Chapter 108: The Meeting of Seven (6100)

“Hello, Mr. Knight.”

On a garden path paved with smooth cobblestones, Shunan and the Black Knight gradually came to a halt.

Before them stood a woman dressed in leather clothing and pants, wearing sunglasses perched on her nose, greeting them.

“Let me introduce myself—I’m Scarlet.”

Her red lips parted slightly, her voice deep and pleasant. She extended a gloved hand toward Shunan.

As their hands met in a light grip, Shunan suddenly sensed something unusual beneath her glove—the skin and flesh felt off, not like living tissue but more akin to some kind of mechanical construct.

A metal prosthetic? Or some strange ability?

Suppressing his curiosity, the three proceeded toward the conference hall. Along the way, Scarlet pulled a green box from her pocket, filled with lemon-flavored chewing gum.

She peeled one open and popped it into her mouth before offering one each to Shunan and the Black Knight. Shunan accepted, but the Black Knight declined, pulling out a cigar from his chest pocket.

“I don’t chew that stuff; I only smoke cigars.”

Without hesitation, the Black Knight lit one and then tossed another to Shunan, inviting him to try.

These were custom cigars specially brought from Barent, handcrafted and expensive, but with an exquisite flavor.

The smoke and aroma were as smooth as milk.

Once you try it, you can never forget the taste.

Shunan smiled as he accepted it, fully aware that these two were extending goodwill toward him. When a person displays enough value, goodwill or malice naturally floods in. The strong protect their worth; the weak are left to be preyed upon.

Next, Shunan met other members of the Seven Council. A white-haired man wearing a mask, a muscular man in a school uniform with a rough face, and a cloaked little girl who looked no older than eleven or twelve.

In the pristine, square hallway, Shunan gave the little girl a strange look, unsure what to say.

“What are you staring at?” The girl seemed to sense his gaze and immediately turned, glaring fiercely.

Her youthful face wore a pout, and her bandaged fists waved in the air.

“Keep looking at me like that and I’ll smash your head in!”

Though fierce in tone, her overall demeanor somehow exuded a subtle cuteness.

“That codename is ‘The Boxer.’ It’s best not to provoke her,” the Black Knight whispered into Shunan’s ear.

He patted Shunan’s shoulder gently, his tone laced with caution, as if he had once suffered at the hands of this little girl.

Shunan’s smile faded as he glanced over.

Around the girl’s neck hung a silver pendant, its tag partly obscured, shaped like a curve—probably a ‘2’ or a ‘3’.

Shunan composed himself—frankly, he was intimidated.

He had a rough idea of his own strength. Including meditation time, his “Death-Eyed Vulture,” and the Pale Knight ability, he could roughly match a mid-level Rank Two Secret Ring Master; with a lightsaber, he might reach high-level Rank Two.

But neither form could be sustained.

The lightsaber could only be wielded briefly, and the Pale Knight could not remain exposed in modern space for long. So, in truth, Shunan was at best a low-level Rank Two Secret Ring Master—comparable in combat power to top A-level Spiral Organization members, but not yet worthy of the Seven Council.

This little girl known as The Boxer, if she unleashed her full strength, might well land a few punches he couldn’t block.

“Hmph, good that you understand,” she said, folding her arms with a smug look.

“Let me remind you again! Don’t think of me as a little girl—I’m already twenty-seven years old!”

She raised a pale, delicate finger.

“A certain ability? With the side effect of arrested physical growth, forever trapped at eleven or twelve?” Shunan guessed simply.

Most members of the Seven Council he had met seemed to possess superpowers. Only one was a Secret Ring Master—the woman who kept chewing gum, Scarlet.

Two minutes later, the rest of the Seven Council arrived at the gray-white spired building. The meeting took place in a spacious room on the top floor.

Floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded the hall, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Golden Spiral Organization’s headquarters.

Beyond, he could see meadows and a distant highway.

The conference hall floor was carpeted; tea tables and sofas were arranged in the corners. A cabinet held various books, and inside one compartment was a vase containing a withered red tulip.

Engraved deeply on the vase’s rim were black letters: “Dedicated to the eternal you.”

In the center of the hall stood a long oval table with subtle gold threads along the edge.

