Bad News

Inner Circle, upscale restaurants.

As the true core of Green Tree Castle, the Inner Circle possesses top-tier resources within the Federation, with chefs coming from all over the world, some of whom were former royal chefs.

Now, they all serve the Inner Circle.

Sulu appreciated this point; after all, having delicious food is better than having none.

His pursuit of enjoyment is the kind where he doesn't bother to pursue something better, but he won't refuse something more comfortable.

This mindset makes it difficult for him to take jobs that require a high degree of willpower and simplicity, such as [Monk].

"Hey, Sulu!"

As Sulu was enjoying a plate of fried lamb chops, supposedly made using a secret recipe from the Chris Court, a voice drifted over.

"It's you, Siegfried!"

He looked up and saw a chubby young man with a round face and a kind smile.

This was also one of the Inner Circle members, who loved food. Sulu, who shared this hobby, chatted with him for a bit and they gradually became friends.

The majority of the official members within the Inner Circle are professionals, but Sulu did not inquire about their privacy.

All that is known is that Siegfried was a mechanical genius who was recruited to specialize in steam power and large machinery.

That's completely different from his Telegraph.

Have you heard...?

Today, Siegfried was not as cheerful as usual. After sitting down, his voice became low and somber. "The Federation... something terrible has happened!"

"Oh?"

Sulu was startled.

He was so engrossed in intense training and exploring his Mind World that he barely paid attention to the outside world. "What happened?"

"Look!"

Siegfried handed him a newspaper.

This isn't some outside newspaper or business newspaper; it's Green Tree Castle's own newspaper, or rather, internal reference material, where much extraordinary information is no longer concealed.

Sulu took a look and what he saw first was a city burning at night, and what was more, it looked somewhat familiar.

"Shocking! Nia City suffers horrific attack on Independence Day!"

Upon seeing the title, Sulu almost spat out his orange juice. "It's Nia City? Sorry... it's where I went to university, it's like my second hometown!"

"I understand, I understand!"

Siegfried, who was across from him, put down the plate he had been using to cover his face. "I've been there too, it's a very beautiful place..."

He seemed unsure how to comfort people; after saying one sentence, he didn't know how to continue.

Sulu composed himself and looked at the main text. "It is understood that... this was a premeditated and extremely terrifying supernatural attack, the impact of which was catastrophic. Nearly half of Nia City was burned, and more than 100,000 citizens were killed or injured... According to the subsequent investigation, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau 11 stated that this was most likely the work of Demon cultists and promised to intensify the crackdown on Demon cultist organizations!"

'My guess actually came true.'

Sulu put down the newspaper and muttered to himself.

Although there had been suspicions and subconscious warnings, those might have been wrong.

But now, there is no more confusion.

' The Ancient Serpent Society? And that Archbishop of the Goddess of Light? What was their purpose in committing this tragedy? To demonstrate against the Federation? Or to offer sacrifices to the Demon?'

'Although I've already warned Green Tree Castle, it seems to have had no effect at all... No! Perhaps it's because my warning caught the attention of the higher-ups that they're so eager to act?'

Thinking about this, Sulu felt a little scared.

If I hadn't run fast, and we were still in Nia City, who knows what might have happened?

As for the Doll House... well, let it burn down. I guess I'm not cut out for real estate investment...

He silently cursed inwardly, then looked at Siegfried: "Hey, buddy... do you have any more inside information?"

Originally, he just asked the question subconsciously.

Unexpectedly, a mysterious expression appeared on Siegfried's face. "This... it really is true. I overheard my mentor mentioning it when he was chatting with the Sixth Seat. The incident in Nia City seems to resemble a sacrificial ritual, used to advance one's 'Legendary' rank!"

The Inner Circle Green Tree Castle is full of formidable individuals. Whether Mage or Arcanist, they are all renowned for their extensive knowledge. Given their relationship with the Federation, it is no surprise that they possess some high-level intelligence.

"A legend?"

Sulu took a deep breath. "It's faster than I expected!"

The progress of the Dawn of Gods is much faster than he had imagined.

If the appearance of a legendary creature in Posi Port last time could be considered an exception, then the legendary advancement ceremony in Nia City next indicates that the Federation will become a stage for legendary giants!

"You also think it's too fast, right?"

Siegfried munched on his hamburger, mumbling, "The future world will likely be shrouded in war!"

"Why do you say that?" Sulu asked curiously, considering only the extraordinary side.

"War is nothing more than a redistribution of resources and interests..." Siegfried swallowed the last bite of his hamburger. "Whether it's Twilight of the Gods or Dawn, it represents a change in the power structure, which leads to a redistribution of interests... If the spoils aren't divided equally, isn't it normal for war to break out?"

That makes sense.

Sulu sighed. Sure enough, none of those who entered the Inner Circle were fools. "Putting aside everything else, the reason why countries have been able to coexist peacefully for the last hundred years is because of the World Edge, the Dark Continent, which can be developed... But with the arrival of the Dawn of Gods, the Dark Continent will suddenly become ten or a hundred times more dangerous. It would be fortunate if they could hold onto some colonies; they might have to retreat step by step... Unable to plunder resources from the outside, they can only fight each other internally."

"A very insightful point. I think this is definitely worthy of being written into a paper, no less impressive than some international observers' work... Of course, it can only be published internally!"

Siegfried downed his milk in one gulp. "I'm going to do my experiments, Sulu... are you really not going to consider joining our Steam Group?"

Although they only chatted occasionally, Siegfried discovered that Sulu was not only a genius in Telegraph, but also had quite unique insights into steam power.

"No!"

Sulu refused, complaining of a toothache.

He was well aware of some unspoken rules; even within the Inner Circle, there were various factions.

Having entered the Inner Circle from the Institute of Electrical Research, I've already earned the title of Ninth Seat, so internal exchanges are no problem.

If I were to join the Steam Group, even Professor William would likely dislike me, which would be tantamount to ruining my future.

Unless one displays extraordinary talent, even if they enjoy temporary glory, their end will not be good!