Chapter 531: Suppression
The atmosphere in the secret meeting room of the Protean Workshop family was tense and heavy. The core members of the Protean Workshop family gathered together, facing the continuous emergencies of the day, each vehemently expressing their opinions and concerns.
All eyes were fixed on the clan leader, Erwin Wanxiang, standing at the head of the conference table.
This elderly clan leader was the "guarantee" of the clan.
Even in the realms of the many talented, Erwin Wanxiang could be called a "master."
This was a realm of rank and thaumaturgy, possessing power and influence similar to that of a Terran "Dominator."
Although they had also opened their "Key Slots," their slots did not require the unique "Dominator Keys." Instead, the keys installed in their slots were typically lower-level Etheric Authority Aggregates, which were not unique and had multiple backups.
For example, the key installed in Erwin Wanxiang's secondary [Key Slot] is the [Chimaera ·Transformation], a lesser incarnation possessing multiple elements such as "flesh and blood," "transmutation," and "coupling."
Secret keys for lesser incarnations are generally not unique. Ordinary people can distinguish them by their "true names"—the initial name represents the lesser incarnation's overall identity, while the suffixes delineate the abilities they possess.
Chimaeras hold a status within Terra and the various realms, neither high nor low.
The upper limit is [Lesser Incarnation ·Chimaera] and the Sarkic Module [Chimaera Construct], while the lower limit is the ordinary flesh-created Chimaera Beast.
They are truly hardworking beings in the world of thaumatology.
At this moment, the aged man Erwin Wanxiang transformed into took a deep breath, attempting to find a starting point for this heated discussion. Elwin began his speech, his voice steady yet powerful, attempting to convey his concern and resolve to every family member.
"I understand your discussion. As members of the Ever-Changing Workshop family, we are immensely proud of our independence and freedom. Our ancestors earned this for us with wisdom and courage. This is our tradition and our pride."
He glanced at each family member present, searching for common ground. "But under the current circumstances, we must make some adjustments. The Authority's power is undeniable, and their objectives are not entirely antagonistic. If we can, through some cooperation, protect the lives and safety of our family members and ensure the long-term interests of our family, I believe it is worth considering."
It was clear that the elderly shapeshifter had sensed the coming bloodbath.
"Chief, my respect and trust in you are unquestionable."
Belloc Change, representing the family's dissidents who were particularly dissatisfied with the Authority's actions, spoke out at this moment, his voice heavy with repression.
"But, Chief, on this issue, I must firmly disagree with you." Belloc's voice grew more fervent.
"If we bow to the Authority now, where will our dignity lie? Where will our promise to our ancestors?"
Belloc glanced around, trying to find support.
"I understand the severity of the current situation, but we cannot abandon our position out of fear. We are shapeshifters, and we possess the ability to adapt and change. Rather than bowing our heads and begging for mercy, we should seek alternative solutions, even if it means making sacrifices."
The chief's tone was tinged with resignation, but more so with a clear understanding of reality. He addressed the young dissenters, "We must face reality and consider all possible consequences. Yes, this may require some compromises, and we may temporarily lose some of our freedom, but this is to protect more of our family members and ensure our family's continued survival and development in this new environment."
The dissenters' representative passionately retorted: "Cooperating with the Authority may bring short-term security, but in the long run, we will lose... We will lose the power to make our own choices, the ability to control our own destinies—are we willing to become pawns in the hands of the Authority?"
"If we pool our family resources now, break through the Authority's blockade, and unite with the other Whispering Square families, we might not be able to completely defeat the Authority's almighty Heavenly Sword-Bearer. However, we can choose to close the Nexus. Whispering Square never belonged to Terra; we were forced to remain here because of the opening of the Golden Tree and the New World.
Faced with danger now, the worst we can do is sacrifice Whispering Square's entire development potential for the next ten years and unite all Whispering Square forces to control the Wedge—severing the Nexus from Terra and Hell's Kitchen."
As Belloc's passionate speech concluded, tension in the conference room reached a peak.
At this moment, the family's advisor, Serena, immediately sided with the Patriarch. She was more pragmatic than Belloc.
"Belloc—this is territorial division, a crime of local secession that violates the transcendental laws of the Terran Main Body.
If you do this, you're not just provoking the Administration, you're provoking the entire New Alliance."
Advisor Serena continued calmly and restrainedly to the opposition:
"According to the Terran Main Body's hub affiliation rules, as long as a hub is connected to Terra, it officially becomes a subsidiary hub of Terra—the hub can enjoy autonomy, but sovereignty must belong to Terra.
Furthermore, the Ediesi Federation will not agree to the Whisper Plaza splitting the hub. According to the International Hub Law, Whisper Plaza belongs to the Federation. Secede from the Federation, we are provoking them. For all sovereign states of Terra—hubs can be autonomous and independent, but they cannot secede from Terra. If you dare to secede, they will consider 'removing people and leaving the island.'"
"Furthermore, cooperation with the Administration does not mean our... Surrender or betrayal. On the contrary, this is a wise choice, ensuring the family's continued survival while preserving our interests as much as possible."
She attempted to persuade those present with her analytical skills, "Given the strength of the Authority, if we persist in resisting, we may ultimately put the family in even greater danger. On the other hand, if we can find a way to cooperate with the Authority, we can not only protect the safety of our family members but also potentially gain a more favorable environment for development."
"I'm not suggesting that we completely abandon our principles and positions, but rather that we seek a more flexible approach while safeguarding the core interests of the family. We need to approach this issue with a broader perspective and utilize the existing conditions to maximize the family's benefit."
