Timeless Assassin

Chapter 119: The Evil-Cult Meet (2)

The chamber remained silent for a moment, the weight of the Third Shadow Corps' failure lingering in the air.

Then, a new voice cut through the stillness.

"Well, that was disappointing," the Eighth Elder remarked, her tone casual yet laced with something sharper beneath. "But let's not dwell on failures. We have more pressing matters to discuss."

A few heads turned in her direction, sensing where the conversation was about to lead.

"Tell me," she continued, her fingers tapping lightly against the table. "Are we proceeding with the kidnapping this year? Or are we delaying the plan yet again?"

The question sent a ripple of interest through the chamber. Some leaned in slightly, others remained motionless, but all eyes were now focused on the First Elder—awaiting his response.

"Kidnapping the son of the Black Serpents' Guild Master is NOT the solution to our problems," the First Elder stated firmly, as if he were fed up with this question being asked to him year after year.

"The Universal Government will never allow the Black Serpents to exchange the [Shadow's Embrace] skill scroll for a hostage—no matter who it is. That much is certain."

His words sent a ripple of murmurs across the table, but he continued before anyone could object.

"Even if we manage to successfully take the boy, they won't negotiate. They won't hesitate. They will declare war.

They will either launch an all-out assault to retrieve him or, if that proves impossible, they'll cut their losses and let him die before they ever consider handing over the scroll."