In the glow of Divided Shadow's first projection, the scene unfolded with unsettling clarity.
"It seems a confrontation with the mafia is inevitable now," remarked Wisebel, his tone coldly resolved.
"I never intended to avoid it," came the reply from his ever-loyal aide.
"Where should the battleground be?" the aide pressed further.
"The academy offers the best advantage, but the mafia won't dare launch an attack there. If we scatter a few academy students in the city, though, they'll likely target them—basic tactics involve isolating the enemy."
"Shouldn't we warn the students to avoid the city?"
"True, but prolonged restrictions will breed unrest. Instead, I plan to propose a duel to the mafia, outside the city. We'll dictate both the time and place."
"That would force a decisive battle," the aide mused. "But outside the city, we lose our advantage."
