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Chapter 20 - GRAND STRATEGY HALL

*[INT. CONSTANTINE FAMILY CASTLE – GRAND STRATEGY HALL – NIGHT]*

*The massive round table glows with faint rune-light. 40+ elite members of the Constantine bloodline, all seated in full hunter uniforms, weapons resting at their sides. Maps, enchanted scrolls, and spectral charts float in the air as *JOHAN CONSTANTINE*, the iron-willed patriarch, steps forward to address the family.*

*JOHAN:*

"Thank you all for assembling. Let's get to the point."

*He waves his hand and a magical projection appears: A *heatmap* of supernatural activity throughout the region.*

*JOHAN (serious):*

"Since the arrival of this unknown entity, we've seen a 43% reduction in demon rampages. Vampire and werewolf aggression has dropped across the eastern provinces. Even the goblins are staying in their holes."

*He looks around the room.*

*JOHAN:*

"This isn't a victory. It's a warning. They're not gone... they're scared. Something stronger has entered the playing field."

*He turns toward MIA, who straightens in her seat.*

*JOHAN:*

"Mia. What's your report?"

*MIA (clearing her throat):*

"No hostile activity. No direct threat. I've tracked his movements — seems to be observing. Quiet. Purposefully careful. But… no provocation so far."

*JOHAN (stern):*"Good. But keep your distance. If he's hiding his aura, he may already suspect something."

*MIA nods obediently, hiding her internal hesitation. Her mother, MIRSHA, eyes her closely, unconvinced.*

*JOHAN:*

"Until he makes a move — we observe. Meeting adjourned."

---

*[INT. CALAVERA UNDERGROUND WAR ROOM – NIGHT]*

*A cold, gothic space lit with arcane torches and spell-forged monitors. Around the obsidian table sit 30 members of the CALAVERA clan — all in uniform, rigid, silent. Weapons designed for annihilation gleam along the walls.*

*LUCA CALAVERA (slamming fist on table):*

"Nothing? Still nothing?!"

*Silence.*

*LUCA:*

"How can an entity that broke every detector in the country walk our cities untraced?! We are not some washed-up cult. We are CALAVERA."

*The clan remains quiet. A few exchange uncomfortable glances. *MARTHA* and *KYA*, seated side by side, share a subtle look — tension thick between them.*

*LUCA (noticing):*

"Kya. Martha. Is there *anything* I should know?"

*KYA (quickly):*

"No, father."

*MARTHA:*

"Nothing new has surfaced."

*LUCA's eyes narrow with suspicion. He circles the table.*

*LUCA:*

"If I find out anyone here is withholding intel… you'll wish it was the demon you were dealing with."*He snaps his fingers. Screens flare to life showing magical sweep zones.*

*LUCA:*

"Triple the surveillance on Constantine territory. Cross-reference their movement patterns. If they're onto something, we'll know."

*He leans forward, voice low and dangerous.*

*LUCA:*

"And if we can't track this 'presence'… we trap it."

*Meeting adjourned.*

*But Kya looks down, biting her lip. Martha slowly grips her wrist under the table.*

*FADE OUT.*

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