Michael could clearly tell that it was a great opportunity to get the EmeraldLeaf Adventurer team on his side.
Not only were the five members Tier-2 Adventurers, but they could connect him to a race and market that was the complete opposite of mankind's market.
Mankind lacked the means to create big farms and reinvigorate the barren and destroyed lands in the Origin Expanse. They possessed other means that allowed them to survive in the Origin Expanse for half a millennium.
The Forest Elves had more means to create flourishing flora and fauna wherever they were. They had too many of them, in fact. However, they lacked many other resources.
Thus, Michael didn't hesitate to give the EmeraldLeaf Adventurer team a tour of his territory.
He first walked over to the Bilrox Ranch, then he visited the Weaponsmith, the Master Alchemist, the Priest, and tamed Monsters before he proudly showed the Forest Elves the development of his territory, and the farms.
While all of this was already enough to demonstrate how much everyone trusted Michael, and how quickly his territory developed, Michael showed the Forest Elves the lizard cave, and the Nature Spirit, at last.
Even before the Forest Elves got to know the Nature Spirit, they had already made a final decision – or so it seemed.
However, the moment the Nature Spirit appeared in front of them, just barely sprouting out of the wet soil, the EmeraldLeaf Adventurer team failed to hide their shock.
Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as they stared at the Nature Spirit with an utterly dumbfounded expressions.
Michael saw their reaction and couldn't hide a victorious smile.
"How did you find a Nature Spirit like this?" Lilica asked Michael once she regained her composure.
Michael tilted his head, "I summoned it. The Nature Spirit is a 4-Star Summon, though a bit too timid for my taste. I am currently trying to find ways for the Nature Spirit to build up some confidence."
Michael had a lot more to say about the Nature Spirit, but he stopped at that point. He saw the brightly twinkling eyes of the Forest Elves and realized that he said more than enough.
Michael didn't know that the Forest Elves could sense the emotions of the flora and fauna around them vividly. It was their sixth sense, a racial trait that allowed them to grow all kinds of plants rapidly by sensing when a plant had been watered perfectly, and what other nourishment was needed by them to flourish.
They could also sense the Nature Spirit's emotions, its joy, and trust in Michael as a human being and a Lord.
The forest around Michael's territory also seemed to be well-kept. Certain conditions could be improved, but the Forest Elves acknowledged that Michael was not one of them, and thus unable to figure out the mistakes he made.
Feeling the emotions of the Nature Spirit and the Flora and Fauna, the Forest Elves instinctively wanted to trust Michael as well.
The youngest Forest Elf approached him with his head bent low. He bowed deeply to Michael.
"I apologize for my behavior earlier, and for the mistake I made in the past. I didn't mean to expose you to the Lionhearts. It's all my fault."
The youngest Forest Elf had not intended to purposely break the trust Michael had given them, but it had somehow happened. He couldn't even recall it clearly… It was one of the most embarrassing moments in his life.
"It's fine. My territory is still standing strong. We cannot change the past, either way," Michael said before he carefully added, "But we can try to make up for the mistakes we did in the past and learn a lesson from every mistake. That way, you will become a better person with every passing day."
The Forest Elves nodded in understanding. Afterward, they began to gather and talk to each other in the elven tongue.
It was about time they came to a final decision.
After more than ten minutes passed, the Forest Elves separated again. They looked at Michael who responded with a faint smile.
"Did you make a final decision?" He asked, and the Forest Elves nodded in unison.
"We would like to join your territory…" Lilica said, "...for the time being."
"That's wonderful. Let us do our best to turn this small territory into a grand place full of vigor and power!" Michael exclaimed before manifesting white streams of energy that shot out of the back of his War Rune.
The tentacles moved around vigorously, desiring to take on the Forest Elves by themselves.
The Forest Elves swallowed their saliva, understanding that it was time to accept Michael as their new Lord – even if it was just temporarily – or leave for good.
Lilica was the first to react. She released a stream of energy from her War Rune as well. Her eyes were still gleaming in determination, but there was also something else, something she would never reveal to others. Lilica felt fear and apprehension.
Even if it was just a little bit, she was afraid, and Michael could tell that with a single glance.
"Let's connect the links with the terms and conditions," Michael murmured, and Lilica nodded.
Their streams of energy connected smoothly. The power of being a Lord streamed through his energy, creating the Link of Loyalty swiftly. While being formed, the terms and conditions were laid out and engraved on the Link of Loyalty, slowing down the process of creation drastically.
But neither Michael nor Lilica paid much attention to that. They formed the Link of Loyalty with great vigilance.
After half an hour, the Link was completed. It took way longer than it should have, but Michael and Lilica went through the terms and conditions multiple times to make things easier for the next four links.
Two more hours passed before the whole EmeraldLeaf Adventurer team had become Michael's newest subordinates. The Links of Loyalty were established, and Michael could immediately sense who trusted him, and who eyed him with vigilance.
The Links of Loyalty were not of the same firmness. Lilica's link was surprisingly thick, indicating high trust and loyalty.
That was great, and it gave Michael high hopes for the future of their business relationship.
Through Lilica and her team, Michael gained a connection to the Forest Elven tribe, and several powerful Tier-2 Adventurer subordinates at last.
"Take these and go to the medical house. The Priest and a few doctors will make sure that no traces of residual poison are left in your bodies, and that you'll recuperate quickly," Michael ordered in a light tone while handing out a bunch of potions.
Michael's tone didn't change a lot from the usual, but the Forest Elves found themselves taking his words more seriously. They followed his command and were led to the medical house.
"Do you think it'll be possible to conquer the lizard cave now that we have the EmeraldLeaf Adventurer team on our side?" Michael asked Tiara.
Tiara was still next to him. Her gaze followed the Forest Elves while she was deep in thought.
"The cavern system is deep and complex. I'm not sure, Master," She revealed honestly, "But we can only find out by trying."
Michael silently agreed.
They had researched the lizard cavern a lot, but they never made it too deep into the cavern system.
Maybe it was time to change that.
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