Desolate World

"Good afternoon Elder Ace," A friendly male elf who was patrolling said. 

"Good afternoon, Cleon," Ace answered after checking the elf's name.

The news that Ace had become an elder besides 9 other elders had been spread among the townsmen. Because of that, there were just a few people who still didn't know his position in Laketown. And many more people greeted him when they met him on the road.

After picking Sofia from the town hall with Geo and Cloud, they walked towards the town plaza to join the event that would be held there.

In front of the town hall, the plaza was packed with townsmen. They came to participate in 'the grand banquet'. 

It was an event that was suggested by Phil in the second elder meeting. At that time, Avril complained that the integration of the townsmen didn't make any progress. Most people were still doing activities among their own race, without trying to mix with people of different races. 

All of the elders and even Mars became concerned about this issue. Because if it continued, there would be a gap among the townsmen. If it was left unsolved, there would be a crack between races when a conflict occurred among individuals from different races.

The elders knew they needed to find a way so the people from different races could mix among themselves. Aria suggested forcing them to work together on some projects so they could meet. 

But Torin opposed it. In his opinion, forcing them to do something would create resistance among the townsmen. It would also slow down the progress of the construction of the town.

Noah then suggested blending some people of different races in the composition of the town guards who patrol the town street. He hoped the other townsmen could get used to seeing people from different races by meeting the town guards on the road. No one opposed this idea, but many elders thought it was not enough.

Then Phil suggested letting them have dinner together every day. As the town wasn't too big, it was possible to gather all townsmen in the town plaza to have dinner together.

Everyone seemed to be interested in the idea. Mars also asked Phil to continue.

He then explained his idea. Every day they would cook different authentic dishes from all races together and then eat them together in the town plaza. By doing so, they wouldn't feel forced. And while the women were busy preparing the dishes, the men and kids could socialize among them. 

Phil's idea got support from all the elders and Mars. They then discussed the details and who would be responsible for holding the daily event. After some moments of discussion, they entrusted the event to Avril.

***

Looking at his wife, his mother in law and many other women talking happily while preparing the dinner, Ace smiled. He had never thought this day would come. 

Sitting on a log chair, he saw humans, elves, dwarves, goblins, and other races mixed together well. While the dishes were being prepared, his son ran around happily with other kids. It was a perfect image of an ideal society in his mind.

"Hey… Ace! Do you hear me? Geez… stop being absent-minded, and focus on the meeting," Noah's voice woke Ace up.

"Yeah, if you can't focus anymore, let's end the meeting and talk about it next time. I also want to socialize with the other women, you know?" Aria said with an irritated tone.

"Uh, sorry… I was distracted. The atmosphere is really good. Can you repeat what you said?" Ace asked Noah with an embarrassed smile.

"You are right. I like this event. Avril does it really well. Everyone looks happy.

Okay, I forgive you this time. Let me explain my plan once again.

I think we should make several outposts around the town. They should not be too easy to find and we can place a mixed squad of elven rangers, shadow stalkers, angel sharpshooters, human archers, and human warriors in each of them," Noah explained his idea. He was sitting on another log chair beside Ace.

"I think it is a good idea. By doing so, we could know every activity of the monsters, and prevent the undead from finding Laketown before the city core is activated," Ace nodded.

"You talked as if they are easy to maintain. You must also think about the logistics, the shift of the guards, and the personnel who will build them. It will need many people to maintain them. We don't have the luxury now. We should prioritize the construction of the town. The faster we can activate the city core, the safer we are," Aria said from another log chair. In the middle of her, Ace, and Noah was a long table that was also made from logs.

"Okay, let's talk about it again after the construction of the town is complete. Maybe we will find a simpler idea by then," Ace said. 

"But, I think we still need a method that can warn us, if danger approaches us. You know, it's related to the safety of the townsmen" Noah seemed to still want to fight for his idea.

Ace then was silent. This talk was initiated by Ace. As he wanted to formulate an intelligence network with the help of the town guards. As they had a mutual interest to build an intelligence network around the town.

But, it was not easy to convince Aria. In fact, it not only happened this time. In the elder meeting two days before, she also rejected the idea of Ali to make a team to inspect the natural tunnels underground. 

The gnome said that there was a likelihood that the tunnels spread in the large area under the misty forest. It could become an opportunity or threat based on how they dealt with this. 

But, Aria was hellbent to oppose any attempt to divide the manpower. Finally, after the long debate between her and Ali, it was decided that they would form a small team of shadows, gnomes, and dwarves to inspect the tunnels one by one. Although it would take more time to check the entire tunnels, it wouldn't disturb the construction of the town.

***