Six people were seated there.

The Black Knight, The Boxer, Scarlet, Shunan.

Also present were the masked white-haired man, known simply as Mask, and the muscular man in the high school uniform, whom the Black Knight called Platinum—likely another codename.

Among them, Scarlet’s name sounded the most genuine.

The meeting hadn’t started yet, and everyone was relaxed.

Mask pulled out a phone and began scrolling through videos of scantily clad women dancing to energetic music, clearly enjoying himself as his eyes lingered on certain parts of the screen.

Scarlet, noticing his sleazy demeanor, couldn’t help but say, “Mask, how can you watch that stuff every day?”

“What’s the point of craving from ten thousand miles away behind a screen? Better to go straight to a nightclub and find one…”

Mask paused the video and shook his head.

“You don’t understand. I watch beautiful women every day—not for anything else, but for my own mental pleasure. Real combat damages the body, besides, I’m only eighteen!”

He wiggled his fingers and resumed watching.

Shunan couldn’t help but glance at Mask’s white hair, which looked dry and brittle, not natural.

This guy must be overworked...

He thought to himself while surveying the room.

Platinum had already stood and was practicing punches in the open space. His forearms were thicker than an average person’s thigh, and every punch he threw whistled through the air.

Just from his stance, it was clear he practiced a top-tier martial art that could easily shift from training to lethal combat.

Seated, Scarlet pulled out a headset from somewhere, swayed her body rhythmically to music, and popped another piece of gum.

Next to her, The Boxer had a large pile of snacks taken from the meeting room: chocolate, chips, jerky, candies, and so forth.

She grabbed one and stuffed it in her mouth, chewing noisily with cheeks puffed out like a hamster.

Looking around, the only normal-looking person seemed to be the Black Knight. Well, maybe not entirely—Shunan caught a faint smoky scent.

Turning his head, he saw two withered arms emerging from the void behind the Black Knight, resting on his shoulders, seemingly giving him a massage.

“Want to try, Knight?” the Black Knight asked, noticing Shunan’s gaze.

“No, thanks…” Shunan forced a chuckle.

“Hmm~ you just don’t know how to enjoy life,” the Black Knight emitted a pleased hum, leaning his head back as black claws pressed slowly against his temples.

A creak sounded as the door swung open and a figure stepped inside.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” a hoarse female voice floated in, like sand gently falling through the air.

The relaxed group immediately sat up straight, each looking like a well-behaved child. The Boxer sat seriously, her hamster-like cheeks still working.

“Haimeng! You’ve run out of snacks for the week,” the leader issued a stern reminder upon entering.

The Boxer, now exposed by her real name, trembled as she replied, “No, no… Big sister, I’m sorry. You know if I don’t get snacks for a day, I starve to death. I may be small, but I eat a lot…”

The leader looked at her pitiful expression and withdrew the order. The Boxer’s face instantly brightened.

“Alright! The meeting officially begins!”

The woman took the main seat, draped in a black wool coat with a white scarf around her neck.

Her entire presence was majestic, like a lion.

“Oh, right. Let me introduce myself—I’m Whitesmoke,” she said suddenly, glancing at Shunan.

He nodded silently.

Whitesmoke then stood and gently applauded.

“Now, let’s welcome a returning veteran member of the Golden Spiral Organization. You may call him Knight…”

Immediately, the five seated members rose and applauded enthusiastically. Shunan stood as well.

“It’s an honor to meet you all.”

After a moment, everyone sat back down.

Including the Black Knight, all wore expressions of curiosity. The origins of the Golden Spiral Organization were somewhat mysterious, and Whitesmoke had never spoken of the group’s past. The current Golden Spiral Organization was very different in membership and structure from its predecessor.

Now, with a former member returning, all eyes turned toward Shunan.

Some were friendly, some indifferent, some curious.

But all regarded him with a bit more respect, for an old member signified seniority.

After a pause, Whitesmoke began.

“Black Knight did well in last night’s raid. Though we failed to capture the traitor alive, we did seize control of a major outpost’s leader and severely weakened the enemy’s forces in Winter District…”

“I’ve already started negotiations with the Holy Flame Society to exchange the traitor Carlos for our captured leader, Reilian. The initiative is on our side now…” Whitesmoke smiled confidently.

