Chapter 163: The decision of the Elemental Alliance
Technically, the person who sold the information wasn\'t a traitor, just someone who went against the Alliance\'s collective decision.
The Elemental Alliance had no direct ties to Alex. Whether they chose to oppose her or remain neutral was their decision.
But despite this, Alex had been relatively friendly towards them. Others might not feel it, but Samson, having interacted with Alex multiple times, could sense it easily.
Given this, why make an enemy of her? The All-Races Battle Royale wasn\'t about killing everyone. Lords weren\'t absolute enemies.
Samson understood his members\' thoughts. Selling Alex\'s information for resources seemed safe since Alex couldn\'t find them.
But this would rapidly deteriorate their relationship with Alex, making the Barren Plains uninhabitable for them.
Samson wasn\'t troubled by the member who sold the information. As an Alliance member, he naturally sided with the Alliance. He was thinking about the Alliance\'s future.
Though someone went against the decision, it wasn\'t enough to label them a traitor. Samson had deep feelings for the Elemental Alliance.
Samson\'s resolve hardened. He had a plan.
He couldn\'t tell the others about this, as it would create distrust.
Samson decided to go with the flow, openly providing a passage for those Lords and then leaving. Abandoning the castle and developing elsewhere.
Of course, moving depended on Alex winning. If she lost, they wouldn\'t need to leave.
He would still release the information Alex gave him but wouldn\'t hand over the traitor.
That would be truly betraying his allies, something Samson couldn\'t do.
At worst, they would all leave together. Eldoria was vast; surely Alex couldn\'t find them.
Having made up his mind, Samson called a meeting at his castle to announce his decision.
Soon, the other four arrived, curious about what he had to say.
Usually, such meetings were for major decisions. Otherwise, they communicated through the system.
"The Starfallen Empire crisis is resolved. Besides the human general, there was a Monarch level mage from the mage association. The undead Lord fought them both and killed them but was injured. She fled southeast, and I followed her to a swamp where I lost her. I suspect her castle is there."
Samson scanned the four, noting their reactions. They didn\'t understand why he mentioned Alex\'s castle.
Cain was the first to react, looking surprised.
"You mean..."
"Yes, since we have a way out, why not sell her information? Those Lords are looking for her. We can make a profit and leave before she finds us. There\'s no need to fear her."
Samson\'s strategy was the opposite of before, confusing the others. He had been against this, so why the sudden change?
"The Barren Plains are resource-poor and affected by the Starfallen Empire. Staying here is pointless. We can provide a passage for those Lords and tell them the undead Lord\'s castle location, making a profit and leaving safely."
Samson\'s analysis tempted the others.
He was right. Staying wasn\'t viable. They had angered the Starfallen Empire. Though safe now, another attack would doom them. Better to move and profit before leaving.
"Exactly. You should\'ve fucking listened to me before. Why the hell didn\'t you think this way then?"
Boreas was puzzled, swearing.
"It\'s different now. The undead Lord is injured. Those Lords know the location of her castle; they have a chance to defeat her. Plus, with the threat from the Starfallen Empire, that\'s why I changed my mind."
Samson explained again. Earl remained silent, supporting whatever benefited the Alliance.
Cain was also silent, sensing something off about Samson but unable to pinpoint it.
Boreas agreed directly.
Ivy seemed troubled, less lively than usual.
"Who will contact those Lords?"
Cain and Earl stayed silent. Boreas was about to speak when a soft voice interrupted.
"I will."
Ivy volunteered, and Samson\'s gaze fixed on her.
Samson was now certain. Ivy was the one who sold the information.
"Alright, Ivy will handle it."
The meeting ended quickly.
Cain wanted to say something but hesitated and left with a sigh.
Samson watched them leave, his gaze lingering on Ivy. He thought, "I\'ll give you another chance. Don\'t harm the Alliance\'s interests again."
Such foolishness could only be her doing. She could\'ve discussed it with everyone.
Samson took the blame, becoming the bad guy. Otherwise, if Ivy was exposed, everyone would see her as a traitor.
The Elemental Alliance was Samson\'s creation. He didn\'t want it to fall apart over this.
Back at her castle, Ivy was pleased with Samson\'s sudden change of heart.
Now she could openly contact Galvin.
She traded Alex\'s information with Galvin, who eagerly accepted, gaining details about Alex\'s injury and castle.
Galvin offered too many benefits to refuse.
Galvin was thrilled, feeling like the luckiest person.
Ivy didn\'t mention moving the castle, as they had already planned it.
[Vine Fairy]: "Don\'t forget your promise."
[Ember]: "Don\'t worry. I keep my word. With me, they won\'t touch you."
...
In the Sunset Alliance, Galvin smiled, more out of disdain.
"This Lord is naive. No wonder she\'s only second-tier."
Meanwhile, Raphaela, realizing Blonde was killed, knew the undead Lord had likely found them.
Whether the undead Lord near Blonde was their target or not, Raphaela felt it necessary to inform Galvin.
They might have alerted the enemy.
Blonde hadn\'t sent a message before dying, indicating the enemy\'s strength, able to kill him before he could.
[Holy Wing]: "How\'s the preparation? [21 Nuns] was killed. We might have alerted the enemy. The undead Lord near him is likely our target."
[Ember]: "Almost ready. The Lord who sold me information just revealed the undead Lord\'s castle location. She was injured fighting two Monarch levels. It\'s time to act."
[Holy Wing]: "It\'s late. We need time to notify the other Lords. Confirm with them and act at dawn."
[Ember]: "Agreed. Let\'s do it. We still need some equipment."