And yet the figure in the middle shook their head. "Murky Mist. We are in a very difficult situation. The Old One is not as responsive as before, just when The Beloved Of The World is locked in on us. It doesn’t matter if you make the slightest ripple, as long as it’s there, they will turn their head.

"We can disguise the first set that we sent as keeping eyes on the Hinterlands situation, just like the others. But if we deploy more Master Knights, especially of those capabilities, and they do not return while we send more, only trouble will follow."

Murky Mist stiffened. "I have hope in Herdmaster."

There was silence for a while. And then the figure in the middle spoke again. "It’s a pity that we can’t send a Grandmaster. Everything will be done and wrapped up pretty well. This Vale Athrimir is already growing into his power and will only become more dangerous. It’s a pity indeed."

They continued watching the scene of Herdmaster arguing with Isolde, the tension between them growing each time they opened their mouths.

Murky Mist said, "This is under my jurisdiction. Herdmaster will handle him this time. Besides, he’s already wounded."

And yet his voice sounded as if he was consoling himself. Suddenly another of the figures turned to Murky Mist and asked, their voice strangely mocking, "And how about your new Grandmaster? He’s not popular yet and hasn’t yet fully stabilized. You can send him."

The Hollow Grave organization hierarchy is based on strength. Their rank and prestige are based on the power and influence they can exert. Previously, Cold Ash was above Murky Mist even though they had equal power. The reason was because Cold Ash had been able to complete more missions without any seemingly difficulties, tying everything up nicely.

On the other hand, Murky Mist is known for their vicious and messy manner. Although they might complete missions as well, they also always cause serious messes for the organization.

Thus, Murky Mist had ranked last and Cold Ash above them. But things had indeed changed as one of Murky Mist’s subordinates achieved the Grandmaster rank!

Now he’s ranked above Cold Ash and has more priorities and resources.

But sending his new Grandmaster? Murky Mist inwardly sneered. ’...I should send him out so you can have a way to deal with a new Grandmaster that hasn’t stabilized himself outside where others can find a way to kill him? The gain isn’t that much!...’

Murky Mist shook his head. "Dim Light, how can I send a Grandmaster when even Master Knights can be troublesome? I can only press for more Master Knights to be sent."

Dim Light laughed, their voice unmistakably feminine. As the third-ranked of the group, she had considerable strength of her own and she would have indeed killed the Grandmaster if he was sent out. After all, every one of them has influence outside that can be used.

The Hollow Grave isn’t a united organization. And the Hollow Grave that’s in close proximity to the Hinterlands isn’t the only one that exists. In fact, they are only a regional power. The real deal is the figure in the middle as he’s the leader of the region. As such, they all fight for dominance among each other.

It’s not strange that they also kill each other, as long as there’s no concrete proof of who did it.

Before Dim Light could say anything, the leader spoke, cutting her off. "This mission is too important. I forbid anyone from sabotaging it. I will be very angry indeed, and I don’t need proof to act."

Although his voice is soft and gentle, everyone felt a chill run down their hearts. The leader did not even have to exert any pressure. They all knew how terribly strong he is, and he was also the hand of the Old One in the region.

They all bowed their heads.

The leader continued. "The Beloved is also interested in this Vale Athrimir, but their branch here can’t move as well. We tie each other down. If we send too many Knights to a location, that will draw their attention too much and with the Old One.....We need to be patient."

They bowed again. Everyone followed strength, and the Leader is the strongest of them all.

Suddenly the leader’s voice turned tight and dark. "I paid too high a price to be sent here, and I’ve been watching Vale since before he was born. All those encounters that boost him. He is an investment that I can’t let go."

That too, was a warning to them.

"The Old One’s gaze was turned here for too long and it brought us many enemies. With the High Clans’ chaos approaching, we will clean our surroundings."

The leader began to fade in his seat, disappearing slowly as if getting erased, but his voice was still as strong as ever. "I have made my decision. If Herdmaster fails to do anything, then I will reassign the mission to Cold Ash. He will immediately contact this suspended member and place her close to Vale. We will deal with things after."

He completely disappeared, leaving the four members in silence. Out of all of them, Murky Mist’s aura was the darkest and his eyes so intense others could feel it through the mask.

Dim Light laughed, her voice carefree. "Now this is a problem. Will Herdmaster capture him or will Cold Ash’s seed flourish? Once again, Cold Ash, you exceed my expectations! Another flawless performance by you!"

Cold Ash’s voice was very cold and flat. "You overpraise me, Senior. All this is merely coincidence and the work of fate. Besides, Herdmaster isn’t an easy opponent to deal with."

"Not with that Isolde helping Vale!" Murky Mist snapped. "Cold Ash, are you sure you want to do this? Do not make things more difficult than they are. Immediately contact Isolde and help Herdmaster capture Vale."

Finally, for the first time, Cold Ash turned his head to look at Murky Mist. "I must apologize. First, I have no control over Isolde at the moment, and the leader only said I can contact her if Herdmaster fails. He has not."

Murky Mist remained silent for a while before he too faded away, leaving only a lingering cold voice behind. "So be it, Cold Ash. So be it."

Now there are three people in the room. Dim Light laughed again, appearing very joyous about what was happening. "Hey Shrouded Palm, what do you think?"

Shrouded Palm was the second strongest, but at the moment the man had already disappeared. Out of all of them, he is the most reserved and most focused on building personal strength instead of focusing on subordinates. His faction is the smallest, and yet the man alone makes up for it with his personal power.

He also doesn’t like to involve himself in schemes and rarely carries them out as well.

Dim Light snorted. "That fool ran away again. But seriously, Cold Ash, your foresight is truly inspiring. How could you have foreseen this and planned accordingly?"

Cold Ash shook his head and repeated, "Merely coincidence."

And of course it wasn’t. Cold Ash had members of his faction like that ’suspended’ member scattered around. They are not too important to him and yet not too useless. He placed them in key positions to be activated once he sensed an opportunity.

First, the mission had been an open one to capture Vale Athrimir, but Murky Mist used his recent contribution of nurturing a Grandmaster for the organization and secured the priority rights for himself. The Leader was only too happy to let him spend his contribution on that.

At that point, Isolde had already made a contract with Vale and was waiting for her Master to extract him.

But things took a turn. The pressure on the Hollow Grave increased!

Murky Mist was really unlucky because now he can’t use his real and full power to complete the mission. The mission that absolutely must be completed! Nobody but Murky Mist can send people to Vale, but at the same time, Isolde was already there unofficially! This placed Murky Mist in a very difficult position.

Truly, for Cold Ash it was a combination of coincidence and careful planning. Had he hurriedly accepted Isolde back, he would have been forced to drop the mission, but because Isolde isn’t technically under his command, he could still continue to use the loophole.

He shook his head again. "This Herdmaster is strong and vicious. I’m sure he’ll capture Vale and Murky Mist will have him soon."

Dim Light tilted forward. "Either way though, you are one of the few that have your faction out there. I’m sure you’ll reap plenty of gains. I’m sure Murky Mist will still come to bargain with you again. You’ll still win something. You are indeed very clever."

"You overpraise me."

Cold Ash did not take her words to heart. All of them in the organization are scheming, and every word can be a poisoned dagger.