"I say, are you all just going to sit there in silence?"
Raven watched the group of Grey Serpent projections around the conference table with undisguised glee.
"What, did you all lose your tongues after the Oceania operation? I told you Lynelle was in Oceania. Heh, and some of you didn't believe me. Serves you right, walking right into the line of fire."
"Alright, alright…"
Grey Serpent 1904 raised his hands in a placating gesture, a look of helplessness on his face.
He knew better than anyone that Raven had just gotten lucky with a wild guess.
When she'd first suggested Lynelle was in Oceania, probably everyone in the room, including Raven herself, had thought it was just an excuse.
But regardless of whether Raven had been guessing or not, the fact remained that World Serpent's operation in Oceania had been a complete failure.
To make matters worse, the more radical-minded Grey Serpents had basically all been wiped out in Oceania, leaving the remaining representatives without clear factional leanings.
After all, the ones left were barely enough to clean up the mess, let alone continue any so-called factional struggles.
"Let's focus on our next steps," he continued.
"I trust you are all now aware of the situation regarding Lynelle, so I won't dwell on it. I will personally report the details to the Lord later. However, how to obtain a Herrscher core remains a significant challenge for us."
"Forget about Wendy. Lynelle shows no intention of leaving Oceania whatsoever," one of the other Grey Serpents chimed in.
"Schicksal's side… Cocolia already tested those waters for us. And according to our communications with the Lord, the Anti-Entropy leader, Welt, seems to be in the Sea of Quanta, which is beyond our reach…"
"What if we try for the cores of the Herrscher of Death or the Herrscher of Flame over at Schicksal?"
"No way," Raven shook her head immediately.
"Have you been playing too much 'Shoot Dodge Retreat'? Do you really think Schicksal Headquarters is some place you can just waltz in and out of?"
"Never mind the Aesir machines littering the place, just remember the mission Jackal and I had in London a year ago. We barely made it out alive. Until the Lord returns, the number of people in this world who can defeat that Durandal probably doesn't exceed one hand."
"My suggestion on that matter is to wait," another Grey Serpent spoke up. "The Serpent's greatest advantage is that we operate from the shadows."
"If there's no opportunity now, then we simply continue lying low. Remember the two principles: the order of Herrscher manifestations is fixed, and the closer we get to the end, the faster the Herrschers will appear."
"The arrival of the Herrscher of Finality is likely only about two years away. We will have many more opportunities before then."
"Even if we can't compete with Schicksal and Anti-Entropy for the other Herrscher cores, at the very least, we cannot afford any mistakes regarding the Herrscher of Sentience."
"Hare's abilities perfectly counter the Herrscher of Sentience. And so far, there are very few mental perception-type ability users in the entire world like Hare."
"Seconded."
"I also find this plan feasible."
The Grey Serpents and other cadres immediately began discussing in low murmurs.
"Since none of you object, we will proceed with this plan for now," Grey Serpent 1904 said, clearing his throat. "However, I have one more point to add."
"For all future operations, unless absolutely necessary, I advise you to actively avoid Lynelle. Even in necessary situations, it's best not to provoke any conflict with her."
"Of course, this is merely a suggestion, not a mandatory order. However… if you truly find yourself in a situation where conflict with Lynelle is unavoidable… then please, do everything in your power to avoid rendering her unconscious."
"Otherwise… heh heh."
After leaving behind that meaningful chuckle, Grey Serpent 1904 proactively cut his projection.
"So, 'otherwise' what?" asked Raven, who had been attending the online meeting in the same physical location as 1904, her curiosity piqued.
"Classified. But given your circumstances, you're unlikely to encounter such a difficult dilemma," Grey Serpent shook his head.
"Now, rein in your curiosity. No more questions. Go and prepare the necessary arrangements for me to contact the Lord. I need to deliver a routine report on the recent intelligence."
--+--
As an experienced veteran, Raven worked swiftly, completing all preparations in just half an hour. She stood ready before the communication device alongside a slightly apprehensive Grey Serpent 1904.
A moment later, a blurred, phantom-like figure appeared on the screen.
"What is it?"
"My Lord, it concerns the matter of Lynelle, as well as the routine report on our recent work."
Grey Serpent bowed respectfully.
"Speak slowly. I have time on this occasion. Although he has trapped me within this sea, the pull from the Herrscher cores has fortuitously stabilized an anchor point for this communication."
Glancing beyond the World Bubble at the labyrinth constructed by this era's Herrscher of Reason, Kevin replied to Grey Serpent with an expressionless face.
"Yes, my Lord. Over the past month, we primarily planned an operation to seize the core of the Herrscher of Wind, attempting to acquire a Herrscher core that could facilitate your regained freedom…"
Under Grey Serpent's slow narration, the events from Jackal's proposal of the plan up to the encounter with Lynelle in Oceania were laid out clearly and concisely.
Kevin's expression remained impassive throughout.
"If I recall correctly, I forbade you from taking action against Herrschers who have awakened their own consciousness and stand on humanity's side, did I not?"
After Grey Serpent finished, Kevin was silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
"The leader of Anti-Entropy may trap me for a time, but his body ultimately cannot hold out forever. The moment his seal loosens, I can use his core as a means to leave…"
"Therefore, unless you have a one hundred percent certainty of obtaining a core without harming them, do not engage in unnecessary actions."
"Additionally, that Jackal who proposed the plan… have her report for her punishment."
"My Lord…"
Grey Serpent's expression was hesitant. "That is precisely the second matter I need to report."
"Jackal is dead."
"Oh. Expected."
Kevin responded indifferently. "Who killed her?"
"It was Lady Mobius."
"It was Lynelle… Wait?"
Kevin suddenly realized that the name which had just come from Grey Serpent's mouth was completely outside his expectations.
"Who?"
"It was Lady Mobius."
Grey Serpent repeated.
"Is it related to Lynelle's Stigma?"
Kevin frowned slightly. After all, among the Flame-Chasers, Mobius's reputation wasn't exactly stellar.
Coupled with her feelings for Elysia… now that she'd encountered a mini-Elysia, Kevin found it hard to imagine what she might do.
"Probably not. I venture to guess that Lynelle may have actively left a mark allowing Lady Mobius to reside within her."
"Why?"
The moment he asked, Kevin felt he had spoken carelessly. "Ah, right. She's like Elysia. It's normal she wouldn't hesitate to trust Mobius…"
"No, my Lord, the reason isn't that complicated, actually."
Grey Serpent shook his head.
"Because… Lady Mobius said that Lynelle is her daughter."
"WHAT?!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.