/n/earths-greatest-magus-1172/c-2239
chapter-2238

Four days prior, when battle communications with the fleet had been cut off, Emery convened a meeting with Lord Hassa Karat. Their discussion revolved around the critical information extracted from Ishtar. Despite the tense atmosphere, their findings were both revealing and disappointing.

The supposed activist attack, which had initially seemed to pose a significant threat, was discovered to be far less dangerous than anticipated. It appeared to be a strategic move aimed more at swaying public opinion rather than causing any substantial harm.

This realization, however, did not sit well with Emery. He was convinced that something more sinister lay beneath the surface, suspecting their confidence toward the Nephilim indicated deeper, hidden plans.

Lord Hassa Karat, agreed with Emery's assessment. He had observed an unsettling pattern of suspicious activities within the three main factions: the Qin, Croft, and Hauten factions. There had been a marked increase in transportation movements and a significant amount of financial resources had mysteriously vanished, pointing to large-scale covert operations.

Despite their suspicions, Ishtar could provide no further useful intelligence and they found themselves at a dead end with no concrete evidence to act upon. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Lord Hassa devised a daring strategy. He proposed a bluff, aimed at exploiting the internal tensions and insecurities within the three factions into unearthing the truth by targeting the weakest link among the three. Dean Hauten, the patriarch of the Hauten family. Lord Hassa brought Emery into a secret meeting with the Hauten patriarch, bringing exaggerated and strategically crafted news. He claimed to have witnesses—specifically, a Nephilim noble—who had provided testimony that implicated both the three families; Qin, Croft, and Hauten families in collusion with the pirates. The urgency in his voice was palpable as he delivered an ultimatum to the Hauten family: reveal their plans or face the consequences of being associated with traitors.

At the same time, he offers an enticing opportunity for the Hauten family to become Karat's main partner and ascend to the position of the second most powerful family in the Golden City.

"Why settle for third among traitors, when you can be second among the righteous?" Lord Hassa pressed, his eyes boring into the Hauten Patriarch.

Dean Hauten's face was a study of conflicted emotions. The proposition was tempting, but the stakes were incredibly high.

Before they could finalize an agreement, a sudden interruption occurred. Lord Hassa was forcefully summoned to a hearing at the capital, leaving the negotiations in a precarious state. The responsibility of finalizing the deal fell on Emery and Tessa. They knew the importance of securing the Hauten's allegiance and worked tirelessly to keep the discussions alive.

To Emery's surprise, a pivotal figure emerged to aid their cause: Eugene Hauten, the apothecary master who once lost a bet to him. Eugene had a significant influence over his father, and his presence in the negotiations was a turning point.

"It's no use. You're too late. By now, the fleet should have been destroying each other already... I have no other way to contact them anymore," Dean Hauten lamented, frustration etched on his face. The revelation that the three families had secretly built fleets to attack one another was a staggering betrayal.

Fortunately, Emery had a plan. Without wasting a moment, he activated the Khaos Gate, swiftly connecting with Grand Magus Anpu.