Everyone nodded calmly, outwardly composed, though Sasaki's information was already familiar to them. Beneath the surface, however, their interest was piqued. Curiosity about the powerful and their secrets always lingered, for learning such information could offer advantages, personal gain, or leverage.
Sasaki continued, his voice steady, "As you're all aware, not everyone is born with the talent to become a Genetic Warrior. Many instead dedicate themselves to the path of research, becoming the unseen gears driving human civilization forward. Yet, despite their brilliance, these minds often perish at the end of their natural lifespan, and humanity loses their contributions. The Rhineheart family, however, saw this as a waste. Taking inspiration from the Weird Research Institute's cultivation methods, they developed a new system. Instead of drawing energy from just one Weird Domain, they utilized safe Weird items infused with energies from multiple domains, allowing them to create safe weird item with minimum risk of getting out of control."
Diaz leaned forward, unable to hide the mix of curiosity and greed in his voice, echoing what everyone in the room was thinking. "Is it safe?" His question sliced through the tension, expressing the unspoken thoughts lingering in the air.
Sasaki nodded calmly, unfazed by the greed in Diaz's tone. He understood it well—when he first heard of this method, he too had felt a similar desire. Not for himself, as he was already gifted in the ways of the Genetic Warrior, considered a genius in his youth. But his thoughts had turned to his close ones, those less fortunate, whose talents were weaker. For them, this discovery could be life-changing. His own moment of greed had been unmistakable.
Sylvia tapped her chin thoughtfully, breaking the silence. "So, by using materials from multiple domains, the Rhineheart family found a way to neutralize the dangerous effects and influences of a single Weird domain. That however not explains the head of the Rhineheart family managed to reach A-rank as a Genetic Warrior before turning forty or practising with weird item faster. It's a remarkable breakthrough for humanity." She paused, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "But if it was so beneficial, why was he killed?"
Sasaki sneered. "He got greedy for fame and power to be a A-rank warrior."
He continued, "The cultivation method using Weird items involves either crafting or acquiring a Weird item with a higher realm than your own. mixing of many weird domain material when creating the weird item it neautralize each other influence and energy of all the item combine produces a new energy. Then, by a process I'm not fully familiar with, you absorb its energy and fuse it with your own. However, this method comes with a major drawback—once you've merged your energy with a particular Weird item, that's the only item you can use to progress. If the Weird item is a low D-rank, you're stuck with it. You can't simply switch to a stronger one later. Your only option is to advance the rank of your Weird item, refining it with other materials to enhance its realm. But this process is long, grueling, and risky. You must find the right materials to maintain the delicate balance, or the item will break and you'll lose everything."
Sasaki's sneer deepened as he spoke of Lawrence Rhineheart, the head of the Rhineheart family. "Lawrence was the first to experiment with this cultivation method. He had no talent as a Genetic Warrior, so 140 years ago, when no pure liquid existed to enhance an ordinary person's chances of breaking through to D-rank, he took the risky, new unexplored path of relying on a low-level D-rank Weird item. It wasn't until later that he realized he's strength stop at beggining D-rank and to increase his strength, he tried to absorb the energy of another weird item higher than the previous one but he couldn't absorb the energy of the higher-ranked item. But as a brilliant researcher himself with the resources of a powerful family, he refined that Weird item multiple times, elevating it from a low D-rank to B-rank, and eventually to A-rank. with it his realm and strength also increase."
Hei Shun raised an eyebrow, his voice cutting through the tension. "An A-rank Weird item?"
Whispers from the council members followed, their voices low but clearly excited. "An A-rank Weird item," some murmured. "The Light Parliament has an A-rank Weird item." Another voice chimed in, "Our country should stop supporting Stone Source City and start backing the Light Parliament, like I've always said." Others nodded in agreement, adding, "They never released any A-rank Weird items to the market."
Diaz, ever the opportunist, leaned forward. "General, do you know if the Light Parliament wants to make that information about the A-rank Weird item public?" His company, which dealt in the production of Weird items, was clearly eyeing an advantage.
Before Sasaki could answer, Elswell sneered. "Diaz, are you joking? Would your company ever release something so strategically valuable?"
Diaz, undeterred and full of false righteousness, shot back, "Why not? The Light Parliament 'should' release it! This is a strategic discovery, crucial for the advancement of humanity. They should release both the A-rank Weird item and the cultivation method. It's for the greater good!"
Diaz's feigned righteousness was met with quiet scoffs and knowing glances, as no one in the room believed his act of selflessness. Before Elswell could reply, Sasaki spoke calmly, "Stop and let me continue." The room fell silent once again.
