Emergency meeting
The following morning at 10 am, Sylvetta urgently summoned an unprecedented meeting that brought together all executives, directors, senior members, and the association's president.
Such gatherings were infrequent due to the considerable effort and rescheduling involved, but the gravity of the situation demanded immediate attention. The emergency assembly took place in the expansive grand auditorium, capable of accommodating a large audience.
In addition to THA representatives, several government officials were also invited, their attendance prompted by a concise yet intriguing message: "Emergency meeting at THA headquarters, 10 am, Tuesday, May 21st, 2030. Agenda: abrupt surge in mana levels across the country."
The Hunter Association auditorium within the headquarters is a grand and imposing space, designed to accommodate a large number of people for important gatherings and meetings.
The room is adorned with dark, polished wood paneling, giving it a sense of sophistication and authority. The seating arrangement is tiered, with plush, comfortable chairs arranged in a semi-circular fashion facing a central stage.
At the forefront of the auditorium is a spacious stage, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. A large, high-definition screen dominates the background, serving as a focal point for presentations, reports, and displays.
Which will be indeed in the upcoming report directed by Sylvetta, the head of the scientific department. Flanking the stage, there are podiums for speakers, and the association's emblem is prominently displayed as a symbol of its identity.
The lighting is well-orchestrated, with a combination of ambient and spotlighting to ensure visibility and focus on the stage.
The room's acoustics are carefully engineered to carry voices throughout the auditorium, ensuring that every attendee can hear the proceedings clearly.
The walls are adorned with tasteful hunter-themed decor, such as framed images of renowned hunters and figures, intricate maps showcasing regions with active gates, and sophisticated artwork that blend well with the grand space.
The overall atmosphere exudes professionalism and authority, befitting the stature of the Hunter Association and its significant role in managing the complexities of the hunter world.
The auditorium buzzed with anticipation as it accommodated an assembly of influential figures. Tensions hung thick in the air, fueled by the limited information each attendee possessed regarding the day's critical agenda.
Positioned at the forefront, in the heart of the action, sat THA's president, Joshua. Flanking him on either side were the three senior members, accompanied by their diligent assistants.
In the second row, a contingent of government officials occupied their seats, silently pissed about not securing coveted front-row positions.
Yet, it served as a stark reminder that, despite their role, they remained secondary to the association—a subtle, yet powerful statement.
The subsequent rows teemed with THA executives, directors from diverse departments, and select hunters whose significance warranted their invitation.
The absence of major guilds in the meeting did not go unnoticed. However, a comprehensive transcript of the proceedings and the ultimate decision would be dispatched to them.
Currently, at this point in time, the major guilds acknowledged their subservience to THA, paying due respect to the association and its president.
Little did they know, a shift in dynamics loomed on the horizon, and the balance of power would soon undergo a transformation where the major guilds become powerful enough to not be bound by the shackles of The hunter's Association.
Amidst subdued discussions and whispers, Sylvetta gracefully strode onto the stage, radiating confidence in her stylish demeanor. Her glasses added a touch of sophistication as she carried a stack of files.
The crowd gradually hushed, the ambient lights dimming slightly, signaling the imminent commencement of the crucial meeting.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Sylvetta, the head of the scientific department here at the Hunters Association, and I extend a formal welcome to each of you for this unexpected and urgent gathering," she began, capturing the attention of the assembled audience.
With a swift gesture, Sylvetta redirected everyone's focus to a huge screen behind her, unveiling an image of the country and its various districts. The second slide illuminated areas where the scientific team had identified significant spikes in mana, each district marked with distinct red dots.
Some dots were small and scattered, while others were larger, and some appeared as dense clusters, conveying varying degrees of mana density. The fluctuating sizes of these dots raised collective alarms among the attendees.
Sylvetta continued by elucidating that, presently, there was no concrete explanation for the abrupt surge in mana. However, she presented a hypothesis, launching into a detailed explanation that engaged the audience's attention and curiosity.
"We firmly believe, particularly myself, that these sudden mana spikes observed across the country are indicative of gate formations," Sylvetta declared, her statement sparking an immediate reaction within the association.
A buzz of whispers and chatter spread through the auditorium until Joshua, the association's president, raised his voice in a commanding scream, demanding silence and urging Sylvetta to continue with her report.
"Thank you, sir," Sylvetta acknowledged. "We detected these mana surges yesterday and swiftly dispatched a team of agents to investigate the designated locations marked by these ominous red dots. However, upon arrival, there was an eerie absence of any visible signs or noteworthy events."
She explained how her team had acted promptly upon detecting the mana spikes, deploying agents to investigate, yet found no discernible evidence of a gate or any potential gate formation.
