"We are not going to talk about that, Arin. We all know you're deliberately stirring up trouble, so go get some sleep. Tomorrow we need to start searching for one of those Secret Realms."
Karl folded his arms as he spoke, refusing to entertain the argument any further. The discussion about tea had already caused enough damage for one day, and allowing Arin another opening would only make things worse. Besides, there were far more important matters occupying everyone's attention now. Secret Realms had become one of the hottest topics in the world since the Expansion was nearing its end.
The surviving satellites had become humanity's greatest tool in that search. Most advanced equipment had suffered heavily from mana interference, rendering countless systems useless overnight. Radar arrays, sensors, and many communication systems had become unreliable at best. Surprisingly, simple digital cameras still functioned well enough to remain useful.
Because of that, many satellites had been repositioned into higher orbits. They could still circle the planet and take photographs of the surface, even if they had lost much of their previous functionality. The biggest problem was that they could no longer see through clouds, and mana distortion frequently interfered with image quality. Still, clear skies allowed them to capture remarkably detailed pictures of the ground below.
As a result, governments, corporations, and powerful factions had begun monitoring every unusual anomaly they could find. If a Secret Realm suddenly appeared in an open plain, mountain range, or forest clearing, there was a reasonable chance someone would notice it. Nobody wanted to be the group that missed such an opportunity. The potential rewards were simply too great.
"By the way," Karl added casually, "you should have seen the night sky during the Expansion."
Several elders immediately nodded in agreement. It had been one of the most spectacular sights any of them had ever witnessed. When Earth expanded and its gravity shifted, countless pieces of old orbital debris had been dragged back toward the atmosphere. The result had looked less like a natural phenomenon and more like the greatest fireworks display in human history.
Thousands upon thousands of burning fragments had streaked across the heavens. Different metals produced different colors as they burned, painting the night sky in shades of red, blue, green, and white. For several hours, the heavens themselves had seemed alive with light. It was one of those rare moments people knew they would remember for the rest of their lives.
"But that's not fair!" Arin protested immediately. "I'm going to complain to Great-Grandpa!"
Before anyone could stop him, he turned and marched toward the villa where the last two members of the previous generation lived. The sight alone caused several elders to visibly tense. Of all the threats Arin could have made, that one was by far the most dangerous.
The two old men residing there were both over a hundred years old. Despite their age, they remained among the strongest members of the clan in terms of Class and Profession progression. Unlike the younger generations, they had never been required to fight on the front lines during the Trial. Everyone agreed their remaining years were too valuable to risk unnecessarily.
Even with the System's arrival increasing theoretical human lifespans to around one hundred and fifty years, those two elders remained special cases. They had already been dying before the System arrived. For years they had been confined to hospital beds, supported by machines and constant medical care. The fact that they were still alive was considered a miracle in itself.
That was precisely why nobody wanted Arin reaching them.
The problem was not that the old men would be offended. Quite the opposite. They would almost certainly encourage him. After spending nearly a decade bedridden and another year focused almost entirely on meditation and cultivation, both elders had developed a dangerous appreciation for entertainment.
In other words, they were bored.
Very bored.
Dangerously bored.
The sort of boredom that encouraged old men to support family drama simply because it gave them something amusing to watch. Worse still, there was no older generation left alive capable of scolding them for their behavior. When they were young, both had been notorious troublemakers themselves. Time had merely allowed everyone else to forget that fact.
"Well," Karl sighed heavily as he watched Arin disappear into the distance, "we just shot ourselves in the foot."
The surrounding elders grimaced.
Unfortunately, nobody disagreed.
Trying to stop Arin now would only make him more determined. If he reached the villa, the two ancient troublemakers would undoubtedly hear his complaints. Whether they actually agreed with him was irrelevant. They would support him purely because causing chaos sounded entertaining.
Deciding it was best to change the subject, Karl turned toward his wife.
"By the way, what happened to the teacher?"
The atmosphere immediately shifted.
Annemiek's expression cooled noticeably as she switched from family matters to intelligence matters. While many outsiders only saw her as one of the clan's senior figures, those who knew her understood that she oversaw a significant portion of their information network. When she spoke about investigations, people listened carefully.
"We requested assistance," she replied calmly. "The people involved were more than willing to help."
Karl raised an eyebrow.
"And?"
"He was thoroughly questioned."
There was no emotion in her voice.
