-Prelude(4): The Elders’ Council-

That night the news about the destruction of a whole town rocked the very foundation of not only Japan but also the whole world. It had been pretty much a century since such a huge scale disaster occurred. Not to mention many unprecedented events occurring this year, starting from the dungeon break of Japan to North incident, and now this, a whole town was removed from the map, and that too done by a single monster. The ruling powers of the world started to give these things a lot more attention.

People all over the world started to mourn over the loss of a town and the death of many lives of both hunters and common populace. All the social media and international blogs exploded with activity. Condolences were given, discussions were made, and even a few groups had a debate about the probable source of the monster. The activities were so intense that the server nearly crashed despite using all the advance specs.

At the same time, a shadow of doubt and fear farmly seeded in the hearts of all the people around the world. Everyone started to think the same thing, what if we are next!?

On the other hand, the Japanese government started to feel threatened. While the government elected by people rules the country, that government still had to take orders from a certain power. And that power is called Elders’ Council, a coalition group made by all the hunters who surpassed level 200. No matter who the ruling party was, the disappearance of a whole town was something that couldn’t be overlooked.

In a certain place, in a very luxurious room, which was adorned with many expensive-looking items. The interior was inlaid in the fluffy red carpet while the walls were painted in gold. The furniture was arranged in a way one would find in the victorian period. Even their designs were influenced by that period. But, such a luxurious room was completely empty save for a man in a butler outfit and a monocle.

The man had slick black hair that was combed backward, giving him a very noble-esque appearance. He was wearing a black tuxedo and black pants, white shirt, and a bowtie, to complete this look, he was wearing white gloves. Right now, he was standing with his back straight, and his eyes closed. In front of him, seven paper shaped in a form vaguely resembling human, was floating in midair, while different voices were coming off them.

“This is a completely unprecedented event, for a town to fully disappear like that in just a few hours…by a lone monster no less…” The voice of a woman came from one of the floating human-like-paper talismans.

“That’s right; something of this scale hasn't happened since all those years ago…” another voice sounded out its owner’s worry. The voice belonged to an elderly man, judging from the crack of the tone.

“Didn’t we sent that madman to the spot? Did he report anything?” the same woman from before quipped out probingly, seemingly aimed at the elderly man.

“No! he said he chased away that monster, but I can’t be too trusting of his words.” The elderly man replied.

“I can’t believe why we still allow that madman to be one of us? Haven't he enough embarrassed us with his actions?” this time, a stern voice belonging to another woman sounded out, she seemed to be pissed off by the mere mention of that madman’s name.

“Elder Sie, are you saying that we shouldn’t allow him amidst us?” the first woman asked, her voice was as still as the water surface.

“Yes.” The answer was immediate from the other woman.

“Got it. Then he will be no longer be a member of our Council. So, please do the honors and relay this to him, will you!?”

“What? Why should I do it?” the stern woman’s voice broke as if she was terrified of something.

“Shut up you two, we are getting off the topic.” A fairly young but very strong voice came from the talisman that floated in the middle of all talismans and shined in a golden hue, giving a very elegant vibe. The voice then continued, “Our point of today’s gathering is to determine the reason behind such an event. The destruction of a populated town isn't something we could just hide under the rug, we have to think of a way to deal with the outcome that would eventually blow up on our face. More importantly, we have to determine the reason and source of the appearance of the monster. I am not sure why, but my gut tells me that it will be not a one-time event.”

“Your feeling, huh! That’s troubling indeed. If there is something that could match that witch’s predictions, would be your honed Instincts. How about we find that witch and ask her to make a prediction on this matter?” the old voice sound a lot stressed than before.

“That’s impossible, at least for now. The witch had long been disappeared from our plane. I have searched for her a year straight but still couldn’t find her whereabouts. I think she predicted this disaster and abandoned this world. Or she might be doing something to prevent it. I am not sure of her actions, even back then, let alone now…sigh!!” the voice of a young man let out a sigh as he explained things with the so-called Witch.

“Hmmm! We also have another close enough candidate, but her skill has yet to mature enough to make such large scale predictions…”

“Are you talking about my daughter, Elder Ver?” a man who hasn't spoken from the beginning finally opened his mouth, his voice, although very mild, contained a certain amount of prestige that even made the butler standing far away tremble ever so slightly.

“Yes, I am talking about little Aoi. She has the same skill as that witch, but as I said, she is just too young, and her skill has yet to mature enough to make such predictions.” Elder Ver, the elderly man said without showing any fear even after hearing the earlier man’s powerful voice.

“Elder Ver, how about we put aside our families when having this kind of discussion? You don’t wish to drag along even our families into our business, do you?” even though the voice was still mild and calm, one could see actual ripples coming out of paper talisman floating in the side. The table below the talismans cracked as a result when the ripples traversed thorough it.

“Wooo!! As expected of Elder Mountain, he got a powerful Intent as ever. Even though he’s so far away, he still cracked the table with his voice alone…” an energetic voice came from the last talisman that had a rabbit-image drawn on it. The voice was distorted, making it impossible to determine the gender.

“You are one to talk, elder Lict, even while in another plane, you still could see what’s happening here…I don’t know if I should feel offended by your casual insult.” The elder named Mountain said with his ever soft and calm voice.

“Haha!! Sorry!! But I was actually praising you there, you know.”

“Everyone, please concentrate. We are having a very important discussion here.” The powerful voice from earlier sounded again, silencing everyone.

“Excuse me sire for my intrusion.” The butler who silently stood until now suddenly came forward and bowed to the talismans.

“What is it, Devid? We are having a very important discussion here.”

“Sire, the representative of Japan, is here to have an audience. Should I allow him in?” the butler bowed respectfully and announced his purpose.

“Expected. Allow him in, I want to talk with him regarding this matter.” The powerful voice agreed, and the butler named David bowed once again and excused himself out of the room. Now all the people remained silent, but it was soon broken by the energetic voice that taunted Elder Mountain.

“I don’t understand, we all are representative of our respective areas. Why is elder Mountain isn't representing his area? Is there some problem with it?”

“Elder Lict, would it hurt you to not stir the hornet’s nest?” the woman who spoke in the beginning sound separated as she complained about the childishness of the Elder Lict.

“Hmph! I will not lower myself to that manchild’s level and argue back, you don’t have to worry Elder Doe.” Elder mountain snorted and insulted back Elder Lict in the form of consoling Elder Doe.

“Sigh! This is exactly what I am worried about.” Elder Doe nearly blurted out those words, but somehow managed to hold back. Suddenly the door was opened once again as a young man in glasses entered, holding a small pen and a piece of paper in his hands. He bowed to the floating talismans while announcing his presence.

“Excuse me, honored elders, I am…” as he was about to introduce himself, the impatient woman from before stopped him with her rude words, saying, “Don’t bother to introduce yourself, just speak what you wanted to speak. We don’t have time for annoying introductions.”

“Ah! Yes, sorry for that, respected Elder. I will start with the main point without beating around the bush. It’s about the incident with Yonezawa.” The young man adjusted his glass and started to speak everything that was discussed in the National Assembly before this.