I have over a dozen fractures, excluding the ones I'm getting from the settlement agreement. + The ones I stole from the FIB during my escape.

Since these fractures were being hidden, information was fabricated to disguise these fractures as simple ones. But I have to wonder about the motives.

Just the [Isle of Ancient Dragons] should be enough to deal with any 'assassination targets,' so why are there a dozen disguised fractures?

What importance do these fractures have? Why were they hidden behind such a durable door? I haven't jumped in head first because I have no idea if the leaving conditions are as stringent as the [Isle of Ancient Dragons]. Not to mention, I'd prefer not to get stripped again.

If I can somehow gain access to my mansion, then to my crossroads, I can theoretically escape from any fracture using the same methods my tamed beasts used: escaping through the [Endless Graveyard] and scaring my employees.

My next short-term goal focuses on Khan. He is the most dangerous of my beasts, and evolving him will likely give me another charge for my [Promote Piece] skill.

[Evolution to Raging Tempest A

Consume rank A or higher elementals alive (0/5).

Defeat a shark-type creature, at least B rank or higher (0/300).

Baptize in lightning... again (Not completed).

Rank [Man Eater] to A rank (E/A).

Amid significant manufactured chaos and destruction, terrorizing the environment, violently consume yourself until one body remains (0/299).]

Going into fractures with elementals, sharks, and lightning will be difficult since the fractures I have currently (the FIB hasn't sent the fractures over yet) don't have those things.

Instead, let's focus on incrementally leveling Khan's E rank [Man Eater] skill. Before I got into the exact logistics, I got distracted by a message.

I leave my office and head towards the waiting area I had set up in preparation for this moment. It didn't need to be accommodating since I'd assume people who lived on an island forest for a few centuries wouldn't be picky.

I walk in and see the group of elves from the [Isle of Ancient Dragons] looking around cautiously. All of their heads turn to me as soon as I enter. Their gazes are uncomfortable since they seem so almost human. But a worry I had didn't seem to come up. Monsters, or natives of the fractures, suffer deliberating effects if they leave the fracture.

The elves are wearing new clothing, thick and protective. I'd assume it's from the [Gigantic Ancient Land Tyrant Dragon] that we slayed. I can ask how they got into the volcano safely. I imagine they made a bone elevator using the dragon's bones and tendons. But I'm just being macabre.

They don't seem uncomfortable, meaning the world isn't treating them as 'foreigners.' I wonder if the first of the otherfolk suffered those side effects when they first came over.

I did a swift head count, and none of the elves were left behind.

"Welcome."

The village elder looks at me with a kind smile. She still seems uncanny to me. I wonder if I'm the only one who feels this discomfort. If I voice this to somebody, will I have to undergo sensitivity training?

"Warrior. I assume we are in your territory?"

"Eh, kinda. I'm not king yet, so the laws of these lands aren't mine, but I own the properties in the area." I pause before giving an offer to the group. "I can show you all around."

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"If you give us a moment to rest, we will take you up on that offer. I would also like to congratulate you on your recovery."

I look down at my hands. I'm not wearing Prometheus, as he's doing his own thing right now.

"Thank you."

Free Chains appears since he got the same message as I did, and one of the elves says a word in surprise. They spoke subconsciously and under their breath, but it wasn't a pretty word. It is technically a 'slur' like how they called me 'graceless' before. It roughly translates to 'mongrel.'

I guess that's their word for the "beast" people.

I gesture towards Free Chains and introduce him. "This is one of my people. They can handle things if I'm not around." I look at Free Chains, who seems a bit tense. I speak to him in human instead of in elvish. "Can you speak their language?"

"Yes." He answers, then switches to elvish, addressing the group. "We have an area specifically prepared for you. A dorm was built with all the facilities you may need. A few employees, well versed in elvish, will be nearby. Tell them if you need anything, and they will relay that message to me, Ellis, or the appropriate party."

His elvish is better than mine and doesn't have the "accent" I do. The elves nod before Free Chains drags me out of the room to address me.

"Ellis. I assume these are the couple dozen elves willing to "help out" for a decade or so that you mentioned."

"I don't know if there could be a big enough coincidence if they weren't."

"They are very intimidating. You know these people more than any non-elf alive... would they help the guild raid some fractures? Or do they already have an idea of how they would, how you said, "help out.""

"Let's keep them hidden at the moment. Let them acclimate to the literal new world they found themselves in."

"Alright, but there is another issue about these elves. A legal one. As the number one authority on fractures, the FIB made it illegal to disclose finding 'natives' in the fractures to the public. Also, they are technically in the country illegally. With a guild visa, we can get around a potential 'deportation.' But any crimes they commit would negatively impact the guild and you."

"Okay. Handle it. Where's my new personal assistant?"

"They start Monday."

"Oh."

~~~

Five months. I have five, technically a little under five, months to prepare for the "Elvish Territories."

Out of the developed countries/kingdoms/empires/etc in the world, they are the strongest. If it wasn't for the fact that most of the First Party are still alive somewhere in the world, we wouldn't be considered a 'developed' country based on their arbitrary definitions.

Training myself, my beasts, or even my teammates should be the priority, but something is itching my brain. It feels like I should be aware of something or that I'm in the dark.

The reason behind the entire 'representative of humanity' thing is the elves wanted to invite multiple races to get together for a festival hosted by their "High King." They want their promising youths to represent their races and mingle for "future cooperation." I recall hearing about a tournament being a part of the festival... but there is no further information about it if it's true.

I have to make a good impression on their leader. I'll be king of the Prime Territories, essentially the king of the humans, and diplomacy is complicated but delicate. Who knows, if I fuck up really hard, maybe the High King will interfere with the exchange of power. Alternatively, I could get his support.

Not that I would require it or want it. Wouldn't that make me a puppet ruler if I got in power because of a stronger country's direct interference?

Oh. That's what makes my brain itch. I can't find the elf's motivations to be transparent. They are definitely hiding something. This 'humanities representative' scenario is the first in history to happen. Yes, diplomatic events occurred between our two nations, but this seems like an excuse or something.

I mean, I haven't met the president yet. That feels like something I would've been forced to do right after winning this title, no?

Would it be too conspiratorial to assume this festival had some connection to the other historical event that occurred? Maybe the elves knew that the earthquake was going to happen or something. I'd also have to assume they got the time wrong since there was no warning, or at least the public wasn't aware of any warning.

I'm not worried about this being a plot about killing the strongest of the new generation to weaken the future of the other races since the elves are reported to be strong enough to steamroll the Prime Territories anyway.

Unless I start developing an even grander conspiracy about a plot for world domination via vassalization, using the inevitable weakness and gross amount of power as leverage and intimidation.

Nah, It'll be fine... Although I wonder if there is a title for slaughtering elves. And if so, how much the damage bonus would be.