Livian
Things have gone to plan better than I expected. Now we can begin the next phase.
About an hour passed after the trial. My fellow councilors and I, excluding Helix, retired to our own domain. There was still much to be done.
Melrose, Carmen, Isakai, Gio, and I reconvened in the depths of the subterranean silver passages that made up the council headquarters and its rooms. We had roughly five hundred soldier-employees in those halls, answering directly to us and keeping day-to-day operations running as intended. And once the five of us reached the observation deck, the others each took a seat. I approached the wide, rounded window circling the deep pit far below and pressed my hand against the glass.
I stared into the abyssal depths below. I could scarcely see my own reflection.
"We're all here." I watched Melrose fold her arms in the reflection. "Will you finally reveal who you've chosen, Livian?"
"My nephew."
Melrose raised an eyebrow and approached. "Wouldn't he be a security risk? Why him?"
"He's been instrumental in gaining intel on the newly-awakened curse wielders. Not only Kozuna, but the other one Zara has foolishly attempted to hide in her lab, as well.If anyone deserves to test out our new equipment first, it'd be him." I turned around and leaned against the glass. "Isakai- is your new tech ready? Or do you need more time?"
"No, no, my team's finished all preparations. Like you stated, the intel he provided was invaluable. With the copies of Zara's blueprints, my team has made modifications to her so-called 'Energizer.' Now, we'll be capable of energizing curse seals across long distances." Isakai lifted his huge steely suitcase onto the table. "Unfortunately, however, the nullification gear still requires field testing to be sure it works properly."
"And that's where my nephew comes in, Melrose. We drag Nikai out of hiding, force the clan to send Kozuna out to fight, field-test our new advancements, and then bring those fiends in under our control. Then, we can begin phase three."
"You really think it'll work? Is he up to the task? Nikai's not like Kozuna, right? He has no control over his curse?"
"Correct." And that's the best part. "I've already informed my nephew to work alongside Kozuna as necessary- play the role of a companion until Nikai's powers are exhausted. We can easily manipulate the situation."
"Makes sense, I suppose. You're still risking his safety, though."
"He'll be-"
Melrose and I ceased speech. We heard a loud knock on the door. All heads swiveled away from the window and toward the entrance to the observation deck. After a beat of silence, we heard a certain someone speak.
"It's me."
"You may join us, Shin,"Carmen called immediately.
The door slid open. My nephew stepped inside, pulled his hood down, and whipped his hair around.
"Reporting in."
The Shinformant has returned, heh. Punctual as always.
"Welcome in." I motioned for Shin to join us. "We're discussing your upcoming mission, and Isakai's equipment is ready for you."
Shin strolled over silently, keeping a cold, emotionless look. Almost unreadable, and I loved it. Made him the perfect person to spy on others. He cracked open the suitcase, greeted by a brief gust of chilling wind, as well as the shiny new armor at his disposal. The first pieces he tried on were the gauntlets.
"Do you remember the plan, Shin?"
"I do. Anything I need to know beforehand? New developments?"
"Hm." I crossed my arms and gazed elsewhere for a moment. "Is Nikai still at the lab?"
"No. Lady Zara had Kaiten transport him out due to the suspension."
"Then, where is he now?"
"Staying with Lady Zara, actually. She wishes to keep a close watch over him."
"Perfect." We won't have to drag him through the military sector, then. Even better. "Be on standby tomorrow night. Once Isakai activates the energizer fields, all of The Primary will be subject to becoming a battlefield."
Shin nodded silently as usual. A sign that he wouldn't fail me. He never did.
With our most capable soldier on the case, we can't lose. We'll have two freshly-awakened curse seals at our disposal, and if things go the way I imagine, he may be able to nab another guinea pig or two for testing. And who better to lure out than the uncursed members of Solus Squad, like you, Anari?