Chapter 148: Summoner generals meeting

Words : 1216 Updated : Oct 8th, 2025

Chapter 148: Summoner generals meeting In the military base—not Titanfang, which was Military Base Three—but Military Base One, a far larger and more heavily fortified establishment than all the others, sat the most powerful military minds of their time. This base was not only the oldest but considered to house the strongest and most elite forces. It was here, within the vast metallic walls of its commanding hall, that the generals from all the major bases had gathered. All for a single reason. To discuss the incident that had transpired in Titanfang. Now, every general had arrived, each waiting in tense silence for the entrance of the Head General and his second-in-command. Their seats at the head of the table remained ominously empty. However, it wasn’t long before General Don Valkrox—the General of the First Base himself—entered the room with a calm yet serious air about him. He did not come with the Head General. He came with news. "The Head General and Assistant Head General are currently on an important mission," Don announced firmly, his deep voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "They’ve entrusted me to relay their stance regarding this meeting." A quiet unease settled into the room. With the highest-ranking officers absent, there was a shared hesitation among the others. Still, the decision was clear. There was no longer a reason to wait. The group sat around the long table, thick with silence and speculation. Eyes flicked from face to face, unsure of where this discussion would lead. Shia Vantress sat among them, her back straight, her gaze unwavering. She held her head high, prepared for whatever consequence might be thrown her way. The responsibility for Titanfang’s tragedy weighed on her shoulders—but she did not intend to run from it. If there was punishment to be given, she would receive it with dignity. She had already made peace with her actions. What was done was done. Zhendeya, her closest ally, had wanted to accompany her—to speak in her defense and clarify that the failure was not solely hers. But Shia had refused. Gently, but firmly. She knew Zhendeya’s responsibilities were vast and critical. There was no point in dragging her into the storm she must face alone. Now, Shia sat in silence, feeling the collective heat of countless eyes upon her—judgmental, questioning, accusing. One pair in particular burned like a furnace. General Albert. His gaze dripped with contempt and concealed triumph. It wasn’t new. He’d never hidden his resentment toward her. Perhaps it was jealousy. Perhaps ambition. Maybe both. Beside him, General Vareon wore a different expression—disappointment. His face was drawn with regret. He didn’t want things to unfold this way, not with Shia. But the rules were clear. The chain of command was sacred. Protocol had to be followed to the letter, regardless of personal feelings. General Valkrox cleared his throat, his fingers folding neatly over one another as he took his place at the table’s head. "Now," he began slowly, "let us discuss the matter at hand. I understand that many of you are eager to know what decision has been made regarding the attack on Military Base Three." A heavy silence followed. No one responded immediately. They were still digesting the weight of the situation. All except one. General Esmira, the commanding force of Military Base Two, tapped her fingers against the table impatiently. "Come on, spill it out," she snapped. Valkrox didn’t flinch. He maintained his pace, unfazed by her urgency. "There will be no war," he stated clearly. Gasps stirred, eyes widened. "In fact, the entire matter is to be overlooked. Covered up. The official report will claim that it was nothing more than a rogue group of beasts attacking Titanfang. No mention of the Nyxaris. No public statement. This cannot reach the masses." His words stirred venomous glances from around the room, but before anyone could voice their outrage, he continued. "The Nyxaris claim this group was from before the truce. That they acted independently. The Head General has decided to accept this explanation, for now. However, the bigger issue lies not with the Nyxaris—but with the human who assisted them." He paused, letting the words soak into the room’s tense atmosphere. "That’s why the Head General and his team have personally gone to handle the matter. There is nothing further for us to act on." Though his tone remained composed, the tension in the air didn’t ease. The generals exchanged glances. Some relief... but mostly frustration. Their questions still burned, unanswered—but none could challenge a decision made directly by the Head General. Then Esmira leaned forward again, refusing to be silenced. "Are we seriously not going to talk about the failure in command structure at Base Three?" Before anyone could answer, Brineheart, leader of the Fourth Base, cut her off sharply. "Why are you always so damn hasty? Would it kill you to listen for once?" Esmira rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue. "You all know how fast I am. He’s talking like a snail, even without me activating my speed. It’s maddening." Despite the seriousness of the situation, the room shifted with tension-soaked quirks. The higher a person’s integration rate with their summon, the more it took from them. Etiquette, reason, even sanity. Some generals could no longer sleep. Others barely moved like humans anymore. The stronger the summoner, the more they resembled their summoned beasts. And that meant every general in this room was uniquely... broken. Valkrox turned back toward Shia. His gaze hardened, locked onto her with a mix of scrutiny and something more complicated—regret? Admiration? Even in disgrace, Shia’s presence was firm. She didn’t flinch. She didn’t crumble. Her honor stood, though her position teetered on the edge. ’Her eyes... still burning with that determination,’ Valkrox thought. ’If only it were up to me...’ He inhaled deeply, then spoke, his voice grave. "So... the punishment for Shia Vantress, the general who failed to prevent her base’s raid, the deaths of students, the actions of a traitorous underling, and a breach of classified information..." He paused. "In any other situation... the sentence would be death. Or, if mercy was shown, mutilation. Your limbs melted away." The weight of his words crashed like thunder. The room held its breath. "But—" he continued, voice softening only slightly, "—you have contributed immensely to humanity. To the military. So your punishment is this: you are hereby stripped of your position as general. That title will now pass to the next in command—General Albert." A twitch of satisfaction ran through Albert’s lips. A barely-there smirk. ’Finally,’ he thought. ’Thank you, Ravin.’ Valkrox wasn’t finished. "But... you still have the right to serve in any capacity within the military. And if you so wish, the First Base will welcome you with open arms." The room turned to Shia. She stood suddenly, bowing low. Her silence was louder than any scream. Her heart pounded against her chest, her pride and guilt clashing in turmoil. She had already made her choice. "I’ll be going on a self-imposed exile from the military." The words dropped like fire. Silence. Even the air seemed to freeze. Valkrox’s heart sank in anguish. Albert’s grin widened. It had begun. His plan... for the military’s transformation... had finally begun.

Chapter 148: Summoner generals meeting

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