Director Aethel relaxed slightly by letting out a sigh, he then redirected his gaze towards a group of reporters stationed near the back of the hall.
They took the opportunity to raise their hands, eager to question the Union Branch Director. Aethel adjusted his tie, giving a nod to signal that he was ready to address the press.
A young journalist from the City Chronicle was the first to be acknowledged. She stood up, her holo-recorder hovering by her shoulder, capturing every word.
“Director Aethel, considering the increase in crime and monster sightings in the outer rings, many citizens are concerned about their safety. You’ve highlighted where some guilds have failed, but can you elaborate on what new measures the Union Office intends to implement to address these issues directly?”
Aethel gave a small nod. “An important question, and a timely one. The Union Office has already begun discussions about strengthening our central response units.”
“While we respect the autonomy of each guild within their sectors, we cannot ignore the interconnected nature of this city. Our goal is to establish a unified alert system, accessible to all guilds, that will enable faster coordination when emergencies arise in high-risk zones.”
“Additionally, we’re working with city infrastructure experts to reinforce surveillance in outer-ring areas, which, we believe, will act as both a deterrent and an early warning system.”
A murmur of approval rose among some reporters. Aethel nodded to another reporter, a tall man with a serious expression who represented The Mega Daily.
The reporter’s tone was sharp. “Director, you spoke about the price hikes in essential goods, which have disproportionately affected the lower-income residents of the outer ring. While it’s clear that the Blue Seals Guild’s oversight has impacted trade, does the Union Office have any specific plans to alleviate these rising costs in the immediate term?”
Aethel paused, his gaze thoughtful. “We’re acutely aware of the financial strain on the city’s lower-income residents.”
“In the short term, we’re negotiating with key suppliers and guild leaders to adjust tax policies on essential goods, allowing for a reduction in market prices.”
“We are also working with logistics leaders, such as the Zhang Family, to streamline supply chains and reduce distribution costs. This will not only stabilize prices but improve accessibility to vital resources.”
Aethel glanced around the room, noting the reporters’ reactions before gesturing toward a representative from Metro World News, an influential media outlet that often questioned the Union Office’s transparency.
The representative leaned forward, her voice steady. “Director Aethel, several incidents have recently occurred involving victims drained of both blood and mana, as you mentioned in your address.”
“Citizens are understandably anxious about these unusual cases, especially given the lack of concrete leads. Does the Union Office have any theories or hypotheses about who or what might be behind these attacks? And, with no clear answers, how can you assure the public that these cases are being thoroughly investigated?”
Aethel’s face grew more serious, and the room fell quiet, awaiting his response. “I won’t deny that these cases are troubling. The nature of the attacks is unlike anything we’ve encountered before, and we’re dealing with an opponent whose methods are as sophisticated as they are brutal.”
“While I cannot disclose all operational details, I can assure you that our best minds are at work. Teams from the Reapers Guild and White Comet Guild are collaborating on an intelligence task force to track any unusual activity, while advanced diagnostic methods are being employed to analyze the victims’ physiology for clues.”
“To further relive public stress, we will be deploying one of our board members with clairvoyant related powers to further make sure we get the the button of this.”
H’s gaze became intense as he locked with the reporter’s. “Our promise to the public is this: every case is being pursued with full resources, and we are committed to unearthing the source of these attacks. We may not have answers today, but we are making steady progress.” Another hand shot up, this time from a younger reporter representing New Horizons, a publication known for addressing emerging trends and technology. She asked.
”
“Director Aethel, you mentioned earlier that the Union Office plans to implement a unified alert system across all guilds to improve response times. Could you expand on the technology that would support this initiative? Is it something citizens would interact with directly?”
Aethel nodded, pleased with the focus on forward-looking strategies. “Indeed, we’re collaborating with the White Comet Guild’s tech division’s Aiko Tsukumo to design a centralized alert network that utilizes real-time holographic projections.”
“This network will allow the city’s inhabitants to receive immediate notifications during any large-scale threat or emergency in their vicinity. Citizens can interact with it via personal devices or community holo-screens placed throughout public areas.”
He pointed to a new projection on the holographic screen behind him, revealing a city map overlaid with small glowing indicators representing access points. freeweɓnvel.com
“The technology is designed to integrate into existing devices, giving residents the option to customize alerts. The system will prioritize proximity-based notifications, so citizens can receive critical information on evacuations, emergency services, or shelter locations relevant to their area. It’s an ambitious project, but with the right resources, it will redefine public safety.”
The press murmured in approval as the director finished, impressed by the proactive approach.
One final question came from a veteran journalist at her voice sounding slightly commanding. “Director Aethel, with these intensified security measures and increased expectations on the guilds, do you believe the Union Office has adequately considered the strain this may place on smaller guilds and independent operatives? Some have voiced concerns that they’re being overlooked in favor of the major guilds.”
Aethel’s expression softened slightly, acknowledging the validity of her concern. “That’s an excellent point. We must indeed strike a balance. The Union Office is in the process of establishing an independent task force to support smaller guilds and freelancers, particularly in high-risk zones where they may lack resources. This task force will have access to certain Union resources, ensuring they’re not overwhelmed by the new demands.”
He glanced around the room, his gaze settling on the guild leaders and representatives in attendance. “Ultimately, our goal is a city where everyone’s contributions are valued and
leveraged.”
“The larger guilds certainly bear much of the responsibility, but the smaller guilds and independents play crucial roles in maintaining the social and economic fabric of our city. We intend to support them, not overlook them.”
With that, Aethel gave a final nod, signaling the end of the question period. The reporters exchanged murmurs, glancing down at their notes, ready to relay his words to the citizens. “With all of the logistical concerns out of the way,” Aethel continued, his tone lighter now, “… it’s time to recognize the exemplary performance and achievements of our top guilds in the recent Wasteland Display event.”
Director Aethel nodded in the direction of the White Comet Guild’s representatives, his eyes glinting with pride, his gaze landed on master Yuuto in particular, who practically wore a smug look on his face while he folded his arms.
“First, I must congratulate the White Comet Guild, who showed remarkable proficiency in tactical maneuvering and emerged at first place in the event.”
“Before the prize distribution will be announced, will the MVP of the said guild, Alister Hazenworth, please step forward.”