"Do you think… the Central Region secretly sent a Stage SSS powerhouse over here?" Elder Thalene asked in a low voice.
"It's possible…"
"But why would they kill a few vicious birds?" another elder muttered. "Wouldn't that just escalate the whole war?"
"Who knows?" Elder Calira said, shrugging faintly. "Even the top races aren't a single united block. Maybe someone wants to stir the pot."
"Calira." Seraphine's voice turned sharp. "Don't say things like that again."
"Yes." Elder Calira immediately shut his mouth, realizing she was right—those words could get someone killed if they spread.
Right then—
A dimensional rift tore open in the center of the hall.
Space split like a curtain being pulled aside, and before anyone could react, a group of figures stepped out under the elders' stunned stares.
"Matriarch," Ethan said with an easy smile, eyes landing on Seraphine, "long time no see."
"!!!"
Seraphine shot to her feet.
