All LionArk units had assembled at the eastern gate. They had to depart this morning because the journey to Lion City would take about seven to eight hours by marching troops.

Ethan and Yuna rode on horseback right at the front of the LionArk forces.

They talked about many things along the way—from light conversations about hobbies to serious discussions about the future of the Eastern Alliance.

The reason Yuna said this was because the influence of the Redemption Sword had vanished and faded away, replaced by the authority of LionArk.

All players’ eyes in the game world would no longer be fixed on the central plains and Redemption Sword, but on the eastern plains, watching LionArk as it claimed its glory.

"Scavengers are still my main problem. Xeno and the other members are dead. It’s quite easy for me to destroy them in the game world," Ethan stated firmly.

"You won’t let a single Scavenger member live, huh?" Yuna asked.

Ethan fell silent. His vendetta against Scavenger did not begin with the VR tragedy, but long before that.

Unlike Redemption Sword, Scavenger had openly expressed their hatred toward LionArk.

The seeds of hostility and hatred started there, and when the VR Full Drive tragedy occurred, Scavenger took advantage of the moment to kill LionArk members and destroy LionArk.

Now, the situation has reversed in LionArk’s favor. If Scavenger had once been desperate enough to do anything to destroy LionArk, then why shouldn’t LionArk do the same to them?

The event would end in eight days. That was a fairly long time. However, he had an ideal method of sending messages to Mavelard.

Perhaps by sending such a message, they could carry out their tasks even while Ethan was still in the event world.

"I’ll reject several guilds that choose to migrate to the eastern plains. That’s to maintain stability in the central plains," Ethan explained.

"As for Scavenger, it’s not just me targeting them—Arthur is too."

"Because Arthur has already surrendered. He’s returned to the game world and is probably starting to carry out his plan."

Yuna nodded. Everything Ethan said sounded reasonable to her.

No matter what, Scavenger had to be destroyed so the cycle of vengeance would not continue, and LionArk and Redemption Sword could focus on their respective goals.

The seven-hour journey felt short as Ethan and Yuna spent the time talking. From afar, LionArk’s banner appeared on the horizon, a sign that they were close to Lion City.

Several other members stood atop the city walls, applauding and offering congratulations for their achievements.

LionArk’s core crystal acquisition had become the highest in this event and would likely continue that way until the event ended eight days later.

Ethan and Yuna urged their horses forward and entered through the city’s northern gate. There, Ethan met Hanss, who came to welcome him along with Patricia.

"Sir Ethan," Hanss greeted.

Ethan deactivated his horse mount, then walked over to Hanss and patted the man’s arm. "How are you, Hanss?"

"I’m doing very well. I should be the one asking you that, Sir Ethan."

"I returned safely. That means I’m fine," Ethan replied.

Ethan ordered all units to rest and relax. There was no more war—only boring peace.

Yet peace was the only thing that suited those who had fought on terrifying battlefields.

Together with Hanss, Ethan walked around the city, inspecting it carefully.

"Nathan told me that we won the war, but I don’t know what really happened," Hanss said.

"Don’t worry. Laura will tell you everything. It could make for a great story filled with heroic impressions."

"Really? I can’t wait to hear it."

Hanss explained how many city soldiers he had managed to recruit while Ethan and the others were away at war.

However, after news of the victory spread, Hanss took the initiative to stop recruiting city soldiers.

Now, all resources were being saved and largely allocated to social sectors, such as residential houses, places of worship, taverns, apothecaries, and so on.

Ethan could see it clearly. Lion City was far more colorful and lively than before. Hanss’s decision was absolutely the right one.

"I like the city’s current condition," Ethan praised.

Hanss turned to look at him. "The war is over. What are your plans next?"

Ethan reflexively stopped walking. He lifted his head to the sky, watching the white clouds drift back and forth with the wind.

"I don’t know. There’s nothing I want to do."

"I think I’ll just rest in the city until the event truly ends."

Hanss agreed. In his opinion, that was a wise choice for Ethan to make given his current situation.

The war was over, and there were no longer any enemies lurking beyond the canyon mountains.

There were eight days left in the event—crucial time to determine the winning guild.

"Rest, Ethan. Don’t strain yourself too much. Everything is fine here," Hanss urged.

Ethan nodded. He took his leave of Hanss and headed toward his town center. When the door to his room opened, he was surprised to find Yuna there alone.

"Yuna?"

"Do you want to rest? How about we have a drink tonight?"

Ethan smiled. The seven-hour journey had been quite tiring, and drinking some wine... might not be a bad choice.

"Sure."

Ethan took out his wine and poured it into two glasses—one for himself and one for Yuna.

"When the event ends, I hope the city transfer process will be complete," Yuna replied.

"If there really are cameras in the sky, my people in Mavelard must already be carrying out their task."

Yuna nodded. The central plains were no longer a safe territory for her or for the Sacred Hall.

Choosing to move to the eastern plains was a smart and wise decision on Ethan’s part.

Ethan took a sip of wine from his glass. "You should return to your city."

"Huh?"

"Hand over twenty of your core crystals, keep the remaining one with you. Go back to your city and enjoy yourself with your team members," Ethan said firmly.

"What are you... planning, Sir Ethan?"

Ethan shook his head. "Nothing. I just feel... you need to meet them after the war is over."