The Grand Overseer continued speaking, his tone dark and foreboding as he unveiled the true depth of Ery's situation. There had been discussions within the Nephilim high council, and the intention had been far more brutal than Ery had anticipated. The council had seriously considered punishing him publicly, a show of force ant to warn anyone who might dare challenge the Nephilim authority. So even favored the idea of executing him, a grim display that would have cented their dominance. However, Jinkan Nephilim, the Grand Overseer's grand-niece, had convinced him to intervene on Ery's behalf. She had argued that her granduncle bore responsibility for Ery's current situation. As the one who had overseen the deal between the Earth faction and Kronos, the Grand Overseer had guaranteed that no harm would befall Ery and his friends before the duel. Hence he stepped in and carried enough weight to sway the high council, and in doing so, he had saved Ery from a far worse fate. The Grand Overseer then acknowledged that his intervention was not purely out of kindness but out of necessity. He had stepped in to offer a resolution, a way to appease the council without further damaging the Nephilim's reputation. "To think that you could even beat Adam…" he muttered, a mixture of disbelief and grudging admiration flickering across his features.
Ery listened attentively as the Grand Overseer spoke, appreciating the elder's attempt to diate what had clearly beco a volatile situation. However, despite the elder's asured approach, Ery had no intention of backing down.
The long-standing tensions with the Nephilim had worn him thin, and he had grown weary of constantly speculating just how far they might go to assert their dominance. He was convinced that the Nephilim, with their influence and power, considered themselves above the law. No matter what offers or promises were made, Ery had zero trust in any deal the Nephilim might present.
"If the Nephilim want to have their hall back, they could try again next sester." His tone was steady, yet resolute.
The Grand Overseer let out another deep sigh. It was clear that he had mixed feelings about the situation. In so ways, he could not entirely bla Ery who had been a victim of the political gas that perated the academy. More than that, the elder could not ignore the disappointnt he felt toward the current Nephilim younger generation, who, despite their training and advantages, had failed spectacularly. The loss might be a necessary wake-up call for them, sothing they desperately needed to reevaluate their complacency.
On the other hand, the Grand Overseer was still a protector of the Nephilim's interests, and it was his duty to defend the faction's standing. The Grand Overseer, regaining his composure, spoke with a asured tone. "I applaud your courage in standing up for your beliefs, but do not be delusional. I can assure you, there is no rainbow behind your cause—only pain and suffering." On the other hand, the Grand Overseer was still a protector of the Nephilim's interests, and it was his duty to defend the faction's standing. The Grand Overseer, regaining his composure, spoke with a asured tone. "I applaud your courage in standing up for your beliefs, but do not be delusional. I can assure you, there is no rainbow behind your cause—only pain and suffering." "Elder, if the alternative is to bend down and cower, I'll take the pain and suffering any day." His words were defiant, filled with resolve. The Grand Overseer's irritation flickered across his face, but he quickly cald himself, letting out a deep sigh. "You are only in your thirties," he said, his tone softening "In the Magus realm, that is the age of a baby. Your strength... it is a dangerous weapon, one that desperately needs the wisdom to wield."
Ery had little faith in the elder's words, suspecting hidden motives behind every offer. Yet, he remained open-minded, willing to listen if only to better understand the mindset of soone who wielded such power and influence.
With asured respect, Ery spoke again, "Elder, please share your wisdom."
The Grand Overseer's advice, while frad as wisdom, clearly leaned in favor of the Nephilim's interests. He wasn't just offering guidance but subtly steering Ery toward a path that would restore the status quo—one where the Nephilim maintained their dominance. Ery listened intently, his expression impassive, but his mind was keenly aware of the underlying ssage.
The elder's first suggestion was simple: make ands by relinquishing the top Hall. Ery could step back, give the title back to the Nephilim, and then retreat into the background to focus on his growth. The Grand Overseer pointed out that with Ery's talent, he could reach a powerful realm in ti, perhaps in a thousand years, where his words would carry the weight necessary to make a differece. It was a practical solution, particularly for soone of humble origins like Ery—a long ga of survival and steady ascension.
The second piece of advice was to actively achieve rit within the Nephilim's system. The elder reminded Ery that even within the Nephilim hierarchy, factions often clashed, and loyalties shifted. Ery didn't need to be on friendly terms with Kronos or bow to his authority. Instead, he could find his own way to rise within the Nephilim, by contributing and gaining rit. Even among enemies, one could navigate the complex web of politics, earning respect while still holding true to personal goals.
"Not everything is black and white," the Grand Overseer explained. "Look at the headmaster. He is a politician, a master of aligning his interests with both the Magus Alliance and the top factions. You could do the sa. Strengthen your reputation with your lower realm allies, but still align with the Nephilim's broader interests."
The Grand Overseer's face lit up ever so slightly as he presented what he considered the most straightforward solution. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he spoke, his tone almost playful, "You're not married, are you? There are a few dozen eligible princesses within the faction. I'm certain I could find one willing to marry a talented man like you."
It was an offer wrapped in diplomacy, one that sounded deceptively simple—an alliance through marriage, a traditional ans to secure peace and power.
Ery let out a sigh. None of these paths were acceptable to him. They were options designed to pacify him, to bend him to the Nephilim's will.
Despite his reservations, Ery was nothing if not strategic. He knew that outright refusal would only further escalate tensions, so he chose his words carefully, his mind working through the possible consequences of his response.
"I appreciate the elder's advice... I am willing to consider these options.. and I am prepared to make ands, and even let the Nephilim reclaim their top hall."
His words hung in the air like a subtle concession, and for a brief mont, the Grand Overseer's expression softened, believing he had won this negotiation.
But then Ery's voice hardened, his eyes locking with the elder's. "However... in return, I ask for justice for my faction and request full access to the hidden secrets behind my planet's history."
The Grand Overseer replied with words of disappointnt, and it beca clear that Ery's request was seen as another act of defiance against the Nephilim. With firm resolve, the Grand Overseer chose to conclude the negotiation. Before departing, he made it clear that he would uphold his promise and ensure that no further trouble would co to Ery from the Nephilim until the duel—at least none instigated by the Nephilim high council. However, he emphasized a serious caveat, stating that he could not guarantee anything beyond that point, regardless of the duel's outco.
Whether Ery won or lost, the Grand Overseer advised him to maintain an appropriate attitude toward the Nephilim in the aftermath
Despite the underlying threat, Ery maintained a respectful deanor, expressing gratitude for the elder's help with a slight bow. The Grand Overseer's expression remained rigid, his authority reasserted as he prepared to depart, leaving behind a silence thick with unspoken tension.
###
After the eting, Ery returned to Hall 33, where the atmosphere buzzed with excitent and laughter. Shinta had arrived, bringing with her a dozen half-bloods from Hall 9 to liven up the festivities. The hall was filled with colorful decorations, and tables were laden with a feast of roasted ats, fresh fruits, and sweet pastries, the aromas mingling in the air. Despite the lively atmosphere, Ery felt a cloud of worry hanging over him, his mind still preoccupied with the recent negotiations and the Nephilim situation.
Klea, sensing his distraction, approached him with a knowing look, "Stop worrying about tomorrow; let's celebrate the mont."
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