"The Light Parliament intended to release the cultivation method after benefiting from it for 140 years," Sasaki continued. "But they hesitated. In all that time, only Lawrence Rhineheart's Weird item reached A-rank, and only he broke through to A-rank using the method. Lawrence kept the secret of his success to himself. However, no secret remains hidden forever."
His tone darkened as he went on, "Three years ago, a researcher who had been stuck at Peak B-rank for 50 years fought a group of men and, in his anger, not only killed them but destroyed their souls. To his surprise, his Weird item absorbed the souls, and he realized the item's shackles had loosened—it grew stronger. Intrigued, he experimented further in secret, using death row criminals to test this discovery. Each time the Weird item absorbed a soul, it became stronger. He concluded that if enough souls were absorbed, the item could advance to A-rank. The researcher shared this finding with the Light Parliament. They conducted their own tests and confirmed the same results."
Sasaki's eyes swept across the room, each council member listening intently. "They began investigating Lawrence's life and discovered that, 102 years ago, he went to save a city from a beast tide. According to his report, he arrived too late, and the entire population was lost. At the time, no one questioned his story. But after further investigation, inconsistencies were found in his statements. When they confronted Lawrence with evidence, instead of offering an explanation, he fled."
A sharp tension filled the room. Sasaki's voice remained calm, though the weight of his words was heavy. "Eventually, titled A-rank Silver Dragon, of the Silver family, and Illusion Heart, of his own family, tracked him down and killed him. His son, Link Rhineheart, was then abandoned by the family."
Diaz's eyes flicked toward the holographic image of the frail young man displayed on the red crystal table. "So, this is Link Rhineheart," he said, his voice laced with both realization and unease.
Secretary Jose nodded. "Yes, he's in our city." Several video clips, dated from a year back, began playing, showing Link moving through the underground factory floors of the city. There was no record of his entry, nor any explanation for how he appeared in the footage. "I'll inform the police to locate and capture him," Secretary Jose added.
Sasaki's voice remained calm but firm. "Tell the police to be careful. The boy is not to be harmed in any way."
Diaz, filled with greed and impatience, interjected. "Why? We should capture and torture him to learn the secret of the Weird item cultivation system."
Sasaki pointed to the video footage on the crystal table. "Look closely. The people following him—purple hair and purple eyes. They're all from the Rhineheart family." His tone darkened. "The rumor I heard was correct. He wasn't truly abandoned. This boy is a genius Genetic Warrior and an equally brilliant researcher. The Rhineheart family is not punishing him—they're testing him. If he quickly reaches A-rank as a Genetic Warrior, he'll be allowed back into the family."
A stunned silence filled the room as the gravity of Link's situation became clearer. The boy was not just a runaway; he had the backing of a power far greater than any of their families.
Hei Shun, his voice measured but laced with concern, spoke up. "If the boy successfully reaches A-rank and returns to his family, he will undoubtedly harbor resentment for his family to betray his father. Even if he rejoins them, he may harbour resentment against the very people who wronged him."
Sasaki, with a calm but knowing tone, responded, "This is not our concern, our concern he must be kill or harm in our area. His mother is from the Silver family, one of the founding families of the Silver Light Federation, and she's also an A-rank Genetic Warrior. Harm the boy, and you risk angering not just one but two powerful families. We need to approach him with care. Try to negotiate—find out what he wants and why he's doing this. Offer him what he seeks if it means stopping him peacefully."
Secretary Jose nodded, absorbing the warning. "Yes, General. But what about Mirror Man?" He had hoped the General's presence would finally bring the factory floor under control, now that they understood the situation with the Weird items. But Mirror Man's looming threat still lingered. Solving both problems would mean the city's safety.
Sasaki's gaze shifted. "Mirror Man, Francis… It's only his clone in the city. Hei Shun, I've noticed that you've recently broken through to B-rank and i forgot to congrulate you. After i repel the black tower's army i will hold a party for you, our spark technology have another B-rank genetic warrior so, Why don't you handle Mirror Man's clone and show the city your strength?"
The revelation that Hei Shun, head of the Hei family's branch in the city, had quietly achieved B-rank caused a ripple of whispers among the council members. The shift in power dynamics unsettled them, as they began to grasp the changing balance of influence and control.
