Chapter 234: Four Guilds, One Goal

The meeting continued for several more minutes, although the initial surprise had begun to give way to a much more organized discussion.

James changed the image on the screen once again. This time, several points appeared on a world map, accompanied by the names of different countries and organizations.

"There’s something else you should know," the scientist remarked.

Everyone turned their attention to the screen.

"The situation in Antarctica hasn’t gone unnoticed by researchers in other countries. Although we’ve maintained a certain level of discretion, the energy anomalies are simply too significant to remain hidden."

"So, is it true that other countries are already aware of what’s happening?" Daniel asked.

"Some governments and major guilds have received preliminary reports. Others have reached similar conclusions on their own."

Margaret narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I suppose we’re not the only ones interested in finding out what’s going on."

"That’s right," James replied.

"We’ve already established contact with several foreign organizations. Some are willing to cooperate, while others prefer to conduct their own investigations."

Ryan let out a small laugh.

"That’s to be expected. If there’s a chance of discovering an SSS-Rank dungeon, there’ll surely be more than one guild trying to claim the glory."

"This isn’t a competition," Daniel replied sternly.

"At least, it should be one to some extent," Ryan countered.

"We can’t expect every country to share its resources without getting anything in return."

Selena sighed quietly.

"Ryan, we’re talking about a threat that could surpass everything we know. I don’t think this is the time to worry about who’s going to receive the recognition."

Margaret smiled.

"Nevertheless, we can’t ignore the interests of each organization either. International cooperation will be necessary, but we’ll have to make sure everyone understands their responsibilities."

Armstrong nodded.

"That’s precisely why we want to establish coordination between the country’s major guilds. If every organization starts acting independently, it’ll be much harder to organize a response when the time comes."

"And what about foreign guilds?" Jane asked.

"We’re working on that," James replied.

"The intention is to form an international coordination group. Nothing has been finalized yet, but some of the most important guilds in the world have already expressed interest in participating."

Liam studied the points on the map.

This meant the situation was even bigger than he had imagined.

’I never thought we’d end up getting involved in something like this.’

"Do we have any idea how many hunters might participate?" Wayne asked.

"Not yet," James replied.

"It will depend on how the situation develops and the agreements we reach with the other organizations."

Don Rouch crossed his arms.

"Then we’d better start preparing materials. If we end up gathering hunters from so many countries, we’ll need a considerable amount of high-quality equipment."

"I agree," Armstrong replied.

"But I don’t want anyone starting to manufacture or distribute specialized equipment before we know what the operation will require."

Don Rouch raised both hands.

"Relax, Captain. I’m not going to fill the warehouses with armor without knowing what it’ll be used for."

A few people chuckled, briefly easing the tension.

However, Daniel spoke up again.

"There’s another matter that concerns me. If foreign guilds start mobilizing their hunters, what’s stopping one of them from trying to enter the dungeon before an international agreement is reached?"

James remained silent for a few moments.

"We can’t completely prevent that from happening. But we’re trying to establish a protocol to discourage individual actions."

"Then we should make that clear from the beginning," Daniel commented.

"No guild should be authorized to enter on its own."

Ryan leaned forward.

"That sounds great, but I doubt everyone will agree to sit around waiting while others make the decisions."

"That’s why we need proper coordination," Armstrong replied.

"We can’t allow individual ambitions to jeopardize an operation of this magnitude."

Margaret looked at both men before speaking.

"I think we all understand that there will be disagreements. What’s important is that we’re able to resolve them before they become a problem."

◇◆◇

The conversation continued for a while longer, mainly focusing on resource distribution, information sharing, and the need to maintain secrecy until the researchers reached definitive conclusions.

Finally, Armstrong brought that part of the meeting to a close.

"For now, each guild will need to prepare a list of its most capable hunters and review its available resources. It doesn’t mean everyone will participate, but we need to know what we’re capable of."

The leaders of the other guilds agreed.

Shortly afterward, the representatives began leaving the room. Liam spent a few minutes talking with some of his companions before making his way toward one of the hallways.

However, as he walked, an idea continued to linger in his mind.

’An international operation... An SSS-Rank dungeon...’

He couldn’t help thinking about Lydia.

Ever since the twins were born, he had tried to keep her away from dangerous missions. Not because he doubted her abilities, but because he wanted her to enjoy their new family life without constantly having to put herself at risk.

But if the situation got worse, they might need every capable hunter they could get.

And Lydia was undoubtedly one of the most powerful people he knew.

◇◆◇

When Liam returned home, he found his wife sitting on the couch with Liana in her arms. Lionel was lying on a nearby blanket, happily playing with one of his toys.

"Welcome home!" Lydia greeted him.

"I’m home."

Liam approached and kissed his wife before bending down to pick up his son.

"How was the meeting?" she asked.

"More complicated than I expected."

"Something related to dungeons?"

Liam nodded.

He couldn’t tell her all the details just yet, but he didn’t want to keep the situation entirely hidden from her either.

"There’s a dungeon in Antarctica that’s showing some anomalies. The researchers believe it might evolve and become something we’ve never seen before."

Lydia frowned.

"Something more dangerous than an SS-Rank dungeon?"

"That’s what it looks like."

"Wow..."

She glanced at Lionel, who was now trying to grab one of Liam’s fingers.

"I suppose this means you might have to participate in some major operation."

"It’s possible."

Lydia didn’t answer immediately. She simply rested her head against her husband’s shoulder.

"Then we’ll have to be prepared."

Liam glanced at her.

There was something he wanted to tell her, but he still couldn’t find the right way to bring it up.

Perhaps, when the time came, he would have to ask her to accompany him.

And although he knew Lydia would be willing to do so, he wasn’t sure he could calmly accept the thought of seeing her face such a threat.

For now, he decided to leave that conversation for another time.

The twins were still demanding their attention, and, at least for that afternoon, Liam wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet of his home.