Chapter 3

Mina, the master of magic, could casually use teleportation spells.

Thanks to her, Bal moved from the second-class area to the imperial city in an instant, unnoticed by the nearby residents.

There was a large round table where he moved, and nine high-quality black chairs were placed around it.

Six of them were already occupied.

"I was one of the last, huh. Everyone is so prompt."

When Bal said this, one of the shadows replied.

"It's only you who lives in the second-class area and can't use teleportation magic."

The shadow had silver hair and a silver beard, and was a man in his forties.

"Still playing the commoner, huh?"

A man in his thirties with short purple hair, who didn't mock but showed a curious attitude, said this.

"Isn't it a truly wonderful attitude to continue interacting with the people we should protect?"

Mina said this, her voice cold and haughty, different from when she spoke to Bal.

"I agree."

A voice agreeing with her words came from the entrance of the room. It was a man in his fifties with red hair, who held the highest power in the country.

"Your Majesty."

The six people who were seated stood up and bowed respectfully. Bal also bowed. Mina only nodded slightly, but no one criticized her.

"Eight Radiant Gods of our empire, thank you for gathering."

The emperor, who sat down last, spoke slowly.

"The topic today is about the monsters that have become active recently at the border."

"Is it that serious to be discussed in this meeting?"

The man in his forties with silver hair and a silver beard asked. The emperor slowly shook his head.

"No, it's not that serious. But there is a possibility it could become so in the future."

Upon hearing this, the Eight Radiant Gods, except Mina, twitched their shoulders.

"I want to avoid the mistake of underestimating the situation, which could lead to greater damage. I want you to act now. Understand, Claude?"

"Are you going to deploy our maximum force right away?"

Claude, the silver-haired man, understood. The Eight Radiant Gods were the empire's maximum force and one of the main reasons why the empire was considered the strongest nation on the continent.

"I hope it doesn't turn out to be a mountain giving birth to a mouse."

Mina said this with a sarcastic tone.

"Of course, I would prefer that. It would be a laughing matter."

The emperor calmed Claude, who showed anger towards her, with a hand.

"We can notice things that others might overlook, after all."

The man in his thirties said this. As the atmosphere in the room began to lean towards agreement, the emperor asked Bal.

"Bartholomew, what do you think?"

"I agree, Your Majesty. I believe it's best to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible."

His agreement made the emperor feel a bit more at ease.

"Will you go to Vyl, Mina?"

"Yes."

Mina answered briefly. Everyone in the room, including her, knew why the emperor had asked Bal first.

"However, Your Majesty, are all of us going to move? I think it would be unwise to leave the capital empty."

The emperor's expression turned grim at this inquiry.

"Indeed, there is a possibility that the series of events is a diversion, and the real target is the weakened capital."

"Then I will stay in the capital, Your Majesty?"

Bal offered, and the emperor immediately felt relieved.

"Yes. If Bartholomew stays, I can send the others out with peace of mind."

"Don't get too comfortable, Bartholomew."

One of the Eight Radiant Gods said this with a sigh, but Mina countered.

"Bartholomew's power allows the other seven to be allocated to the investigation. I think it's a wonderful plan."

"Yes."

The emperor agreed immediately, preventing any uneasy atmosphere from forming.

"If possible, I would like to borrow a teleportation spell user. Just in case."

Bal's request was met with a nod.

"I understand. I will assign someone who knows your true face."

"You should learn a teleportation spell already. It's not that difficult, you know."

Someone sighed, and Mina glared at them.

"Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses."

The emperor said this with a tired voice, calming the situation.

"I want to decide who goes where."

The emperor continued.

"Is this acceptable?"

There were no objections, so it was decided.

"I want you to bring back as much information as possible. Even the smallest details matter."

"We don't even know the identity of the enemy."

Claude showed his agreement, but the emperor corrected him.

"We don't even know if there is an enemy or if it's just a natural phenomenon. The latter would be preferable."

"Our country is the strongest on the continent. There are plenty of people who wish for its weakening."

The man with purple hair spat out this with disgust.

"Yes. As Manuel says."

Claude agreed calmly, and the emperor nodded.

"Prepare for the worst."

With these words, the meeting was dismissed. Bal, as usual, had Mina teleport him home.

"Please gather as much information as you can."

"Yes, I will do my best."

Mina answered his request with determination.