Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2819: 1545: Stepping Into the Hall (Part 2)

Following the administrator's announcement, every eye in the room turned toward Leo Ray. While the administrator had spoken in general terms, it was clear to everyone that he alluded to the prestigious first-class forces.

Moli, a representative of the Forest Elves, observed Leo Ray with wide eyes, anticipating his response. Having lived through the Battle of Observation City alongside him, she possessed a grim understanding of the threat posed by “Corrosion.” She had been warned by Elder Book and others that this malevolence was far beyond what the Forest Elf Clan could hope to suppress.

She recognized that only a unified coalition of the Ten Thousand Clans, steered by someone like Leo Ray, could offer a flicker of survival. However, despite her status, she held little influence, and the stubborn elders would ignore her warnings. Thus, she opted to align herself with Leo Ray, hoping his rising strength might eventually allow her to sway her kin. Even if his current standing couldn't rival the Forest Elves, it offered the only viable path forward.

“Your Excellency Administrator, I have stated before that I have no choice but to press onward, regardless of the thorns upon the path.” Leo Ray offered a slight smile, his voice echoing with indomitable resolve.

The assembly nodded in silent acknowledgment. The young Human Emperor had kept his details vague, yet the subtext was unmistakable. Figures like Hollis and leaders such as Loris felt a burgeoning sense of fervor.

Had another spoken these words, it might have been dismissed as mere arrogance. Yet, Leo Ray had ascended rapidly in the Outer Region, establishing an impressive foundation. His knack for meticulous planning and his refusal to engage recklessly instilled total confidence in his allies.

It was widely known that the arrogant first-class forces often bullied others, relying solely on brute power. The prospect of seeing those titans humbled was a welcome thought to many.

“Your Excellency Administrator, please, bring in the Stone Giant Clan Chief next.” Satisfied that the room was under his influence, Leo Ray signaled the administrator.

He then added, “Oh, and one more thing. A portion of the equipment I’m assigning to the Half-Titans will be delivered in batches through the Shadow Market. This will include not just your market, but those of the other four administrators as well.”

“I am deeply honored, Your Majesty of the Humans!” The administrator nearly leapt from his seat in triumph.

While his words were brief, the implication was clear: his own Shadow Market would reap substantial commissions. Even sharing the distribution with others, the profits from this endeavor would eclipse centuries of normal earnings.

“This is merely the start. I trust our future cooperation will be quite fruitful,” Leo Ray said, taking a calm sip of tea.

He sought to secure the absolute loyalty of these administrators, having observed them stand by his side despite the risks. Furthermore, limiting the quantity kept his actions below the threshold of the Bazaar Brotherhood, ensuring he didn't draw unwanted scrutiny too soon. He also needed to act with caution while Hollis remained unsettled.

“Absolute wisdom, Your Majesty! I shall summon the Stone Giant at once,” the administrator replied, departing with newfound vigor.

With the administrator gone, Leo Ray turned his attention to Hollis, clarifying their intent to bring the Stone Giants into the fold. Even with their history as bitter rivals, the Half-Titans offered no resistance to this plan.

Moments later, guided by the bustling administrator, Lila, Kira, and Payton appeared at the entrance.

“This… could this be?!” Lila’s eyes widened at the sight of the cache of Sixth-order Equipment, her expression one of utter disbelief. Beside her, Kira and Payton, still in their Stone Giant forms, looked equally shell-shocked, their exhaustion forgotten as they stood frozen in place.

“Lord Clan Leader of the Stone Giants, as you can see, the Half-Titans have allied with me. We stand as comrades side by side, not as master and slave,” Leo Ray said, remaining in his seat with a gentle smile. “The gear you see is but a token of my goodwill.”

Before they could respond, he added, “You face two choices: join our ranks and share in my gifts, or remain beneath the Half-Titans forever.” His tone was light, yet the gravity of the ultimatum left no room for negotiation.

Could the Human Emperor truly be offering such vast quantities of Sixth-order Equipment to them as well?

“Your Excellency, please reiterate the nature of our mission,” Leo Ray signaled to Hollis. Hollis, fully respecting the Human Emperor’s authority, complied immediately, summarizing the threat of the Great Catastrophe.

After the explanation, Lila and her companions looked upon Leo Ray with newfound reverence. Given their shared circumstances,joining the Human Emperor had effectively become their only logical path forward.

The years of stalemate between the Stone Giants and Half-Titans had pushed them to the brink, and both sides knew that continuing their rivalry would eventually lead to mutual ruin. Lila exchanged a look of resolve with her companions before stepping forward. With a solemn expression, she addressed Leo Ray: “We have deeply offended Your Majesty since our arrival at the Shadow Market, which has weighed heavily on us.”

“Yet, you have returned our insolence with generosity. Such kindness deserves our utmost loyalty.” Lila, Kira, and Payton knelt before him. Hollis and his people followed suit, the sight of six such powerful figures bowing simultaneously being quite a spectacle.

Witnessing this, the attendees, the administrators, and the newly arrived Fei’er looked upon Leo Ray with profound respect. With the Half-Titans and Stone Giants now under his banner, their faction had truly crossed the threshold into the ranks of second-tier powers within the Outer Region.

“Please, rise,” Leo Ray gestured, smiling. Once they were settled, his expression turned serious. “Now that you are among us, I can finally ask the question that has long occupied my thoughts.”