Apex narrowed his eyes as he glared at Open Notes before turning his gaze away.

"Hey, hurry up and brief them. We don't have all day." Vault spoke in a mildly annoyed tone as he tapped his finger on the table.

​​

Menerva, who stood behind the seated Vault, stepped forward with an indifferent expression.

"I have recently received word that Sacred Beasts is on the move. If the intel encompassing their guild leader's personality is true, then the probability of them launching a furtive assault against the outposts where most of our members are amassed is high." Menerva explained.

"Hey, hey, don't be crazy. We're in the heart of the Demilitarization Belt. If they launched an attack against us, they'd have to charge out in the open to reach this place. Is the guild leader of Sacred Beasts really that stupid?" Apex scoffed.

"Not necessarily. There is another route that can be taken advantage of to pass through virtually undetected. Furthermore, it would be best not to underestimate the Sacred Beasts guild leader. If she has decided to make a move, we should proceed with the assumption that Sacred Beasts is in possession of something that grants them the confidence to act so brazenly." Menerva stated unhurriedly.

"Another route? Are you talking about the chasm? Hah! Even Toxic Toxin, that poison freak, could barely get through that blood mist in one piece! Besides, even if they made it through the blood mist by some miracle, they would have to cross through the grove. That place is crawling with strong monsters and other hidden dangers. If they enter without preparations, even if they are a top guild, it won't be a casual stroll, that's for sure." Apex noted.

Toxic Toxin was one of the Twelve Banes of the Headhunter Syndicate that specialized in various poisons. If even someone like him had trouble passing through the blood mist alone, how could Sacred Beasts ever dream of doing so with enough players to launch a meaningful assault?

"And so what if they have some trump card? If they dare lift their hand against us, I don't mind breaking it as a warning to others." Apex grinned as he smashed his fist into the palm of his hand.

"It is true that Toxic Toxin specializes in poisons, but the blood mist is unique. The Mystical Realm Palace has the luxury of skilled 3rd grade Apothecaries that the other top guilds lack. If there is a group capable of creating a pill that can bypass the blood mist, it is certainly the Mystical Realm Palace." Menerva responded calmly.

"See? That's the problem with muscleheads like you. You only know how to solve problems with your fists instead of your brain." Open Notes remarked with a smirk.

"You want to say that again?! Don't think I won't teach you a lesson just because you're a woman!" Apex snarled.

"What? You want to teach me a lesson for speaking the truth? I'm not afraid of you!" Open Notes scoffed.

"You little-!"

"Enough! If you two have personal issues, that's your business. You can settle it later. When you're on my time, I expect you to earn your keep. Otherwise, I'll just find someone else who's willing." Vault scolded.

Although Open Notes and Apex still did not see eye to eye, they both fell silent. However, the look of displeasure and annoyance on their faces could not be hidden.

Vault set his sight on Menerva and said, "Spare us the boring details and hurry up and get to the point."

"As you wish," Menerva replied unhurriedly.

She then continued, "According to the information at our current disposal, it is highly likely that Sacred Beasts is not acting alone."

"It was not long ago that Open Notes and her party fell at the hands of the Mystical Realm Palace's owner, Izroth, who collaborated with Sacred Beasts to eliminate the Failed Chimera. Taking this into account, along with the fact that both parties involved have experienced conflicts with the Headhunter Syndicate, there is at least an 80% chance that Sacred Beasts has allied with the Mystical Realm Palace for this venture." Menerva explained.

"I heard rumors about the owner of the Mystical Realm Palace. They say he's a skilled player, but, in the end, he's just some nobody who owns a player shop. When it comes to real power, what threat could he possibly pose to us?" Apex commented.

"While he may be just one person, as you so eloquently put it, we are unable to overlook two critical points. First is the poor relationship that exists between the Headhunter Syndicate and other top guilds. Second is the connections surrounding the individual in question—in particular, his connection with Sleeping Gardenia. Need I remind everyone present the fate that befell Sage Falls?" Menerva stated.

"Sage Falls may have been weakened at the time, but they were still puissant enough to fall within the top fifteen guilds. However, before they were able to recover, Sage Falls became swept into an attack from all sides. The first guild to make a move against them at that time was none other than Sleeping Gardenia. Everyone else merely grasped the opportunity and wanted to claim a piece of the spoils for themselves. But, what many people are not aware of is the reason why Sleeping Gardenia was the first to act."

"Since I have been requested to spare the 'boring' details, I will simply say that it has to do with the stunt Sage Falls pulled at the Mystical Realm Palace that day. Seeing as how Sleeping Gardenia sent the commander of the Lotus Guard to deal with it, the connection between the two parties is anything but fickle. That is why if the owner of the Mystical Realm Palace truly is accompanying Sacred Beasts, it cannot be taken lightly. Engaging him is the same as attacking Sleeping Gardenia. Of course, there is also the matter of recent news that both Pill Emperors are a part of the Mystical Realm P-"

"That's enough." Vault said as he interrupted Menerva.

Vault swept his gaze across those present and continued, "Do you all understand the situation now? I don't care how you deal with those bastards from Sacred Beasts, but the owner of the Mystical Realm Palace must be handled with some care. After all, it pains me to admit it, but we still need him, or rather, the Pill Emperors behind him. Once we have them on our side, even if Sleeping Gardenia wants to protect him, he can only hide in fear. But, for now, when he dies, it cannot be traced back to us. That's why I called you here." Vault's gaze landed on the figure seated at the far end of the table.

At first glance, the figure could easily be mistaken for a player; however, upon closer inspection, one could see that it was a lifeless doll. Though this was difficult to make out given the concealing attire and unique facial mask it wore.

"You may only be ranked 8th among the Twelve Banes, but there is no one more suitable to get this task taken care of—The Nightmare, Black Dream." Vault asserted.

Surprisingly, despite the doll's lifeless presence, it shook slightly as a deep and reverberating voice sounded from its position.

"Leave it to me, leader. Once you obtain his coordinates, send them my way, and I will handle the rest. I assure you—it will not be traced back to our Headhunter Syndicate." The lifeless doll's voice echoed.

"Good. Do not fail me. While Black Dream deals with things on their end, Open Notes, Apex, and Fractured Anatomy—you three will handle Sacred Beasts. Take however many men you need. Just make sure you get it done. As for their locations, I will have the shadows take care of it." Vault stated.

Vault had not forgotten about the humiliation he endured during his first meeting with Izroth. Just thinking about it made Vault want to tear him limb from limb personally! Ever since that day, he had been thinking about how to get back at Izroth. But, who knew that fate was on his side and the person in question would deliver himself right to his doorstep? Considering Menerva herself stated there was a high possibility of him tagging along with Sacred Beasts, it was practically guaranteed.

"Since they dare point a sword at our Headhunter Syndicate, there is only one fate that awaits them. Total annihilation!" Vault exclaimed.

...

Somewhere in the Hollow Soul Grove...

'Sacred Beasts should be approaching the set coordinates soon. It's a shame, but it's time I end my hunt in this grove.'

Raaaaawr!

Name: Hollow Soul Grove Scorching Earth Liger(Rare)

Level: 55

HP: ??? (18%)