The scene was utterly silent.
No one could have predicted that events would unfold like this. What began as interference from an external power had devolved into an "internal purge" of the Flame-Chasers.
"Elysia."
"Do you have any idea what you are saying?"
Mr. Li's voice was as stern as ever.
However, his response, like Elysia's, did not directly address the accusation but instead countered with a question of his own.
"Perfectly."
Elysia's expression did not change in the slightest.
Regardless of who was right or wrong, the final outcome of this "debate" would inevitably lead to a schism within the Flame-Chasers: either their combat strength would be severely crippled, or their influence would be greatly diminished.
At the same time, it would also bring about an unprecedented unity: for a long time to come, there would be no second voice to influence the Flame-Chasers' decisions and direction.
"Council members."
"Please, make your judgment."
As Mr. Li and Elysia faced off, the former took the initiative to break the silence.
A fight wouldn't break out.
Both sides were keenly aware that a fight was impossible here.
Mr. Li was merely a scientist, lacking the power of a Fusion Warrior. If he were to clash with a "Fusion Warrior" of Elysia's caliber, he would likely be turned to dust in an instant. Even as a member of the Herrscher of Domination, his strength was far inferior to Elysia's; there was not a single chance of victory in a direct confrontation.
For this very reason, Elysia could not make a move either. The Herrscher of Domination excelled at concealing its identity. If her opponent found a way to mask his Herrscher Core and die as a "human," then Elysia's "Herrscher" identity would be solidified. The original purpose of the Herrscher of Domination was to sow chaos in human society. If her death could force Elysia to "reveal her true self," then it would be a worthy sacrifice.
Thus, the meeting had paradoxically returned to its initial state. The twelve council members, attending via holograms, represented the twelve major powers of human society. Those who had remained silent from the beginning, only serving to "second the motion," were actually placeholders for major powers (organizations) that had already been wiped out. They would now cast their votes on this "hearing."
"..."
It was a move of pure desperation.
This was the Flame-Chasers' general headquarters, and both parties in the confrontation were high-ranking members. Crucially, both carried the hidden risk of being "non-human." The council members didn't even dare to attend the meeting in person, let alone go to the site to verify the truth of the claims. Regardless of who was telling the truth, getting involved was like an old man hanging himself—he must be tired of living.
Therefore, Mr. Li's proposal was perfectly in line with their thinking.
Voting not only meant gaining the support of one party but also completely ousting the other from the Flame-Chasers. The latter would certainly not sit back and wait for their doom, making a violent escape—with no guarantee of success—the only solution.
Even if both sides were to be crippled, it was an acceptable outcome for them. In fact, some of them hoped to see such a scene—after all, if they accidentally voted for the wrong side, there were still considerable hidden dangers.
"I agree."
The response was as expected.
Mr. Li did not seek Elysia's opinion, because he knew that she, too, could only choose this option.
His opponent would certainly not surrender without a fight. But once she left the Flame-Chasers' headquarters, left the Fusion Warriors' sphere of influence, she would have to abide by the rules of human society unless she wanted to become a "dictator." Humanity's final, unknown trump card would be forever erased as a threat.
As for the other possibility, one that was highly unlikely given "his" understanding of Elysia... it didn't matter either. The degree of division it would cause in human society would likely be no less than the option above.
"It's over."
Mr. Li showed not a hint of emotion.
But since he dared to make this suggestion, it meant he already had a method to guarantee victory.
The facts unfolded just as he had imagined:
In a wordless silence, the council made their "verdict." Although this "vote," in which the weak judged the strong, seemed utterly comical, the result was 7 to 5. The council members siding with Mr. Li had won a "victory" by a narrow margin.
"Elysia."
Mr. Li's voice remained incredibly steady.
"Calm down a little."
"After you leave, I will prove my innocence to all parties. And you, Elysia... the council has indeed made its judgment, but even now, I am still willing to believe that you are not like those Herrschers who have lost their humanity."
"I look forward to it."
"To you proving your innocence... and then returning to fight alongside us in the Flame-Chasers once more. At that time—"
"That won't be necessary."
It was not Elysia who interrupted Mr. Li, but the "old lady" who had been haranguing Elysia since the beginning of the meeting.
"Sigh."
The sigh that came from the speakers echoed with a slight dullness in the meeting room.
"You were right, Ms. Elysia."
"If it weren't for this meeting today..."
The stooped figure slowly straightened her back. Her gaze did not fall on Mr. Li or Elysia, but instead swept across the virtual images of the "council members" beside her who had voted in support of Mr. Li.
"We would never have known."
Mr. Li's "old friend" finished the final sentence, tinged with sighs and regret—
"Just how many Herrschers have infiltrated... the upper echelons of humanity."
"Wha—!?"
"Mr. Li!"
Elysia gave him no further chance to speak.
From her chest, the crystal flower pendant hanging from her neck, along with its metal chain, was gently lifted.
The magnificent crystal flower was shimmering with a soft, violet light.
"This is..."
"A little trinket created by Vill-V and Mobius together," Elysia said softly.
"Based on research from the 'Yudu Chen' and 'consciousness transfer' experiments."
"When it is near a 'Honkai energy individual possessing more than one consciousness at the soul level,' the necklace will emit a glow just like this."
"..."
"Yes, its range is very small."
"To be precise, it's a tool designed specifically to identify Herrschers—and for you all, its effect is especially pronounced."
Elysia's meaning was already perfectly clear.
Since such a tool existed, she had obviously already passed the test. The gently shimmering light was proof that Mr. Li was a Herrscher of Domination.
And the reason she hadn't produced it from the start—
"Everyone."
"Everything that has transpired here has been faithfully recorded on the equipment of the special operations squads."
Elysia's gaze swept over the other seven council members.
"The crystal may not be cheap to make, but we have at least enough to equip each of the teams currently waiting outside your doors with an identical one."
"Please..."
"Prove your innocence."