriedly, Thorn slowly said, then glanced around at everyone before informing the Adventurers of the reason for this Assembly Bell.
"Aid the Elf Race?..."
"Seems quite fun..."
As soon as Thorn's words fell, the Adventurers below the platform immediately became noisy. The Adventurers expressed their opinions, making it very lively. Listening carefully from behind the platform for a while, I suddenly let out a sigh of relief. The first Difficulty of this Operation was fearing that the Adventurers wouldn't be interested in the Elf Race and would develop resistance towards the Operation. But now, judging from the reaction below the platform, it seemed that no Adventurers opposed it. Of course, it's not that they liked the Elf Race. In my opinion, compared to supporting the Elf Race, the never-before-seen collective Combat Style was more attractive to them. Thousands of Adventurers mobilizing together, just thinking about this scene could make this bunch of Restless fellows' Hot Blood boil.
Forget it, anyway, as long as these Unruly fellows don't oppose it, it's fine.
"Cough cough, quiet down, everyone quiet down..." Amidst the discussions of thousands of Adventurers, Thorn's voice, enhanced by Magic Amplification, seemed so weak.
"Next, I will introduce to everyone the Representative for this Operation..."
As soon as the words were finished, the sound throughout the entire area suddenly stopped. The abrupt Atmosphere almost made Thorn bite his tongue. He saw each and every Adventurer looking at him with strange gazes, as if saying, Who is the Representative? I want to see how capable that guy is.
"It's me."
Without waiting for Thorn to speak, a faint voice came from behind. In an instant, thousands of sharp gazes focused on the area behind Thorn.
To be honest, the moment before, I was so nervous I didn't know what to do. Was this kind of big scene a bit too much for me to handle? In a daze, Thorn's speaking voice became blurry, but the faces of the Adventurers below the platform seemed to enlarge in my Eyes. But, when I saw the doubtful and disdainful expressions within them, an inexplicable impulse pushed me forward a few steps. There was only one thought in my blank Brain.
—I don't want to be looked down upon by others, I don't want to be stared at by doubtful gazes.
"It's me. Is that not allowed?"
Stepping with slow but firm Footsteps, I stood beside Thorn, standing with hands resting on the sword. I gently waved the black Cloak behind me. My Line of Sight swept across every Adventurer's face from left to right. It wasn't that I wasn't nervous, nor was I not timid, but standing on the Platform, my Inner Heart at this moment was filled with another, greater passion.
The Central Plaza, crowded with people, was completely silent. The Atmosphere was quite strange. Receiving the Baptism of thousands of gazes, the palm holding the sword hilt was slightly sweating, but I still stood up straight, making my gaze sharp, resisting these thousands of Presences without yielding at all. I cannot retreat. I cannot do things that would bring shame to Sarah and the others. Even if I am a Coward, I want to be a Coward that they can be proud of.
"I am his Wife," I want my beloved to be able to say this to anyone with a proud tone.
One sound, two sounds, like bamboo shoots after rain, the quiet Plaza slowly began to make sounds, getting louder and louder, finally becoming intense. Unexpectedly, I originally thought it would require a lot of Effort to gain the Recognition of this bunch of guys, but I hadn't even had time to do anything, and I had unexpectedly already gained the Support of a portion of the Adventurers.
"Brother, do you still remember me? The one who bought an Axe from you, I support you!"
In front of the Crowd, a loud, booming voice rang out, overpowering everyone else. Looking in the direction of the sound, I discovered a big guy over three meters tall, who stood out particularly in the Crowd. I do have an impression; he should be one of the customers who visited my stall last time.
"Lord, your Potion is very cheap, sell to us next time too! We support you!"
The soft voice of the Rogue Maiden was instantly drowned out by the noise. Following the sound, I only saw a pair of small hands raised high, surrounded by tall Adventurers, energetically waving towards me. I couldn't help but smile.
"Senior, we also support you, but next time the price has to be 20% off!" This was a Druid Maiden.
"..."
I didn't know when, but my ears were already filled with such sounds of support, making me so surprised I didn't know what to do. It was originally just an unintentional decision to clear out my Inventory, but I didn't expect it to help me a great deal. Of course, what I didn't expect was that I could gain their Support not just because my things were sold cheaply, but because the Strength/Power indirectly demonstrated by the Action of selling things gained their Approval. Would an Adventurer who can casually give away Potions and sell Excellent Equipment as Junk be a person (Organization) without Strength/Power?
Among the Adventurers here, roughly % had previously patronized my stall. The rest were not all competitive and aggressive types. Roughly calculating on the platform, I found that the calls supporting me accounted for roughly 50%. The remaining faces still carried doubt. After all, I just came from Lut Gholein and was just a Rookie or a Stranger to the Adventurers of Kurast.
Actually, even without this 50% support rate, these Adventurers wouldn't do anything. After all, I represent the Adventurer's Guild, and they are a member of the Alliance. They would still listen to my Command. But this way, all I would have is the Alliance's Bind over them, while my own Bind over them would infinitely approach zero. At the Critical Moment, this single point of difference is very likely to lead to major changes.
Therefore, I need to gain the Support of everyone. I need to rely on my own Strength instead of the Alliance's prestige to restrain them. This is Akara's Request, and also a major Trial of my own Ability, although I don't Expect this kind of Trial to happen.
