Deep within the Neural Network, in a special Encrypted Space, Gawain and several imperial leaders appeared once more amid an endless sea of pure white flowers.
"I get the feeling you convened this meeting in a hurry," Rosetta said without much ceremony after entering the venue. His gaze fell on Gawain as he went straight to the point. "Did something urgent happen?"
"You could say that." Gawain nodded, his gaze passing in turn over the Silver Empress beside him and Barrogel and Heragol seated across the table. "I know that everyone here is the ruler of a nation with demanding daily affairs, and it was not easy for you to respond to my invitation so quickly, so I'll keep this brief—regarding the Magic Tide response plan we discussed before, I may have some less-than-good news to tell you."
"There are not many situations in this world that can make you look so grave. It seems this truly is terrible news." Heragol watched Gawain's eyes. "What happened? Was a major flaw discovered in the technical data sent by the Noi people?"
"There is nothing wrong with the technical data sent by the Noi people—the problem lies with us." Gawain spread his hands against the tabletop. "Though we have no proof yet, there is a very strong possibility... that the Mind Unity Field intended to resist the Magic Tide will trigger the Final Defiance."
The round table fell silent in an instant. Even someone like Rosetta, who had honed his control over his expression to the point of near terminal paralysis, could not avoid looking utterly stunned. Bercetia, seated beside Gawain, shot to her feet, and the Silver Empress's face was filled with shock. "The Mind Unity Field will trigger the Final Defiance? Why?"
Gawain opened his mouth to answer, only to