CHAPTER 1492: CHAPTER 19: THE FORMER ’BLUE PEACOCK MASK’ (PART 2)

"I have an unfortunate piece of news to share with everyone: the ’Blue Peacock Mask’ has left us forever. I will search for a new candidate to replace her vacant position soon."

The other five present showed slight changes in their expressions and movements but remained silent.

’Old Skeleton,’ holding the Bone Staff, sat at the table, motionless as if in a meditative state. The once restless and hyperactive ’Long-armed Monkey’ was now somewhat listless, absentmindedly stroking the armrest.

On the other side, the ’Teddy Bear,’ previously having a purple checkered appearance, had now turned into a brown ’Teddy Bear.’ The previously fierce ’Red Scimitar’ had transformed into the serious-looking ’Silver Cross Sword.’ Only the silver Mechanical Puppet at the end continued quietly rotating its gears, with a faint blue metallic reflection on its surface.

"Over the years, the ’Council of Seven Sages’ has been led primarily by the ’Blue Peacock Mask.’ She took on many tasks on my behalf, dedicating a great deal. In fact, we have been long-time friends." Although only a virtual image, Hui Fangyan also evoked a sense of nostalgia and sadness, perhaps due to his long-lasting emotional connection with her.

"However, the deceased is gone, and we must continue moving forward. Surely, everyone also realizes that the Federation is now at a crossroads of rapid change. The previously stagnant situation is evolving swiftly, and our organization faces important decisions."

"Here, I must mention the initial purpose of establishing the ’Council of Seven Sages,’ which is to rely on ’technology’ to change the ecosystem of the entire civilization and to create an idealistic sanctuary for those dreamers."

"We will continuously pursue ’advanced’ technology and use this ’advancement’ to arm and strengthen ourselves, guiding society towards our ideal objectives."

After saying this, he paused, seemingly reminiscing and preparing for something.

"For this goal, I have been through many things, countless hardships over the years, the departure and separation of friends, even betrayals, and so on."

"Once, I was heartbroken over these matters for a long time, utterly dejected. Fortunately, in the end, I emerged from it and once again realized my former ideals, establishing this organization with a group of like-minded individuals."

"I am certain this is the shared ideal between me and everyone here, a goal worth dedicating our entire life to achieving. Even if one day I leave this world, I hope that one of you will inherit these ideas and continue moving forward."

"Now, having articulated the goal, let’s begin discussing the objectives I have organized and negotiated with everyone."

"First of all, our organization will no longer be as disorganized as before because this is a dangerous era, an ever-changing era. The previous lax attitude can no longer continue."

"Various rigorous frameworks will be gradually established in the future, rules and division of authority will become increasingly clear, and execution efficiency must gradually improve."

"Secondly, our reach will no longer be limited to the network and indirect intervention and control of the past. We will establish entirely our own bases, research institutes, and defense forces in reality. Of course, these organizational structures will be somewhat compartmentalized to avoid easily exposing the organization’s existence."

"Then, we will establish a new recruitment and training system. In this rapidly changing era, relying on mercenaries and casual geek companions no longer satisfies the ever-expanding demand."

"Finally, we will maximize the utilization of the organization’s intelligence and resources, rapidly expand, acquire a large number of personnel and assets, and extend our reach both online and offline, instead of mainly focusing on covert contraction."

"These decisions differ greatly from the past. Perhaps everyone might find it difficult to accept for a while, but I want to tell everyone that continuing past strategies will only gradually result in us being abandoned and eliminated by the era. The current situation within the Federation forces us to adapt to the times and quickly grow stronger."

"Having explained the main objectives, I will now allocate tasks: first, adjusting the organizational framework to make it stringent and with clear authority, this task is entrusted to ’Old Skeleton’ for execution."

With a creaking bone sound, ’Old Skeleton’ emerged from a static state, bowed towards Hui Fangyan, indicating a response.

"Secondly, the construction of realistic bases and defense forces is entrusted to the ’Silver Cross Sword.’ You are someone worthy of this trust."

"Understood." A steady male voice echoed from the silver Sword Edge inserted in the seat.

"Then, the recruitment and cultivation of newcomers will be entrusted to ’Silver and Blue Creation.’ Hui Fangyan glanced at the precise Mechanical Puppet beside him."

"Hmm." A mechanically synthesized female voice replied as a faint blue light flowed in the eye sockets of the Mechanical Puppet.

"Lastly, the rapid expansion of the peripheral organization and financial matters will be entrusted to ’Teddy Bear’ and ’Long-armed Monkey.’

"Leave it to me, no worries." ’Teddy Bear’ chomps on a cigar, emitting a faint smoke.

"It’s the same old tasks, fine, I’ll do it. Hui Lao-tou, you’re still so dull." ’Long-armed Monkey’ touched his neck, responding with a complaint.

Seeing there were no issues among those present, Hui Fangyan’s flat face showed a kind smile.

"I’ve said everything I needed to. Let’s work hard together from now on."

Afterwards, in this secluded space, one by one, the silhouettes disappeared, leaving Hui Fangyan alone in this quiet space.

After everyone left, he didn’t immediately go offline or leave. Instead, he continued sitting in that position, gazing at the tabletop, as if his gaze had become static.