The Wizard's Pursuit of Truth

The voice of Wizard Number Two echoed throughout the projection space.

Blurry shadows concealed the faces and bodies of all the Wizards, but years of mutual interests had given them a good idea of one another’s identities.

The only ones whose identities remained a mystery were the top three—or rather, which specific individuals they were.

”Number Two, what do you mean by that?” Wizard Number Four asked, not quite understanding. ”This is something we all agreed to. Nothing can go wrong. We aren’t getting involved ourselves. Everything is being done by those disciplined Wizards, acting on their own accord. Plus, it doesn’t violate the rules of the Dark Land.”

He glanced at Wizard Number One and Wizard Number Three, but they both remained in their seats, saying and doing nothing.

Wizard Number Two sneered. ”Are you all unaware of the situation we’re in? Use those wooden heads of yours and think! We’re in the middle of a major internal investigation. Just because you say there’s no danger, does that mean there’s actually no danger?!”

”Anything you do leaves a trail. Trying to erase that trail just creates a bigger one. The only solution is to do nothing. Don’t stir up more trouble.”

”Every member of the Illuminati plays an important role. We cannot afford to lose a single one. But your actions have endangered the entire Illuminati.”

Wizard Number Four’s brow furrowed, his expression turning sour. It was the first time he’d been scolded like this, and his face darkened, unable to hide his humiliation.

Fortunately, the peculiar blurry shadows of the projection space made it impossible to discern the details of anyone’s face.

There was no equality within the Illuminati. Power and position were clearly demarcated by their numbers.

Wizard Number Two’s Power and position far surpassed his own, but that didn’t give him the right to scold him so freely.

”I wouldn’t be so sure. The internal investigation is one thing, and our actions are another; the two shouldn’t be confused. We tied up all our loose ends long before this investigation started. No matter how much they dig, it will never lead back to us.”

Wizard Number Four was very confident in this.

The other numbered Wizards in the Illuminati had also gotten word of the investigation in advance.

This was the advantage of an information disparity: it allowed them to prepare beforehand and get rid of anything incriminating.

The news of the major internal investigation had come from Wizard Number One.

But inevitably, cleaning up their tracks meant sacrificing significant interests and resources...

Wizard Number Three interjected coldly, ”It’s good that you’re all so confident. But if you’re going to do something, do it cleanly. All this nonsense about manipulating public opinion and information barrages... it’s crude, uninspired, and it’s exactly why Number Two called you fools.”

”The more complex the plan, the more room for error. You’d be better off just challenging Wang Ya Harak directly to the Battlefield. Let those who want to blow off steam do it, and if it comes down to a duel to the death, so be it.”

At these words, the numbered Wizards present fell silent, their gazes dropping.

It wasn’t that they hadn’t considered it, but given Wang Ya Harak’s status and the current climate, to openly challenge him would be suicide.

It would be tantamount to exposing themselves, and problems would arise where there had been none.

”What’s the matter? Didn’t you just say you tied up all the loose ends? Why is everyone so quiet now?” Wizard Number Three’s tone was full of mockery, and he sneered.

His gaze from beneath the blurry shadows fell upon them, as if it could pierce their concealment and see right into their hearts.

This made the Wizards present extremely uncomfortable. They wanted to speak, but in the end, could only remain silent.

’Wizard Number Three found it all rather dull. If they wanted revenge, if they wanted to let off steam, they should just do it openly and be done with it.’

’They all thought they were in the clear, that they could withstand any scrutiny, yet they were afraid of Wang Ya Harak’s status... Wizard Number Three was deeply disappointed. These people were useless—not ambitious enough for great things, nor competent enough for simple ones. They couldn’t even handle a trivial matter like this.’

This meeting ran a little longer than usual. They shared details about the internal investigation, discussing what needed to be done and how the Illuminati could survive and bide its time for a future resurgence.

As the projection meeting drew to a close, Wizard Number One rose from his chair and spoke. ”The Illuminati sinks or swims together. Since you’ve all decided to go after Wang Ya Harak, then do it with conviction.

”Wang Ya Harak’s next mission has been decided. The orders will be delivered to him in three days. He is to leave headquarters and travel to one of the jurisdictional Wizard Cities to deal with a plague of wild Extraordinary Creatures. It seems there’s a risk of it turning into a Beast Tide... This is an excellent opportunity. Those of you who want to let off some steam can take matters into your own hands along the way.

”Will that be satisfying enough?” Wizard Number One asked, his gaze falling coolly upon the figures of the numbered Wizards.

Wizards Number Two and Three both raised an eyebrow. Thoughts flickered through their minds, but neither voiced an opinion.

”Since no one is speaking, I’ll take that as a silent agreement. As for the risk of exposure, you needn’t worry. I will use my network to tie up all the loose ends. There will be no complications.”

Wizard Number One’s hoarse voice echoed, yet his tone was resolute and brimming with confidence.

This confidence was infectious, and the other numbered Wizards began to stir with anticipation.

Finally, the first of the numbered Wizards spoke up in agreement.

The other numbered Wizards followed suit, one after another.