"First of all, as everyone has known these past days, whether it is the Church, the Hunter Corps, or the Holy Light Pure Land as a whole, our strategic policy toward the Abyss can be summed up in one word—'defend.'"
Kuize addressed everyone present with composed calm.
"Now that we have assembled the forty-eight Divine Artifact pieces needed to activate the Apocalypse, there is simply no need for us to actively engage the Abyss in conflict any longer."
"On the contrary, should the Abyss learn of our plans and intentions, and realize what an immense threat the Apocalypse poses to them, they will surely grow frantic. They will then choose to secretly multiply around the Labyrinth, desperately stockpiling strength, before launching another full-scale invasion of the Holy Light Pure Land when the time is right."
"A war similar to the last one may happen a second time—or a third, a fourth, a fifth. Therefore, the Church and the Hunter Corps must make the proper preparations. We absolutely cannot leave the Abyss any opening to exploit."
With a steady expression, He Sheng asked:
"So from here on, do we merely need to remain stationed within the Holy Light Pure Land and stay on guard against another Abyss invasion at all times?"
Kuize shook his head in response.
"No. That is the task of the Hunter collective at large. But as the Hunter Corps' foremost fighting force, you naturally cannot be allowed to waste your worth so casually."
Fanato excitedly licked his lips.
"Heh, now that certainly piques my interest. Could it be that our assignment is to take the initiative instead?"
Kuize nodded again.
"Correct. I need each of you to regularly head in different directions through the Labyrinth and search the vast lands for the Abyss's broodbeds—places akin to armories,