"My lord, what is this...?"
In the chaotic, pitch-black hall.
The man in black robes atop the throne slowly opened his eyes.
Below the steps to his right, a Seventh Stage Awakened stood in the posture of a servant, staring at his awakened master in surprise.
"You withdrew your will?"
"According to the original plan, wasn't there supposed to be about another week before Absolute Darkness could be awakened?"
"..."
The man on the throne sighed. Though regretful, he showed neither anger nor dejection. His voice was low as he stated the facts, yet it lost none of its authority.
"An unexpected development disrupted the plan. I withdrew my interference from the Sea of Wandering."
A flash of anger crossed the servant's eyes below.
"Sure enough, that awakened evil god betrayed our pact!"
"If that were the case, it would actually be better. We prepared for that long ago." The man on the throne shook his head again. "The actual situation is more complicated. A False God, along with several Awakened from the City of Law, unexpectedly regained consciousness in the Sea of Wandering and disrupted the School's plans."
At the mention of the City of Law, the servant below grew tense as well.
"People from the City of Law too!"
"But what sleeps there..."
Before the servant could finish, the man on the throne rose to his feet. His voice was cold and stern, like a night owl on the hunt.
"It doesn't matter. The situation was already unfavorable to us."
"And for the School's return, we had long made further preparations. Now that this contingency has failed, we merely need to take a longer route and change our strategy."
As soon as the black-robed man finished speaking, another Awakened emerged from a different direction, his expression tense and