The Chairman

"Hello, caster. In this deathly silent age, I am pleased that someone has the courage to make even a little sound before 'it.'"

When Punk returned to the laboratory, the first thing he heard was the ethereal greeting from the orb of light before him. In truth, however, the "orb of light" could no longer be called an orb of light. Under Punk's gaze, the sphere floating in midair, utterly devoid of any magical fluctuations, slowly released a flash of light before rapidly reforming into a humanoid projection.

It was a hazy yet intensely tangible projection, taking the form of a young man dressed in a mage's robe.

"I thought... changing my appearance might make me seem more polite. After all, politeness is the most important treasure of intelligent life."

Before Punk could say anything, the mysterious projection spoke in an even tone. Just like the "politeness" he praised, the Chairman's self-introduction was courteous and refined. At the very least... he did not assume the lofty demeanor one would expect from a Blazing Sun Throne.

"Hello. You may call me the 'Chairman,' because I am the third Chairman of the Silent Alliance."

The Chairman directly stated his identity. Then, after a brief pause, the Chairman, who had been watching Punk's expression all along, said in a surprised tone:

"Caster, it seems you are not surprised by my arrival... That is rather surprising to me. Given the Silent Alliance's secretive nature, a newly-promoted Legendary should almost certainly have never heard of or known about us. Yet your current reaction... is as if you had been waiting specifically for my arrival."

The Chairman's ethereal voice drifted through the laboratory, calm and detached. Although his words did not reveal much emotional fluctuation, Punk could basically be certain that the Chairman before him had