SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

"As expected, the Singularity proved to be a major threat. Not only have we been placed in such a disadvantageous situation with the Arcanas, but we've also lost two of our Upper Seat members. This has never happened before."

The person speaking was Karlia, and the expression she had wasn't very friendly. Anger and frustration filled her face, and a little wrinkle of worry appeared as well.

"We should have focused our attention on getting rid of him first… then focused on the Arcanas, later on. Right now, the job has become more tedious." She sighed.

Silence followed her words. The other Seat members stared at Karlia, and then at their leader. The former had raised a valid point, and they awaited their leader's response.

"Does anyone else have something to say?" His voice echoed through the vast hall, sending chills throughout the room.

In response, no one spoke.

"Karlia, your point is valid. It does seem more useful to get rid of the Singularity. However, it's much more difficult than you can imagine."

"That was when we had been operating in secret. Now that our identity has been revealed to the public, there's nothing wrong with sending one of the Upper Seats to get rid of him. Heck, the First Seat could get the job done. No offence." She swiftly added, bowing gently to the silent man.

In response, he smiled softly and nodded.

Karlia always held the man in high regard, and his cool response always made her glad that he was one of her coworkers. Unlike that pervert, Kido, he didn't blab all day. He respected boundaries, and he had this mysterious and secretive vibe surrounding his goals—making them seem profound.

To be honest, she thought he was cool.

"If we had just gotten rid of that Jared fellow, and also Neron, then we wouldn't have become sitting ducks. Is it just me, or have we been postponing their demise for too long?" Karlia mentioned, staring at everyone in the room.

"I have to agree with Karlia on this point. I have fought with Jared, and he definitely isn't strong enough to pose a threat to everyone here. We should have gotten rid of him earlier." Stefan mentioned.

"Oh? And what makes you so sure that he wasn't holding back when fighting you?" Legris added with a snicker.

"I was holding back plenty."

"Then why didn't you kill him?"

"It wasn't in the plan. If I had been given orders to, I would have killed him. What about you? Why didn't you kill Jared?"

"Well… let's leave it at that."

Legris and Stefan glared at each other, although, most of the animosity came from Stefan. Legris mostly gave a defiant grin that only served to annoy the young boy even more.

"Welp. I guess the Cult Leader will explain why we've been so passive. Right, leader?" The Sixth Seat grinned sheepishly at their overarching commander.

He was seated silently, watching everyone's interactions. Patience was a virtue, and the young leader had plenty to spare. He simply watched his members tire themselves out from their arguments. Until finally…

… The hall became completely silent.

"It seems you are all done. Then, I shall explain." His voice was like a mist, shrouding the area in its soothing and chilly tone.

At this point, all four seats gave him their focus, and the maiden beside him broke into a wide smile. She also smiled at her master with devotion—awaiting his words of wisdom.

"We've spent years, and only managed to gather a couple of Arcanas in the process. However, in such a short span, everything has been found and accounted for. It's amazing, isn't it?"

"Yeah. It just sucks that they are with the enemy."

"I wasn't done, though." The Cult Leader shot Karlia a sharp gaze, causing her to instantly realize how imperative it was for her to shut up. "The Arcanas are with Jared's team. However, that is almost inconsequential to me."

The Cult Members all shifted in their seats a little. They didn't want to interrupt the leader, but something about his statement didn't resonate well with them.

In the first place, the only reason they were in the Nether Cult was because of their desire for all the Arcanas. Surely, the leader knew this. Why would the possession of such objects of power not matter to him?

"I desire the completion of the set as much as all of you. However, there really is no reason to get too worked up over this development. In the end, victory is ours… that is something I can absolutely guarantee." The Cult Leader grinned.

He hardly ever displayed any emotion, so everyone was amazed to see the height of his confidence in their group's victory.

"Their team will most likely be coming here to exterminate our group. If we intercept them and play our cards right, we should be able to win. Cards… see what I did there? Hahaha!" Legris chuckled, causing the young boy beside him to groan while slapping his forehead.

Sometimes, one had to respect Legris' genius mind. However, that impression was always undermined by his acts of stupidity. One could never tell if he was doing these things on purpose at this point.

"With Kido gone, I guess we have a new comedian in our group." The Cult Leader's grin widened.

"A-ah… hahaha. You're welcome…?" Legris let out an awkward laugh, before finally deciding to shut up completely.

"In any case, I'll need to be clear with everyone here. The plan will indeed succeed. Your wishes will be realized as soon as the Arcanas converge. And they will do so in one week's time—give or take."

"Why that time in particular?" Karlia asked, raising her brows in curiosity.

Silence bled into the room, and expectant eyes greeted the Cult Leader once more. However, a being of his calibre was capable of providing an answer in no time.

"Just a hunch."

"Is that so? Alright then. I'll stick with you and the group. As long as I get what I want." Karlia shrugged.

"Well, you are the new Second Seat, so… And anyway, the role doesn't really matter now that the climax is upon us. Still, your wishes will be actualized, and all of your desires will be fulfilled."

That statement seemed to please everyone. Thus, the leader was able to finally address the issue he wished to discuss.

"The opposition most definitely has a plan for the impending clash. As an organized group, we should do the same…" His eyes gleamed, hints of excitement and mischief swirling deep within.

"... Don't you think?"

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[A/N]

What deep dark secrets await? What plans are waiting to be put into motion? The revelation draws nearer.