Just then, someone knocked on the door.
Without raising his head, Howard said softly:
"Come in."
The door promptly opened.
A poised, striking woman with short hair walked in. It was Mona.
"Teacher."
She pressed a hand to her chest in salute and greeted him respectfully.
"Please sit, Mona."
Howard gave her a gentle smile.
"Yes, Teacher."
Mona sat down in front of the desk and handed over what she was holding.
"This is a Mysterious Book we confiscated after secretly wiping out the cult organization, the Disaster Mourning Society-the Record of Suffering and Weakness. It records the existence of an evil god called the Lord of Plagues... Please decide how we should handle it, Teacher."
"Mm. Thank you for your hard work, Mona."
Howard took the old book and casually set it aside.
"Are you wondering why I suddenly summoned you back so urgently?"
Rather than answer Mona, he changed the subject with a question.
Mona froze for a moment. A trace of conflict crossed her face, but in the end, she took a deep breath and looked straight into the blond man's eyes.
"Yes, Teacher! Amber City is facing a tense situation right now. First, an Executioners Squad was intercepted and killed by Bayers, and the squad that arrived afterward is preparing to surround and capture him... Without me there to oversee things, I'm afraid something will go wrong."
"The Sun Church's Lamp Protectors Squad and the Moon Church's Purple Moonlight Squad will arrive in Amber City soon. Together, those three elite teams of Beyonders will handle everything. Just stay here with peace of mind.
"And don't underestimate Ralph. He's my student too. You should have faith in him."
Howard smiled softly.
"You've spent so long honing yourself out there. It's time you came back... The Empire needs