NOVEL NEXT Chapter 319
“The Arshite Consortium proposes to reclassify the Ariel Group as a top-tier threat, equivalent to the Apostles.”
At this unexpected statement, Cordo raised an eyebrow.
Did a bizarrely lively-named anti-clan terrorist organization become so crucial that it occupied the final moments of such an important meeting?
He straightened his neck in disbelief and opened his mouth.
“Chief Administrator Elena, I’m curious why you’re suddenly bringing up those ruffians. We don’t have time to discuss those clone terrorists. We’re already pressed for time to prepare countermeasures against the Apostles. I believe we covered enough about them in the last meeting.”
In the meeting just concluded, the heads of the three major clans reached an agreement with the executives of their clans on the cooperation system and response protocols when the Apostles appeared.
The staff would coordinate the details, but the key was the establishment of a special task force against the Apostles.
This would require the elite of each clan, consuming a vast amount of resources.
Yet, now, at this critical juncture where the three major clans must unite against the threat from another world, why are we bothering with a human armed faction?
The woman referred to as the Administrator elegantly brushed her ominous green-tinged black hair aside.
“We have not strayed off the agenda, Cordo. This meeting is to address the erosion zone incident and security issues. Following the recent terrorist act, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the organization in question, and the Arshite Intelligence Agency concluded that they should be evaluated as a Code Omega threat. The Foundation also agreed to this conclusion after reviewing the confidential information we provided. Secretary General Fegan?”
“…Information?”
Elena’s gaze turned to the man with navy hair seated to Cordo’s left.
“Indeed. They are quite threatening.”
Cordo looked at him as well, feeling the subtle exchange of glances between the Secretary General and the Chief Administrator.
Information? This was the first I was hearing of it.
A wave of discomfort rushed through Cordo’s nerves.
“Ha, absurd. Did you just throw the principle of information sharing to the dogs? Did the two of you make a secret deal behind our family and clan’s backs? I’m hearing about this only now? It’s ridiculous that there wasn’t even a notification!”
“Commander, please calm down, this is a public forum. You know very well that no organization can match our information capabilities. There’s just a time lag; it’s naturally a matter that should be shared. Before getting worked up over this, don’t we have much to discuss regarding the research on the Apostles?”
“Research on the Apostles is a separate issue!”
The head of the Restraid felt his expression distort as he faced the cold treatment from both clans.
Suppressing his boiling anger, he decided to put this complicated situation in a deep drawer of his mind for the moment.
He had a hunch why the two clans suddenly postponed the information sharing.
They must be sulking.
“They’ve always been obsessed with outsiders and alien technology.”
Recalling that this was an official occasion, Cordo inhaled deeply.
“Understood… I would prefer if that information sharing happened without delay.”
As the administrator’s fingers gracefully danced in the air, a blue hologram blossomed in the center of the table.
A cascade of numbers and images poured forth onto the shining screen.
Scattered debris from the Magnavis unit, countless shell casings strewn about.
“Their identity and background harbor various possibilities, but the first location the armed organization known as the Ariel Group revealed their presence was Vittorio Arcade.”
What played back were audio files gathered from anonymous hunters over the months.
-It was a hellish sight. On one side, an artillery barrage was tearing through the city, while across the street, those madmen leapt into the inferno… I’ll never forget that frenzied charge!
-At that moment, I truly lost hope of survival. Monsters ravaged the streets, the forward base crumbled. But then, amidst the smoke, the thunderous footsteps of heavily armed special forces appeared. It felt like a scene from a movie…
“Their scale has been consistently growing. During the Magnavis assault, though inexperienced, they demonstrated inter-operational tactics and secured a number of heavy weapons for use.”
Images of the debris from artillery shells and a truck armed with heavy weaponry flashed by.
“Additionally, suspicious signs were detected, but a month ago in the erosion zone, they began deploying aircraft and tanks. They were also seen utilizing moderate-tier magic that they hadn’t used previously. The parties involved must be aware of this, right?”
“Yes, that’s true. We also felt on-site that their equipment and strength improved compared to last year. However, in general, their level still falls far short of ours. If we focus, we can obliterate them. But it seems they’re scared of getting hurt like little girls, right? … Ah, Admin, forgive me. Let’s disregard that statement.
The crux of the matter is this: Whoever is backing them—whether it’s the hardliners of the Federal Army, the remnants of the old nobility, or hostile corporations—Restraid is ready to confront them at any time. But you all seem unprepared.”
Elena coolly interjected with indifference to Cordo’s mumbling.
“You won’t be saying that after seeing this.”
“What on earth…?”
“The Arshite Intelligence Agency restored footage captured eight months ago from the research facility of the Magnavis Group that was under construction during the West District serial terror events. Since the Magnavis have hidden out at their continental base, it took some time for the investigation. Now, everyone, please focus.”
In the crackling noise-suffused imagery, the scene of a fierce battle unfolded vividly.
The Chief Administrator of Arshite continued with a grave tone.
“Behold the true power our enemy possesses.”
The Chief Administrator’s voice was ice-cold as she concluded,
“This is the true power our enemy possesses.”
In the footage, countless armed personnel were engaged in intense combat with the guards of Magnavis.
Someone broke the tension with a remark.
“What? This isn’t anything special—”
Before that sentence could even finish, the video quickly fast-forwarded.
Soon, the hurried sequence of events made everyone present in the meeting room gasp. Even Cordo’s jaws dropped in shock.
“My God.”
A heavy silence enveloped the meeting room as time passed slowly.
“Damn it, they can even transform?”
“Yes, that’s the identity of the monster that bit Valefor’s arm.”
A little later, the additional motion by Arshite was unanimously passed.
