"The scale and intensity varied, but the intent of a coordinated offensive is unmistakable. These were organized, multi-pronged attacks aimed at undermining the Church Court’s authority, testing the reactions of all parties, and showcasing their own strength."

Murphy’s gaze moved slowly across the map, connecting the scattered points of attack.

He noticed a detail.

These six locations were not only geographically dispersed, but they also fell under different political spheres of influence and diocesan jurisdictions.

This indicated that the Tower of Secret Silver wasn’t provoking them blindly. Instead, they had made precise calculations, choosing regions where the Church Court’s control was relatively weak.

This targeted approach revealed their profound understanding of the entire continent’s political and religious landscape, as well as their formidable intelligence network and strategic planning capabilities.

What was even more alarming was that while these actions occurred almost simultaneously, planning and coordinating them would have taken time. This meant the Tower of Secret Silver’s scheme might have been in the works for months, or even years. Their patience and execution were equally astonishing.

"So," he began slowly, his voice steady, "the announcement at Taymer Palace was chosen because the occasion was grand and attended by many, allowing the most shocking news to spread instantly throughout the Vilt Kingdom and its surrounding noble circles."

"It was also because of the key geographical location. Part of the Castile Kingdom’s territory borders the Vilt Kingdom’s Southern Territory, and both are in the southeastern part of the continent. As for the Peric Clan in the Eastern Territory..."

He paused briefly. "Their contact with the Tower of Secret Silver may have begun earlier than we imagine, and their relationship could be deeper. Choosing this place for their most impactful announcement allows them to exert maximum pressure on the Vilt Kingdom and the Church Court behind it. It also makes it easier for them to potentially use the Eastern Territory as a springboard later, or even reach some kind of tacit understanding with the Peric Clan."

Selas nodded in approval, though a grave look flashed in his eyes. "Your analysis is consistent with ours. The Tower of Secret Silver has launched a premeditated, full-scale offensive."

"The Plane Waymark in the Iron Ridge Mountain Range is the core strategic objective. The other five locations, and any other potential provocations, are meant to create widespread chaos, pin down the forces of the Church Court and the various kingdoms, foster an atmosphere of panic that makes their rise seem inevitable, and set the stage for subsequent attacks on multiple fronts."

He paused, his finger gently tapping the map over the Iron Ridge Mountain Range as he lowered his voice. "Regarding the Plane Waymark in the Iron Ridge Mountain Range... there has been intense debate about it within our organization. In theory, a simple surge in the energy tide could indeed expand a Plane Waymark for a short time. But to establish a permanent, stable trans-planar passage, the required level and sustainability of the Energy is astonishing. Based on the currently observed fluctuations in the elemental tides, it’s nowhere near enough."

Murphy’s voice was grave. "You mean they’re bluffing?"

"Not entirely a bluff," Selas said, choosing his words carefully. "The surge in the Energy tide is real, and it will indeed amplify the Plane Waymark’s effect. However, it’s not nearly enough to achieve a miracle on the scale of a permanent passage. Our organization speculates that the Tower of Secret Silver must possess some special technology related to Plane Waymarks that we don’t yet understand."

"Perhaps it’s a forgotten ancient ritual, or some profane magic involving sacrifices, or perhaps... they’ve found a medium or method to stabilize the passage. The Tower of Secret Silver has been entrenched in Castile for centuries; it’s entirely possible they’ve unearthed some forbidden knowledge from before the Dark Ages."

Selas hesitated before adding, "There’s one more possibility: they might not be acting alone. An extremist faction within our organization has hypothesized that the Tower of Secret Silver may have formed an alliance with other powers. They could have promised to share the benefits after the passage opens in exchange for external support. Of course, this is merely a conjecture without solid proof. But given the scale and confidence of their current operation, the possibility that other forces are backing them cannot be entirely dismissed."

Murphy was silent for a moment before he finally spoke. "Thank you for the Eye of the Profound’s warning. Please inform your organization that the Monte Territory will take this threat seriously. Any attempt to disrupt the stability of the Kingdom and its territorial integrity will be met with a firm response."

Selas carefully folded the map, wrapped it up again, and bowed once more, his posture even more solemn than when he had arrived. "Your clarity and determination are invaluable. The Eye of the Profound will continue to monitor the situation and maintain communication with all forces dedicated to preserving basic order and stability. May the paths of the stars grant you inspiration, Lord Melfield."

Then, Selas pulled his hood back up and departed as silently as if melting into the shadows.

The wooden door of the Black Wood Forest Outpost closed silently behind Selas, shutting out the chill of the Northern Territory and the deepening twilight.

Murphy did not leave immediately.

He sat in his chair, the firelight dancing across his calm face and reflecting in eyes deeper than the night itself.

The Eye of the Profound and the Tower of Secret Silver, with its recent high-profile declarations, did not simply spring from nowhere.

Their roots could be traced back to a distant era before the Dawn War.

After the end of the Dark Ages, the secular kingdoms that had coalesced around the faith in Oriane, the God of Stars and Truth, joined forces with the early Church Court to drive them out.

These organizations were all but eradicated. Their members and texts were put to the torch, and their names became boogeymen in fairy tales used to scare children.

For a long time, the surviving Wizards and their knowledge could only exist like rats in the gutter, hiding on the fringes of the civilized world or fleeing to harsh, uninhabited Desolate Lands.