The Holy Flame Society would surely respond.

There were four possible paths.

First, they refuse Whitesmoke’s demand and decline any exchange. Such a move would cause severe repercussions.

The Holy Flame Society’s outpost leaders in the Nilodo city cluster and surrounding areas would feel deeply disheartened—dealing a blow to internal morale.

Second, they agree to the exchange, which would also have negative consequences.

The Holy Flame Society had many spies embedded in enemy organizations and numerous expensive double agents. These individuals would become enraged and demoralized.

Moreover, the news could quell any internal stirrings of betrayal or espionage.

Third, they send experts to rescue leader Reilian.

Fourth, they feign agreement but set a trap to attack and rescue the hostage during the exchange.

The Holy Flame Society would likely choose the third or fourth, but either way, the initiative would remain with the Golden Spiral Organization.

Whitesmoke could use Reilian as bait, deliberately luring Holy Flame Society assassins into a trap.

Alternatively, agree to the exchange and prearrange for Icebird Holy Order and the Desire Club to dispatch experts, engaging Holy Flame Society’s main forces to test strength and prepare for future action.

Of course, the Golden Spiral Organization would tamper with Reilian as a contingency plan.

They had no concern over Holy Flame Society’s possible tricks with Carlos, as both Carlos and Reilian were essentially Holy Flame Society operatives.

The sole purpose of the exchange was to execute Carlos as a warning—deterring internal treachery and preserving the organization’s dignity.

Whitesmoke analyzed the situation in detail while the others listened silently, some taking notes.

“All right, now your reports.”

Whitesmoke tapped the table lightly.

“I’ll start,” Mask raised his hand.

“The intelligence department has planted five agents within the Holy Flame Society, the highest-ranking being the deputy commander of the Amethyst Combat Task Force. We’ve also identified three traitors within our own organization and are monitoring them closely, planning to act at the handover…”

“Hm,” Whitesmoke nodded.

“Next is me,” said Platinum in a deep voice.

“I’ve contacted three martial arts schools: the Ming Crocodile Dojo, the Tianfeng Blade School, and the Rockbreaker Dojo. Each is backed by a martial arts family with at least a thousand years of heritage. Some of their secret explosive fighting techniques push physical limits…”

“I’ve tried them myself—they really work, boosting my strength by about thirty percent. We can maintain cooperation and train together, which will benefit high-level physical-type ability users.”

Platinum spoke with precision.

“Hmm,” Whitesmoke nodded, then added, “Perhaps not just high-level physical types, but also low-level ones can benefit from martial arts training. Didn’t Knight develop a conversion pendant?”

Platinum’s eyes brightened as he solemnly looked at Shunan.

Others turned their gazes as well, their eyes burning with interest.

“We’ll discuss that later. Next…”

Whitesmoke pressed her hand down slightly.

“I-I...” The Boxer raised her small, bandaged hand and spoke under their watchful eyes.

“My combat department has achieved great feats in the past month. We took down two Holy Flame Society outposts in District XC and, together with the Icebird Holy Order, cleansed the entire underground black market there, pushing Holy Flame Society out. Five days ago, in Nilodo’s satellite city Danton, our forces took control of the entire underground network…”

She beamed proudly, then continued after a pause.

“Also, the four A-level commanders under my training and coaching have improved significantly. Especially Karn the Rock, who three days ago encountered the Holy Flame Society’s Blizzard Combat Task Force deputy commander and beat him severely—only lightly injured himself while inflicting heavy wounds…”

She chuckled foolishly, arms folded.

“...” Whitesmoke remained silent.

Nearby, Platinum covered his face.

“So it’s you… No wonder Karn and the others always look bruised when I see them. They say it’s sparring, but it’s really you beating them up! And Karn’s improvement has nothing to do with your beating. He’s diligent and constantly studying martial arts…”

After a moment, Whitesmoke continued.

“Also, don’t think I don’t know! You haven’t managed the combat department at all. All the credit in the past month goes to the four commanders! You’re always either eating or sleeping—living leisurely like an old lady!”

“You seem too comfortable! Starting tomorrow, I’m suspending your honey-glazed jerky for a month…”

She slammed her hand on the table with a bang.

