Laying the command of Terra Australis with the inexperienced Nash could be said to be a gamble but...
That same gamble has now paid off.
No one said anything but they all gave Nash a subtle glance. No matter how much annoyed they may get due to his attitude, he's someone who had always proved himself.
Sensing everyone's gaze, Nash didn't talk about the past any further and proceeded to talk about their current findings.
He actually took their glances as a warning that he was being too frivolous...
"Cough" He cleared his throat with a light cough and started reciting the remaining of the report.
"We at the Terra Australis stronghold are tasked with the discovery of the ghost known as the Southern Continent, the unseen piece of land beyond the treacherous oceans.
"Many even believed it to be lie fragmented in order to induce false hope in people's heart and keep them moving but...
"After more than 3 years of relentless struggles with the perilous seas, we finally have had success in our hands.
"Although we still don't have any on site proof, there's no more mistaking or questioning it's existence anymore. The Southern Continent is real. I can word it upon my name."
All the Generals watched Nash making his report with attention and amusement. It was rare for him to act in this overly pushing and serious manner.
But this further goes to show how big of an discovery it was.
Nash continued, the Generals thoughts unknown to him, "Our journey began with nothing but olden maps and fragmented data. Every expedition faced monstrous sea creatures and unpredictable weather. But we didn't give up. We couldn't. The idea of a new beginning, a fresh start, kept us going."
"Talking about expeditions.. Hehe, as everyone is aware, with most of our advanced shipbuilding technology lost to the apocalypse, we've had been traversing the oceans with makeshift boats. These vessels are cobbled together from whatever materials we could scavenge. They're far from ideal, but thanks to the mystic power of mana and the resilence that come with bit of mana infusion, they've held up surprisingly well against the harsh conditions."
Nash spoke with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. It was truly miraculous how some crudely put together pieces of wood and metal were actually able to withstand the precarious weather of the seas.
"Now, moving on to our actual findings; thanks to the subtle shifts in ocean currents and the strange patterns in monster migrations, we have finally zeroed in on the general direction of the southern continent. It wasn't easy, but with the help of the strange mana flow in the seas, we managed to navigate the treacherous waters and gather clues."
He then pointed to a series of notations on the map. "These anomalies in the ocean currents we have discovered in some past time, they are not random and we believe are being influenced by something massive and substantial."
Nash paused, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Other than that, we have also found abandoned monster nests, creatures migrating in organized patterns as if avoiding a specific area. It all pointed to one conclusion: there's land out there."
He leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "We used to imagine a haven untouched by human eyes; filled with new resources and safer habitats with the potential of a new start, to rebuild away from the current horrors..."
His voice softened as he uttered the last words of his report, "It isn't just imagination anymore, it's a reality we're on the brink of discovering."
He stopped and sat back on his seat, letting others processing the implications of the words he had just spoken.
Some of the Generals had a frown on their face, while some were calculating the new world of possibilities that have opened up to them.
Ron, as usual, didn't say anything and let others took the initiative to, if any, raise questions on Nash's report.
After a while of contemplation, General Nataya took the initiative and spoke up "Nash, I am confused about something."
She started putting forward her own doubts "As one of the longest serving General present here along with Sir Orville, I can attest to the fact that our efforts in reaching the Southern Continent for the past decade and so have been anything but half-assed."
"Although it was different than the current time since there was no dedicated stronghold like Terra Australis in place for the task, I don't believe our exploration efforts lose out to the present efforts in any way."
Nataya affirmed. She was one of the oldest serving General present in the room along with Orville. There was no room to doubt her words.
"I am not doubting the genuinity of your report; we know that you won't dare to provide everyone with a fake report in presence of Ron, but what I want to ask is that.. " She took a small pause. Her tone was calm and collected.
"What exactly has changed between the past and now? What was the defining factor that wasn't present in the past but now is? I heard your report and all the factors that you listed. It isn't possible that you just happened to discover the continent. Something had to have changed."
"What is it that gave you such confidence?"
Nataya gave her analysis. She wasn't trying to downplay anyone or anything but was genuinely curious and at the same time, worried about the dangers that may arise due to the possible anomalies.
Nash's expression changed a little at her question. He seemed to be contemplating on how to reply her...
He thought for a bit and replied with the same smirk "Oh, I am glad someone asked. To put it simply, it's all thanks to me."
He said and everyone present couldn't help but roll their eyes at his reply.
"And how exactly does it make sense?" Ryuto asked, annoyed.
But Nash wasn't planning on stopping here "Of course, it's due to my strength. I was able to sense the subtle changes in mana flow in the seas that guided us through the waters. Although normally taxing, we were able to sense this newly created channel with my superior str- "
Nash suddenly paused as he sensed a particular gaze coming from a certain direction.
Gulp.
He gulped as a tickle of sweat started to appear on his forehead. He didn't even dare to look around and affirm where the gaze was coming from.
Apparently, the gaze was laced with a hint of killing intent...
And not only that, but the quality of the intent was such so which he has never faced before.
The purity...
It shooked him to his core.
"Well, to be honest, although my strength did play a crucial role in discovering the route to the Southern Continent, it wasn't the core reason as to how we were able to unveil it after so many years."
He said and after that, just sighed.
"Sigh"
He spoke again with a bit of lousy tone.
"There have been changes in the state of the Continent. It's presence has gotten clearer than it was before."
He came clean.
And as expected, everyone's pupils largened in shock.
"What?"
Connor asked out loud. He had been rather unparticipating in the talks that took place during the meeting; and it was so not because he was uncaring and didn't feel the need to spoke up but due to being already briefed upon by Ron about most of the things that they talked about this time.
But now, a new scenario has popped up which he too hadn't heard about before.
"Nash, can you please elaborate?" He requested.
Everyone else too waited for the explanation with attention.
"Well, I truly don't have much of an explanation to provide regarding this but remember how I talked about mana in the above report?"
"Mana is everywhere and different surroundings influence it in inconceivable ways. That's also the case with the seas but that's not the point right now."
"It's as I said; it's presence itself has gotten way more clear than before. The mana fluctuations around the land had increased, and same to say for the amount too."
He took a pause and said with solemnity.
"It's as if a dormant laying body had suddenly came to life." He gave his own thoughts.
Everyone frowned a little at Nash words. His words were confusing, but they could somewhat understand what he was trying to convey.
Nash continued, not giving anyone a chance to ask further questions "The changes are almost impossible to sense for anyone below the General Rank. That's why I said my strength played a crucial role in determining it's state."
"I am sorry but I really don't have anything else left to say. In case you are still unsatisfied, I would advice you to go to the seas. I believe everyone here will be able to sense what I am talking about." He concluded with those last words.
Just as he ended his explanation, a hush fall upon the meeting room. Everyone was left to ttheir own thoughts, different scenarios playing in each's mind.
"Wait!" Kenny was the first one to voice out his thoughts.
"What are the chances that the current anomalies in the Southern Continent are in some way connected to the Stampede that will befall us in some days?" He said out aloud.