Steven was already aware of William’s strength. If thousands of half-god level warriors from the underworld were annihilated, what were those forgotten Soulmancer practitioners in Texas in comparison?
The 13th Bureau also sought to maintain peace as much as possible, but if some people were bent on courting death, the Bureau couldn’t stop them.
Wes hesitated and asked, “Shouldn’t I try to persuade them?”
He understood the gravity of the situation, even though he was unaware of William’s strength. The power Alice had already demonstrated was terrifying enough.
From the recent event in Maplewood Town, where a group of “demigods” mysteriously vanished, it was evident that a supremely powerful entity might be backing Alice.
Steven hesitated before speaking, “Then try to persuade them if you can, and resolve it privately if possible… If they absolutely won’t listen, just let them be. As long as they don’t harm ordinary people, everything else is inconsequential, especially with the global resurgence of energy…”
Pausing, Steven took a deep breath and continued, “Wes, I’m retired now. The work in the 13th Bureau is up to you and Zoey. From now on, in such matters, make your own judgment. Don’t come to me with these questions anymore.”
“I… understand.” Wes knew that if he always relied on Steven in such situations, he would never grow.
Being an early-stage intermediate Soulmancer and having lived for over two hundred years, although much of that time was spent in isolated training to enhance his abilities, it was time for him to mature and shoulder responsibilities.
After hanging up, someone from the Forgotten Guardian Temple came out to invite Wes inside.
Wes put away his phone, recalling the tone and methods Steven used in handling these matters. He took a deep breath, nodded to the person, and walked in with his chest puffed out, composed and unhurried.
He must not panic in handling matters!
He was representing an entire nation, and even when facing any major Soulmancer organization, he should not show any signs of panic or distress.
As Wes entered the Forgotten Guardian Temple, about twenty pairs of eyes were fixed on him.
Several among these people were high-level masters at the pinnacle of intermediate Soulmancer strength, significantly more powerful than him. If they really wanted to kill him here, it would be an easy task.
Yet Wes wore a faint smile, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze slowly sweeping over those present. He asked, “Gentlemen, how is the discussion regarding Andrew’s situation progressing?”
Jayce’s face turned cold as he spoke, “Deputy Director Wenzel, you didn’t come here just to discuss Andrew’s situation, did you?” 𝑖.𝘤ℴ𝘮
As he spoke, he had already begun exerting the pressure of an intermediate Soulmancer’s energy on Wes, as if a single wrong word from Wes would lead to his instant death.
In addition to Jayce, the leaders of the other families also started pressuring Wes.
Wes felt an overwhelming pressure coming from all directions. Even though these people hadn’t made a move, his heart felt like it was about to burst, and even standing was a struggle. .𝘤𝘰𝑚
The intense oppression made his face pale, and beads of sweat the size of soybeans uncontrollably rolled down his forehead.
“Do you gentlemen intend to fight me?” Wes, enduring immense pressure, raised his eyebrows and asked in a calm tone, “Or are you planning to directly challenge the 13th Bureau?”
Jayce didn’t retract the oppressive energy he was exerting. Instead, he smiled and said, “So, Deputy Director Wenzel, are you trying to use the 13th Bureau to bully us? What great authority you have!” After speaking, he further intensified the pressure.
Wes, after all, was a whole power level below Jayce, and with so many other experts exerting their pressure on him at the same time, any other intermediate Soulmancer might have already knelt down.
Wes couldn’t hold back and spat out a mouthful of blood.
The stone slabs under his feet had already cracked, but his spine remained erect. Not only did he not kneel, but he also let out a low laugh: “Heh! Is this how you Texas Soulmancers treat your guests? Why don’t you just kill me?”
Jayce’s brows furrowed, and he quickly withdrew the oppressive energy. He had intended to intimidate the 13th Bureau but hadn’t expected Wes to be so resolute.
They truly didn’t dare to kill Wes right there – why make an enemy for no reason?
Zoey of the 13th Bureau was considered invincible among the younger generation, and the Bureau had deep connections with the leaders of various major Soulmancer organizations.
In recent years, almost all Soulmancers who entered the world of ordinary people had benefited from the 13th Bureau, and many worked within the Bureau.
It was said that Wes had also descended from Mount Olympus. Although his strength wasn’t high, his background was not to be underestimated.
Moreover, the modern weaponry developed by ordinary people was incredibly powerful. Even an intermediate Soulmancer, when facing a fully armed military force, could only meet their demise on the spot.
“Deputy Director Wenzel, you jest. I’m merely grief-stricken over the loss of my son, but I harbor no hostility towards you, and I am quite friendly towards the 13th Bureau,” Jayce said as he stared at Wes. “Aren’t you aware that in New York, besides Andrew being injured, my son Wesley was also killed, and Jordan from the Adams family had his superpowers erased?”
Wes replied with an icy tone, “I only know that Andrew attempted to attack someone first and, being outmatched, ended up castrated.”
Derek angrily retorted, “Nonsense! What makes you say my son attacked first?”
Wes replied with a light laugh, “The hotel has surveillance. The evidence is complete. If you need proof, I have it all in my car.”
Derek was momentarily speechless, but Jayce said, “Then what about my son dying at the hands of that Alice? And Adams family’s Jordan, they were both her doing!”
Wes’s mouth curved into a slight smile, “If you gentlemen wish to understand the cause of the incident, I can help you retrieve the surveillance footage. Nowadays, New York City is full of cameras. It’s not hard to discern who is right or wrong…”
“Surveillance? All I know is that a life for a life!” Jayce glared and said, “The way you speak, it seems like you might want to protect that woman. I heard that she fought for the 13th Bureau at Ravenwood and secured Hudson University. How can we trust the footage you provide?”
Wes asked, “So, Mr. Johnson, what do you suggest? Are you saying you refuse my mediation?”
“Mediation? My son is dead; that woman must pay with her life!” Jayce blocked any further discussion from Wes, refusing any mediation or viewing of the surveillance footage.
At this stage of the matter, does who is right or wrong even matter?
Wes was also angered and simply stated, “I have recorded everything said here and transmitted it back to the 13th Bureau. Since you all don’t accept our mediation and are unwilling to view the surveillance, then we’ll follow the old rules of the Soulmancer community: avenge if there’s a grudge, retaliate if there’s a grievance.”
“From now on, the Soulmancers of Texas will no longer be under the protection of the 13th Bureau. But if you dare harm ordinary people in your battles with other Soulmancers, you will be executed!” Wes said coldly. “Everything said today will be shared with every employee of the 13th Bureau on their phones. Additionally, my words today will also be conveyed to all allies of the 13th Bureau. I hope you all take heed!”
𝘪𝘳.𝒸𝑜𝑚