Dean Bruce furrowed his brows at Nozer Hawthorne's words. He understood Nozer's concerns, especially since they had been deceived by this very undercover student in the past. However, his gut told him that this time, the student was genuinely seeking to help them.
"Nozer, I understand your concerns," Dean Bruce said, his voice low and serious. "But I believe that this time, the student truly wants to turn over a new leaf. The information he provided is critical for us. If we don't act, and the Black Hole Organization does indeed launch an attack on the academy, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Krupp nodded in agreement. "Nozer, I think Dean is right. We can't dismiss everything based on one betrayal. Besides, time is running out. We don't have the luxury of verifying the truth of the information. We need to make a decision quickly."
Prolo Hawthorne, anxious, added, "Grandfather, I trust Professor Dean's judgment. We can't let the academy fall into danger!"
Nozer Hawthorne looked at the determined faces around him, and his resolve began to waver. He took a deep breath and slowly spoke, "Alright, since everyone feels this way, we'll trust him this time. But we must be thoroughly prepared, just in case."
Dean Bruce nodded. "Exactly. We need to create a detailed plan to ensure that we leave nothing to chance."
The group began discussing the situation energetically, each person contributing their ideas. However, as the discussion progressed, it became increasingly heated.
"I think we should set up more traps and defensive spells around the academy," Krupp suggested. "That way, even if the Black Hole Organization attacks, we can slow them down and create some obstacles."
"I agree with Krupp," Prolo Hawthorne said. "But we also need to increase the academy's patrols, to ensure we can detect and respond to any unusual activity in time."
Alice also chimed in with her thoughts. "We should also prepare some tools and potions specifically designed to counter dark magic, just in case."
However, Delina Reba had a different opinion. "I think we should take the offensive, find the Black Hole Organization's hideout, and wipe them out in one fell swoop."
Her statement sparked an intense argument immediately.
"That's far too risky!" Nozer Hawthorne shook his head. "We don't even know their exact location, how can we strike first?"
"But if we keep playing defense, it will only embolden them," Delina Reba insisted. "We need to take the initiative and eradicate them once and for all."
Dean Bruce watched the heated exchange with a sense of helplessness. He knew that every argument had its merits, but finding the best solution wasn't going to be easy.
"Everyone, quiet down." Dean Bruce tapped the table, signaling for everyone to calm down. "I understand everyone's concerns and ideas, but I believe the most important thing right now is to stay calm and united. We cannot let our differences of opinion cause division among us."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Krupp and Prolo's suggestions are practical. We can set up traps around the academy and strengthen the patrols. At the same time, Alice's proposal is important as well—we need to prepare tools and potions to counter dark magic. As for Delina Reba's idea, while risky, it's not without merit. We could send out a scouting team to try and locate the Black Hole Organization's hideout."
"But no matter what, we must ensure the academy's safety," Dean Bruce emphasized. "That is our bottom line. We cannot afford any mistakes."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. Dean Bruce watched as the group rallied together once more, feeling a sense of relief.
"Alright, then we'll proceed with this plan."
Just then, a familiar voice rang out from behind them: "Move aside!"
Dean Bruce and the others turned to see Delina Reba had appeared at some point behind them. In a flash, she moved forward, landing in front of one of the black-robed figures. With a swift chop of her hand, she knocked him unconscious.
"Delina, how did you get here?" Dean Bruce asked in surprise.
"I heard the commotion and came as fast as I could," Delina Reba answered succinctly, continuing her assault on the other black-robed figures.
With her help, Dean Bruce and his team were finally able to break free from the black-robed figures' relentless attack and rush toward the devices. After a tense struggle, they succeeded in destroying all the devices, thwarting the Black Hole Organization's infiltration plan.
"Ah, finally, it's over," Dean Bruce exhaled in relief, looking at Delina Reba. "Thank you, Delina."
Delina Reba gave a slight nod. "It was the least I could do, Master."
"Don't call me that," Dean Bruce said with a resigned shake of his head. "I've told you many times already, I may be your master, but I don't like that title."
"But... in my heart, I like calling you master," Delina Reba said softly.
Dean Bruce sighed, not responding further. He knew that changing someone's mindset wasn't easy, especially for someone like Delina Reba, who had once been under the control of dark forces.
"Alright, the immediate crisis has been averted," Krupp said. "But we need to stay alert. The Black Hole Organization is likely to have other moves planned."
"Exactly," Dean Bruce nodded. "We need to strengthen the academy's defenses and continue tracking the whereabouts of the Black Hole Organization."
"I've already sent out a reconnaissance team. They should have some news for us soon," Delina Reba said.
"Good," Dean Bruce replied. "Now, we wait for their report. Meanwhile, we need to prepare for any unforeseen situations."
Just then, the light from a communication crystal caught their attention.
Dean Bruce walked over to answer it, and an excited voice came through the crystal: "Dean, we've located the hideout of the remnants of the Black Hole Organization!"
The voice on the other end was full of excitement and hope, as if they were already seeing the dawn of victory. However, Dean Bruce remained calm. He knew this was just the beginning of a long battle.
"Good. You've done excellent work," Dean Bruce responded steadily. "Send me the exact coordinates immediately. We need to devise a plan of action as soon as possible."
The voice on the other end responded quickly, and a string of coordinates was transmitted to Dean Bruce's hand. He carefully reviewed them, confirming their accuracy before turning to face the others.
"We've found the hideout of the Black Hole Organization's remnants," Dean Bruce said succinctly. "Now, we need to discuss how we proceed."