Chapter 592 [Bonus chapter] Hidden In Shadows (1)
A holographic projection flickered to life in the dimly lit chamber, revealing a group of shadowy figures.
The room was shrouded in darkness, their identities concealed by the cloak of secrecy. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation as they gathered for their clandestine meeting.
At the head of the table sat the enigmatic figure known as the Priest. Their silhouette was cloaked in a dark robe, concealing their face and form from prying eyes. The Priest exuded an aura of authority, commanding the attention of the gathered Deacons.
The holographic projections of the Deacons materialised around the table, their identities masked by distorted images. Their voices were electronically modulated to conceal their true identities further. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the discussion began.
"We are facing a grave threat, my brethren," the Priest began, his tone filled with urgency. "Reaper, Bella, and their Ghosts have entered the Empire, and their presence has not gone unnoticed.
"They have gained the favour of the Emperor, a position we cannot allow them to hold. If left unchecked, those infidels would disrupt our lord's work!"
The deacons, their holographic projections arranged in a semicircle around the Priest, nodded in agreement. Their voices whispered through the room, a chorus of shadowy figures.
"We must devise a plan to rid ourselves of this thorn in our side, to eliminate the Ghosts and ensure our power remains unchallenged."
The Priest leaned forward, his eyes glinting with malice. "The Ghosts are renowned for their combat prowess, but we must exploit their weaknesses. We need to strike when they are vulnerable, when they least expect it."
One of the deacons interjected. "What of the Emperor? His favour towards the Ghosts cannot be ignored. We must find a way to turn his attention away from them and continue exploiting the Empire's resources for our cause."
"Indeed. We must exploit the Emperor's trust in the Ghosts. Once we sow the seeds of doubt and suspicion in his mind, we'll manipulate his perception until he views them as a threat." Yet another Deacon chimed in.
The Priest nodded, a sinister smile curling upon his lips. "Once the Emperor's favour wanes, the Ghosts will be left vulnerable and isolated."
"But how shall we execute our plan, O wise priest? The Ghosts are a formidable bunch," Another deacon, their voice tinged with a sense of malevolence, spoke up.
She continued, "They have quite a few supporters in the Emperor's council. It would be tough for us to sway the Emperor away from them when the majority is in their favour."
"We wouldn't manipulate the Emperor; the Emperor would get rid of them himself."
The Priest's comment left everyone confused. Weren't they talking about manipulating the Emperor since the beginning? Also, since they have been doing it for a while, it should be the safer option.
"I know what my dear disciples are thinking. So allow me to explain," The Priest's holographic projection leaned back, his fingers intertwining in contemplation. "We'd do what we have done till Seeing the confused look in their voice, the Priest continued.
"We will infiltrate their ranks, exploit their weaknesses from within. now."
Seeing the confused look in their voice, the Priest continued.
"We will infiltrate their ranks, exploit their weaknesses from within. We shall sow discord and manipulation, turning allies against one another until they crumble under their own mistrust."
"We already have, wise one," One of the Deacons interjected. "one of our followers is already within their ranks, though it's uncertain what level of authority they hold at the moment."
The Priest's eyes widened with surprise, his initial composure faltering. His voice trembled as he spoke, a mixture of shock and excitement permeating his words.
"What? One of our own has breached their ranks? This... this is beyond our expectations."
A low chuckle escaped the Priest's lips, gradually evolving into a burst of full-blown laughter that reverberated through the chamber. The other deacons, taken aback by the Priest's unexpected reaction, exchanged bewildered glances.
The Priest's laughter subsided, replaced by a sly grin. "Oh, the irony! The Ghosts believed they were the ones weaving a web of manipulation, yet they unknowingly allowed our presence to infiltrate their very core."
However, his amusement quickly faded as suspicion crept into his mind. His gaze hardened as he addressed the deacon.
"Who authorised this infiltration, and who is our agent among the Ghosts?"
"I... I apologise, esteemed Priest. The decision to infiltrate the Ghosts was made by me alone. I believed it was necessary for the success of our mission." The deacon's holographic projection stammered, their voice laced with nervousness.
The Priest's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with disappointment.
"You acted without consulting the council, without my knowledge. Your actions could have jeopardised the safety of all of us, the entire Cult. Do you not understand the risks?"
"I-I... I thought it was for the greater good, esteemed Priest. I apologise for acting without your guidance." The deacon's projection trembled, their voice barely above a whisper.
The Priest leaned forward, his voice filled with a stern warning. "You have overstepped your boundaries, deacon. Your impulsive actions could have endangered our entire operation.
"Remember, we are shadows in the dark, working together to achieve our goals. Such recklessness will not be tolerated again."
The deacon's holographic projection nodded fervently, a tinge of fear evident in their voice. "I understand, esteemed Priest. I assure you, I have learned my lesson. I will not act without your explicit approval in the future."
The Priest's gaze bore into the deacon, his voice cold and unforgiving. "See that you do. We cannot afford more missteps, especially when dealing with the Ghosts."
He continued, "They are formidable opponents, and we must be calculated in our actions. Remember, the Cult's survival depends on our unity and adherence to our plans."
With a final warning delivered, the Priest settled back into his seat, his features composed once more. The deacon, chastened and filled with a sense of humility, retreated into the shadows of their holographic projection, their voice barely audible.
"Give me the details of the infiltrator privately... they shall be coordinating with me from now on." The Preist instructed before disconnecting the call. "One day, these morons will get me killed!"
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