Chapter 2175 Council
Explanations were given and the culprit was caught, but despite knowing the external threat involved, the meeting was still fraught with dissatisfaction among the serpent leaders.
It was revealed that the patriarch had sanctioned the secret experiments, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of serpent individuals. He had used his authority for a personal ambition. On the other hand, it was also proven that the Ouroboros faction had rebelled against the serpent's established authority, adding another layer of discord.
Tensions escalated as the meeting devolved into a clash between two factions: the viceroy and his supporters, and the Ouroboros allies. With the patriarch's strength greatly diminished, the Faulen faction could no longer dominate or assert its authority as it once did.
In the midst of the escalating conflict, King Alduin, stepped in to mediate. His presence brought a measure of calm to the proceedings. After intense deliberations, a compromise was reached: until the patriarch could regain his full strength or another supreme magus emerged within the serpent bloodline, the community would be governed by a council of four. This council would consist of leaders from the Faulen, the Targaryen, the Mauritius, and the Ouroboros factions.
Surprisingly, the serpent patriarch fully supported the idea of a shared council leadership and expressed his willingness to step down from his position. He endorsed his son, Roland Faulen, as the new leader of the Faulen faction. Roland's proven actions during the recent disaster had earned him respect and trust. The Faulen leaders unanimously accepted this decision, and other clan leaders, particularly the Targaryen King, viewed it positively.
In response to the ongoing threats and internal strife, a special investigative team was formed to scrutinize the influence of the Oculus faction within the serpent community and uncover any other parties involved in the schemes against them. This team was tasked with rooting out the remnants of the treachery and ensuring the community's security.
Additionally, a separate team was proposed to continue the supreme gene project. The patriarch, admitting his relentless pursuit of this goal, agreed to work transparently under the council's supervision and to share all findings and advancements. Despite her reservations, Queen Ouroboros agreed to these terms, recognizing the project's potential impact on her granddaughter's well-being. She insisted that the project be led by her experts, given the death of many Faulen scientists and the fact that the Ouroboros faction possessed the second most formidable gene research facility. The council accepted these conditions, understanding the necessity of cooperation and the advantages the collaborations could bring to the project.
The long and arduous meeting finally drew to a close, and Emery took the opportunity to meet with King Alduin and Grand Magus Warwick before they departed.
An unexpected passenger joined their ranks: the supreme serpent himself. Despite his weakened state, he was determined to oversee the experiments personally and ensure their success. Onboard the transport to the Ouroboros facility, the supreme serpent finally called upon Emery. He was inhabiting a young-looking body with pale skin and short dark hair and appeared no older than Emery himself. Despite being in the full moon realm stage, his green serpent-pupil eyes exuded a terrifying power that hinted at the immense strength he still possessed.
Emery felt a wave of mixed emotions. He was not amused to meet the man responsible for harming his daughter, yet he approached with caution, noting the patriarch's casual demeanor. The man sat leisurely, sipping wine, and spoke to Emery in a surprisingly friendly tone.
"I am no longer the Serpent patriarch, you may call me Ronan."
"Senior Ronan, what can I help you with?"
The man was smiling as he said, "Not only did I harm your daughter, but I also have you to thank for my survival," his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Tell me, what should I reward you with?"
Emery's expression hardened. "I need no reward; I just hope Senior would not harm her again for the sake of research."
The patriarch chuckled, finding Emery's response intriguing.
"You must be mistaken to think that I came along just for the girl..." he said, a smile playing on his lips. "No, no... my young friend... I believe the secret of the supreme gene lies with you... Your blood and that hidden power of yours."
x x x x x x x x x