“Ahh~” The Boxer wailed, wearing a pitiful expression.

“What? Want it doubled? Then two months!”

Whitesmoke glared coldly, full of authority.

“No, no, no doubling! No objections, I have none—one month only…”

The Boxer shook her head rapidly like a fan.

“Hmph, behave yourself. You’re the most talented here, the most likely to become the second Ascendant! Don’t waste your gift sleeping and eating all day! You don’t know how many envy you…”

Whitesmoke shook her head and gestured to Scarlet for the next report.

Scarlet spoke of the Golden Spiral Organization’s business ventures. As a major group centered in Nilodo, its industries spread across the entire East Coast, operating as a corporate conglomerate.

Hotels, real estate, bathhouses, villas, factories, pharmaceuticals, security—all legitimate fronts.

Alongside these were illicit and gray businesses.

Nightclubs, underground bare-knuckle fighting, assassinations, discos...

Next was the Black Knight, whose role was not combat but resource management and logistics.

Human resources also fell under his domain.

He had a public identity as a mysterious wealthy figure in high society, adept socially and known as a middle-aged socialite among Nilodo’s elite.

Shunan, planning to build an advanced laboratory, would likely need to liaise with the Black Knight. Fortunately, they were already acquainted; it would be a simple matter.

After all reports, Whitesmoke assigned tasks based on the situation, with others taking notes.

Finally, she turned her gaze to Shunan.

“Knight, the other three rune masters in the organization say you’re an elite rune master. Is that correct?”

Shunan nodded slightly, uncertain of how his ancient rune knowledge measured up in the modern era—whether it still qualified him as an expert.

To keep a low profile, he answered that he was indeed an elite rune master.

“Soon, I’ll have Mask take you to the Ice Thorn Rune Guild. It’s the gathering place for the majority of Nilodo’s rune masters. If you undergo their testing and come out wearing a silver badge on your chest, numerous rune master groups and clubs will send invitations to join…”

“It’s not just a test of rune skills; there’s also a professional ability testing room that objectively evaluates the strength and rank of an ability user or Secret Ring Master. Of course, the Ice Thorn Rune Guild primarily tests rune masters; other evaluations are secondary…”

Whitesmoke tapped her forehead lightly.

“Also, we’ll try our best to meet your requests. Within the next day or two, Black Knight will help you select a suitable site near Nilodo to build a large rune laboratory. You’ll just need to choose.”

“For experimental equipment and materials, coordinate with Black Knight and provide a list. When you visit the Ice Thorn Rune Guild, Black Knight will handle official purchases through the guild…”

“As for Rank Two runes, our organization only has a handful. You can buy from the Ice Thorn Rune Guild’s shop; the organization will cover the cost. But most are common items. For rare special runes, you’ll need to join some rune master groups or clubs…”

Whitesmoke offered practical advice.

“We’ll purchase a residence for you in Nilodo’s main city and a villa in the suburbs—consider it a small benefit. After all, organization members deserve leisure and recreation, right?”

Clearly, Whitesmoke was offering incentives to keep Shunan, demonstrating the power of value.

“But there’s one thing I can’t agree to for now.”

“Your combat assignment will be put on hold. Researchers should remain in the rear. The organization may eventually establish a rune research department centered around you, which you would lead…”

Whitesmoke’s gaze flicked toward him.

Shunan was silent for a moment, then nodded.

These were minor matters for now—there would be changes later. He needed to evolve, and participating in combat was essential.

Leading a combat unit openly was ideal.

If not, becoming a shadowy assassin was also an option.

Whitesmoke had promised much but declined this one request—partly reasonable, partly a subtle warning not to let Shunan feel too powerful.

This way, he wouldn’t act recklessly.

Though the caution was probably unnecessary…

Shunan nodded, giving her face. He would take it step by step later; with value established, negotiations would be easier. He firmly believed this.

Ten minutes later.

“All right, that concludes today’s meeting,” Whitesmoke announced as she stood. Everyone began to leave.

Suddenly, Shunan realized something.

There were seven leaders, but only six attended.

Was someone absent due to other matters?

Or was it called the Seven Council but actually only had six members—like the Four Heavenly Kings who numbered five?