Hei Shun, after a brief, thoughtful silence, fixed his gaze on Sasaki. "I was just about to propose the same thing, but, General, you took the words right out of my mouth. I hesitated only because it's a clone of titled A-rank genetic warrior, and while it has only displayed the power of a Peak D-rank, it may be hiding its true strength. Who knows what hidden methods he has? I've only just reached B-rank, not familar with my strength and even though it's a clone, it's still one of a Titled A-rank. However, if Lady Caldwell agrees to accompany me, I will take on the task."
Elswell, scoof, angrily interjected, "Afraid? You're a B-rank now. Why drag Sylvia along when she's only a C-rank warrior?"
Hei Shun turned to Elswell, unphased. "Yes, she's a C-rank, but with the B-rank Weird item from her family, the Ice Wing, her strength rivals a B-rank. With her accompanying me, we can handle Francis's clone with less risk. And with the power amplification of Ice Wing, it will also make capturing Link without injuring him far easier."
The room fell into a heavy silence, weighing the strategy Hei Shun had presented. His logic was sound, and the council had little choice but to seriously consider it. Sasaki and the others nodded in agreement, as they were well aware of Sylvia's unique abilities. Many had experienced firsthand her power to freeze without causing harm—some had even felt its chill at the start of the meeting.
Elswell hesitated. Though she disliked Hei Shun, she found no flaw in his argument. She also knew that his invitation for Sylvia to join him wasn't without ulterior motive. His animosity toward Sylvia was well-known, and his intentions seemed anything but noble.
Sasaki broke the tension, turning toward Sylvia. "Sylvia, I think Hei Shun's reasoning is solid."
Without breaking her cold gaze from Hei Shun, Sylvia replied in a calm yet freezing tone, "Hei Shun, when do we begin the task?"
Hei Shun glanced at the clock. "It's 11:30 a.m. now. How about 1 p.m.?"
Sylvia nodded slightly. "Then it's settled. 1 p.m."
Sasaki chuckled, standing up to leave. "Jose, looks like I've solved all your problems. When Martin comes out of seclusion, make sure he knows he owes me a favor."
As Sasaki prepared to leave, a man seated by the eastern wall rose to his feet, his expression grim. "General, before you go, I've received troubling news."
Sasaki turned, raising an eyebrow. "And you are?"
Diaz interjected with a dismissive tone. "Cressey, we've already provided evidence that we weren't responsible for your boy's kidnapping."
Cressey scoffed at Diaz but kept his focus on the General. "I'm Heron Cressey," he introduced himself coldly. "Diaz, I'm not here to rehash that. I have more pressing concerns. We can all see the video for ourselves." He glanced at Secretary Jose. "I've sent the footage to you. Could you please play it?"
Secretary Jose nodded, and a holographic display flickered to life above the red crystal table. The video revealed a farm gate, with several figures in combat uniforms bearing the Cressey family insignia. Vehicles were parked nearby. Suddenly, one of the men, standing a short distance from the group, collapsed as his head exploded. Chaos erupted as more men fell, and shouts of "Sniper! Take cover!" rang out. Moments later, a haunting wolf howl echoed through the air.
The footage shifted to show hundreds of wolves, some adorned in bone armour, others with only bone spikes or partial coverings, swarming the area. Among them was a massive wolf, larger than the rest, fully encased in bone armour. The pack mercilessly tore through the soldiers before charging through the farm gate.
The video ended, plunging the room into a tense silence. Elswell's wide eyes darted toward Sylvia. "Sylvia, this isn't a Weird Domain mission, is it? Where Sky was sent?"
Jose, visibly concerned, added, "We need to send reinforcements immediately."
Diaz quickly countered, "We can't. Most of our security forces are tied up at the factory, and the rest need to stay on alert with the Black Tower's army only two days away. And considering people involve attacking with the bone wolves, this could easily be a trap to lure us in. We can't afford that kind of risk."
Elswell, her temper flaring, shot up from her chair. "Diaz, do you 'want' to die?"
Sylvia placed a calming hand on her arm. "Calm down, Elswell."
"But—" Elswell began, her frustration clear.
"Sky can handle it," Sylvia reassured her. "All those wolves are just D-rank. Even if their pack leader advances to C-rank, Sky's in the mid True Body Realm. She can take on a newly promoted C-rank Bone Wolf."
But Sasaki, grim-faced, interjected, "I don't think she can handle it."
Everyone turned their eyes toward him, filled with concern and curiosity. Heron's emotions teetered between hope and dread—relieved by Sky's strength but thrown into despair again by Sasaki's words. He couldn't help but ask, his voice tight, "Why, General?"
