The location Ebner chose to convene a meeting of the "Secret Order" members was precisely the mutated ability "Bizarre Domain" that Alvin Abraham had obtained after advancing to "Miracle Invoker."
"Bizarre Domain" was similar to a low-end version of the space above the gray fog. It could distort space-time, establishing a "hidden" space isolated from the outside world, where no information could be exchanged with the exterior.
Within the "Bizarre Domain," one could rely on "spirituality" to manifest objects that had been "recorded" or "historical projections."
And unlike the "Tarot Club," the "Bizarre Domain" could allow people to enter with their real bodies through a "door"!
However, for this convened meeting, Ebner did not do that. Instead, he only pulled in the members' spiritual bodies.
Firstly, this was because some people were too far away, and "teleporting" them would also take a considerable amount of time. Waiting too long would damage "Zaratul's" mystique and would not be conducive to subsequent task arrangements.
Secondly, when only "spiritual bodies" were present, it was actually more convenient for Ebner to operate and display his methods.
In fact, the eleven demigods present were indeed intimidated by the magnificently splendid hall within the "Bizarre Domain."
It was not that they found the palace particularly luxurious, but rather that they were shocked by the methods displayed by the president!
One had to know that the "Zaratul" of more than a hundred years ago absolutely did not possess such a "hidden" space that could instantly gather people together. The president was very likely already a "Servant of Mysteries"!
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Ebner—who had attached Zaratul's projection to himself—directly appeared at the main seat. With a wave of his hand, two rows of tables and chairs appeared within the palace.
Next, he gave Daphne a look.
Daphne immediately understood, stepped forward, and saluted "Zaratul":
"Welcome back, President. Congratulations on taking another step forward on the Beyonder pathway."
After "Zaratul" gave a slight nod, she sat down in the first seat on the left.
Seeing Daphne's "demonstration," the others finally "came to their senses" and followed suit one after another.
Those attending this meeting included not only Daphne Priestley, Nelly Pitt, and Maud Zaratul—the three vice presidents at the level of "Scholar of Yore"—but also five "Bizarre Sorcerers" and three non-core Saints from other pathways who had joined the "Secret Order."
In the end, Maud, a descendant of the Zaratul family, seized the first seat on the right, while the other vice president, Nelly, sat below Daphne on the left… He had already made up his mind to follow Daphne in order to deal with Maud's possible retaliation.
As for the others, including two "Bizarre Sorcerers" and three non-core Saints—among them Tylers, the "undercover"—they all sat on the left, while the remaining three "Bizarre Sorcerers" sat below Maud on the right… The factional alignment was extremely clear.
Nelly's expression darkened slightly as he looked toward the lowest-seated of the three "Bizarre Sorcerers" opposite him—that was his student, who had somehow defected to Maud's camp without him knowing.
However, in this setting, it was not appropriate for him to act.
At this moment, Ebner tapped the table with his finger and, imitating the tone from Zaratul's memories, said:
"This meeting has three matters to announce.
"First, to declare my return… Whatever grievances you may have had while I was absent, I will not interfere. However, the tasks I assign from now on must not be delayed because of them… Is that understood?"
As he spoke, he swept his gaze around with overwhelming pressure.
"Yes!" everyone lowered their heads and responded.
Among them, Daphne was the most devout, because she knew that the president had also come to believe in the "Lord";
Nelly let out a slight sigh of relief—so long as the president did not openly favor one side, things would be manageable;
Only Maud was the most unwilling, yet he still had no choice but to accept it.
"Second, I am informing you that I have formed an alliance with the Loen royal family. From now on, all Secret Order industries within Loen are to tilt toward Konstan–Beldan…"
At this point, he looked at the "Bizarre Sorcerer" seated below Maud on the right—the one who had just been glared at by Nelly—and said:
"Barlow, Daphne told me you're currently in charge of northwestern Loen affairs, correct?
"Then this matter will be entrusted to you."
"Yes!" The man named Barlow stood up respectfully, but after responding, he could not help thinking in confusion, "Increasing investment in Konstan is fine… but why invest in Beldan, that small city whose resources have already dried up?"
Of course, he dared not ask aloud.
Ebner naturally knew of their doubts, but he still added another sentence:
"Especially Beldan—that is the top priority!"
As for the reason? Fill it in yourselves.
After hearing this, everyone showed different expressions—although almost all of them were put on using "Clown" abilities, it was clear that each had their own speculation.
Only Daphne and Tylers knew the truth, since they both knew Ebner and were aware that he was precisely the Viscount of Beldan.
"Third, an angel has recently returned to the Abraham family as well. He is currently being courted by various nations, and Abraham will most likely become an enfeoffed duke of the Kingdom of Feynapotter, or a royal house of smaller nations such as Segar or Massy.
"Laman, Guy, Samantha—I need you to investigate the specific situation and look for opportunities to join the retinue of His Highness Alvin Abraham."
Laman, Guy, and Samantha were the three non-core members: an "Unlucky Mage," a "Fallen Count," and an "Iron-Blooded Knight," all Sequence 4 demigods.
—Back then, as a vassal of the "Black Emperor," Zaratul had intermarried with the families of Solomon, Medici, and Ulysses, thus possessing portions of potion formulas for the "Lawyer," "Hunter," and "Monster" pathways, but only up to Sequence 4—anything higher, he did not have.
The Abraham family had long suffered from the full-moon curse, and their current manpower was not yet sufficient. Thus, Ebner was essentially moving resources from one hand to the other, borrowing some Secret Order members to help Alvin fill out appearances.
Although the successive returns of angels gave the Secret Order members a sense of foreboding, this did not prevent Laman, Guy, and Samantha from bowing and accepting the order:
"Yes, President!"
"I attach great importance to intelligence regarding Alvin. After joining his retinue, you must do your utmost to demonstrate your value and become trusted aides—but be careful not to arouse his suspicion," Ebner reminded them once more before dangling the carrot. "If anyone can uncover important intelligence, I will not be stingy with rewards… After all, I have not wasted these hundred-plus years and have collected quite a few potion formulas… among them are ones you need."
Once you obtain the 'intelligence,' Alvin can be made to take the characteristics himself—or turn you into marionettes…
Naturally, the three of them had no idea that Ebner was planning to freeload. Hearing this, they were all filled with motivation.
After issuing his commands, Ebner had no interest in conducting trades or free exchanges like the Tarot Club. Among these members, aside from Daphne and Tylers, the rest were merely tools in his eyes.
Some who had committed particularly heinous acts during their acting had already been placed on his "death list." They were only being allowed to live a bit longer because their value had not yet been fully squeezed dry.
"You are to keep wearing my badge at all times. The time of the next meeting will be conveyed through the badge…"
"Alright, this meeting is concluded."
After briefly giving these instructions, Ebner waved his hand and sent everyone's spiritual bodies back, completely ignoring Maud, who seemed to want to say something, and leaving only Daphne behind.
(End of Chapter)