"Schicksal will never act contrary to its motto—naturally, that includes the incident you mentioned."
Dark Amber glanced at Westcott.
Everyone knew Schicksal's motto: Fight for all that is beautiful in this world.
Hearing her decisive response, many breathed a sigh of relief, but even more remained stubbornly unconvinced.
"Apologies, Ms. Mobius, but we do not believe protecting Spirits aligns with Schicksal's operational principles."
"I assume you all have some understanding of Spirits," Dark Amber continued.
"The death of a Spirit is not the end. When a Fire Spirit perishes, a new one will emerge. But what you may not know—based on data from Schicksal's engagements with Spirits—is that each reincarnation of a Spirit grows stronger than the last."
This theory was being voiced for the very first time.
After all, Schicksal was currently the only organization known to have resolved Spirit disasters. Everyone else's understanding of Spirits came from either Schicksal or DEM.
While it was known that DEM's three Wizards could also handle Spirits, they had yet to actually resolve a single incident.
"Even so, protecting Spirits seems rather rash," argued the American representative.
"Your claim about them growing stronger with each reincarnation is just your word. Unless you disclose the relevant data."
"Schicksal's development has exceeded its intended scope of responsibility. This misunderstanding arose due to insufficient confidence from parties other than Schicksal."
"We believe Schicksal should share cutting-edge technology globally to prevent such events from recurring."
"Schicksal's contributions to the world are evident to all. But as the world progresses, Schicksal should also adjust its position and corresponding strategies to better align with the evolving global landscape."
One after another, they voiced their statements, each seeking their own advantage. But the prevailing sentiment was... a demand for Schicksal to rein itself in.
Times had changed. Back when only you could deal with Spirits, everyone deferred to you. But now it's different. We may not have the capability to eliminate Spirits, but we're not entirely helpless either.
Besides... if we can't kill them now, and you release the technology, maybe then we could. Right?
You say eliminating Spirits shouldn't be the primary strategy. But isn't that based on the premise that you can kill them?
If you have the power to subdue a Spirit at any time, of course you're in no hurry. But we don't have that power. If you want to convince us, at least give us that same footing.
It's like two people claiming they don't care about their rank—one is Silver, the other is King.
The King can genuinely say it. What credibility does Silver have? Even if they truly mean it, it just sounds like an excuse.
"You hear them, Ms. Mobius," Westcott said with a smile.
"We hope you can be more transparent with us. That will earn you greater trust in return."
In truth, Westcott had secretly contacted nearly every faction, forming alliances of a sort to extract benefits from Mobius.
However... that was merely what the other factions believed the cooperation entailed.
Westcott himself didn't think someone with Mobius's temperament would give up anything she wasn't willing to part with. His true goal was to discover what had prompted her appearance this time—what new research had she uncovered?
This series of aggressive statements was merely a tactic—asking for the ceiling when you only want a window opened. Of course, if Mobius cracked under pressure and Westcott gained unexpected advantages, that would be ideal.
"Ra—"
Kotori didn't particularly like Mobius, but she disliked Westcott even more. Noticing the situation turning unfavorable for Mobius, the girl wanted to speak up and help, but Elliot held her back.
The red-haired girl frowned, looking at him in confusion.
From what she knew, Elliot had always been a decent sort.
Given Ratatoskr's cooperation with Schicksal, he shouldn't remain completely silent. Kotori understood that as a leader, he maintained a certain 'persona,' but wasn't this a time to break character?
Schicksal wasn't at the end of its rope.
While being questioned by most factions was difficult, Schicksal could surely handle it.
Ratatoskr speaking up would not only be righteous but also earn goodwill—killing two birds with one stone.
Elliot wore a wry smile. He had considered what Kotori was thinking, but... Shenzhou, the secret ally of thirty years, and Schicksal's subordinate followers hadn't spoken yet.
For Ratatoskr to jump in first would seem like overeager sycophancy.
He understood Kotori's awkward position: urgently seeking Schicksal's protection for Shiori, yet having a strained relationship with Mobius.
Elliot grasped Kotori's eagerness to reconcile with Mobius, but... at least do it privately. Though such an opportunity was hard to come by outside this setting, you are currently representing Ratatoskr...
Having his subordinate curry favor with the partner organization's boss was somewhat embarrassing for Elliot, but there was little he could do—Kotori hadn't explicitly stated her intentions.
"Schicksal's position has always been that of an organization combating Spacequakes," Dark Amber's tone was lazy, clearly conveying her disinterest in the proceedings.
"We do not participate in or interfere with the activities of any nation or organization. We provide only humanitarian aid and request certain conveniences."
"Furthermore, Schicksal's research achievements are dedicated to maintaining global stability and security. They are not suitable for disclosure under any pretext."
This attitude was familiar to everyone—she was always like this, often absent altogether.
But her words were downright insulting.
Don't participate, don't interfere, but you want to station people and request favors? Who taught you to talk like that? So eloquent.
The latter part practically spelled out, 'We at Schicksal are noble and won't misuse this; you all would,' right in everyone's faces.
Arguments erupted once more. By the time they left the meeting, Miku could scarcely recall what had happened.
All she remembered was that aside from Mobius and those who supported her, everyone else looked thoroughly displeased.
"So... what am I even here for?"
Sitting in the room provided for spokespersons, Miku felt utterly confused and adrift.
"If I brought you, of course you'll have your moment," Dark Amber said, seated at the desk. She was reviewing data obtained from Kurumi's Angel on Schicksal's private terminal, running mental simulations.
"But I feel like I've just been sitting here, doing nothing."
Alone in the room with just the two of them, as soon as Miku spoke, she realized something. A hint of anticipation colored her voice as she ventured carefully, "Could it be... we're going to have some 'leisure' activities beyond official business?"
"I don't make a habit of rewarding perverts. Or rather, if you repeatedly fail to learn your lesson, I might have to administer more... tangible punishments."
"...I'll behave."
"Then save the chatter. Your moment is coming soon."
Dark Amber closed the terminal, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Of course... that's assuming they actually have the guts."
--+--
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.