Cross of Fate

The middle-aged witch from the School of Aish rose about forty seconds after the Third Thesis spoke.

She did not leave quickly. She could even be said to have deliberately slowed down, making sure enough people saw her stand.

She was making a silent statement on behalf of the school she represented.

The side door closed gently, and after the faint sound, the hall instead became even quieter than before.

Antico's pen hovered over a blank page in his notebook.

Lady Mercury lowered her head, her pupil-less eyes resting on her knees, motionless.

Salamander lowered the leg he had been crossing.

Ron did not let the end of the Third Thesis linger for too long.

After leaving that question suspended for about five seconds, he put away the projection.

"Today's discussion ends here."

He left no pause for debate.

"Soul Theory is an Alchemy framework. Its research goal lies in understanding the laws of transformation, not intervening in any existing mechanism.

If any of you present have corrections on the level of literature, or objections to the theoretical framework, my written contact information will be attached to today's lecture record."

He gave a slight nod to the audience below and walked down the steps.

Applause sounded about three seconds later, scattered and cautious, but it lasted a little longer than expected.

After the lecture ended, intensive activity began appearing across the internal communication network of the Crystal Spire.

No one publicly announced that a meeting would be held, but by dusk, a small meeting room with an "Academic Committee" plaque hanging outside was already filled with people.

There were projections of several Archwizards, Dark Sun Rank wizards present in person, and a young clerk who had clearly come to record the contents of the meeting.

"Let us first state a