Xu Tiandi still sat with his hands clasped beneath his chin, his lowered eyelids concealing every flicker in his eyes.
He seemed like a frozen statue, immersed in his deepest contemplation.
Time in the conference room seemed to stretch on, the oppressive atmosphere nearly suffocating.
Only the untouched energy analysis report before Xu Tiandi lay there in silence, as though wordlessly recounting an unspoken truth.
Now, aside from Xu Tiandi himself, no one knew what the man who held the Federation's highest authority was weighing at this very moment, nor what decision he was preparing to make.
His silence was more oppressive than any words, like the suffocating calm before a storm.
Unable to hold back, an older Councilor cautiously looked toward the expressionless Xu Tiandi at the head of the table and probed in a low voice, "Speaker... regarding Lu Jun... should we immediately establish a special investigation team to thoroughly investigate his identity, motives, and the role he truly played in this incident?"
"He... is simply too dangerous."
Xu Tiandi did not answer at once. He maintained his pose with his hands clasped beneath his chin, eyelids lowered, as though he were running through countless possibilities in his mind.
The Councilor's question vanished like a stone sinking into the sea, raising not the slightest ripple.
Just as the Councilor thought Xu Tiandi had not heard him and was about to speak again—
"After this battle..."
Xu Tiandi's voice abruptly rang out, shattering the silence. His tone was terrifyingly calm, yet it carried an authority that brooked no question.
"Has our army's casualty report been compiled?"
"Not... not yet..."
the Councilor replied weakly.
At those words, Xu Tiandi abruptly raised his eyes. His gaze, like two icy bolts of lightning, shot directly at the Councilor who had spoken earlier.