Golden Scale didn't respond immediately. His gaze fixed on Envy, his features obscured by the shadow from his hood. Despite the concealment, his tone and posture suggested a lack of hostile intent. However, such judgments were subjective from an outsider's perspective.
"I've come to inform you that the state of the Curtained World is regressing to pre-Second Black Plague conditions," Golden Scale announced.
"I'm no longer part of the Grand Councilors; that's your job." Envy interjected, cutting off any attempt by Golden Scale to recruit her back. "Is there anything else?" she inquired.
"Yes, there is more," Golden Scale paused before continuing. "I'm unaware of the details, but the Ashborn family is seeking vengeance against Daniel Emberweave. Since you've chosen not to return to the Hightower, this matter is no longer my concern. North America will no longer be under Hightower jurisdiction.
Handle the situation as you see fit, but do not expose the secret of the Curtained World to the masses, or you'll gain the Hightower as an enemy," Golden Scale advised.
"You speak as if you have the power and influence to enforce your precious laws on us, Grand Councilor. But the fact that you admit the state of the Curtained World has regressed to pre-Second Black Plague conditions is proof that you're powerless," Greed retorted, her irritation evident at Golden Scale's arrogance.
Golden Scale turned toward Greed, a hint of anger spark within him at the truth she threw at him. However, he managed to restrain his emotions, mindful of Envy's presence and her intense gaze, silently warning him against any rash actions.
"Let me clarify something. The chaos in the Curtained World is the result of one man resisting The Hightower's law. We've managed to control the chaos within manageable limits,"
He turned his attention to Envy, his voice adopting a disappointed yet stern tone.
"Ms. Envy... you, of all people, should understand the importance of Lord Merlin's legacy. Yet, by encouraging Mr. Emberweave's lawlessness and the unchecked activities of your witches, you've desecrated the very foundation of that legacy. Mr.
Emberweave possesses knowledge of lost artifact creation, knowledge the Hightower desperately needs! Your misplaced loyalty to him prioritizes personal feelings over the greater good. Frankly, I'm deeply disappointed in your actions."
Envy visibly tensed at the mention of Merlin's name, clenching her fists as she endured Golden Scale's harsh words.
"Grand Councilor Golden Scale, do you honestly expect Daniel to act all friendly to the people who are trying to kill him all those years? Let's not forget, Daniel is a natural awakened mage who never stepped foot in an academy; his knowledge comes from Lord Atlanteus.
Are you truly surprised that he doesn't conform to the typical mage mindset, driven solely by practicality and personal gain?" Greed interjected on behalf of Envy, recognizing Envy's residual attachment to the Hightower.
A thunderous boom echoed as the ocean churned violently. Waves, whipped into a frenzy, crashed against Envy's shimmering shield, the earth itself trembling under the colossal force.
As the water receded, a monstrous form breached the surface. Its upper body resembled a breathtakingly beautiful woman, her long, black hair cascading down to conceal her bare chest. Yet, a horrifying being emerged from her back: six monstrous snake-like skulls, their eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence.
In place of legs, six serpentine creatures writhed, each tentacle-like appendage possessing a chilling autonomy, their movements echoing those of a deadly octopus.
The colossal monstrosity, radiating pure fury, lunged at the shield, its roars shaking the very foundations. The snake-heads pulsated with a malevolent light, spewing forth a torrent of acid and venom in a relentless assault.
Envy's breath hitched. "Scylla!?" she muttered, Envy muttered, realizing the gravity of the situation. She couldn't afford to stop supplying mana to the shield; if she did, Scylla would surely break through within minutes. However, she also couldn't leave her position, as the shield required her full concentration.
A whirlwind of questions flooded Envy's mind. Scylla, a creature of legend from a bygone era? In this world, starved of mana, how could it have survived, let alone survived until this modern day? There was clearly something more at play, something she didn't know. Regardless, reinforcements were essential.
Just then, Envy felt the telltale signature of another bounded field activating. This specific spell was designed to isolate an area, severing all communication and preventing any information from leaking from within and without.
Recording equipment within the field would be rendered useless, and those trapped inside would be cut off from the outside world along with those outside would not be able to recognize anything that happened here if they were to see it.
"Greed!" Envy barked, her voice sharp with urgency. "Get Koyuki! Only she has the firepower to handle this!" Greed remained rooted to the spot, momentarily stunned by the apocalyptic scene unfolding before her.
"Right!" Greed finally snapped out of it, sprinting down the stairs. Phones were useless – the bounded field disrupted all signals. Her only option was to drive back to the mansion.
But as Greed reached the street, pandemonium greeted her. People screamed, scrambling for cover amidst a scene of utter chaos. Traffic had ground to a halt, a cacophony of honking horns adding to the rising panic.
"Sh*t!" A frustrated curse ripped from Greed's lips. Though she acknowledged being the weakest of the Seven Deadly Sin witches, she wasn't helpless. Taking a deep breath, she forced down the panic.
Spying a motorcycle parked nearby, Greed made a split-second decision. With a flourish, she conjured a check, a million-dollar bill practically screaming from the paper. Thrusting it at the startled owner, she declared, "I'm buying this! Thank you very much." Before the man could sputter a protest, Greed gently but firmly pushed him aside.
The man's initial outrage melted away as his eyes landed on the astronomical sum and the name signed on the check. "Oh! Thank you very much, Ms. Victoria!" he gushed, his entire demeanor doing a complete 180 degree turn.
Ignoring his profuse gratitude, Greed roared the engine to life. Muttering a quick enchantment, she enhanced the bike's capabilities. With a deafening vroom, she weaved through the gridlocked traffic, effortlessly maneuvering across car roofs like a seasoned daredevil. This was one thing she could truly be proud of. Her riding skills were undeniably impressive.