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"Where did you get that information?" Queen Luna asked seriously. 

If Metal City knew about the incoming war, it could only mean they got it from other empires and that wasn't a good sign. She wanted to start a war but it seemed like everyone else thought the same. 

"Even though our city is hidden and we don't involve ourselves in the Mainland's politics, we still have eyes and ears everywhere," the Steel Soldier replied proudly. "We have people in every Land scouting for crucial information and it seems like everyone is preparing for war. Ma'am, you are a Queen so you should know the best what your Empire is doing." 

Queen Luna squinted her eyes and a gentle waft of wind blew against her hair. "I'm the Queen, but I'm not in charge of everything. Tell me what is going on." 

Liu Ye could tell Queen Luna was pissed off that things were hidden from her but she made a good effort to not show it on her face. 

"All Empires are recruiting rogue benders from the public by offering them high benefits. They know the Emerald City won't assist in any kind of war so they can't use the Teleport Stations during the invasion. They plan to use the power of rogue benders to fight for them instead as they can easily pass through the borders," the Steel Soldier explained but it wasn't a new piece of information for Liu Ye. 

He already received offers from the Emerald City as well as the Earth Empire. What interested him more was the location where the tensions would be the highest. If he wanted to stay neutral, the lands between all four empires would be the best to grind some experience. 

"So will it be only rogue benders who fight against each other? What about the Empires' forces?" Queen Luna questioned curiously. It was definitely weird for her to ask but her shamelessness helped her stay calm. 

"It will eventually happen once the conflict escalates. We suspect that the Fire Empire will be the first to invade since they are already moving their soldiers near their borders," the Steel Soldier replied in worry. "Because our Metal City is close to the border, we decided to increase our forces in case we were affected by the conflict. From what I heard, our leaders have no desire to involve themselves in the war but we still need to be prepared if any Empire decides to attack us."

Liu Ye already imagined a gigantic war with all the players involved but the more he thought about it, the less likely it was. It would be impossible to manage and would only lead to chaos and brainless spam of long-ranged abilities. Players wouldn't learn anything from this war and waste their time instead of pursuing the quest of becoming an Avatar.

"What about people who have no affiliation and decide to stay neutral once the war breaks out?" Liu Ye suddenly joined the conversation. "They can live their lives as normal?"

The Steel Soldiers couldn't help but smile at his question. "I guess you have never seen war but I can assure you that it is impossible to stay neutral unless you hide in the Emerald City. Once the four Empires go into war, all major cities will lock down and you won't be able to enter without a special pass. Not only that but you will also become a target of all four Empires and eventually forced to join one of them for safety." 

The soldier's words were exactly what he wanted to hear and Liu Ye pursed his lips under his bandana. He could still visit the Emerald City using his permit so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Queen Luna took this opportunity and approached him to pat his shoulder. "You don't need to worry about it. You are already my trusted General that will lead my army to victory."

Liu Ye wasn't even surprised and simply ignored her without causing a scene. Queen Luna could say anything and it didn't matter. It was still a game so he didn't need to join her no matter how much she wanted him. 

"How much time do we have until the war breaks out?" Liu Ye asked to divert the topic. 

"It all depends when we see the first trigger that will escalate the conflict," Steel Soldier replied while giving the two of them a suspicious glance. "Judging by the fact that the strongest expert of the Earth Empire is this close to the border, I'm guessing we won't need to wait too long for the trigger to happen. Your Majesty, is there something you want us to pass to our leaders? Are you trying to initiate the conflict?" 

The Queen would almost never travel without an escort so their purpose wasn't hard to deduct. Now that they were exposed, they could only use their leverage to their advantage. Liu Ye wanted to earn his share so he spoke first before Queen Luna even opened her mouth.

"Yes, there is something we want you to pass to your leaders," Liu Ye nodded. "If they think that you can stay neutral and avoid the war then you are mistaken. Tell your leaders that the Earth Empire offers an Alliance and we will soon visit your city to discuss the terms."

The Steel Soldiers and Queen Luna raised their eyebrows in surprise but Liu Ye wasn't done. "I am sure the natural resources on your small land are hard to find which is why you need Earth Empire assistance. In exchange for joining our Alliance, we will provide you with metals and other goods at unchanged prices. You won't need to worry about transportation anymore as we will create a special trade route that will improve the lives of your people." 

"I have no authority on such matters but it does sound like too good to be true," the Steel Solder pointed out with a doubt written on his face. "If my memory serves me right, the Metal City tried to create an Alliance before and the conditions weren't satisfactory. The Royal Family wanted our technology and techniques. What is stopping you from breaking the agreement once you receive everything we have to offer?" 

Liu Ye only shrugged in response. "Last time you negotiated Alliance was also with someone else. Queen Luna took over the power and she is open to discuss the new cooperation. All we want is a mutual agreement to help each other during the incoming war."

The Steel Soldier paused and finally spoke after a moment of thinking, "We will pass the message to our leaders but we can't guarantee they will agree to meet. We can't promise anything."

"If that's the case, you will collect the other five knives when you decide to talk," Liu Ye replied and signaled Queen Luna it was time to leave. "Just remember the war is going to start any time soon.. We will await your invitation." 

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