The Grand Magic Council had decided not to inform the public about the potential Original entering orbit, fearing it would cause widespread panic. If they wanted to make it known, they could easily have it published in newspapers, alerting the entire world—and even the universe. However, this would undoubtedly trigger a universal war. While it was common knowledge that Originals existed within the Eternis Universe, pinpointing their exact location was a once-in-a-million-years occurrence. Because of this, many races and sects were willing to start wars just to see them—or even merely sense their essence.
Though ordinary civilians remained unaware, members of significant sects and family elders had started catching wind of the situation. The source of the leak didn’t matter; the real problem was the potential for those who found out to spread the news further. Edward Hunter was among the few nobles aware of the situation. The Council’s greatest fear, however, was that if the Original entered Earth’s atmosphere directly, even those without any affinity for magic would sense the energy it emitted. This would lead to rumors like, “Did the Grand Magic Council keep it from us because they didn’t know either?” Such doubts would shake public trust in the Council to its core.
As Raven and Miles waited for the sun to set, they started talking again. This time, Miles initiated the conversation:
“Dude, one day, I’ll become such a powerful mage that I’ll be the strongest Council member.”
Raven tilted his head inquisitively, raising an eyebrow.
“What’s the Council?”
Miles placed a hand on Raven’s shoulder and responded, “You seriously don’t know what the Grand Magic Council is?”
Raven shook his head, indicating he didn’t. Excited, Miles began explaining:
“The Grand Magic Council has 12 members. They’re all masters of different elements and disciplines. Their youngest member is only 19! Just two years older than us!”
Raven replied dismissively, “So, these 12 people just get together because they can use magic and call themselves the Grand Magic Council?”
Annoyed by Raven’s ignorance, Miles retorted, “No, idiot! Each of them is a master of their element. Imagine them being at least as strong as my father—maybe even stronger.”
Raven struggled to comprehend the idea of 12 people as strong as or stronger than Edward Hunter. The thought of such incomprehensibly powerful beings walking the earth, completely unknown to him, was overwhelming. A few questions came to his mind:
“So, what do these 12 people do together? Maintain justice or something? If that’s the case, why are families like the Hunters dealing with sects rising to power instead of them?”
Miles shook his head and answered, “Most of the rules and laws in the world were established by them. Thousands of years ago, when the Council was first formed, they took an oath not to interfere in factional wars. They can only fight individually if they choose to.”
Stolen novel; please report.
Finding the system ridiculous, Raven pressed further:
“If they’re so noble, why don’t they resolve sect conflicts individually and save people?”
Miles, still trying to maintain his composure, responded patiently despite Raven’s ignorance:
“These are busy people. They’re constantly negotiating with other planets and appearing in different countries. Even the shortest war takes at least a day, and in that time, they could be attending countless meetings for the world’s benefit.”
Raven understood but now found Miles’ ambitions foolish instead of the Council’s:
“Then why would you want to be one of these busy people? Even with all that power, they don’t have active roles.”
Miles agreed to some extent but defended his perspective:
“You’re not entirely wrong. When the Grand Magic Council was first formed, they fought many wars. It’s just that nothing important has happened lately. Still, I could join and decide not to attend any meetings, just show up in battles as a Council member.”
Raven finally grasped the Council’s purpose. To him, they were nothing more than a group of elites who strengthened the world's hollow rules that benefited only the wealthy. On the surface, they embodied everything Raven despised in people and groups. Despite being complete opposites, Miles was the only person Raven could connect with. After a brief silence, Raven broke the quiet:
“So, what kind of symbiote do you plan to use in the future?”
Miles thought for a moment before replying:
“I have no idea. Maybe one that could increase my mana capacity or amplify my spells. Since I don’t have your level of combat intelligence, a wise symbiote for battles wouldn’t be bad either. Still, it’d be fun if I had a Half-Original like the offers my dad gets. What about you?”
Raven took a moment to think and said:
“A mana-feeding symbiote would be a hassle once I start using magic. So, a symbiote that requires me to kill beasts or people would be nice. As for abilities, I haven’t thought much about it. As long as it’s not pathetic in personality, it’ll do.”
Miles briefly frowned at the mention of “killing people,” but he straightened his expression upon realizing that war might force him to kill someone regardless of who they were. From Raven’s response, it was clear he wasn’t looking for a symbiote to grow stronger but rather to find someone compatible with his personality—someone who wouldn’t leave him, shaped by his childhood trauma. While Miles was lost in thought, Raven interrupted the silence:
“What’s your father’s affinity?”
Miles turned his gaze to Raven and replied, “You don’t need to know that right now. Even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand. I’ll explain when you can use magic, okay?”
Though Raven wondered what could be so hard to understand, he couldn’t come to any conclusions. After that, the two continued discussing trivial topics until night fell.