My Idle System

Chapter 367 367: The End of Secrecy (2)

"It's likely the same group," Ronald said. "The one that nearly wiped out the Ashvale family. They're probably responsible for the destruction of the Drevane as well."

Lucien Blackthorne did not look convinced.

Leaning back slightly in his chair, he studied Ronald for a moment before speaking.

"What about the difference in methods?" he asked calmly. "The styles of the two attacks were clearly not the same."

"Well… it's possible the group is larger than we initially assumed," Ronald replied after a brief hesitation. "If they possess individuals with very different abilities, the discrepancy could be explained."

Lucien's expression hardened.

"Possible. Could be. Perhaps."

His fingers tapped lightly once against the table before he continued, his voice noticeably colder.

"I have said this before, and I will say it again. I do not like uncertainties dressed up as conclusions."

Ronald opened his mouth slightly, as if intending to respond, but the words never came.

The other two men seated at the table quietly lowered their gazes, making no attempt to involve themselves.

Lucien exhaled slowly as he looked at them, the faint contempt in his eyes making the silence even heavier.

"For now," he said, "this so-called group does not appear large or powerful enough to destroy the Drevane family. The Ashvale are one thing. The Drevane were considerably stronger."

His gaze moved across the table.

"So until we obtain concrete evidence linking the two incidents, treat them as separate cases."

He paused only briefly before continuing.

"After all, making assumptions before reaching the truth has a tendency to distort the investigation itself."

The room remained silent as his words settled.

For ancient families that had remained unchanged for centuries, the destruction of one and the near-eradication of another should have been a shocking development. Yet after issuing his directions regarding the matter, Lucien moved on as if discussing something far less dramatic.

"Now then."

His attention shifted toward Marcus Hale.

"The Department of Supernatural Affairs has been occupied recently with the surge of abominations appearing across the country. However, that situation appears to have stabilized."

Marcus nodded slightly but remained silent, waiting.

Lucien continued.

"Redirect your focus. Begin concentrating on recruitment and the development of new personnel within the organization."

His tone remained calm, but it carried the unmistakable weight of a command.

"And make the Department visible."

Marcus's eyes narrowed slightly.

"There is no longer any need for the Department of Supernatural Affairs to remain hidden in the shadows. Establish an official branch that the public can recognize."

Lucien's gaze shifted briefly toward Ronald before returning to Marcus.

"You can coordinate the remaining details with the President."

Marcus gave a short nod, already understanding the implications. A public branch meant exposure, resources, and scrutiny from every direction.

Lucien continued without slowing.

"As for the government," he said, now addressing Ronald directly, "prepare a formal announcement. Explain the situation to the world in controlled terms. The age of secrecy is ending whether we like it or not."

His fingers rested lightly on the table as his eyes settled on the president.

"The world is changing. We simply need to move faster than it does."

Ronald inclined his head slightly. Even he seemed to weigh his response carefully before speaking.

"We'll handle the messaging," he said. "But once the announcement is made, expectations will rise. People will start demanding answers."

Lucien's expression did not change.

"Then give them answers," he replied calmly. "Just make sure they're the ones we want them to hear."

With that matter settled, Lucien's attention finally shifted to the last man at the table.

Dr. Elias Kepler sat quietly with his hands folded together, his white hair neatly combed back and his posture straight despite his age. The dignified air surrounding him gave the impression of a scholar rather than a scientist involved in some of the most controversial research programs in the country.

Lucien's eyes rested on him for a moment.

"Your research on developing human weapons needs to accelerate."

The words were delivered plainly.

"There is no need to remain restrained like before. From now on, be more aggressive with your approach."

A faint crease appeared on Kepler's forehead.

Lucien continued, his voice steady.

"And this time, we want actual results. Not another unstable prototype that burns out its mind or destroys its own body within months."

The old scientist forced a thin, somewhat awkward smile before nodding.

"Understood."

Whether the smile came from confidence or pressure was difficult to tell.

Lucien seemed satisfied with the answer.

He pushed his chair back and stood, signaling that the meeting had effectively reached its end.

Yet just as he began to leave, he paused.

His gaze shifted once more toward Marcus and Ronald.

"There's one more thing."

The two men looked up again.

"From this point forward, redirect some of your attention toward Outsiders."

Marcus frowned slightly.

"Not the large organizations," Lucien clarified. "The Academy and the diplomatic groups already have enough eyes watching them."

His voice hardened just slightly.

"I'm talking about the smaller groups, that entered this world recently. The opportunists who come here chasing quick gains. The ones who wouldn't hesitate to wipe out a few cities if it meant advancing their own goals."

The room grew a little quieter.

"The lives of ordinary people are not the primary concern," Lucien said calmly. "But widespread panic would be… inconvenient."

His gaze sharpened faintly.

"And it would be unfortunate if promising talents died before they had the chance to grow."

Marcus understood immediately.

Suppress chaos. Preserve potential assets.

"So if any Outsider group begins acting aggressively," Lucien continued, "don't hesitate. Eliminate them."

He spoke the words as if discussing a routine procedure.

"They may be powerful individually, but they are not invincible. Numbers and modern firepower are still effective tools when used properly."

Marcus Hale's hands slowly tightened into fists beneath the table.

He felt the words sit heavily in his chest.

Yes, it was possible.

But possible did not mean easy.

The Department of Supernatural Affairs was already stretched thin dealing with abominations, investigations, and containment operations across the country. Engaging hostile Outsiders would mean casualties — many of them.

Yet Marcus said nothing.

Across the table, Ronald Trumell quietly studied the surface of the table, his expression unreadable.

Dr. Kepler, meanwhile, simply adjusted his glasses and remained silent, as if calculating something far removed from politics.

Lucien observed the three of them for a moment longer.

Then, without another word, he turned and walked toward the exit.

The heavy door closed behind him with a soft mechanical click.

Only after he was gone did the pressure in the room finally loosen.

But the silence he left behind felt far heavier than before.

And none of them believed the world outside that underground room would remain quiet for long.