Frost found it almost impossible to believe that they were not aware of the Seeds. It must have been a card that was played only recently by the Impuritas. Between the counterfeit coins, stolen magic, and technology – and even the destruction of it; she quickly understood how much pressure already existed on the shoulders of the Ateliers.

The Seed situation was a powerful opening issue that no one had any immediate remedies for as it was ill understood. At best the resolution for the Seeds were to capture or eliminate those already transformed by the Seed, and to recover as many unused Seeds as possible.

This was the suggestion of Magus.

“This is on the heels of a Corrupted uprising in the Nex Megalopolis. Question.” Beholder Descartes 3 suddenly asked both the Arbiter and the Amalgam. With an approving nod from both, the woman continued: “Our focus is primarily on the Nex Megalopolis?”

“Currently, yes. We’re bound to the Nex Megalopolis. But decisions here should and will affect branches of your Ateliers across Elysia. Aside from that, yes – our priority is absolutely the Nex Megalopolis. It failed at its primary function.” Frost reminded them.

“The defense of the Nexus. Seeds were sowed behind its walls. By a worm amongst us no less. How shameful.” Knalzark grumbled, staring inquisitively at the tiny, golden Seed. “This will not be easy to detect. It has a melancholic call. It would not be my first instinct to eat it, but that Seed begs one to swallow it.”

“Oh? You can feel a signature from it?” Beholder Umbra seemed surprised.

“It’s fainter than the Genesis Stones. However, it is a surface-level phenomenon. It will be easier to detect in the grand scheme of things. A new Aspect can be developed to detect the Seeds.” Knalzark confidently affirmed. “Pardon my curiosity.”

“Please, do take it.” Magus tossed the Seed towards the tall Dwarf.

It lit up like a shooting star as it fell into his palms.

“The value of this Seed must be exceptional. I can already picture it now. The promise of strength. The elevation of a puny soul into untold heights. But at what cost?” Knalzark’s fingers struggled to crush the Seed.

It was indestructible.

… I would take a bite from it, but it’s something from an Advent. I’m not entirely sure it’d be a good idea to put an item from an Advent Iscario has control over inside of me. What do you think, Nav?

“It’s unlikely to do any harm. But I also would not recommend devouring it. It would be wise to wait until we study its effects closely.”

Yeah. My thoughts exactly… Iscario’s influence doesn’t stop ramping up.

“Your Eyes no longer fly in the skies of the Nex Megalopolis. Would it not be easier to just allow them to occur and find them retroactively based on the pillar of light?”

Beholder Marionette creaked, drawing a new strand from the invisible realm above.

“I jest. The Amalgam has made it clear that her priority is to avoid the execution of the masses. I can lend my strings. I’ve heard from a Missionary of mine that the transformation was a spectacle to behold. They just wished the anguish didn’t end so soon.”

“Nothing like a swift resolution. I take that we all want to partake in uprooting the Seeds?” Satania hummed. There were zero objections. “The exact method is still up for debate, but at the very least we agree on its danger. An Aspect of Technology to seek them, and personnel to find them. I believe CogitO and I can work on that. Magus. I think the Golden Index may also be a valuable partner.”

“Is this in relation to the Repenters?” Magus questioned.

“They’ll be bearing the infinite burdens of whatever comes from this Council. There are many criminals waiting to be trialed to hell and back. But the Seeds won’t be their priority. It can be more like a secondary objective. A Repenter will undoubtedly swallow the Seed if it means escaping their burdens.” Satania was trying to hint at something, and only Evergreen seemed to pick up on it.

“The widespread nature of the Seeds means we need to be flexible… I think I understand what you’re saying. It depends on how quickly we can spread and gather information before they’re plastered on Guild Boards. But I think relying on the Associations through Justica Arms might work faster.”

Evergreen caught on so incredibly quickly that it elated Satania enough to warrant a smug smile. The main issue with the Seeds was that any related incidents could occur anywhere at any time with likely varying degrees of danger. The Guilds were widespread enough where news could be picked up and be dealt with by Adventurers, or by Associations.

With how fragmented the Ateliers were now, creating a personalized team to deal with the Seeds was difficult, but not impossible. Rather, it was a certainty but would be used only for major operations and far deadlier incidents.

The Nex Megalopolis was massive, and without the Eyes it would be difficult to eradicate the Seeds.

“Hunger is a powerful drive.” Galia stated. “We’d be fools believing the Seeds can be removed at will without major repercussions. You all make promises, but you know that the state of our Ateliers will make fulfilling it difficult. Beholder Knalzark. How many Manufactories do you have direct communication with?”

“20%. It would have been 50% were it not for your past meddling… Hunger. You would know of its danger, Human.” He spat. “The best course of action isn’t one that’s specific. It’ll be an effort on multiple fronts.”

Frost couldn’t agree more, and the others were satisfied by this resolution.

Caldera Industries promised to create a product that could detect the Seeds. These were to be issued to specific personnel who undertook missions relating to the Seeds. The Repenters Satania spoke of would not be focusing on dealing with the Seeds. Rather, they’d be focusing on a multitude of efforts, but primarily on something far more sinister.

The recovery of the many fallen Genesis Stones.

This was where the Archivist finally revealed the power of the Floor of Civilization.

Through it, the Eyes of the Nex Megalopolis were partially restored.

And with the Golden Index’s only woe it was willing to admit now resolved, the torch was passed on to the Chained Theocracy.