"Master, this is Floria. Do you copy?"
"Oh, Floria. What's up?"
"I'm reporting in to let you know that we're roughly a hundred players away from triggering another Fortress Defense battle."
Shana leaned back, surprised. "That many players have visited already?"
"Yes, sir. Ever since your interview aired on MMO Today after the war, they've been arriving in droves."
"I see. Well, as long as it's helping the expeditionary force, I'm happy."
"Don't you worry," Floria replied cheerfully. "Your reputation is better than ever."
Following Floria's report, Shana called a meeting of the 'Ten Wolves' for the first time since the war ended.
"It feels like it's been forever since we all got together like this," Shana noted, looking around the circle. "Actually, is this our first formal meeting as the Ten Wolves?"
"We certainly put in enough work during the war to earn the title," one member replied.
"Yay! Shana! It's Shana!" another chirped.
Shinon sighed, glancing at the excitable member. "Shouldn't you be focusing more on your actual job?"
"She's been handling her responsibilities just fine, Shinon," Shana interjected with a small smile.
"So, another event is starting, right?" Musket X—Ix—asked, her eyes sparkling. "I hope we get some good drops this time."
"This is your first time participating in an event, isn't it, Ix?"
"Yes! I'm really looking forward to it!"
"Well, don't stress yourself out," a veteran member advised. "Just relax and enjoy the ride."
"Actually, Shana," Nyangoro interrupted, her tone shifting. "I have something to discuss regarding that."
The lively chatter died down as Nyangoro addressed the leader.
"What is it, Teacher?" Shana asked.
"The remnants of the Heike Army have been trickling into the fortress lately. If we want to avoid leaving a permanent grudge between our factions, why not invite the head of the Heike to this event?"
Shana's face soured immediately. "The 'head'? You mean that guy? Can't we just invite someone else?"
"I understand how you feel, but if it isn't the man at the top, the gesture is meaningless. Besides," Nyangoro reminded him, "part of the reason the Heike became your enemies was because you used those rewards to lure people to your side, wasn't it?"
Shana went quiet, considering. "I guess you're right. It's not fair to keep making those guys feel like outcasts forever."
"Exactly! It's just one event," Nyangoro said, her voice bright. "You only have to tolerate him once!"
"Fine, fine. Let's do it."
With the rest of the group in agreement, Shana made the call. He even double-checked with Pitohui—who had been personally insulted by the man in the past—to see if she was truly okay with it.
Pitohui just shrugged with total nonchalance. "Shana, do you complain every time a mosquito bites you?"
"I get what you're saying, but if a mosquito bites me, I'm still going to yell 'get lost' at it."
"Dammit, bad example! Okay, how about a black, skittering nightmare in your room…?"
"Then I'm going to crush it with everything I've got," Shana replied flatly.
"Ugh! I can't find a good metaphor!"
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