When the plot-skips players into the game world

Shortly after Aiwass left the Lohar Building, Lily quietly alerted him that someone was following them.

Even though "Spider's Silk Sensing" enhanced perceptual abilities, Lily was only at the first energy level. If someone was determined to follow them secretly, it would be quite difficult for her to detect them at this moment.

In other words, this was essentially "overt surveillance," an attitude expressed by Vice Chairman Boka towards Aiwass:

"Our Lohar Society is large and powerful, yet we only sent a tail that you could detect to follow you, suggesting that our current attitude is friendly."

It also implied that they didn't fully trust Aiwass and there might always be spies that they couldn't detect tailing them—telling him that since there are always eyes watching in the dark... he'd be wise to stay calm and not stir up trouble.

But Aiwass discerned another piece of intelligence from this act: The Lohar Society was currently under political pressure.

In the past, when they indirectly controlled two-thirds of the seats in the Round Table Hall, controlled numerous businesses through loans, and dominated major media outlets, how could they possibly fear a young upstart like Aiwass?

They had just shared many secrets, but they didn't let Aiwass access any evidence, nor grasp any details.

If Aiwass dared to talk recklessly after returning, he would not only pose no threat to the Lohar Society, but he would also expose his own objectives. Such confidence in not fearing internal betrayal was a testament to the Lohar Society's strength.

Yet now, their behavior had clearly become more cautious. From their perspective, Old Moriarty was already dead... Facing the Moriarty Family that had lost its patriarch, had no relatives or in-laws, they were nevertheless so conservative. This indicated that their influence in the Round Table Hall was beginning to stagnate.

"Interesting,"

A corner of Aiwass's mouth lifted slightly.

Who exactly was diminishing the influence of the Lohar Society?

He pondered in his mind, and finally found the answer.

—It was Department Head Meg.

The fact that the old lady released the task investigating the "alchemical bombs smuggling case" through Hayna indicated that the Grand Arbitrator probably wanted to take action against the Lohar Society.

Because she certainly knew of the smuggling case's connection to the Lohar Society—all smuggling cases that went through the Port District were related to them, as the Lohar Society had long controlled the entire Lohar District. And the Grand Arbitrator, who controlled the entire Arbitration Hall, must be aware of it... after all, some Arbitrators themselves were senior members of the Lohar Society, or had familial or friendly relations with them.

So what's there to investigate?

Although this was the first time for alchemical bombs, there had been no shortage of major smuggled goods in previous years.

When have they ever investigated the Lohar Society?

"She's looking to advance, huh..."

Aiwass understood in his heart. So Meg had been planning to advance from this time.

What closed-door disciples; this was actually about finding a successor.

It was like making final arrangements.
Continue reading on empire

She might be aware that her chances of advancing could fail... and the odds were likely high.

So she wanted to deal with everything and resolve all matters before the progression ceremony.

After all, there weren't many Transcendents at the peak of the fifth energy level in this era; everyone knew each other as it was a purely intimate circle. Entering a room and recognizing all nine people, over half would likely be elderly men and women. It's possible that decades ago when they were young, they had their own grievances and even family ties were not out of the question.

With few people, it's too easy to be an actor. This sort of situation isn't about real power but about social expertise and relationships.

Whether it's being targeted by others during the New Moon Ritual or betrayal by teammates in the Full Moon Ritual—even if Meg was strong enough, if others didn't want her to advance, it would be very difficult.

The old lady clearly understood, but her stubbornness made her want to try.

Of course, there was another possibility.

"...Perhaps she feels her time is running short,"

Authority aside, even the Transcendents from the Path of Devotion, capable of continuous self-healing, can't live too long if they are Short-Lived Species. Only the Dusk Path is known for extending life or even granting immortality, and Meg was already in her nineties this year.

Although she seemed quite sturdy... who knows. Sometimes only the elderly know their true state of health.

Aiwass's mind stirred and he didn't let Lily shake off those tails. But he didn't directly go to the Bishop's residence to find Sherlock; instead, he went home first to report his safety, gave a hug to the worried Yulia, and then headed straight back to school.

He had Lily wheel him straight to the bottom of the girls' dormitory. He casually stopped a senior from the third department, flashed a polite smile, and asked her to bring Hayna down.

Upon hearing this, the senior's eyes widened, her hand instinctively covered her mouth, and she paused momentarily.

But she hesitated only for a moment before agreeing right away.

Aiwass waited for less than twenty minutes on the spot, and a befuddled Hayna, still neatly dressed but without even time to comb her hair, was pushed down by her classmates who were there to watch the excitement.

"...Is something the matter, Aiwass?"

Hayna touched her hair somewhat awkwardly.

A girl's hair can easily become rough if not well-groomed; but Hayna had a thick head of hair, and it was quite bothersome to wash, also a bit cold in winter. Since it was the weekend anyway, she simply didn't wash it and curled up in her dormitory to read novels.