Tower of Paradise? Sitting Ducks! (3)

Erus Empire, Northern Province, a mysterious stronghold

"Number Five, have you gone mad? You actually called us all here?"

Hearing the burly shadow's rebuke, the gaunt shadow did not get angry. Instead, he chuckled.

"Number One, if you knew why I gathered everyone here, your jaw would drop!"

At those words, the other shadows all revealed thoughtful expressions.

"Number Five, stop keeping us in suspense and get to the point! (Cold and aloof shadow—Number Two)"

With his companions all staring at him, Number Five stopped dawdling and laid out everything he knew in detail.

"You mean... Erus's rabid dogs will fight those fence-sitters from the Magic Council? (Number Three—spiky-haired shadow)"

"I can't guarantee they'll fight, but the Northern Province will definitely fall into chaos."

"Hehe... so what? Do you think such a minor disturbance can threaten those rabid dogs? (Number Two)"

"That's not how it works... if enough small illnesses and disasters pile up, even the biggest tree won't be able to withstand them! (Number Four—sword-bearing shadow)"

"That she-wolf Tingmei has an exceptionally sharp nose. If she catches wind of anything, we're finished! (Number One)"

"Number One, if your Auriel Family doesn't have the guts, you can announce your withdrawal. We'll absolutely keep your secret. (Number Six—an armored shadow with his head slightly raised)"

"No wonder your Kushen Family lost so miserably... hmph! (Number One)"

"You!!! (Number Six)"

"Enough!!!"

At Number Two's cold shout, the two red-eyed men both shut their mouths, though the smell of gunpowder around them never faded.

"When this alliance was first formed, I said that if anyone dared start infighting, they shouldn't blame me for showing no mercy!"

Just as the atmosphere was about to freeze over, the hunchbacked shadow who had been watching for some time hurriedly tried to mediate. "All right, all right...