Within the Sky Mirror, tensions and debates intensified, nearing the point of rolling up sleeves and engaging in physical altercations. Just then, Ogest, who had been silent all along, interjected.
"Everyone, please quiet down a bit. We should focus on how to handle the current crisis rather than shifting blame and squabbling," Ogest said, his tone slow and plain but carrying a certain intimidating power. Amidst the clamor, the previously boisterous meeting room fell silent, all eyes on this acting chairman.
However, there were dissenting voices, mocking and discontent. "It seems our acting speaker has thought of foolproof strategies..."
(TL/n - Speaker/Chairman/Overseer)
Ogest didn't respond but turned to Rol, saying, "Why don't you speak instead."
Rol nodded, solemnly passing around a stack of parchment.
"This is recent intelligence from the security team regarding the Cult of Apocalypse. Have a look," he suggested.
The council members took the parchments, swiftly scanning through them. Lynn also grabbed a copy.
Aside from recording the names and backgrounds of some Cult of Apocalyptic members, the pages held many peculiar theories about magic.
What caught Lynn's eye was the depiction of elements. The wizards of the Cult of Apocalypse seemed to have some understanding of the microcosm. However, their path of research deviated. They believed all elements might be part of a collective consciousness, naming this consciousness the Spirit of Elements.
The wizards' relentless and uncontrolled manipulation of elements would lead orderly elements into chaos, an irreversible process and the reason for the impending apocalypse.
"Absurd." Raphael shook his head, unable to withhold his rebuttal after merely skimming the first part.
Elemental studies were fundamental to almost every wizard. Convincing them to abandon centuries of research and instead pray to some ambiguous Spirit of Elements seemed like sheer madness.
"Don't you find these magical theories somewhat familiar?" Ogest unexpectedly asked.
The faces of the councillors changed collectively. When the Cult of Apocalypse initially proposed the concept of the Spirit of Elements, some realized it might stem from the legendary wizard Altok's elemental theories.
The information Rol collected undeniably supported this notion.
"Are you suspecting a connection between this matter and Altok?" Raphael exclaimed in disbelief.
The other wizards also stared in shock at Ogest. Though they had suspicions before, nobody dared point fingers at a legendary wizard.
"This is impossible." a councilor proficient in elemental studies exclaimed vehemently.
Ogest nodded, stating, "Of course, personally, I believe this matter has no connection to Altok."
However, despite his words, the councillors still harbored doubts. After all, only an entity of similar stature could have attacked and severely wounded a legendary wizard.
Moreover, according to rumors, the Elemental Master Altok had gone mad while exploring the microcosm. Nobody knew what such an individual could do.
Lynn, not well-versed in the legendary wizard of elemental studies, listened silently, organizing the intel without drawing any conclusions.
"Furthermore, the security team has received intel that in three days' time, these Cult of Apocalypse wizards will hold a large gathering. This might be the best opportunity to capture their ringleaders." Ogest solemnly declared. "However, the security team is severely understaffed. Ensuring the success of this operation will require your assistance."
Raphael and others understood the importance of this operation. Capturing the leaders of the Cult of Apocalypse would resolve numerous problems and troubles.
"But shouldn't we wait for Chancellor Harof's return before dealing with these people?" a witch hesitantly questioned. If this matter were related to the Elemental Master Altok, it might not be within their ability to resolve.
"Chancellor Harof has been in the magic stone mine for several days now, without any messages. He might have encountered some trouble," Ogest shook his head, continuing with a serious tone.
"I suspect the spatial disturbances previously seen in the magic stone mine were not natural. Someone might be trying to divert the attention of several Chancellors... Consequently, these Cult of Apocalypse wizards might not give us much time."
Lynn nodded, finding Ogest's thoughts akin to his own. The chaos in the city of Greenville coinciding with Harof's departure was unlikely to be a coincidence.
Under the magical prodigy's insistence, the discussion regarding the details of the capture operation quickly passed through the agenda, garnering the agreement of the majority.
Delaying this matter might spark greater chaos. Although the council lacked legendary wizards, it housed a considerable number of powerful ones.
While some leaders of the academic factions returned to their territories after the seminar, seven prominent wizards stayed behind. They were capable of handling most situations, even cooperating against a legendary wizard if needed.
Discussions on the operation details persisted until 10 pm, with the worried-looking councilors leaving the chamber.
After organizing the distributed documents, Rol breathed a sigh of relief. As one of Ogest's assistants, he had been incredibly busy these days, sometimes even skipping meals.
Fortunately, these hectic days were nearing an end. Once they dealt with these misguided Cult of Apocalypse members, he'd have a few leisurely days. Perhaps, Teacher Ogest would firmly secure his position as acting chairman thanks to their achievements.
Who knows, they might even earn a Sun Crown Medal for this feat.
Lost in these thoughts, Rol gathered his papers to leave but was halted midway by Lynn.
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Rol. I have something important to discuss with you alone," Lynn requested.