Led through the Settlement, Dawn eventually arrived at the Settlement Lord's complex.
Entering the tall building, her envoy led her to the study where the Lord and Silver Extreme resided.
Knocking gently, they were called inside.
"Friend Dawn, thank you for coming."
Waving his hand, Silver Extreme dismissed the envoy and gestured for Dawn to sit.
"We have an important matter we must discuss with you."
"What is going on?"
Dawn approached and sat in a seat beside Silver Extreme.
Before her was the mortal Settlement Lord of Iron Mountain Quarry Settlement.
He offered her tea--which she gladly accepted--and began to discuss their matters.
"This matter regards the upcoming second tide of beasts and Spirits."
"We were fortunate that we had not encountered a Spirit in the first tide. However, the number of beasts exceeds our expectations."
"Due to the immense size of each group and the lack of their respective Beast Kings, there is disorder and frenzy breeding among their numbers."
"Without sufficient authority to control them, there's little chance to properly control them."
Listening intently, Dawn understood the problem.
Without a uniting force, each beast is expressing their own Will.
Since their Wills differ, they lack unity, and thus, disorder brews.
The Settlement Lord continued.
"Because of this disorder, when the second tide arrives, there would be difficulties in properly removing and relocating these groups of beasts."
"Originally, I sent generals to maintain order, but the size of the beast groups has grown too large."
"I proposed to Friend Silver that relocating Cultivators can remedy our situation."
Nodding, Dawn gradually understood their intentions.
"You wish for me to handle the habitats?"
"Yes. To be precise, we wish for you to help move out the beasts."
"I see..."
Looking at Silver Extreme, Dawn couldn't help but question him.
"If I am taken off the battlefield, who would you have take my place?"
"I will be taking action."
Dawn couldn't hide her surprise.
"Then what about leadership?"
"Our Lord here will be responsible for that. He will take my place and deliver commands. I will take your place as the frontline ambush."
This change of events was abrupt.
Silver Extreme was already taking action, leaving Dawn suspicious.
If leadership wasn't an issue, why not take action sooner?
Why relocate Dawn to handle the beasts in the habitats when Silver Extreme was a better choice?
Why relocate Dawn and not one of the other Third Foundation Cultivators?
She did not keep her thoughts to herself, looking at Silver Extreme and raising a brow.
"Is there something significant amidst the second tide?"
Sighing, he did not hide it from Dawn.
"Yes. We have confirmed the existence of two Spirits approaching Iron Mountain Quarry Settlement."
"While it would not be too much of a problem to let you handle them, it would not bode well for the rest of the tide."
"Such a significant figure could easily disturb the beast groups in our possession and those within the second tide."
Ordinary beasts are generally around mortal battle strength.
Beast Kings are generally around First Foundation battle strength, rarely at the Second Foundation.
Mystical Beast Kings are generally around Second Foundation battle strength, rarely at the Third Foundation.
Spirits are beyond mystical; their battle strength's bottom line is at the Third Foundation.
It is not unusual for Spirits to reach even a State Cultivator's battle strength.
The two that Silver Extreme are expecting should not be of the latter kind.
It would be fine to let Dawn or the other two Third Foundation Cultivators handle them.
However, with the unexpected difficulty of the tides, it would be wise to handle them efficiently.
Silver Extreme decided to step in, battling the two Spirits himself and aiding in the ambush of the frontlines.
Dawn felt that this was a sensible compromise.
She was willing to take this new role for the sake of the Settlement.
Sipping on his tea, Silver Extreme still asked for Dawn's approval.
"Friend Dawn, I fully understand the benefits of facing a Spirit. What I am doing may be taking from your benefits."
"If you wish, I can allow you to retain your role, and send someone else to handle the beast groups."
"Or, if you want a portion of the benefits, I can hand you compensation for taking your role."
Thinking, Dawn appreciated the concern. She made up her mind and requested.
"I do not mind you taking the benefits."
"As for compensation, I merely ask for a portion of a Spirit's vessel."
Silver Extreme gave an amused expression.
"I understand. I will provide you with a portion of one of the Spirits' vessels."
"I am glad that you understand the big picture."
The Settlement Lord brought a map of Iron Mountain and the surrounding land.
From East to Northeast, and West to Northwest of Iron Mountain, were the habitats.
The myriad of beasts were held in those locations, or rather, they stayed there.
Without the pressure of the tide's domino effect, they did not need to flee, instead retaining this area as their habitat.
However, with the second tide's coming, they would be forced to flee once again.
To prevent them from fleeing in a frenzy, the Settlement Lord and Silver Extreme wish to push them further north, and possibly to the east.
Forcing the beast groups to flee to the Great River was their best option; it was naturally avoided by ordinary beasts and even Mystical Beast Kings.
Spirits were commonly seen around the Great River's stream.
By staying near the bank, they would be able to avoid the Spirit's attention.
With the natural deterrence, the relocated beast groups would be unbothered by the tides.
Later, when the tides are over, the beasts can be pushed back into their original environments.
There were several points drawn on the map that the Settlement Lord pointed to.
"Friend Dawn, you will be responsible for moving the beasts up north. There, we can focus on directing them towards the Great River."
"Please, rest easy, but we do need you to start as early as you can. Forgive us for asking so much of you."
"We will provide you with any aid you require, and you will be rewarded greatly for your contribution."
"..."
...