**
“Damn, it’s a blessing we didn’t touch those guys. If they had transformed there, we would’ve suffered tremendous damage.”
Cordo clicked his tongue. The image of the monstrous woman fiercely fighting against the Grand Mage was hard to shake off.
“What a senile old fool, yet he didn’t share any of this with us…”
For a moment, irritation twisted the commander’s thoughts into clarity.
“That technique we just saw looks familiar. It resembles the martial arts the terrorists who attacked eastern Arturia have used for some time. Wasn’t it that Sycamore’s specialty?”
“Indeed, you have quick understanding as someone well-versed in martial arts, Commander. That is the Raiks-Hiaven. It’s a secret combat technique of the cursed enhanced humans.”
“I see. Anyway, whether it’s a unique ability to create clones or some cloning technology, it’s confirmed that the Ariel Group has deep connections with the Obsidian Legion.”
Cordo began piecing together the scattered puzzle pieces of information like erratically placed fragments on a blank board.
“Obsidian Legion, huh… There is a possibility that the bastards of the Federal Army’s intelligence agency are colluding with Ariel… Nothing is certain, of course. Damn terrorist scum. We were played before the Tea Time Accords during my father’s time. It’s still the same mess. Those lower-class bastards have long memories.”
“Colonel Rogers’ animosity toward us is well-known. We don’t need to make an effort to understand his obstinate demeanor. More importantly, Secretary General, I’d like to discuss something more personal now.”
At Secretary General Fegan’s words, the air froze.
An intense tension filled the room regarding the treasure box known as the “Apostle.”
Cordo felt nauseated by the Secretary General’s irritating smile, reminiscent of the sinister navy-haired man of Laplacian. Blood is thicker than water, they say.
“Is it about the Apostles? We weren’t opposed to research collaboration, but you rejected it. What kind of fool claims they will monopolize a large fish caught by others?”
“As the Secretary General of the Foundation, I must remain true to our basic principles. Our existence is to manage knowledge that could be harmful to the world. Research on the Apostles is no exception.”
“Hmph, Restraid also claims to be harmful, right? Once all the research is completed, we’ll share all the core data. We conveyed as much to the Federal Army. But the Foundation is different. You keep the important things to yourselves.”
“We have never concealed information permanently. Once our safety is sufficiently verified, we have always shared with everyone.”
Laughter echoed through the room.
“That’ll happen in several decades! It reminds me of my late father, who said you were hiding the alien ship unearthed from the dungeons of the first Secretary General’s days under the Foundation. When will that be revealed?”
“Such things do not exist. I’ll take that as a joke. And you too, Cordo the Commander.”
The Secretary General’s gentle smile vanished, and frost settled in their voices.
“The Foundation is serious.”
“Oh? Are you planning to send a patent decapitation squad or something?”
“This board is concerned about the actions of the joint sub-dimensional biology research institute. Reckless knowledge is sin, and unrestrained technology is disaster. The dream of the liberals that opened the gates of other dimensions should be something that Bureau Chief Chun informed you of.”
“I would know! Hey! Secretary General, you don’t think of me as some primitive fool lost in democracy, do you? Huh?”
Seeing the fury-stricken Commander, Fegan took a step back. He had failed to consider the temperament of this ancient royal bloodline, which loathed liberalism and civil rights.
The words he flung could easily be perceived as mockery.
“That could never be the case. It was not my intention; I apologize.”
“Why are you doing this, Secretary? How many headaches have those commoners chattering about civil rights caused lately?”
The Secretary General let out a breath of relief.
Fortunately, the Commander of Restraid was taking a moment to vent his concerns about the current situation.
“…Magnavis seemed to have taken a breather, and now they’ve become emboldened. Those ignorant pigs always complain. They’ve completely forgotten whose benefit they can live peacefully… tsk.”
After the grumbling session, Cordo glared at the Secretary General.
“Research collaboration and advice is all that’s permitted. No involvement in research direction or levels, no demands to transfer Apostles, and no requests for samples whatsoever. I don’t want to see that Lyhan bastard getting mixed up! Do you understand how much blood my subordinates shed in the process of capturing that Omega bastard?”
The Secretary General responded with a smile.
“That’s a valid point. I’ll accommodate everything. I’ll also set my clueless younger sibling aside for a moment.”
“…”
Contrary to his earlier oppressive demeanor, the Secretary General accepted things smoothly without any friction.
Cordo was taken aback by the sudden change but soon realized the underlying reason.
“Come to think of it, Professor Bernike and some of the research team had ties to Luminexa. He must have had his own clever tricks.”
Well, that kind of workaround could be overlooked.
Good will was better than bad will.
**
After the discussions wrapped up, the two were making their way out when a man with green hair abruptly appeared before them.
“Commander! Here you are! We need to discuss Code Omega—”
Furrow lines deeply marked Cordo’s forehead. Despite intentionally excluding him from the discussions, this persistent fellow was unwavering.
Seeing the Secretary General beside him awkwardly smile, it seemed he was yet another uninvited guest.
“Chairman! Why is it particularly Bernike? Didn’t you assign it to our Laplacian? I can do it! We can handle it, Apostles, we—”
Ignoring Lyhan’s flustered pleadings, the two passed him with cold gazes.
“Commander! Secretary General! Damn it, brother!”
Emerging armored knights waved him away authoritatively.
Though the chairman’s aides tried to step forward due to the knights’ high-handed actions, the chairman stopped them with a gesture and stepped back while smiling awkwardly.
“…”
As Lyhan retreated, he turned his head for one last look. Cordo and Fegan disappeared right after turning the corner.
In his eyes blazed a fire of rage as intense as molten steel.
The resentment etched into his eyes as he followed their retreating figures.
Lyhan stood there dazed, as if nailed in place.