Inside the Image Projection Council hall in the former Imperial capital, only recently renamed Mushroomhold Fortress, more than ten enormous Image Projection Crystals floated along either side.
In the past, when humans could only use Communication Crystals in their cities to transmit simple messages, these massive Image Projection Crystals undoubtedly represented the Empire's more advanced magical technology and greater wealth.
But after the Pujis arrived, these bulky Image Projection Crystals, which could not be moved freely and consumed enormous amounts of magic power every time they were activated, had become synonymous with backwardness.
Communication through the Mycelium Network was available anytime, anywhere. When necessary, they could even request a real-time video call with the Boss. It consumed practically nothing, and even the call quality far surpassed these Image Projection Crystals, which could only display silhouettes.
Naturally, after Fungal Fortress took over this place, these antiques had been sealed away and left to gather dust in storage.
But today, Louisa had unprecedentedly ordered people to wipe away the dust, move them out again, and reinstall them in the council hall.
When the time came, Louisa sat in the main seat Mortis had once occupied. After waiting a moment, one of the Image Projection Crystals lit up.
Within the crystal appeared the silhouette of a human dressed in noble attire.
"So that's how it works." Through the crystal, Eiding examined the other crystals that had yet to activate, then gave Louisa a noble salute. "Good day, Marshal. Wasn't this supposed to be a core council meeting? Did I arrive early?"
Louisa pursed her lips. "No, you arrived exactly on time. They're all late—"
Eiding: "—"
A full ten minutes passed. Just as Louisa was about to summon a mage to see whether something was wrong with the other Image Projection Crystals, another