Madiath's words had just settled, and Sylvia suddenly stood up.
"What… what do you mean?" Sylvia asked, her excitement turned to nervousness could hardly be concealed. "Could it be that Ursula won't wake up?"
"Calm down, Sylvia," Fang Li said while grabbing Sylvia's hand. He looked at her and said, "Let's hear him out first."
Upon hearing this, Sylvia turned her head to meet Fang Li's gaze. Looking into Fang Li's calm eyes, her nervousness and anger gradually subsided.
At that moment, Sylvia took a deep breath and sat back down. However, her gaze remained fixed on Madiath's figure.
"I'm sorry, Chairman," Fang Li spoke indifferently. "Could you please explain what you mean by 'these words'?"
"It's quite simple," Madiath said confidently. "When forcibly occupying someone else's body, it's necessary to suppress the owner's mind and consciousness to gain control of the body. In Ursula's case, her consciousness has long been in a dormant state due to Valda's possession. Even if we return her body to you, it's uncertain whether Ursula's consciousness can be revived."
"Is that so?" Fang Li asked back with a knowing tone and said. "But since Valda has the ability to put someone to sleep, doesn't it imply that there's an ability to wake them up as well? After all, both are forms of interference with the mind. Isn't it possible that simply peering into the memories of the body's owner can be stimulating enough to awaken them, despite the pain it may cause?"
"That's correct," Madiath acknowledged with an open hand gesture as he spoke. "However, as you mentioned, such stimulation can result in pain and potentially have other consequences. In fact, both of you have experienced Valda's mind energy attacks. You should know how much strain it puts on the mind."
Fang Li and Sylvia exchanged glances when they heard Madiath's words.
Indeed, both Fang Li and Sylvia had experienced Valda's mind energy attacks.
At that time, the pain was so severe that Fang Li had to resort to self-defense by drawing his blade, while Sylvia couldn't help but let out a cry of anguish.
It was easy to imagine how dangerous it was.
"Moreover, Valda has been occupying this body for five whole years," Madiath hinted. "Under constant external mind energy suppression, Ursula's consciousness is undoubtedly exhausted. So, even if Valda relinquishes control of the body, it's uncertain whether Ursula's consciousness will awaken."
In other words, Ursula might either wake up immediately or remain in a continuous state of sleep.
"Even so, can you accept it?" Madiath asked. "To be honest, I never expected Ursula to have any connection to Diva-Sama. Otherwise, Valda wouldn't have resorted to using that body."
Sylvia refrained from voicing the question, "Can anyone just occupy another person's body?"
Because Sylvia knew that even if she asked, it wouldn't make a difference.
Valda was already considered one of the more moderate types.
In this world, the real distortion came from the Integrated Enterprise Foundation.
To ensure economic stability, the Integrated Enterprise Foundation maintained economic disparities among different groups, creating countless impoverished areas and fueling conflicts in bordering countries.
That was the true cruelty.
Compared to all of this, one person's safety seemed minuscule.
"Alright, I've already shown my goodwill," Madiath said, looking at Sylvia and then at Fang Li and said with a smile on his face. "And I have only one request."
"I understand," Fang Li said indifferently. "Just as I mentioned at the beginning, I only want to reclaim my friend's teacher's body. So, as long as you return Ursula, I can promise not to interfere with your affairs anymore and keep these matters confidential from others."
This was more than just an empty promise. Madiath must have had some significant plans, and he certainly wouldn't trust Fang Li based on just a few words, would he?
But Fang Li was an exception.
"My Master is Fan Xinglou from 'Banyuu Tenra,' and we also have a non-aggression pact with your group," Fang Li said. "As a disciple of 'Banyuu Tenra,' you can trust the agreements I make, right?"
"Of course," Madiath chuckled. "I just hope, Fang-San, that you won't hold a grudge against me for severely injuring you last time."
Upon hearing this, Fang Li glanced at Madiath's hand and said with a hint of amusement, "I actually think that you have more reasons to hold a grudge against me considering the harm you suffered. I am fully healed, while you on the other hand are permanently crippled and can never recover. It's clear who came out worse from that fight."
Afterward, Fang Li and Madiath exchanged some relatively unimportant words before departing.
As Fang Li and Sylvia left, the smile on Madiath's face slowly faded, and he fell into deep thought.
It wasn't until a voice echoed.
"Are you really willing to compromise with that human?" With these words, Valda's figure seemed to materialize out of thin air, slowly emerging from behind Madiath.
Madiath didn't turn around but simply replied, "Well, that individual holds too many mysteries: He has an unknown source of information, possesses unknown abilities, and on top of that, he is a highly regarded disciple of 'Banyuu Tenra.' I'm not suited to take action against him, especially right after he has become the champion of 'Pheonix Festa.'"
"But can you be certain they won't take action against you?" Valda asked emotionlessly. "Or do you prefer to trust a mere human's verbal agreement?"
"I'm only making my judgment based on the current situation," Madiath said cryptically. "At least, he has no reason to interfere with us, just like his Master."
"… If that's your judgment, then I'll follow it," Valda remained silent for a while before adding, "So, when do you plan to return this body to them?"
"As soon as possible," Madiath replied without hesitation. "I'll help you find another suitable body, so you can sever your connection with the current one and avoid giving that person any excuses to entangle with us."
"Understood," Valda left these words behind and promptly turned away, disappearing from view.
Now, only Madiath remained, standing before the immense glass wall, gazing outside at the scenery. He muttered to himself, "So, what will happen next?"
...
You can read ahead up to 60 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/GGS6395