The journey afterward was an exceedingly tranquil one.
The inns along the way presented vigorous challenges with succubus nocturnal visits and seductive tactics, but even that was dispersed by a sharp rebuke from the two guides, making it peaceful and uneventful in a sense.
Though Yuu had a period where his relationship with Ai turned sour after one incident, seeing them soon back to their usual flirtatious banter suggested the succubus temptations served as little more than a spice.
And after several days of passing through the El-Nah Fairy Contract Union, they finally arrived at the capital, once the great elven city, now ruled by the Succubus Queen, Vagia.
(So, the real thing starts from here... I wonder what they'll bring up, what grand agenda they hold. It's intriguing.)
"Atou. Let me state our policy once more, yeah?"
"This visit is strictly for peace, and we are firmly forbidden from taking any action unless the other party moves first... Correct?"
"A perfect answer. It saves time when you're quick on the uptake."
"Thank you. My King."
"That said, don't neglect intelligence gathering. If possible, I want to understand the game systems held by other players, including the succubus faction."
"Hmm...! That is indeed the goal this time! Know the enemy, know yourself, as they say. Therefore, I shall keep my gamesmanship in check!"
Pressing the point to Atou while they were in the antechamber of the guided palace, he conducted the confidential discussion via soul-talk.
One never knew where ears might be listening. Soul-talk, which allowed consultation without being overheard, was invaluable in matters of counter-intelligence like this.
The nominal purpose of this upcoming conference was a discussion for peace.
While always mindful of a potential opening strike, they harbored no intention of taking the initiative.
As long as everyone here believed the Takuto and Atou before them were genuine, it was best to hold their cards close. That was Takuto's judgment.
"According to reports, the meeting is tomorrow... I wonder what kind of person will come. My curiosity is boundless."
Takuto murmured this to himself.
Atou nodded in response, and only silence remained.
Players summoned to this continent with some ulterior motive.
The Grand Council of All Races, where all of them would gather, was just around the corner.
….
……
…
Capital of the El-Nar Spirit Contract Union.
In its center lay the Tetralchia Council Chamber, the deliberation hall.
What Takuto and his group were led to was the very place where the elven elders once determined their nation's policies.
Constructed atop the colossal tree known as the World Tree at its center, it was as majestic as if to display elven grandeur to the entire world, and simultaneously brimming with nature as if to demonstrate harmony with the spirits.
A pale green light drifted through the air, and the dense magical power fully demonstrated the value of this location as a mana source.
The Mynoghra palace also possessed a function to generate Ruin Mana.
It was obvious this council chamber, built upon the World Tree, possessed the same function, but regrettably, this nation would win in a comparison of scale.
At the very least, it was a scale the current Mynoghra palace could not possibly hope to match.
(Despite being the most important facility in an elven nation, they readily invite enemies inside...)
Conversely, it could be seen as them making significant concessions. Or perhaps they believe their position is unshakable unless something causes an uproar close to home.
We would find out which it was soon enough.
In any case, it was more than sufficient as the venue for such a grand event as the All-Faction Summit involving the entire continent.
Other factions were being guided to the huge wooden round table.
Familiar faces were... mostly just Yu. Not knowing the humans from Quolia was natural, but the people from Fonkavun were also unfamiliar to Takuto.
It seemed, as Pepe had said earlier, they had sent substitute envoys instead.
Others were...
(Fewer participants than expected? And what is that...?)
He had wanted to know the faces of the other players, but so far, no one matched his expectations.
Instead, there were several seats where a peculiar object was placed on the table.
When Takuto saw one of them completely shattered, he vaguely guessed what that seat signified.
Just as he was about to use telepathy to share this realization with Vittorio, who surely understood as well, the door creaked open and the two Succubi who had guided them entered.
"Welcome to the gathering place! Our sincere gratitude for attending the Pan-National Conference ♥"
Simultaneously, from behind them, appeared a Succubus who was, in a sense, familiar yet met for the first time.
And thus began the conference that would decide the fate of the world.
=Message===
[Event]All-Faction Summit
The All-Faction Summit has begun.
Each faction's representative shall strive to maximize their interests as they engage in this conference.
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