"You really can't hide anything from me!"
Logan smiled wryly as he spoke. "The situation in the Central Region isn't great right now, and you know the reason. The Dark Elf Empire is only one part of it — what matters more is the All-Region Guardian..."
Leilin had some understanding of the situation as well.
In the Dark Polar Region, the Guardians of the Eastern, Southern, Western, and Northern Regions were generally chosen from powerful Second-rank Wizards. But the Central Region was different.
It was the essence of the entire Dark Polar Region, so the Wizard powerhouse stationed there was honored with the title of "All-Region Guardian." This current All-Region Guardian possessed the formidable strength of a Third-rank Wizard.
But according to intelligence, the Guardian's lifespan was gradually nearing its end, and in recent decades, he had completely vanished from sight.
Even the Dark Elf Empire's attacks and the stirring of the dwarves and gnomes could very likely be caused by this.
"You..." Xiling clenched her fists, her face flushed red with anger. She had finally caught on as well.
If it were the peaceful times of the past, migrating to the Central Region would have meant undergoing evaluation and promotion — naturally a wonderful thing. But what about now?
The Dark Elf army in the Eastern Region had only just been defeated; they should have been enjoying peace.
Meanwhile, because the Central Region had lost the support and blocking force of the Northern Region, a flood of Dark Elves and enemies poured in from the north in an endless stream. The situation was far worse than the Eastern Region!
To be invited there at a time like this — wasn't that just recruitment for fighters and cannon fodder?
Xiling nearly cursed out loud, but only then did she remember that a Second-rank Wizard Guardian was sitting right in front of her. She barely swallowed the words back, though her expression remained far from pleasant.
"The Central Region originally had all four borders guarding it, steady as a mountain — safe and peaceful, the top choice for settling down. But now it's become a battlefield on all sides. Logan, are you really trying to screw me over like this?"
Leilin remained silent, and finally a wry smile appeared on his face.
"I know that! But..." Logan hesitated.
"First, I can tell you this is an order from the All-Region Guardian, calling on all four regions to reinforce the Central Region. Additionally, regardless of what the other major academies do, at the very least my own academy will answer the call and march into the Central Region!"
Logan stood and gave Leilin a solemn bow, bending so low his head nearly touched his knees.
"Lord Leilin! For the Dark Polar Region, for the entire human race, I hope you will come help me!"
In that instant, Leilin seemed to see a glow emanating from old Logan.
That expression genuinely moved Xiling.
"Fine..." Leilin furrowed his brow tightly, appearing to be deep in thought, while Logan and Xiling on the other side didn't dare breathe loudly, afraid of interrupting Leilin's train of thought.
"I'll go!"
After a moment, Leilin gave his answer. Logan's face immediately lit up with joy, while Xiling grew anxious and wanted to say something, but Leilin cut her off: "But I have a few conditions!"
"Name them!" Logan's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"First! The resources and seats the Central Region previously promised — not a single piece can be shortchanged!" Leilin raised his index finger.
"That's certain. Resources and treatment of a major academy — if those little brats dare skim any of it, I'll kill them first!" Logan's words dripped with killing intent, and in wartime, a Guardian did indeed have that authority.
"Good! Also, I need to keep my territory and seat here in the Eastern Region!"
Leilin raised another finger.
"Want to keep a fallback option? Fine! I agree to that as well! Everything for humanity!" At this request, Logan only thought for a moment before agreeing readily.
"Everything for humanity!"
Leilin chuckled inwardly. He had always known the Central Region would be where everything reached its conclusion, and his earlier plans had to be realized there. He had long since harbored thoughts of heading to the Central Region.
Keeping his resource points here was naturally to maintain absolute control over the Ice Cavern. If Logan refused this, then everything was off the table anyway — Leilin would just walk away. He certainly wasn't going to let anyone else lay their hands on the Ice Cavern.
And now, he didn't mind putting on a little act.
Sure enough, Logan was truly moved. When he had visited those other major academies, many had made excuses to decline.
After all, Wizards were rational creatures who had to think of themselves and their subordinates.
The Central Region was full of danger right now — how could it compare to the Eastern Region?
"L-Lord Leilin, the Dark Polar Region will remember your contribution!"
Looking deeply gratified, Logan stepped onto the metal life-form and hurried away from there. It seemed he still had many more academies to visit.
"My Lord! How could you..."
After Logan left, Xiling immediately spoke in frustration.
"I've already made my decision. And you can choose to stay and guard this place. Regardless, this territory in the Eastern Region will always be ours. Going to the Central Region is just a gamble — if we fail, it's no big deal. But if we succeed, the Alliance of Nature becomes a major academy, and a Central Region major academy at that! Isn't that the dream you've always had?" Leilin looked at Xiling with a faint smile.