Caike questioned Ortes’ identity, but even Carisia had nothing more to offer in response. Just a few months ago, she had considered possibilities such as the Pope or demigods for Ortes’ true nature.
However,
‘An entity dispatched by Argeyirion and the mental parasite called Ortes a demigod, didn’t they?’
If so, it was unlikely to be true.
This judgment was based purely on intuition without any evidence, yet Carisia trusted her instincts. At the very least, the conclusion drawn by Argeyirion about Ortes couldn’t possibly be accurate.
‘If not a demigod, but rather an even higher existence, there is only one candidate…’
God.
Even in this era where the old gods’ sects have declined, the name of God carried weight. No, more accurately, it was because the names of the gods carried such weight that the Ten Towers worked tirelessly to diminish their influence.
The hunting of mental parasites by the Theistic Order at Ortes’ request was shocking. Their use of sacred flames appeared unreasonably effective, seemingly capable of tracking without detailed processes, delivering only results.
Carisia recalled Caike’s theory that the Wizard King corresponded to the god of magic. Had the Ten Towers not reached this inference?
If they too had arrived at the same conclusion, it would explain the obsession behind installing a dedicated department within Panoptes for hunting sects. If the Wizard King walking the earth could destroy all other sects, then similarly, if another god descended, the magical society might also be swept away.
‘Oh?’
Ortes’ actions ultimately led to similar outcomes. Though he hadn’t directly confronted the sects like in the war between the Wizard King and the sects, Ortes was gradually dismantling the order maintained by the Ten Towers and the structure of the magical society itself.
Carisia mulled over this fact and then shook her head.
It didn’t matter who Ortes truly was; his presence beside her was enough. She had long accepted this simple truth.
With a refreshed mood, she called out to Ortes, as it was time to align their stories for the upcoming general meeting.
“Ah, Chairman. I have good news. We’ve recruited someone who will greatly assist with the Heaven Division.”
Carisia wasn’t taken aback.
“Aha. Is this Niobe, the Blasphemia agent?”
“Hmm? No.”
“If not Blasphemia, then perhaps Argos or Eidolon?”
“Haha, Chairman. Even I have my limits. It’s difficult to recruit people from completely unrelated departments.”
“If not someone from within the Ten Towers, then who exactly did you bring in?”
“Oh. Didn’t I mention that I had three friends during my bounty hunter days? This is the last one.”
Carisia wasn’t surprised. Instead, she worried about Ortes’ friendships.
While each of Ortes’ ‘friends’ possessed certain abilities, it was unclear whether they truly regarded him as a friend or merely viewed him as some high-dimensional being named ‘friend.’
Carisia chose her words carefully. While it was unfortunate that Ortes’ friendship might be one-sided, there was no need to point it out.
“You mentioned a bounty hunter friend. Are they still a bounty hunter now?”
“Ah. To be precise, this friend I met even before starting my bounty hunter career… back then, being a bounty hunter was almost like a side job for him.”
“An elder?”
“Yes, quite old. He’s my longest-standing friend. As for his main occupation, well…”
“Tax evasion? No, a professional tax avoidance counselor?”
Carisia was startled.
Foreseeing a headache, Carisia postponed hearing about this ‘friend’ until after the general meeting concluded.
“I’ve already informed those who will inevitably learn the truth due to their position. Now we just need to decide what to tell the other board members.”
“I’ll package the false purpose of seizing Baegwang through the succession trial appropriately.”
Ortes nodded. By calling him this way, Carisia indicated she would entrust the announcement at the general meeting to him. The board members had their own roles to play in the battle against the Ten Towers.
Not just the board members, but Geryon captured by Carisia as well. Everyone was essential for securing Baegwang in the initial succession trial.
“Mentioning the destruction of the Ten Sages might instill resistance in those who live within the framework of the magical society. However, the idea of obtaining the Ten Sages will likely prompt thoughts of ‘Can we do it?’ first. And with your abilities, Chairman, you can assure them that ‘Yes, we can.’”
Ortes reiterated that all preparations would be made, and Carisia nodded.
The anticipated day of the general meeting approached.
“First.”
Ortes looked around. It was similar yet different from the first announcement of Hydra Corp’s establishment. One of the eight board members was gone, replaced by Geryon and Caike.
The first meeting took place in an almost empty Hydra Corp conference room, shortly after Ortes and Carisia had dealt with the previous occupants.
Compared to then, the current conference room was luxurious, thanks to Bertrand’s cooperation in refurbishing all the furnishings.
With a sense of sentimentality, Ortes began his opening remarks.
“We deeply appreciate everyone gathering here today. It is an honor to share with all of you the successful realization of our company’s Artificial Tenth Rank project.”
The board members remained silent, confident that such pleasantries weren’t the sole reason for convening all personnel.
“Under the vision presented by President Carisia, our goal has been to become the eleventh of the Ten Towers. With the near completion of the Artificial Tenth Rank, we are close to achieving this…”
Ortes’ smile deepened. The board members recognized this as a signal that the real topic was about to begin.
“—but.”
“President Carisia has judged that it is premature to be satisfied with just this.”
Neuro raised a hand. Ortes glanced at Carisia, who nodded once to allow the board member to speak.
“Is this referring to the completeness of the Artificial Tenth Rank or the ultimate purpose of Hydra Corp itself?”
“The latter. President Carisia has expressed great disappointment with the current state of the Ten Towers.”
The word “disappointment” rippled through the board members. What they were about to hear seemed like…
“In the Argeyirion unrest, the Ten Towers have consistently found themselves in a position where they must repeatedly prove themselves. But what has been the reality? From the Elysion terror attacks to the annihilation of the Proper Tower in Algus City. The Ten Towers have failed to demonstrate their worth.”
Existential value. A truly radical choice of words. Yet, the Ten Towers were the law enforcement mechanism, judicial body, and military of the magical society.
In the Argeyirion incident, the Ten Towers had continually failed. The complete annihilation of the Proper Tower’s magic core itself was proof enough of their overall failure.
“Therefore, President Carisia has decided. The pinnacle does not suit the current Ten Towers.”
Naturally, Ortes stepped aside, standing behind Carisia as she continued speaking.
“The Ten Towers have stagnated for far too long, contrary to the Wizard King’s design that the most outstanding mage should reach the peak.”
Carisia’s golden eyes gleamed. Kaike, the only one present besides Carisia and Ortes who knew their true purpose, smirked at Ortes’ chosen words.
“Now, our Hydra Corp will ascend to the pinnacle.”
Ortes and Carisia intended not just to take over the Ten Towers’ position but to dismantle the system itself. However, if their plan succeeded, Hydra Corp would undoubtedly rise to the top as the ones who toppled the Ten Towers. They had not told outright lies.
After Carisia finished speaking, Ortes resumed addressing the board. He slowly surveyed the members.
“We have obtained extremely detailed information about the current situation of the Ten Towers and Argeyirion. Using this, we will leverage the entire strength of the magical society to overthrow the Ten Towers. However,”
Ortes paused briefly, and a faint blue glow seemed to emanate beneath his eyelids.
“Listening to what comes next will be akin to crossing a river from which there is no return. I will give you this final opportunity. The chance to leave this room, or—”
Kuung. The sound was far too loud to be just one person collapsing.
It was Taros.
Mecoonion, standing beside him, slapped his back asking what he was doing, but Taros remained kneeling, unmoving.
Slowly, the half-dragon’s mouth opened.
“…Argeyirion offered me a deal.”
‘Huh?’
A confession entirely unexpected. Ortes maintained his composure.
