Chapter 168: Position

Chapter 168: Position

Someone looked at the demonic card in their hand doubtfully, examining it closely several times while saying, "Isn't this just an ordinary card?"

"You're all relatively new to magic, so naturally, you can't understand," said the condescending voice from above, freezing the atmosphere in the conference room for a moment.

Everyone present at this meeting were high-ranking officials of the Disaster Countermeasures Department's headquarters. This included high-ranking exorcists from both the Church and the Association, as well as representatives from the government.

The government had already tried their best to send people with magical talent and basic knowledge of magic, but the gap in knowledge and background was still irreconcilable.

Most of the exorcists sent by the Church followed their superiors' orders and held little regard for leaders who were mere mortals. The exorcists from the Association were better, but they couldn't completely eliminate their subconscious prejudice.

This was the disparity brought about by power, a gap even wider than that between social classes and even more difficult to bridge.

"One would have to be a highly skilled exorcist to sense the oppressive presence of the demons within these cards," said an exorcist from the Association to ease the tension. Everyone turned to look at her.

Mu Suichao from the Church sneered, casting a disdainful glance without giving her a proper look.

As the Deputy Commander of the Angelic Church's Knights in Huaxia, Yan Liwen would not have personally attended this meeting if he hadn't sensed the danger lurking within those cards.

"I mean," Yan Liwen, the Disaster Control Minister and an ordinary human by birth, expressed with a focused look, showing due respect.

Lai You stroked the surface of one card. "These cards likely have their original sources. They were imprinted from those sources, retaining some residual power. It's natural for you to be puzzled, Minister Yan, since only those with formidable magical strength can perceive them. Even among exorcists, few can discern the issue."

"Hmph," Mu Suichao snorted sarcastically. "Lai You, you're quite the virtuous one, playing the good guy."

Lai You glanced at him and replied calmly, "I'm merely stating facts. But isn't it too casual for your Saint not to attend such an important meeting?"

"It's just a discussion," Mu Suichao maintained his arrogance and casual demeanor. "Since this matter is so crucial, why waste time explaining to them? We should focus on devising a strategy. You seem to lack a sense of urgency."

Lai You's expression remained unchanged. "You're only the Deputy Commander of the Church's Knights. Are you being too presumptuous with your words?"

Mu Suichao raised an eyebrow. "Then let me see your strength."

Lai You was one of the six leaders of the Exorcist Association, equivalent in status to the Angelic Church's Saint and Saintess. However, he rarely demonstrated his abilities. Mu Suichao was curious about Lai You's actual prowess, as were the higher-ups in the Church.

Though both men appeared to be in their early thirties, they were actually in their forties. Their immense magical strength preserved their youthful appearances. This overwhelming magic energy reverberated within the conference room, causing the faces of some novice mages to turn pale.

Lai You withdrew his hand first. "You're right. Now, we should focus on discussing countermeasures."

Mu Suichao clicked his tongue. "...Tsk." Despite such provocation, he didn't retaliate. His strength must be weak!

Yan Liwen acted as if nothing had happened and spoke with a composed expression. "This isn't the time for arguments. In your opinion, what is the purpose of these demons creating such cards?"

They were not experts in dealing with demons, especially since they used to be ordinary people without sufficient historical data for analysis.

That was precisely why the Calamity Department was established – to invite experienced exorcists to discuss strategies.

"Probably to announce their impending arrival," Mu Suichao said. "Demons love to provoke and intimidate their opponents."

An official asked, "Do you think this has anything to do with the Extremists?"

The conference room fell silent as the exorcists pondered.

The exorcist sitting beside Lai You said, "Based on the nationwide reports, the demons who distributed the cards and novels clearly took precautions against us tracing their lair. This could be the work of the Extremists or the demons from the Demon Realm sending their minions."

"Obvious," someone from Mu Suichao's side commented loudly enough for everyone to hear.

Beside Lai You stood an exorcist with long hair, braided at the ends, his face cold and aloof, his eyes distant yet sharp beneath his glasses.

Pushing up his frames, he spoke with a tone devoid of inflection, "We've recently discovered the location of the central office of the Demon Realm's Judiciary Bureau."

The exorcists from the Church faction appeared startled, and Mu Suichao's casual disdain finally faded slightly as he said distrustfully, "Is that true? It can't be fake information, right?"

The ordinary people looked puzzled, and one exorcist explained, "The Demon Realm has a judicial body called the Judiciary Bureau. They've also established one in the human world to help them deal with all matters here. However, the demons working there are born in the human world, so they pose a relatively low danger."

"Aha, now that we know their headquarters, we can ask them if this matter is related to them," a government official chuckled.

'Ask' was merely a euphemism, implying methods that might include pursuit and interrogation.

"That's right," the young man with the braid said. "Their headquarters is in Mu City, and I'll lead the team there personally."