Chapter 359: The Rules of the World
Alexander looked around the tavern and then turned to Stephen, crossing his arms to discuss the plan moving forward.
"How should we proceed?" said Alexander.
"For now, I won’t interfere," said Stephen, waving his hand nonchalantly. "Like I told you, I’m a scientist; I love letting things run their natural course. So you can do whatever you want. I’ll stay in this place. You can leave your family with me, I’ll help them train and strengthen them, but I won’t go around massacring the realm."
Alexander raised an eyebrow, listening closely to the seasoned advisor.
"Every realm has its rules and its people," said Stephen, leaning against a nearby table and glancing toward the ceiling. "Besides, we are outsiders in this world. They don’t teach you this in school, kid, but the world itself will reject you if you start attacking its inhabitants without reason. And I already carry a stigma. As soon as I show myself actively, the world will know what I did, take me as a threat, and seek to exterminate me no matter what."
Alexander frowned slightly as he processed the old scientist’s words. The idea sounded mystical, but coming from someone of his level, it carried undeniable weight.
"Does the world have a will?" said Alexander, locking his eyes on Stephen.
"Gaia, Gea... There are so many names you surely heard back in school," said Stephen, letting out a faint smile as he adjusted his stance. "They aren’t lies or myths, they are the truth, and it is that consciousness that controls the world. Every planet, every plane of existence possesses its own will regulating its balance. If an outsider of excessive power tries to alter it by force, the world reacts by creating calamities or raising heroes to eradicate the plague."
Alexander remained silent for a few seconds, understanding why the TMC and high-ranking fighters preferred operating from the shadows rather than conquering territories by brute force.
"I understand," said Alexander, nodding slowly. "So you’ll keep a low profile while strengthening the others."
"Exactly, my boy," said Stephen, patting his shoulder. "Leave your people here. While you take care of your business in Sandoria, I’ll make sure that when you see them again, they won’t be a burden to anyone."
"I have experiments to run," said Alexander, adjusting his jacket. "However, I’ll go to the mayor first. My companions... well, the people who founded this place were sold as slaves. I should at least give them a hand now that I can."
"So there are TMC members in trouble," said Stephen, raising both eyebrows. "If you run into serious trouble, let me know."
Alexander turned toward Marcus, Leo, and Ben, observing the three of them calmly.
"This place is a brothel and tavern," said Alexander. "Our job here is to earn resources; they pay in gems, and you could say the pay is good. But you guys are pretty weak, so I was thinking of closing down. We need to find a way to strengthen you. Stephen, I don’t know if you can guide us."
"Strengthening yourself, when you don’t have an overwhelming skill like yours, is all about training, eating, and living on the edge," said Stephen, crossing his arms. "I saw in your report that there’s an adventurers’ guild. My recommendation is that they don’t live in Alexander’s shadow. If he protects them at all times, they won’t be able to do much. The best way is to go out, face the world, and live on the edge."
Marcus, Ben, and Leo looked at each other, reflecting deeply on the seasoned advisor’s words. After a few seconds in silence, they reached a decision with firm resolve.
"We’ll register at the guild and look for independent groups," said Marcus. "I’ll go solo."
"Ben and I will go together, just like always," added Leo, bumping fists with his partner.
"I’ll guide you," said Alexander, gesturing toward the exit. "I’m heading that way anyway."
The three of them stepped out onto the busy streets of Plyaro alongside Alexander. As they walked among the crowd of beastwomen, Alexander reached into his pouch and handed a fistful of glowing gems to each of them.
"Take some gems," said Alexander in a firm voice. "Their value here is quite high. Be careful not to get caught and sold as slaves. As long as you’re inside the city, you’ll be protected by local laws, but outside there is no law."
"We won’t disappoint you, boss," said Ben, carefully stashing the gems along with Leo. "We trained a lot with Stephen these past few weeks, so at least we can defend ourselves."
As they moved through the commercial district, the imposing presence of the three newly arrived men began drawing intense, provocative stares from the female passersby. Whispers, brazen smiles, and seemingly accidental brushes became constant. The three felt for the very first time what it was like to be openly harassed while walking down the street.
"They weren’t lying... these bitches are hungry for dick," said Leo under his breath, letting out a nervous yet excited laugh. "Looks like this really is paradise."
They arrived at the grand adventurers’ guild building. As they crossed the doors, the imposing figure of Kiara, the supervisor, was quick to notice the group’s arrival. Alexander walked up to the counter with ease and greeted her with a slight nod.
"They’re my friends, and they’re very capable," said Alexander, gesturing toward Marcus, Ben, and Leo. "The three of them can make the same deal with you."
Kiara scanned the three men’s physiques with a calculating, hungry gaze, letting out a satisfied smirk as she crossed her arms.
"If you fill me up like you did, I can give you the awakening stones," said Kiara in a sultry, direct voice. "But it all depends on your performance. Follow me."
Alexander stepped aside and looked at the three of them with a knowing half-smile.
"Good luck," said Alexander.
Marcus, Ben, and Leo exchanged glances, swallowing loudly before following the uninhibited supervisor toward the guild’s private chambers.