The two Conglomerate leaders were a bit caught off guard when Michael asked this question.

After all, both Theresa and Levi never actively talked to each other when they made this decision.

They both found out about the presence of the magical monsters separately. But they made the joint decision of keeping it a secret. They both knew that the other was aware of this.

"Why?" Levi asked, tilting his head. "As a company leader, you should know this."

Seeing Michael still confused, Theresa took the initiative to explain. "It’s because it’s an opportunity. These magical monsters are dangerous. For now. That will all change once we are able to dissect them and learn everything there was to know about their biology.

And then, we domesticate them. Imagine raising an army of monsters, each one having the strength of a Nascent Spirit cultivator. I’ll be unstoppable!"

Hearing their explanations, Michael couldn’t help but inwardly shake his head in disappointment.

Greed. That was the answer.

Of course, it’s not like he couldn’t see their reasoning. The Ersatz had already figured out the way to take control of these magical monsters. How else were they able to sic them onto New Sparta?

Theresa and Levi were just trying to level the playing field. They were ’helping’ humanity in their eyes.

And if that’s all what they were trying to do, then Michael wouldn’t have minded it.

However, by keeping these monsters as a secret, they’re actively sabotaging humanity! There were adventuring parties and individual companies coming to the Chasm in the hopes of striking it rich by being the first conquerors of this underground haven. They didn’t know they were getting fed to the sharks.

If they truly wanted to help humanity, they would have offered the opportunity to study these creatures to those more capable.

Instead, they wanted to take this opportunity to be the pioneer.

And it’s not like Michael abhorred that thought. Just like Levi said, this was probably what he should be doing. If he wanted to climb up the rankings and reach the top of the world, he’d need to make selfish decisions that benefited Reborn out of everything else.

But... he was not them. He didn’t want to conquer the world. He wanted to unite it.

...

...

...

Michael soon left Theresa’s Pocket Dimension, with Levi following him soon after.

They left Theresa and Lazarus behind. The mystic master was simply too enamored with his research to leave. And Theresa would be busy using the ice-petals for whatever purpose she had for it.

"Michael. Can we talk?" Levi said, leaning on a wall with his hands behind his back. "What do you think about us joining forces?"

This was unexpected. "I thought your company was sufficient enough," Michael replied.

Levi Vanderbilt cleared his throat. "To be honest, I thought that was the case. But with Theresa obtaining the ice-petals, I have a feeling that she’ll be acquiring a very powerful ally by her side soon."

Michael was still planning on talking with the demi-humans in the Chasm. He’d certainly have it easier if he worked with Levi.

But...

"We can’t work together," Michael said. "You and I both have completely different goals in the chasm."

Levi frowned a little bit. "So you’re planning on sieging the Chasm all on your own? I would understand if it was before, but now you know the monsters laying in wait there. You’re sending your men to a suicide mission."

Michael shook his head. "I disagree."

His men trusted him. So this time, he wanted to trust his men. If they said that they wanted to conquer the chasm and save the demi-humans there, then he’ll believe them.

And he equipped them the best he could. He was sure they could handle this.

Seeing his expression, Levi knew he wouldn’t be able to convince Michael.

"It’s your loss," he said. "It would be best if we avoided each other in the chasm. A lot of confusion in that maze."

It was a subtle threat. But Michael didn’t take it to heart. Levi didn’t have the best reputation, but he wasn’t the kind to kill in cold bold. He was just trying to make Michael back off.

Once they finished their discussion, the two went their separate ways.

Not even a few minutes after he left their camp, he saw the Vanderbilt soldiers moving with great gusto. Levi had ordered them to start preparing a siege onto the Chasm as soon as possible.

It was Levi’s only chance. He had to act now before Theresa could use that ice-petals to her advantage.

About an hour later, the entire Chasm went into an uproar as they saw the Vanderbilt army marching towards the lip, before descending into the depths.

"Woah! Looks like Levi wants to conquer the Chasm now!"

"What are the Goldstones doing? Why aren’t they matching the Vanderbilts? They’ll fall behind at this rate."

"Maybe that’s their tactics. Let the Vanderbilts do all the work so that they can sweep at the end and take the prize."

People were quick to realize that this wasn’t a simple trip to the Chasm. The Vanderbilts had deployed essentially their entire troops. They were going all in!

Because of this, some independent adventuring parties and companies decided to go with them. They thought the Vanderbilts had found some kind of treasure in the Chasm. Why else were they in a hurry?

And a while later, another surge of movement arrived in the Chasm. This time, it was the Goldstones.

But unlike Levi, Theresa had only deployed a small amount of her army towards the Chasm. A single battalion, the same one she had been deploying during their usual mission underground.

However, anyone could see that the Goldstones were also preparing a full frontal assault on the Chasm. Supply lines were getting arranged. Men were getting armed. They were just waiting for the eventual ’go-ahead’ from Theresa.

And after them, a different army marched forth. Numbering 15,000, the Rebornians made their way towards the Chasm.

Many underestimated them. They thought their shiny armor was an indication of their lack of experience.

Only a few were able to see that there was something different with the way those metals gleamed.