"Are you sure?" Jack asked.
John shrugged. "At this point, I admit I'm out of ideas. Based on Wilted's description, the main underworld force is designed to be faced by players who have reached the endgame supported by the armies from the seven countries. Currently, the seven countries' armies have gone through multiple wars that leave them weakened. Most players are also not in the endgame considering we don't receive any guides to begin with, thanks to the removal of the main quest."
"Additionally, we have more than half the underworld portals still active," Wilted added. "The more underworld portals are closed, the higher our chance because the native forces don't have to deal with the demonic disturbance in their countries. Right now, we only have Themisphere and Verremor free of the demonic incursions."
"I wish I had gotten more of those portal-closing stones," Jack said.
"Don't worry, we already have a plan to cover that," John said.
"You do?" Jack asked.
"We have the creator's assistance here," John pointed at Wilted. "She knew the locations of these portal-closing stones. With the underworld forces invading the upper world, security down there should be lessened. We will send teams to procure these stones. If we can close the underworld portals in the other countries, everyone should have a better time dealing with the main underworld force."
"That's great!" Jack clapped his hands. "What are we waiting for? Send me your team, I will bring them to the underworld and get these stones."
"Hold your horses. Your role is not to join the teams going after the portal-closing stones," John said. "You will be with the twenty-four players going to Chris' secret location."
"Oh? How will your teams get to the underworld then?" Jack asked.
"Hehe, boss. Do you forget about us?" The Man said.
"Oh, right! You and Bowler have the nightmares," Jack remembered.
"That's right. We will send two teams to infiltrate the underworld to get the portal-closing stones," John said.
"The nightmares have a cooldown for traveling between worlds. They can only carry one extra person. Unless you plan to spend several days ferrying people across, you will need to send strong players in this mission."
"Like I said, the security in the underworld should be thin due to the invasion. We don't expect to fight our way to get the stones. Who we need are people who are skilled in sneaking and stealing."
"You know such people?" Jack asked.
"I will be with one of the teams," Serpent Boss announced. "I had carried out many stealth and retrieval missions in the past. As long as the stones are there, I will get it."
"That's reassuring," Jack said. "Who will be the second person?"
"Now, the second one is more complicated. Wait, I will call him in here," John said.
Not long after, the door to the throne room opened and a player walked in. Jack found that he knew this person's name even if he had not met this person before.
"You…? But aren't you…"
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty," Speedrun gave Jack a bow.
Jack turned to John. "Isn't he an enemy?"
"Was, Your Majesty," Speedrun corrected. "I served Master simply because I owed him a favor. But after hearing that he summoned demons from hell to ruin this world, I can't stay ignorant. I have to do something to save this world!"
"Stop trying to act like you do this for honor," John rebuked and slapped Speedrun's head. He then said to Jack, "I promise him freedom in exchange for his service. As long as we successfully close all the underworld portals, we will absolve him and let him go."
"You believe him?" Jack asked.
"Of course not. How can I believe a weasel like him?" John asked back.
"Dude, I am here," Speedrun said.
"I borrowed Corporate United's Shackle of Vows and used it on him. He had sworn under the artifact to steal the portal-closing stones for us. He will receive a curse and die if he breaks his promise."
"He can cheat death if he wears the amulet of rebirth," Jack said.
"He has already surrendered his amulet of rebirth. We keep watch over him until The Man brings him to the underworld. He won't be able to make another amulet there and he can't return to the upperworld without The Man. If he dies, he will rebirth in the rebirth portal of this capital. I've already placed guards to apprehend him once he appears there. So, he won't be free unless he fulfills his promise."
"Don't worry, man. I have promised you I will get you those stones. You have my words. Thief's honor!" Speedrun exclaimed.
"Thief's honor my ass! Don't expect me to believe the words of a thief," John returned.
"Well, in that case. You should hurry. When will you all depart for the underworld?" Jack asked.
"Right now," John said. "Wilted and I already briefed them about the stones' locations. We are just here to let you know."
"Then go ahead. The sooner the underworld portals are closed, the better."
"You heard the king. Move out!" John ordered.
"Aye, aye!" Bowler said.
"You can count on me, boss!" The Man exclaimed.
Serpent Boss gave Jack a military salute.
Speedrun bowed and said, "I am glad to be at your service, Your Majesty."
"Quit bootlicking! Let's move!" The Man pulled Speedrun away.
"Hey! There is no need for pulling!" Speedrun protested.
After the four left, they continued the meeting.
"Even if they succeed in their missions and the underworld portals are closed, we are already on the back foot. Do you truly think going to Chris' secret location can help us?" Jack asked.
John shrugged again. "Do you have a better idea?" He asked.
Jack said, "The twenty-four players of different classes that Chris asked Wilted to bring. I kind of have an idea what they were for, but I don't see how they can help us win the war. Sure, they will become stronger if my guess is correct, but what good are twenty-four strong players? They still won't win against the whole underworld forces. Not to mention, if Master becomes a God, it will be useless no matter how strong a player is."
"I think you and I have the same guess, and I must admit, you are not wrong," John said.
