Chapter 785 The Reconstruction Meeting (Part 1)
The entrance to the large tent where the meeting was to take place was guarded by two imposing members of the royal guard, wearing shiny, robust armor. But when they saw Kaizen approaching, the two men exchanged glances and took no more than a second to agree to kneel.
Kaizen and Bloody Lily thanked him and walked together through the entrance, their footsteps echoing on the red carpeted ground that stretched all the way inside the tent.
The murmur of animated conversations inside the place ceased momentarily when the two entered the enclosure.
The big tent was indeed immense, even bigger inside than out, as if by magic. Its fabric walls stretched upwards like a circus tarpaulin, and a huge wooden table occupied the center, covered with a detailed map of the entire Kingdom of Mibothen. Dozens of chairs were arranged around the table, each occupied by a unique figure. Leaders of local guilds and those of neighboring kingdoms, wearing distinctive costumes and displaying emblems indicating their respective guilds, were talking to each other and arguing, at least until the arrival of the two main characters from the War That Lasted One Night.
Kaizen felt the eyes on him and Bloody Lily as they approached the central table.
Fryft, the Captain of the Evolved Guild Hell's Arguments, was already present at the other end of the table, and Kaizen noticed the diversity of personalities there. A tall, slender elf with a serious expression and sharp eyes represented one of the local guilds. Next to him, a robust dwarf, wearing polished armor and a braided beard, seemed to lead another. These were just two of the many other players he had never seen in his life, not even at the Tournament of the Three Great Kingdoms, but who were present in this tent and were undoubtedly strong.
As they approached the table, Fryft stood up. "Ah, good of you to arrive. I believe your perspectives will be valuable." She extended her hand in greeting, and Kaizen shook it firmly. Her deep voice then resounded through the tent. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you may have already realized, this is Kaizen and Bloody Lily."
So everyone who was sitting down stood up and bowed their heads slightly.
Kaizen and Bloody Lily exchanged quick glances before walking to their seats together. The guild leaders' gazes followed their every step as they murmured amongst themselves, speculating on the dynamic between the two.
Kaizen could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but next to Bloody Lily, he found a quiet comfort.
Kaizen and Bloody Lily found seats at the only two empty places at the table, next to each other.
Fryft rose from his chair and waved for everyone to settle down. Her penetrating gaze passed over each leader present, establishing a sense of authority that silenced the room, after all, after Kaizen she was the most powerful person in the room. When everyone was seated, she began the meeting in a firm voice.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. As you know, we are facing an unprecedented situation. The War That Lasted a Night has left these lands in ruins, and we now face the challenge of rebuilding and protecting what remains. Kaizen and Bloody Lily bring with them a unique perspective, and I trust that together we can form an effective strategy."
As Fryft spoke, the eyes of those present turned to Kaizen and Bloody Lily. Some expressed suspicion, others curiosity and extreme respect.
However, Kaizen remained impassive, his firm posture conveying confidence, as did Bloody Lily who, for her part, displayed a determined aura.
Fryft resumed her place at the head of the table and with a gesture of her right hand raised the detailed map of the Kingdom of Mibothen in front of her, until it was high enough for anyone to see any point. The city, represented by an intricate design, occupied the center of the map, surrounded by lands devastated by lesser demons and the shockwave that had epicentered the Eldoria Mountains.
It took a few minutes for the discussions to start flowing, but soon the guild leaders began spreading information about the damage suffered in their regions and the urgent needs of their communities.
Seeing this chaos, Kaizen stood up, drawing attention to himself and silencing everyone almost immediately. "Listen to me, arguing won't help. Everyone wants their problems solved, but we must focus on the main problems for the population as a whole and not be selfish. So I propose that we concentrate our efforts on restoring the main avenue linking the camp to the entrance to the city. If we can guarantee a safe route, we will facilitate the transportation of essential supplies and allow the workers to move around more freely."
Kaizen's words were met with nods of approval from some and skeptical looks from others. However, Fryft nodded, recognizing the logic behind the proposal. "A functional avenue is the backbone of a city. I agree with Kaizen. Let's concentrate some of our efforts on this area."
Bloody Lily took the opportunity to suggest implementing night patrols. "We don't know who else might be prowling around. The monsters haven't ceased to exist, and if the city's protection is failing, they may see an opportunity to attack. Ensuring security at night, when they are at their most aggressive and strongest, is crucial to the success of our daytime efforts."
The discussions continued, and the leaders present began to form concrete plans for reconstruction and security. Meanwhile, Kaizen and Bloody Lily remained active in the conversation, contributing their ideas and experiences.
The meeting progressed, and minutes passed as details were discussed and decisions were made. The guild leaders began to notice Kaizen's strategic ability and Bloody Lily's tenacity. At first, their presence had caused some discomfort, but now their collaboration was proving essential in facing the challenges ahead.
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