"Serena, do you believe what you're saying?" The opponent clearly refused to accept her offer. "Demons of the Abyss are never to be trusted!"
The argument continued.
Amid the swirling family squabbles, Mira Wanxiang sat in a corner, appearing silent on the surface, but a turbulent tide surged within.
Through his face-to-face meeting with the elder, Mira successfully established himself as a reliable asset within the Authority. His actions inadvertently exacerbated distrust and division within the family, paving the way for the Administration's "Seven-Point Action."
Mira hadn't anticipated the Administration's decisive and swift action.
He'd imagined they might take two weeks to slowly plan and execute.
But in reality, the Administration had already begun their operations the day after the meeting, and their efficiency far exceeded his expectations.
Now, the entire family seemed trapped in an invisible cage. Key members gathered together, partly to avoid becoming a direct target of the Administration and partly to discuss countermeasures.
Watching quietly from a corner, Mira felt a shuddering thought.
If the Director of the Administration decided to take action today, he must have anticipated the family's attempts to break through the blockade.
If the family was determined to break through the Administration's blockade, the consequences would be bloody, and the Administration couldn't possibly stop the family's attack without a fight.
Mira realized that if the elder had decided to act from the beginning, then all of this—including the family meeting—might have been within his grasp.
A family meeting, after all, is simply gathering the lambs together, letting the leader speak. And if the elder's initial goal was to lead the way…
Recalling the "gift" the director had promised him the day before, Mira couldn't help but feel a deep sense of powerlessness and coldness.
In this carefully orchestrated scheme, the so-called family meeting was likely nothing more than leading the lambs into the wolves' den.
Mira's feeling was soon fulfilled.
Bang!
Amid the tense atmosphere of the family meeting, a sudden gunshot shattered all the arguments, instantly focusing everyone's attention.
Clan leader Erwin immediately summoned his avatar—Chimera Transformation.
Chimera Transformation's form became remarkably clear at that moment, its body a breathtaking fusion.
Its body was a fusion of the characteristics of a lion, a goat, and a snake. Flowing, flame-like patterns danced across its body, demonstrating its immense ability to transform and adapt.
Though Erwin attempted to intercept the fatal bullet, countless mirrors suddenly appeared around him, revealing multiple avatars within them.
These mirrored avatars possessed a transparent, reflective surface, as if composed of the purest crystal or glass. The poet's laurel wreaths adorning their heads added a touch of mystery and nobility.
At this moment, the circular mirror at the center of the mirrored avatars emitted countless rays of light, forming a dense web of light cones that shot towards [Chimera - Transformation].
Faced with the terrifying web of light that surged like a wave, the Chimera's body reacted swiftly. Unlike its usual lion, goat, and snake forms, this time, it chose to strengthen its defenses.
A chitinous shell, as hard as steel, covered its entire body, like a warrior donning the strongest armor, ready to withstand the incoming web of light cones.
Puff—
A piercing sound echoed throughout the conference room. The bullet-like light cones punctured the Chimera's chitinous shell, one dent after another, as if carving countless marks into rock.
But it was precisely this formidable shell that allowed it to successfully withstand the enemy's attacks, proving not only its immense offensive power but also its impenetrable defense.
However, just as [Chimera: Transformation] successfully resisted this wave of light cone attacks, an unexpected change occurred.
The mirrors emitting the light cones suddenly began to crack. As the cracks spread, they eventually shattered in an almost self-sacrificing manner.
From these shattered mirrors, mirrored avatars crawled out, their bodies retaining a transparent and reflective quality, as if composed of the purest crystal or glass.
These mirrored avatars spontaneously combined their strength, pushing the enormous Chimera out of the conference room.
Bang—
*******
At the same moment before the two engaged, the initial bullet, at a speed almost untraceable to the naked eye, pierced through the head of the opposing representative, Belloc.
Boom—
Instantly, a deafening roar erupted throughout the conference room.
In that instant, time seemed to freeze, everything frozen in time, unfolding the most brutal scene.
Like a watermelon being shattered by force, the shapeshifter's head exploded under the bullet's immense force, releasing a green liquid like watermelon juice that splattered everywhere.
This horrifying scene, like a bloody rain, showered the faces of the surrounding clansmen, who were still unaware of the situation. It weighed heavily on their hearts, etched the shadow of fear and death firmly into each of their hearts.
Faced with this sudden violence and death, the clan members were filled with shock and bewilderment.
Some of them hadn't even had time to comprehend what was happening before they were thrust into this unknown battle.
The Administration's actions were remarkably decisive and ruthless. With a veritable death sentence, they clearly demonstrated their ruthless suppression of any voice of resistance.
At this moment, a terrifying figure appeared before them.
Moon Rabbit, with a calm yet determined gait, slowly approached the group of clan members already shrouded in fear.
In her hand, she held a finely designed pistol, billowing with white smoke.
With Moon Rabbit's appearance, ripples seemed to form in the surrounding air, a manifestation of supernatural power.
Almost immediately upon her arrival, over a hundred well-equipped Administration operators, armed with bolters, had already surrounded the members of the Workshop family.
These operators stood in professional and alert postures, their guns trained uniformly on any Shapeshifter who might offer resistance.
"Do not offer futile resistance, members of the Ever-Changing Workshop."
Her words echoed throughout the conference room, instilling a deep sense of despair in every member of the family.
The Administration operators echoed Moon Rabbit's words, their guns trained on any Shapeshifters who were making subtle moves.
At this moment, any slight movement could have fatal consequences.