The air turned heavy the moment the Demonic Cult was mentioned. Not because of me, though.

The All-Encompassing Gate Master immediately ordered one of his officers out.

“Prepare the message and send the runner.”

“Yes, Gate Master.”

He turned to me.

“The distance isn’t far, but we’ll have to wait for replies.”

“Obviously.”

“Thunderclap Gate is closer, so their response will likely come first.”

He gestured toward the Du River Wine.

“Again, I don’t use poison. The only reason Fort Mak hasn't descended into all-out chaos is that we agreed not to use poison. If any side crossed that line, the other two would unite and strike them down. But who knows how long that balance will last. Honestly, we don’t even know much about poison. All we’ve ever known is war.”

That military background was definitely showing.

I looked around at the Gate Master and his officers.

“Do you know how All-Encompassing Gate could unite the underworld of Fort Mak and survive without collecting tribute?”

I didn’t expect an answer. These were underworld thugs, not men of vision. The officers glanced at one another before all looking at their master.

He replied.

“No, I don’t.”

I gave him a simple answer.

“Work.”

“Hmm.”

“But I’m guessing you’d rather die than work. I get it. You’re descendants of generals who once received government rations. Staying up all night drinking and dragging your ass out of bed at dawn isn’t easy. If you were someone harvesting herbs on a mountain to sell at the market, you’d be up before sunrise, taking a last glance at your sleeping wife and kid before heading out. But an underworld thug waking up early to work? Impossible.”

“......”