"Hah, why? Does marriage truly add so much responsibility for both of you?" Elysius asked, glancing quickly between Leroy and Starmist.

  "That is not what we mean, Elysius," Starmist replied with a soft laugh.

  "This is related to the fractures we have faced recently. It would be difficult for both of us to sit together here again," Leroy said, pausing.

  Bjorn nodded slowly while lighting another cigar. "Then what is your decision?"

  Leroy explained that after weeks of discussion, they had decided Starmist would remain in the council while he would step down. Starmist was still required as a stabilizing presence, and the council’s public face needed her seat more than Leroy’s position as chairman, especially considering House Star’s influence across the All Realm.

  Unlike Starmist, Leroy stood independently, without family or faction obligations tied to his authority. He chose to withdraw to reduce potential bias in council decisions.

  The remaining council members did not respond immediately. Silence settled as they contemplated the matter.

  "Starmist, if you remain here, what about Lucretius? I fear he may act unpredictably," Elysius said.

  "There is no a better option. Honestly, both of you should remain here," Bjorn added. "Your factions still lack truly competent successors."

  "We were not experts either when we began. Even now, at least you and Cygnus will guide them," Leroy replied, patting Bjorn’s large arm.

  "I respect your decision. One of you must remain and you cannot share the same seat any longer," Cygnus said while sipping his tea.

  The Sorcerer Supreme studied the couple. "Most importantly, Leroy, have you decided who will replace you?"

  "You will not choose Rufus White, are you? Though he constantly wishes for it," Elysius interjected.

  "Consider this carefully, my friend. If you have no choice, the council will appoint someone directly," Bjorn joked.

  "I have spoken with the syndicate leaders. As expected, most declined," Leroy said.

  "But I intend to test D’Hertz and Alexander Walker to determine who is more suited for this role."

  "Vanguard and syndicate leader of District Four," Cygnus murmured while stroking his beard.

  Leroy took out prepared documents and distributed his analysis of the two Weapon Master candidates to Cygnus, Bjorn, and Elysius for review.

  Cygnus did not focus on reading the papers. He set them aside and looked at each council member in turn. "Beyond succession, we also require a new council leader."

  "That should be our immediate priority," Starmist agreed.

  "It is time for you to take that role, Professor Bjorn Markovich," Leroy said.

  Bjorn slammed the paper onto the table, his heavy metal glove striking with force. "I refuse to sit here under obligation, much less lead the council."

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "That is a terrible idea. I would become even more enslaved here," Elysius added.

  "Cygnus, would you consider the position? You have been here since my brother’s era," Starmist said.

  "The council leader must be permitted to attend the Silver Chair. They do not want my presence there," Cygnus replied.

  Leroy, Starmist, and Elysius nodded. Cygnus, Amaterasu if she returned, and Lucretius were all unlikely candidates.

  "Grow up, boy. Speak your mind with more courage. You are the one we have prepared to become council leader eventually," Bjorn said while tossing a paper ball at the Child of Light.

  "Then begin by granting me full authority over the Cognisource Network," Elysius replied, catching it.

  "I think that is possible. Elysius has been active there for nearly two years. Meanwhile, you could focus on Forger and continue Leroy position," Starmist added.

  Cygnus and Leroy nodded. Bjorn’s workload would be reduced, allowing him to lead the council. Over the coming months, Leroy would test successor candidates. While stepping down, he would temporarily serve as head of Unus Bank for several years.

  During that period, he would also occupy the Silver Chair, awaiting a successor capable of managing their faction, council relations, and financial responsibilities.

  jorn fell silent, massaging his forehead as he contemplated the burden ahead. His next words startled the room, which had been immersed in calm discussion.

  "Wait. We still have the Shogun as an option. Why not appoint him as council leader? He is also a faction head."

  "The Shogun can calm both Amaterasu and Susanoo, the greatest forces in the All Realm. His faction respects him deeply. But he often disappears without notice. Should that not concern us?" Starmist asked.

  "The Elementalist faction has no populace to govern, so his behavior is understandable. Yet with responsibility, I believe he would change," Leroy added.

  Bjorn chuckled. "If that is the case, I can focus on building factories."

  "You and the Shogun will both be evaluated, just as Leroy evaluates his successor. Given your longer presence here, Shogun cannot immediately assume leadership even if he proves worthy," Cygnus said.

  Starmist and Leroy laughed softly as the professor’s optimistic expression shifted into resignation.

  "I sometimes dislike you, but you are rarely wrong," Bjorn replied while looking at Cygnus.

  The meeting continued. Leroy presented a file from the bottom of the stack detailing the cloning program.

  As part of his commitment, he would postpone his engagement ceremony with Starmist for several months until the program’s foundation operated smoothly, allowing the council to implement it fully upon his resignation.

  Elysius recorded each policy while preparing official documents regarding the transfer of responsibilities and contemplating the next day’s headlines.

  "So Sorcerer and Extraterrestrial will test the subjects while Cogworks executes mass implementation. How exactly will the testing done?" Elysius asked.

  "As agreed, Sorcerer will assess their endurance while Extraterrestrial will measure compliance," Leroy said. "Each faction will apply its own methods."

  "And regarding the subjects, has Abyss sent its prisoner?" Bjorn asked.

  "Dryskull has delivered prisoners deemed suitable from northern Abyss. They should arrive in Mainland within two days," Leroy replied.

  "I must inform you that Sorcerer will employ rigorous methods. The superhuman era demands high standards for those deemed fit as executors," Cygnus said while stirring his tea.

  "Inform us if you require anything, Cygnus," Starmist said.

  The council members nodded.

  "Elysius, until we know the results, there must be no newspaper coverage regarding this program," Bjorn instructed.

  "Understood. I will focus on topics concerning the Elementalist and Abyss factions. Their prolonged absence warrants public visibility of their activity," Elysius replied while scribbling notes.

  "At last, you display sound instinct. I have always said your foresight ability is useful for this work," Bjorn laughed.

  "I am not using it, and how many times must I explain that it does not function that way," Elysius retorted irritably.

  "I will continue attempting to speak with Amaterasu regarding her faction based on today’s discussion," Starmist said.

  "But do not mention the cloning program. Remember, she is no longer part of the council," Cygnus reminded, earning a gentle smile from Starmist.

  "Very well. If there is nothing further to discuss, we will continue next week."

  "May I observe how each faction conducts its testing on the subjects?" Elysius asked, raising his hand and stopping the others who were about to leave.

  "Yes, but ensure your duties are completed first, young head of Cognisource," Bjorn teased.

  Cygnus and Starmist nodded as well, approving the request of the council’s prospective future.