The Chairman's arrival was as silent as ever. It was as if, before anyone had noticed, that gray projected sphere had already appeared atop the platform.
Moreover, this projection possessed a solemn, dignified quality. Before the Chairman arrived in the square, the six scattered projections had all seemed distracted, each occupied with their own thoughts.
But when that unfathomable shadow appeared, all laxity was swept away in an instant. The six Executor projections, their expressions and forms indistinguishable, all turned toward the platform at the center.
Although a group of "hazy, swaying dark shadows surrounding a gray-black sphere" looked rather sinister no matter how one viewed it, at a meeting unprecedented in history—perhaps even one destined to forge history—a little strange atmosphere meant nothing.
"Today, the Silent Alliance's Executors organization has been established once again."
As though he did not care at all about the awkwardly small number of attendees or the silent atmosphere, the Chairman's first words were a calm announcement of the New Execution Group's establishment.
It was as if, to him, the swift existence of this organization—integrated with the Silent Alliance yet somewhat independent from it—was the only thing that mattered. It made no difference whether anyone joined, or how many joined.
After delivering that brief declaration of establishment, the Chairman, utterly unconcerned with the silence, continued in a grave tone:
"The Executors operate by missions. Once you join a mission, you may not withdraw. Otherwise, it will be treated as betrayal of the organization. If anyone present wishes to change their mind, you have three seconds to leave this venue."
Three seconds passed quickly, and no one in the square chose to leave.
The Chairman's first rule had probably surprised no one. For a legendary organization whose operations carried enormous risks and whose existence was secretive,