"Every useful piece of information was extracted before he was handed over to the military. Since he violated emergency regulations during a national crisis, his fate is no longer our concern."
Karl slowly nodded.
"Good."
The single word carried considerable weight. Normally, he preferred leaving such matters to governments, noble houses, and other organizations with proper authority. However, the situation changed entirely when someone targeted children connected to the clan.
"Is it something we need to worry about?" he asked.
Annemiek shook her head.
"Not particularly. It appears to be connected to a new cult that has gained traction among men who feel threatened by the social changes brought by the System."
Several elders frowned.
That was unfortunately becoming a common pattern around the world.
"When the System arrived, average stat distributions between different groups weren't completely identical," Annemiek continued. "Certain individuals took those differences and built entire ideologies around them. They spread misinformation, manipulated fears, and guided vulnerable people toward increasingly extreme viewpoints."
Karl looked unimpressed.
"So nonsense."
"Mostly nonsense," Annemiek agreed. "The dangerous kind."
Fortunately, the organization had made a critical mistake. Instead of limiting themselves to online discussions and private gatherings, they had begun interfering with public education. That decision transformed them from a nuisance into a legitimate threat.
"And that sealed their fate," Annemiek said.
Karl immediately understood.
The new governments had many priorities, but protecting public education ranked surprisingly high among them. Too many people were already struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Anyone attempting to corrupt schools was inviting overwhelming retaliation.
"Herman has everything he needs to dismantle them," Annemiek explained. "According to the new laws, their actions are sufficient to justify a complete crackdown."
Karl's expression relaxed.
"Good."
Then another thought crossed his mind.
"I assume certain groups have taken offense to their existence?"
A faint smile appeared on Annemiek's face.
"Yes. In fact, I believe they're planning to use this situation to reintroduce themselves to the world."
That immediately captured Karl's attention.
Now that was interesting.
"I can already imagine the reaction," he said with amusement. "Every noble family and wealthy dynasty outside the Great Houses is going to panic when they learn who they've angered."
Annemiek nodded.
"Probably."
For decades, many powerful organizations had remained hidden from public view. Some had withdrawn voluntarily. Others had allowed themselves to fade into obscurity. A few were even considered extinct by the wider world. Yet records of their deeds still existed, preserved in archives and private collections.
"I wonder how the European Union will react," Annemiek mused. "They should have records somewhere. If not, the Vatican almost certainly does."
Karl chuckled.
"They'll go to the Great Houses first."
"Because it's cheaper?"
"Much cheaper."
The answer came without hesitation.
The Great Houses possessed vast amounts of historical information and influence. Negotiating with them would be far easier than bargaining with institutions that had spent centuries accumulating secrets. Politics had always been expensive, but some sources of information were significantly more affordable than others.
"Regardless," Karl said, "it should be entertaining."
There was genuine anticipation in his voice.
For a very long time, both their family and several allied groups had been forced to operate quietly. One family had largely confined itself to the Crimson Forest. Another had allowed the world to believe they were extinct. Maintaining secrecy had simply been the safer option.
Of course, rumors occasionally surfaced.
Certain Great Houses had even investigated from time to time.
Yet a few carefully delivered warnings had always ended those inquiries. Most people quickly decided they were not curious enough to continue digging. Life tended to become unpleasant for those who ignored such warnings.
"Still," Annemiek said thoughtfully, "it will be nice seeing them return to their rightful place."
Karl nodded in agreement.
The world was finally stabilizing after the chaos of the System's arrival. Panic was fading. Governments were recovering. Society was adapting. If there was ever a time for old powers to emerge from the shadows, it was now.
"Let's focus on finding Secret Realms first," Karl said. "We need the funds."
Just as he finished speaking, his phone vibrated.
He glanced at the notification.
Then he visibly relaxed.
"Oh."
Annemiek looked at him curiously.
"What happened?"
Karl smiled.
"It seems Avela managed to stop Arin before he reached the villa."
Several nearby elders released relieved sighs.
Disaster had been narrowly avoided.
"For now," Annemiek said with a knowing smile. "Still, we should keep an eye on him."
Karl nodded immediately.
"Agreed."
Annemiek thought for a moment before adding, "Honestly, when we find a Secret Realm, we should just send him in first. The boy clearly needs an outlet."
Karl considered the suggestion.
Then, much to everyone's concern, he nodded.
"That might actually be a good idea."