"Expulsion from the Territory?"
Sakuya's decision left everyone present in shock.
The Sylphs, in particular, exchanged uncertain glances.
Leafa couldn't help but speak up.
"Is this really okay, Sakuya?"
Leafa's expression was filled with hesitation.
The other Sylphs were equally hesitant, not because they felt pity or sympathy for Sigurd, but because of the possible repercussions of this decision.
"He's supported by at least 30 to 40 percent of Sylph players, and his work in the administration has been quite competent. If we simply expel someone like that, it could cause considerable disruption within the Sylph community, don't you think?" Alicia said with a playful smile.
But as she pointed out, even though Sigurd's character was flawed and he betrayed the Sylphs, no one else knew about it, and Shouya didn't have concrete evidence. Expelling Sigurd without justification would undoubtedly provoke dissent from his supporters and disrupt the administration, possibly leading to turmoil in the Sylph governance.
Perhaps it was due to this leverage that Sigurd dared to act as he pleased.
Thus, while no one pitied Sigurd, they couldn't ignore the impact on their community and stability.
However...
"Whether my decision is right or wrong will be determined in the next leadership election by how many people still support me," Sakuya said, unconcerned, making it clear that her mind was made up.
This decision was not just because Sigurd's actions were intolerable to Sakuya, but also because of future considerations.
Leaving Sigurd in the Sylphs would create a potential danger, especially regarding the Cait Sith. If they didn't deal with this spy, it would destroy the Cait Sith's trust, making their alliance fragile and potentially causing resentment and exclusion from Cait Sith players.
After all, this time, the Cait Sith leader herself had been endangered due to the Sylphs, nearly jeopardizing the entire Cait Sith community. If Sakuya didn't punish the culprit, the Cait Sith would not let it go.
At that point, the Sylphs' position would become tenuous.
Therefore, Sakuya had to punish Sigurd—there could be no tolerance.
Sigurd probably never imagined that this would be his ultimate fate, right?
Once expelled, he would be branded as a traitor to the Sylph territory. He would be barred from entering Sylph cities, stripped of his status and privileges, forced to survive in neutral territories, mingling with those he looked down upon—a Sylph outcast, loathed by his own people. This would utterly break Sigurd.
For someone as proud and self-centered as Sigurd, it was unknown whether he could even survive in the neutral zones.
If he kept his arrogant attitude, he'd soon be taught a harsh lesson by the territory's other outcasts. Even as a solo player, he'd be limited to hunting in mediocre areas, never again reaching the heights he once knew.
This punishment would hurt Sigurd more than death.
Furthermore...
"We may have lost one person, but we've gained a talent beyond imagination."
Sakuya turned toward Rozen with a smile.
Everyone was stunned for a moment, then they quickly understood.
Indeed.
Though they had lost Sigurd, they gained a terrifying newcomer among the Sylphs.
Recalling Rozen's astonishing performance, easily crushing the strongest players in ALO and slaughtering Salamander elites, Sakuya's face blossomed with a beautiful smile.
"On behalf of the Sylphs, I welcome you, Rozen."
Sakuya extended a hand toward Rozen in a gesture of goodwill.
"Uh..."
Rozen blinked, scratching his nose as he looked at Sakuya's pleased expression.
However, as the saying goes, you can't reject a friendly hand. Rozen shrugged and extended his hand toward Sakuya.
But just then...
"Wait!"
A voice called from the side.
Then a petite girl dashed over and hugged Rozen's outstretched hand.
"What?"
Sakuya was startled.
"Huh? Huhhhh...!?"
Leafa, who had been happily watching, widened her eyes as she saw this scene, exclaiming in surprise.
"What...what are you doing?"
Rozen was equally shocked.
The petite girl holding his arm was none other than Alicia.
"I say, Sakuya, you're being sneaky," Alicia complained while hugging Rozen's arm. "How could you try to monopolize such a strong guy all to yourself? That's unfair."
Alicia seemed quite insistent.
"Unfair?" Sakuya replied, stunned. "But he's a Sylph."
As a Sylph, wouldn't that make him part of Sakuya's territory?
Wasn't it only natural that she had exclusive rights?
Unfortunately, Alicia saw things differently.
"Rozen said he's only been in the game for less than 24 hours, so he definitely doesn't know the benefits of being a Cait Sith." Alicia smirked. "Since the reincarnation system will soon be implemented, I'll personally cover Rozen's rebirth fee so he can join the Cait Sith!"
At this, Sakuya finally realized—Alicia was trying to poach him!
So...
"No, no, no! Compared to Cait Sith, the Sylphs are obviously a better fit for Rozen!"
Sakuya said as she grabbed onto Rozen's other arm.
"Wha... Wha...!?"
Leafa cried out again.
Rozen was now sandwiched between two beautiful women.
Rozen was utterly dumbfounded.
"What's going on?"
Rozen looked around, bewildered.
But Sakuya and Alicia had started bickering.
"Being a Cait Sith is better!"
"No, being a Sylph is better!"
"Cait Sith!"
"Sylph!"
"Cait Sith!"
"Sylph!"
The two faction leaders bickered like children, acting ridiculously childish.
Rozen could only endure their noisy bickering from both sides, a twitch forming at the corner of his mouth.
Should he mention that he initially wanted to choose Cait Sith but ended up as a Sylph?
Now, both faction leaders were vying for him—what an ironic turn of events.
By the way, could the two beautiful ladies please let go of him?
All the Sylphs and Cait Sith staring at him were making him uncomfortable.
Their murderous stares suggested that if not for the power gap, they'd probably mob him the moment he left the city and kill him repeatedly.
But even this wasn't the worst part. The real threat seemed to come from a certain trembling girl.
"You...you guys need to stop right now...!"
Finally, Leafa snapped.
The scene instantly spiraled out of control.