"We still have a chance."
The person beside Havid looked remarkably calm.
He was a handsome young man, with hair like golden threads and eyes like silver lakes.
Half his face was covered by a silvery-white metal mask, lending him an even deeper, more mysterious air.
It was Baker of the Four-Colored Crystal.
"I understand."
Havid nodded. "I've already summoned the members to come. Our goal is to secure at least one seat."
"As for who gets that seat, it can be either you or me."
Havid looked at Baker, but Baker seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed toward a certain direction.
From there came faint, terrifying howls like the roars of evil spirits, while sickly green energy flickered from time to time.
The air was thick with a nauseating sour, rotten stench.
It was as though even space itself had twisted and decayed beneath that power.
Noticing Baker's gaze, Havid frowned and could not help saying, "Baker, I know what you want to do, but now isn't the best time."
"No."
Baker turned to Havid, his expression calm. "On the contrary, now is the most suitable opportunity. Once we enter the ranking battles, if we encounter Korklau again, the only thing we'll be able to rely on is our own strength."
"Do you think, with Korklau's temperament, he'll let any one of us live in a one-on-one duel?"
Even his fingertips trembled slightly.
It was the thrill of prey finally having the chance to bite back at the hunter.
"Once all the Progress Society members have gathered, our strength will reach an unprecedented level. This is also our only chance to make Korklau pay for everything..."
Baker gently placed a hand over the metal mask on his face, as though his fingertips could feel the wounds beneath it.