312: Puppeteer

Puppeteer

Before going to the Sanctuary of Mages, Asher had a lot of things he needed to do.

What was happening inside World Academy didn't concern Asher, as none of the students, even those in the Fourth Year, posed a threat to him.

The only people Asher would have to go all out against were Jayden Hargrave and some of the other Fourth Year rankers like Reece Williams.

He wasn't going to use Time Dilation in front of everyone; it was an ability he would employ only when facing an adversary far too powerful for him.

Just as with Louis Rothschild, Asher had used Time Dilation solely to escape from him.

Even the current Asher would struggle against a Peak S Rank Hunter, even if he used Time Dilation.

At that time, although Asher was only at peak D Rank, he had caught Louis off-guard and left him in a state of confusion.

"Sigh, my reward was delayed, so I can't even get a weapon for myself," Damian muttered.

Dexter Wright was not only preoccupied with tending to his own needs, but with many SSS Rank Equipments damaged, his hands were full.

This meant that only those who chose the Sanctuary of Mages could visit it for now.

Asher removed his safety braces that restricted his mana to D Rank. Although his physical capabilities were of a C Rank Hunter, his mana output was limited to the peak of D Rank.

Asher glanced back, seeing Damian and Amelia in conversation, discussing their errors.

Without a word, Asher departed and returned to his room.

Upon arrival, Asher entered the living room where he activated the hologram on his ID Bracelet.

Several news articles and rumors, posted by various individuals, began to appear.

Asher scrolled through them, wanting to see if his artifact's usage had garnered any significant attention.

He stumbled upon one particular anonymous article that hadn't received much notice, and it was about Louis Rothschild.

"The Troublemaker of the Rothschilds is at it Again" was the title of the article, and it wasn't surprising to see such articles about Louis.

However, this time, no one, not even Louis himself, could have imagined that his actions were being influenced.

Due to his status and James's interference, Louis Rothschild's name had never been associated with any major scandals, but his public image left much to be desired.

Inside the Rothschild Manor,

James gazed at Louis, who sat across the room, eyes fixed on the floor.

"Do you realize the magnitude of problems your actions could've caused if they were exposed?" James exclaimed.

Louis remained silent, listening.

"Answer me!" James demanded, his mana flaring up.

"He mocked me," Louis finally responded.

"Mocked?" James echoed incredulously.

"I know everything, Louis. He was merely discussing the matter concerning Zephyr," James clarified.

Louis felt humiliated, his fist clenching in frustration.

Yet, he didn't act against James.

From a young age, James had asserted his dominance over Louis, ensuring that the latter always knew his place. This was why Louis never dared to challenge James and his authority.

After all, James was an SS Rank Hunter, while Louis was only a Peak S Rank Hunter.

The power gap between them was evident, especially since James had access to the family's assets, including the artifact bequeathed by Dalton himself.

"Reflect on your actions," James advised, trying to reign in his temper.

"I don't want to hear of any further incidents from you. And don't you dare bring further shame upon me," James warned, his words cutting deep into Louis.

'So he still blames me,' Louis mused, swallowing his rising anger.

Just like James said, the Hunter whom Louis had beaten severely had been discussing the night the Vault was breached. His tone had led Louis to believe he was being ridiculed.

After facing James's reprimand, which included serving in the Guild until further notice, Louis exited the room.

However, his role was not as a Team Leader, but merely as a regular member.

Due to James's order, Louis had lost his position within the Guild and now he had to work his way up until his punishment period was over.

'Only because he's older.' Thoughts like this began to surface in James's mind.

'All of this is happening because of that bastard,' Louis thought as he walked down the empty hallway.

He remembered that gaze and still suspected it belonged to Asher Greville, but he lacked evidence.

"One day, I'll prove it," Louis muttered, his eyes turning cold.

It might not be possible at the moment, but he believed that someday he would encounter the heir of the Greville family.

Away from the Rothschild Estate, within the Williams Family Mansion,

A middle-aged man reviewed the reports handed to him when a particular ring on his finger began to glow.

He frowned, recognizing the significance of this private communication line, a line he hadn't utilized in years.

Touching the ring, three familiar faces manifested before him.

"What happened?" he inquired.

"We've convened this meeting to discuss a pressing matter," one individual began, prompting silence from the others, including James.

After all, this man was held in esteem akin to Dalton Rothschild. His name was Osbert Tarvian.

"It appears Vincent Williams isn't as preoccupied as I was led to believe," another voice interjected, belonging to the head of the Neville Family.

"Why don't we pause for a moment?" the Allister head interposed.

"I've had a question nagging at me," he confessed.

"Did you see the report about the individual, Erwin, whose deceased body was discovered?" the head of the Allister family questioned, while Osbert listened intently.

His inquiry piqued Neville's interest, prompting a raised eyebrow; he was eager to know more. Doubt had taken root in his mind over the last several days, and this question only heightened his concern.

"I did, and it seems he was apprehended," Osbert responded, his voice carrying an air of authority.

His statement left the other three somewhat uneasy. However, given the conviction in Osbert's words, the Neville head had no choice but to accept his conclusion.

"You needn't fret over that matter," Osbert said as he dismissed the topic.

"What about the Product?" Vincent asked while maintaining his calm face.1

The only reason he attended this meeting was because of the partnership deal that Williams and Tarvian had established.

They were discussing the product they intended to launch and the project that Osbert had been nurturing for several decades.

Unlike Neville and the Allister, Vincent didn't join Osbert from the start, it was more because of the thing that Osbert offered that Vincent knew it was a good deal.

"Wagxon will handle it," Osbert declared.

"I initiated this meeting primarily due to the new issue: Zephyr," Osbert added.

"Someone in the High Council must be in league with them," the Allister Family's head proposed.

"And it could even be one of us," the Neville Head observed, causing a momentary silence.

Indeed, one of them might be associated with Zephyr, a possibility they were all conscious of.

"Are we here to accuse each other?" Vincent inquired.

"From where did such an individual suddenly emerge?" Vincent posed another query.

"You are the only person present who would resort to such actions," the Allister Head retorted, annoyance evident in his demeanor.

"After all, it didn't take you long to change your allegiance a decade ago," he scoffed.

"Enough," Osbert interjected, halting their dispute.

His reason for convening the meeting was to ascertain that the recent incident hadn't made any of them waver in their commitment to him. If he detected even the slightest hint of treachery, he was prepared to act.

And they all undoubtedly recognized that Osbert was trying to gauge their continued allegiance to the shared vision they had pursued for years.

"The product will launch next year, and I trust everyone will play their role," Osbert asserted.

Sensing no opposition, Osbert segued into the other main agenda of the meeting: addressing Zephyr and deciding their next steps.

Having an entity like Zephyr could serve as an excellent facade for certain operations, yet their very existence posed an equal threat.

Although they could hide behind Zephyr to cover their tracks, they weren't sure if they might be targeted in the future.

With limited information about Zephyr, none could decide whether to leave them be or investigate their trail personally.

"His actions thus far seem aimed at tarnishing the High Council's reputation," the Neville Head began.

One by one, they shared their opinions, simultaneously scrutinizing one another throughout the discussion.

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