Read Novel Full Chapter 1138: Intentions
Chapter 1138: Intentions
As those words fell, whether consciously or unconsciously, every single person in the room turned toward one individual.
An old man sat three seats away from the Chairman.
His complexion was unusually pale. His right sleeve hung empty. One arm was missing.
His expression remained indifferent despite the numerous gazes directed toward him.
The old man continued calmly.
"The Origin Battlefield. The Universal Cornerstone. The disappearance of several awakeners in the world. Any one of these matters should have been enough to occupy the universe's complete attention for years."
He paused briefly.
"But for some reason…" His gaze slowly shifted toward the floating name. "…that matter, which initially concerned the entire universe, has now become concentrated upon our heads."
The Chairman lightly waved his hand. The holographic words suspended above the table immediately disappeared.
In their place, a three-dimensional image slowly materialized.
A young man with black hair and calm eyes appeared above the conference table. He looked no older than twenty.
The image slowly rotated.
The Chairman's gaze never left it.
"This…" He said quietly. "…is Michael Norman."
However, no one present showed the slightest surprise upon seeing Michael's image. Not because they lacked curiosity. Nor because they underestimated him.
Aside from every person seated within this room having already received a briefing before the meeting officially began, this was far from the first time they had heard the name Michael Norman.
The atmosphere remained heavy as everyone's eyes rested upon the projection.
The Chairman slowly continued.
"I believe everyone here is already aware that this young man has made numerous contributions to Aurora over the past year."
Several people nodded.
"Michael Norman advanced at a speed that completely exceeded our expectations. Initially, we simply believed we had discovered another talented genius on the level of a holy child." His expression became complicated. "Now, I'm no longer certain the word genius is sufficient to describe him."
No one refuted those words.
The first time Michael Norman had been revealed to these people was months ago, during an incident gone wrong in Hell that ultimately exposed a carefully orchestrated scheme by the Demonic Faction.
If their plan had succeeded, such a blow would have shaken the Federation's foundation for a long time. Fortunately, the outcome had been completely overturned.
The Demonic Faction's plans had collapsed before they could be realized.
The Federation emerged from what should have been one of its greatest disasters with losses that were almost negligible.
The individual responsible for that miraculous outcome was the young man whose image now floated above the conference table.
Yet despite the immense contribution he had made, the Federation had failed to handle the aftermath properly.
Distrust, political interests, and unnecessary scrutiny had overshadowed the gratitude he should have received, leaving a stain on what should have been a mutually beneficial relationship.
A burly middle-aged man sitting near the end of the table suddenly let out a cold snort.
"I knew this brat would become a problem one day."
Several people frowned, but he continued regardless.
"We should have forcefully brought him under the Federation's control back then. If we had done that, we wouldn't be sitting here discussing this situation."
Silence followed his words for a brief moment. Then an elegant woman seated opposite him shook her head.
"And it is precisely because of that attitude that our current situation is so delicate."
She looked directly at him.
"If our relationship with Michael Norman had remained favorable, this meeting wouldn't even be necessary. We could have simply invited him here, explained the situation, and asked about the Universal Cornerstone. Considering everything, he is a child of Aurora like us and has loved ones here. I doubt he would have refused."
Her voice remained calm. The burly man's expression darkened. Before he could respond, another elderly man slowly spoke.
"Why should we concern ourselves with the thoughts of a mere brat?"
His gaze swept across everyone present.
"When the interests of the entire realm are involved, personal feelings become insignificant." He looked toward the Chairman.
"My suggestion is simple. Issue a mandatory summons. Order Michael Norman to appear before this council immediately. He will explain everything he knows about the Universal Cornerstone. As a citizen of Aurora, he has that obligation."
Several people frowned. The elegant woman looked visibly displeased. Before she could respond, another voice rang out.
"Oh?"
The speaker was a white-haired old man who had remained silent until now. He looked toward the elderly man with an amused smile.
"So why weren't you this bold when Arven was here months ago?"
The conference room instantly fell silent.
The old man's smile widened slightly.
"If I remember correctly, when Michael returned from Hell, Arven personally came to see you. We all know how that ended." He leaned back in his chair. "So, did you dare walk over and snatch that youth from under Arven's nose?"
The elderly man's expression immediately stiffened. He remained silent.
The white-haired old man chuckled.
"I thought not."
Everyone present understood exactly what he meant. Arven was not merely another Rank Four expert. He was one of Aurora's most powerful combatants.
More importantly, that obviously sick-in-the head man had openly demonstrated his intention to protect Michael. Trying to forcefully take Michael away in front of Arven at that time would have been no different from openly challenging him.
No one in that room had been willing to take that step. Those who weren't afraid of Arven personally were concerned about the more powerful figures behind him, and had no desire to invite that trouble.
The white-haired old man slowly shook his head.
"Though I don't agree with your forceful tone, I do believe we should indeed summon the boy for a meeting and have him explain the situation. You should all know that several realms are currently on their way here, and we would like to have some answers ready since some of them are our allies."
Upon hearing those words, many of the people present nodded.
As for whether their agreement aligned with the old man's intended meaning, only they themselves knew.