Sylvetta went on to share with the audience that despite the lack of physical indicators at the site, their scientific tools had consistently registered heightened levels of dense mana in those specific locations.
It was a perplexing mystery that heightened the intrigue in the auditorium as everyone grappled with the implications of these unexplained phenomena.
Amidst the tension, a man, appearing to be a government official, stood up and boldly questioned, "Then what are you trying to say? Numerous gates are on their way to our country."
Sylvetta paused, acknowledging the interruption with a nod, and calmly responded, "Yes and no."
She proceeded to explain, "We reached out to other associations worldwide and discovered that we aren't the only country experiencing these mana surges. It's deeply unsettling to realize that if gates were to form in large numbers globally and simultaneously, the consequences could be catastrophic. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to label this phenomenon 'The Second Catalyst.'"
A collective gasp swept through the audience, disbelief etched on their faces. The notion of a second catalyst implied potential global calamity, surpassing the impact of the initial catalyst that had already reshaped the world. The weight of Sylvetta's revelation hung heavily in the air.
The man who had interrupted earlier couldn't contain his disbelief and fear. "Impossible. How dare you utter such words without any care? Do you understand what you are saying with 'Second Catalyst'?"
His tone revealed not only skepticism but also a palpable fear, not just for his country but for his own well-being. The gravity of the situation had clearly unsettled even those accustomed to authority and control.
"Please, calm down! It is only a hypothesis! Remain calm, please," Sylvetta urgently urged, attempting to quell the persistent unrest among the agitated crowd. However, her plea seemed to fall on deaf ears as the murmurs continued to escalate.
Recognizing the need for a more forceful intervention, the president rose from his seat, ascended the podium, and emitted a commanding aura that swiftly hushed the unruly assembly of individuals.
With a stern expression, he addressed the turbulent crowd, his tone laced with frustration, "Will you all just shut the hell up! For Christ's sake, can't you keep your composure as senior officials and representatives? If you act in this manner, how will the public react to this?"
A collective silence settled over the room as the president took a moment to sigh, his gaze shifting to Sylvetta, who nodded in agreement.
Resuming with a more measured tone, the president stated, "Everyone, I understand your worries, but it is only a guess. There are no signs of any gates, especially in large numbers, being formed."
The president continued, "Nevertheless, as gifted individuals, we must be prepared for any situation, and the same goes for those in high positions. I will even take a step further to say, this has to be the work of somebody or some group."
"We've been in this business for too long to know that this phenomenon isn't normal, but we cannot jump to immediate conclusions. Let us keep our wits about us and prepare as much as possible for anything—absolutely anything. I hope you all give it your all. Sylvetta, you may continue."
The president's firm yet reassuring words brought a semblance of order back to the room, allowing Sylvetta to proceed with her report.
With the president successfully restoring order, Sylvetta resumed her report.
"Thank you once again, Mr. President. Although these mana spikes have been observed globally, the prevailing belief is that if anything were to happen, it wouldn't be immediate or in the near future, allowing us time to anticipate and prepare. However, preparations must begin without delay. Our scientific department, in collaboration with others, has devised strategies to address the situation."
Sylvetta addressed the high-profile audience, composed of influential individuals, urging them to contribute in safeguarding the nation during these uncertain times.
She emphasized the crucial role of hunters, encouraging them to intensify their training, acquire advanced equipment and gear, and prepare for potential challenges.
To bolster national security, Sylvetta proposed the construction of emergency bunkers throughout the country and in various districts.
The collaboration of the association, government, and both public and private companies would be essential in executing these protective measures.
"We must do what we can to protect," Sylvetta emphasized, "and everyone, from high-ranking officials to the general public, has a role to play. These are proactive steps to brace ourselves for potential threats. As researchers and scientists continue their work to unravel the mysteries behind these mana surges, our collective efforts can pave the way for solutions to mitigate or neutralize the impending risks."
Her words resonated through the auditorium, fostering a sense of responsibility and unity among those present.
Sylvetta passed out documents to everyone present in different ways they could offer support both directly and indirectly.
Those were skeptical about the report, some saw it as a way to raise money for the association but complied to not seem indifferent to the cause.
The world underwent profound transformations in the aftermath of the initial Great Catalyst. Lives were sacrificed, hope waned, and landscapes were reshaped, but amid the chaos, a glimmer of opportunity emerged.
The birth of hunters marked a pivotal moment in humanity's destiny. What was once mankind's greatest peril had evolved into its greatest chance for renewal.
Individuals across the globe seized the opportunity to amass fame, power and wealth in various ways.
Yet, as the specter of a second Catalyst loomed, a sobering reality set in—it was a collective responsibility for all to bear. The unprecedented challenges ahead required every individual to contribute, it was time for everyone to pull their weight.