Compromise

"Not to join the expedition, seriously?" Emery asked Zach, his disbelief evident in his tone.

Zach, now a commander responsible for the security of the ruins, maintained his solemn demeanor as he explained the situation to Emery. "Your presence in the expedition would significantly increase the risk of a factional conflict within the group."

Emery's response was laced with annoyance. "If by 'faction' you mean the elves, and by 'clash' you mean us having to eliminate them, then is that such a bad thing?"

Zach was taken aback by Emery's unyielding stance. "I see... 8 years have changed you."

As the tension between the two men threatened to escalate, Jinkan stepped forward to mediate. "Commander, Emery has a crucial task to fulfill on behalf of our faction. Please don't make things more difficult for us."