Netherworld Island, Control Room.
Former Council President Crawford Heim's hands were rapidly tapping on a virtual keyboard suspended in mid-air.
Numerous semi-transparent windows flashed quickly ahead; some were filled with text, while others displayed progress bars in the middle.
Beside him stood a rotund, armor-clad cyclopean figure, 'Armored Franmals'.
At this moment, Kuanghua entered carrying Minerva.
Franmals rubbed his hands and asked, "Sister Kuanghua, you're back, how much money did you earn this time? Hmm? How much?"
Kuanghua ignored this noisy and greedy guy, instead asking Crawford, "How's the progress?"
Crawford continued to operate while replying, "It's troublesome. They know my Magic, so after that incident, many important documents have been encrypted or directly destroyed."
'That incident' referred to the Star Spirit invasion when Crawford trusted the promises of rebellious Star Spirits and provided them with a lot of intelligence.
The results were soon found out, forcing him to flee from his hometown.
The defection of the former president meant countless documents were at risk of leaks, and the Council had to work overtime to complete emergency handling.
Kuanghua asked, "Does that mean we can't find it?"
"No, it just requires some time to decrypt. They couldn't possibly completely destroy such important information about Feis." Crawford said proudly, "Don't underestimate my Super Ancient Document Magic!"
Kuanghua was somewhat satisfied with this answer and nodded, handing Minerva to Franmals: "Take her for transformation; she is qualified to enter the Netherworld."
"Finally, an exceptional individual?" Franmals was somewhat surprised and delighted.
The small guilds under their family had destroyed several recently, and the talents acquired were not many.
This woman receiving Sister Kuanghua's attention indicated she had potential far above ordinary soldiers.
However, Franmals soon started to feel distressed: "Do you know how much it costs to transform someone? Hmm? How much?"
"This is a task from the King of the Netherworld; make it quicker."
"I know, of course I know." Franmals grumbled as he carried Minerva away, muttering complaints about the King of the Netherworld being extravagant.
Kuanghua watched Crawford's work for a while, feeling dizzy from the flashing screens. She casually urged him once, then expressing satisfaction, left.
Next, she had to report the situation to the King of the Netherworld.
She hadn't gone far when she encountered Sella, the Cool Moon Sky.
Her long black hair cascaded naturally behind her back, the neckline of a short kimono with blue and black spots opened wide, and over-the-knee black stirrup socks outlined perfectly curved calves.
Compared to Kuanghua, Sella usually appeared as nothing but a cold and glamorous human beauty, except for the demon horn on her head.
"Lord Kuanghua." Sella's tone carried a hint of excitement, clearly delighted at Kuanghua's return.
"Sella, you're here." Kuanghua smiled, "Haven't seen you for a while."
"Yes, welcome back." A suspicious blush appeared on Sella's face.
Kuanghua raised her hand to touch Sella's cheek: "I need to meet the 'King of the Netherworld'; wait in the room for me."
"Yes!" This formidable demon, feared greatly by subordinates, appeared very obedient at the moment.
Kuanghua chuckled and walked quickly to the grand hall of the 'King of the Netherworld'.
At the very center inside the grand hall was a throne adorned with purple-black crystals, ghastly white bones, and other terrifying items.
The man lounging on the throne was the current acting President of the Gate of the Underworld, 'King of the Netherworld' Marlo Jil Tartarus.
Marlo appeared to be a young man under thirty, with disheveled black hair tied into a high ponytail, wearing a long coat with black and flame patterns, and holding a book in his arms.
It was a thick book, with both the cover and pages clearly marked by the passage of time.
And upon that ancient cover, mysterious words written in ancient script signifying—'END'.
"Lord King of the Netherworld." The outwardly arrogant Kuanghua humbly knelt on one knee in the hall, lowering her head.
Marlo casually reclined, propping his cheek with a hand, a smile playing on his lips: "Speak."
"Yes." Kuanghua earnestly reported her experiences during her time away, conveying her gains and mistakes without any concealment.
Especially regarding the release of Stinger and Rogue.
After speaking, Kuanghua anxiously awaited the King of the Netherworld's response.
Marlo's lips retained a relaxed, gentle smile:
"Letting go of two creatures less than insects is no great crime, but this might lead to premature exposure of our movements, which Marlo Jil finds displeasing."
Kuanghua bowed her head lower: "I recognize my error."
"The situation remains under control; Marlo Jil can forgive this oversight." Marlo said, "Go now, instruct the others outside to speed up. Upon completing the current task, return immediately; we must prepare for early action."
"Understood, thank you for forgiving me, Lord."
...
"Busy?"
Rhode had just left the guild and hadn't walked far when Precht turned up from an inconspicuous corner.
"Second Master? Your concealment Magic is superb."
Precht gave a self-deprecating smile: "Ha, superb? I was discovered yesterday once."
Rhode hurriedly asked, "Did something happen?"
Anyone who could discover the old man must be no ordinary figure.
Precht asked, "You remember the former president, don't you?"
Rhode nodded, "Crawford Heim, leaked intelligence, helped locate the Star Spirit Mage... was it him who discovered you? That's impossible, right?"
"Why not? Super Ancient Document Magic's effectiveness in reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance is top-notch."
"Does this mean you have accurate information on him?"
"Yes. That guy has definitely joined the Gate of the Underworld."
"..."
Precht observed Rhode's expression: "You don't seem surprised?"
"Hmm... how should I say it, at this critical juncture, nothing much surprises me."
After all, it's likely part of the so-called 'main storylines', so the gathering of some antagonists is quite reasonable.
Even if someone told him there's another spy from the Gate of the Underworld in the Council, he wouldn't be surprised.
However, Rhode was curious about Second Master's discovery: "What exactly happened?"
Precht looked at Rhode peculiarly: "I've heard your style is usually cautious. Why are you so openly talking to me, the President of the Demon Heart, on the street?"
Rhode reasoned, "Because I don't believe anyone can recognize you."