Sasaki's gaze swept the room, his voice heavy with concern. "Because that isn't just any pack of wolves. The leader… it's no ordinary D-rank. If my suspicions are correct, that Alpha is a descendant of the Demon Wolf King. Look closely at its claws—purple. The descendants of A-rank Beasts always have combat power far exceeding their realm."
Hei Shun's expression darkened. "A descendant of the Demon Wolf King? We can't afford to let the power of of the Demon Wolf King grow any stronger. If its descendant seizes control of the Weird Domain, it'll be disastrous for us. The domain will only make the wolf and pack stronger."
Elswell, alarmed, turned to Sylvia. "Sylvia, we need to send our private army to rescue them quickly."
Leonard, the man who had remained quiet for most of the meeting, spoke up. "My family's private army is also at your disposal, Sylvia."
Sylvia nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Leonard, and thank you, Elswell."
Hei Shun chimed in, "I'll send some of our men to accompany you as well."
But Sylvia only gave a brief nod before Sasaki interrupted. "No need to send your men. I'll send someone, but first…" His eyes met Sylvia's with a questioning intensity. "There's something I need to confirm with you."
Sylvia's eyes gleamed with curiosity, but she nodded in agreement, waiting for Sasaki's next words.
Sasaki's gaze narrowed. "In your daughter's team, I recognized someone... and I think you know who I'm talking about."
Sylvia, maintaining her polite demeanor, responded carefully, "I cannot confirm or deny, General Sasaki."
Sasaki nodded knowingly. "That's fine. I've gotten the answer I needed." Then, with a calm command, he called out, "Nigel."
A voice echoed from the corner of the room, "Yes, General."
All eyes turned toward the door, where a man stood, arms crossed, leaning casually against the frame. The room fell into stunned silence as the sudden realization swept through—Nigel had been there the entire time, unnoticed by everyone. His presence, quiet yet commanding, sent a wave of unease rippling through the council. They hadn't seen him enter, nor sensed his movements, not even when Sasaki arrived. A chill ran through most of them as the thought crept in: if Nigel had wanted to assassinate anyone in that room, they would have been dead before even knowing he was there.
Sasaki, unfazed by the tension his operative had caused, continued calmly, "You understand your mission?"
Nigel gave a sharp nod. "Yes, General."
Sasaki's tone turned brisk. "Then go."
Without another word, Nigel pushed off the doorframe and strode out with quiet confidence.
Sasaki turned his attention back to the group. His voice remained calm, as though the unsettling presence of Nigel had never occurred. "Is there anything else?"
The council members seated at the table maintained their composure, while those behind them—still rattled by Nigel's sudden appearance and departure—murmured a hesitant, unified, "No, General."
Sasaki gave them a final, sweeping glance before striding out. As the door closed behind him, the room fell into contemplative silence once more. Everyone in the room saluted as the general left, acknowledging his authority.
Hei Shun, rising to his feet, broke the silence. "Our meeting is adjourned for today. I'll be at the factory floor, Sylvia. I'll wait for you there." With that, he exited, followed closely by the people on his side of the table and those behind him. Their departure created a ripple effect, as the rest of the attendees, seated near the eastern wall, began to approach Sylvia.
After exchanging a few quiet words, they too left the room. Soon, only Jose, Sylvia, Elswell, and Leonard remained.
Elswell, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer, turned to Sylvia. "Sylvia, who was General Sasaki talking about?"
Sylvia's expression remained unreadable. "I cannot say anything about that."
Unsatisfied with the answer, Elswell frowned, clearly wanting more information. But before she could press further, Leonard intervened. "Leave it, Elswell. If it's something we need to know, Sylvia will share it with us when the time is right."
Elswell huffed but eventually relented, though her eyes still glimmered with lingering questions.
Sylvia stood up, her voice composed. "I should go and prepare for the mission."
Leonard nodded. "We'll join you. Hei Shun's request for you to accompany him isn't without ill intention. We all know that without the council's backing, neither Francis's group nor Link's group could have entered the city. It's clear we're not behind it, which leaves Hei Shun. Diaz and Madelyn wouldn't make such an important decision without informing him."
Jose, leaning forward with a knowing expression, added, "It's Hei Shun behind their entry. You can tell from Diaz's tone—he doesn't know anything about Link Rhineheart."
Sylvia sighed, her face unreadable. "When Lord Martin returns, all of the city's problems will be resolved." With that, she turned and left the room, followed by Elswell and Leonard, leaving Jose alone.
He walked toward the large glass panel and sighed deeply, gazing out at the bleak scene beyond—the sky filled with thick radiation clouds, and the ground below covered in an unrelenting blanket of snow.