Upon hearing this, everyone gathered around, their eyes flashing with determination and resolve. However, when Dean Bruce outlined the preliminary plan, a new wave of disagreement erupted.
"Directly attacking is too risky," Nozer Hawthorne was the first to voice his opposition. "We don't know the exact situation there. Launching an attack blindly could put us at a disadvantage."
"But time is not on our side," Krupp countered. "The Black Hole Organization could launch a new attack at any moment. We need to destroy their core forces as quickly as possible."
Prolo Hawthorne sided with Krupp, "I agree with Krupp. We can't always be on the defensive; we need to take the initiative."
Alice proposed an alternative plan, "Perhaps we could send a reconnaissance team first, gather intelligence on the situation, and then decide what to do."
However, Delina Reba shook her head, "The reconnaissance team will likely be detected. The Black Hole Organization's methods are cunning, and it will be hard to get any useful information from them."
"Then we can't just charge in blindly!" Nozer Hawthorne said, his voice tinged with urgency.
The atmosphere in the meeting room immediately became tense. Opinions collided, creating a complex and heated debate.
Dean Bruce looked at the arguing group, feeling a sense of helplessness. He knew that each person's viewpoint had its merit, but finding a balanced solution among these conflicting ideas was a huge challenge.
"Everyone, let's calm down for a moment," Dean Bruce said firmly, tapping the table to silence the room. "I understand your concerns and ideas, but we need to make a decision now."
He took a deep breath before continuing, "I believe we can take a middle ground. We should send an elite reconnaissance team to gather information while also strengthening the academy's defenses. If the reconnaissance team successfully acquires intelligence, we can create a detailed plan based on that. If, however, the team encounters trouble, we'll have enough defensive power to deal with the Black Hole Organization's attack."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. After a while, Krupp was the first to nod. "This plan sounds good. It's neither too risky nor overly cautious."
"I agree," Prolo Hawthorne added. "It allows us to gather intelligence while ensuring the academy's safety."
Alice and Nozer Hawthorne also expressed their support. Only Delina Reba remained silent, as if lost in thought.
"Delina, do you have any thoughts?" Dean Bruce noticed her silence and asked.
Delina Reba looked up, a glint of determination in her eyes. "I'm willing to lead the reconnaissance team." Chapter Read:
Dean Bruce was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Delina Reba to volunteer so willingly. But looking into her resolute eyes, he knew he couldn't refuse.
"Alright, you'll lead the reconnaissance team," Dean Bruce nodded. "But remember, safety comes first. If the situation turns bad, retreat immediately."
"Yes, Master," Delina Reba replied respectfully.
Dean Bruce shook his head in exasperation. "I've told you not to call me 'Master.' Just call me Dean."
Delina Reba blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Yes, Dean."
Delina Reba immediately gestured for everyone to hide, and they quickly slipped into the nearby shadows. Soon after, several high-ranking members of the Black Hole Organization, dressed in black robes, appeared in their line of sight.
"It seems we've gotten ourselves into serious trouble," Delina Reba said grimly. "Everyone, get ready. If things go south, retreat immediately."
The reconnaissance team members nodded in understanding, their wands gripped tightly as they cautiously watched the movements of the Black Hole Organization leaders. Just as they were preparing to fall back, a familiar voice suddenly rang out.
"Hmph, you thought you could escape so easily?"
The reconnaissance team members froze in shock. Turning around, they saw Shasbia Lomatovich, the leader of the Black Hole Organization, coldly staring at them.
"Shasbia!" Delina Reba exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
Shasbia sneered. "Of course I'm here. I knew you'd come to scout my base, so I've been waiting for you."
A sinking feeling filled the reconnaissance team's hearts as they realized the gravity of the situation. Shasbia's power was unfathomable, and they were no match for him.
"Hmph, today will be the day you all die," Shasbia said, raising his wand. A surge of dark energy shot toward the reconnaissance team in an instant.
The reconnaissance team members quickly cast their spells in defense, but Shasbia's attack was overwhelmingly powerful, and their defenses were quickly shattered.
"This is bad, we need to retreat!" Delina Reba shouted.
The team members dashed toward the passage, but Shasbia struck again. An even more intense wave of dark energy sent them all flying backward.
"Think you can run? Not so easily!" Shasbia sneered. "Today, you will all die here!"
The reconnaissance team exchanged glances, knowing they were cornered with no way out. Just as they prepared for the worst, a familiar chant echoed through the passage.
"Two Tigers, Two Tigers, run fast, run fast..."
The reconnaissance team froze, confused. They turned to see Dean Bruce, accompanied by Krupp, Prolo Hawthorne, and others, rushing into the passage.
"Teacher, what are you all doing here?" Delina Reba asked, surprised.
"We were worried about your safety, so we came to help," Dean Bruce said, and with a flick of his wand, a brilliant light shot toward Shasbia.
Seeing the attack coming, Shasbia didn't dare to underestimate it. He quickly raised his wand to defend. However, Dean Bruce's assault was far too powerful, forcing Shasbia to stagger back, retreating step by step.
"Hmph, Dean Bruce, you dare to come here to die!" Shasbia roared.
"Die? I think it's you who's going to die today!" Dean Bruce sneered coldly. "This is the end for you!"