"Do you really have to go back? What's so important, Uncle Mac? After staying in Talcavano for so long, I really don't want to return."
"Exactly, isn't it better to go to Spartonia?"
Exiled Immortal and Qing shared the same sentiment, both having a lukewarm impression of the desert city.
"Minefield No. 1 was sealed off. I originally thought, like the rumors outside, that it was because the mineral resources were nearly exhausted.
But after going in, I discovered that Caliban sealed the mine for his own selfish reasons, yet secretly continues to mine it himself. I can't accept this."
"Is it that important?" Qing asked, puzzled. "It's just a few pieces of ore. If they're gone, they're gone. Is it really worth going back for this?"
"Yes, it is. The ore veins are incredibly important to every craftsman. They can't be monopolized by him alone!"
"...Exiled Immortal, look at the trouble you've caused!"
Qing glared at Exiled Immortal, who knew it was all because of him. He shrank back, not daring to speak.
"I'm definitely not going back. No matter what you all decide, I'm going to Spartonia. Delaying the trip for this is just ridiculous!"
"Uncle Mac, if you had a reasonable reason, I would support you, but for this, I disagree."
"Qing, don't say that."
Helena sighed, feeling a bit conflicted.
An occasional argument was normal, as everyone had their own opinions.
But this time, even Helena couldn't see things from Uncle Mac's perspective. Maybe it was because they weren't craftsmen and couldn't understand Uncle Mac's thinking.
In the end, Helena sided with Qing and Exiled Immortal, opposing a return to the city.
This made it three against one.
The only ones left without an opinion were John, Lily, and Elaria.
"Elaria, what do you think?"
John turned to Elaria, who hadn't expected the question to come to her. After a moment's pause, she sighed and said, "We are companions and shouldn't split up like this. Besides, Uncle Mac might have his reasons. Clarifying this matter shouldn't take too long, right?"
By implication, Elaria sided with Uncle Mac. As for Lily, her stance was obvious. As a Priest, Lily was highly averse to Spartonia and naturally chose to support Uncle Mac.
"So you all planned this, didn't you? Three against three, and the deciding vote is mine?" Your next chapter awaits at m,vlempyr.
John pinched his brow, feeling quite helpless.
"John, buddy, come on! Why go back? The main quest is over, the events are done, and we've got the dungeon's first-clear rewards. Going back to idle around for ten or twenty days is just too boring!"
"Then let's split up. Helena, be sure to stay safe."
"Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on these two and make sure they don't do anything stupid."
"That's not my concern. Given your current strength, you shouldn't have any trouble in Spartonia. But don't slack off. I'm looking forward to seeing your dungeon first-clear announcement. We'll meet in Atlantis."
The suddenness of the separation caught them off guard.
Although they knew they would reunite soon, everyone felt a bit uneasy.
They had been together since Calia.
Despite new companions joining later, John, Exiled Immortal, Helena, and Lily had always been a constant team.
Now, they were splitting up due to differing opinions.
Thinking it over, it seemed no different from his previous life.
After watching Helena and the others leave, John let out a long breath.
"Alright, we should head back too."
"John, I'm sorry," Uncle Mac said, bowing his head and sighing silently. "It's my stubbornness that caused the split, but this matter is really important to me!"
"It's okay. Let me tell you a little secret, Uncle Mac. I didn't really want to go to Spartonia either. It's a paradise for Qing and the others, but not so friendly to me. So, it's fine if we don't go. It's not like we'll never meet again.
We still have chances to reunite."
"Uncle Mac, I understand your feelings. The things you've always stood for don't change no matter how others misunderstand them."
At this moment, Lily, who had been silent, spoke softly, "Don't blame yourself too much, Uncle Mac."
After using the teleportation scroll, the four of them returned to the gates of Talcavano. This city, which had stood through countless years of wind and sand, was still strong despite its hardships.
After settling Uncle Mac down, John and the other two set off again, returning to Deep Forest. The endless sandstorms transformed into a refreshing floral scent, and Lily finally relaxed.
"I really can't handle such extreme environments..."
"We'll stay here for a while. It won't be too long, and I'll visit whenever I can."
Since it was already night, slowly traveling through Deep Forest to the elves' dwelling could be dangerous. John took the two women and flew over the treetops, returning to the elven habitat.
Come to think of it, it hadn't even been ten hours since he left in the morning.
Arriving at the palace's outskirts, the guards immediately stopped them. But upon recognizing John and Elaria, the guards quickly sent someone to inform Elowen.
Soon, Elowen, dressed casually, walked out of the palace to greet them.
"John? It really is you. How come you're back so soon? And Elaria and Lily too? What happened?"