Unspeakable bubbles

Now that I'm taking on the role of liaison officer, is there some other purpose behind it?

"You think too much."

Jack said in a relaxed tone, "The lesson of the Federation's forceful intervention two years ago is still fresh in our minds. How could we possibly repeat the same mistake so quickly?"

He tried to sound lighthearted, but the atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

Section 119, Chapter 118: A gifted, obedient, and kind-hearted child.

The Seven Rings Tower started as a small, mutual aid association, but as it grew, it gradually developed a deep relationship with the federal government.

Two years ago, the federal government, under the guise of improving organizational structure, forcefully implemented the 'Honorary Six Rings System'.

In other words, based on one's contribution to the Seven Rings Tower, one's current rank can be promoted exceptionally.

Of course, this right is enjoyed only by the elites of the Fifth Ring Road.

At first glance, there seems to be no problem, after all, the situation of the Seventh Ring Tower back then was quite bizarre.

There is one person at the highest level (seven rings), only one at the sixth ring, and all the remaining members are below the sixth ring.

However, the two highest-ranking officials happen to be the kind who don't get involved in anything.

One had no interest in fame or power, and the other was Augustus.

He was single-mindedly pursuing the fusion of martial arts and mystery, and was equally unwilling to shoulder the burden alone.

Therefore, when the 'Six Rings of Honor System' was first implemented, the elites of the Seven Rings Tower were not too resistant to it.

They also recognized the need for stronger organizational management, but the subsequent actions of the federal government disappointed and even angered them.

There's nothing wrong with promoting based on contributions, but the problem is that the so-called 'contribution' doesn't just refer to an individual's contribution to the Seven Rings Tower, but also includes the contributions of your family.

...This is very problematic. It's clearly a pretext for promoting someone out of turn, but it's actually a way to put a few families in power!

Not all awakened beings have family support; those with powerful backers are ultimately a very small minority.

The final result was not surprising; Maekawa Kazuto and Ninomiya Sui rose to power.

The Federation underestimated the arrogance of the Mystic Awakeners. Instead of silently accepting the facts, they began to unite and resist the Federation's chosen spokesperson.

Well, that's Ninomiya Honoka.

Kazuto Maekawa is also quite special. Firstly, he has no interest in power, and secondly, he is the heir to the Seven Treasures Workshop.

Seven-Piece Workshop is the most prestigious workshop in the Stat Federation for making mysterious items. No one dares to say that they won't need to order a custom-made mysterious item someday.

Therefore, deep down, the members of the Seven Rings Tower are unwilling to stand completely against people.

Then, we can only focus our attacks on Ninomiya Sui.

This cause-and-effect relationship explains the farce that occurred at the beginning of the meeting.

"The Federation's support for the Seventh Ring Tower has increased significantly in the past two years, and they're still not satisfied?" Ninomiya said unhappily.

"That's not the issue."

Augustus shook his head. Although he and Ninomiya and the others were good friends and supported the Federation in general, their positions were not entirely the same.

"The officialization of the Seven Rings Tower will make many people feel that they have lost their freedom, which is unacceptable to them."

"Freedom? Shouldn't a citizen of the Federation do their part for their country? What does personal freedom matter in the face of the greater good!"

There are deeper reasons behind this.

Augustus looked at his angry friend, frowned and explained, "All the elites who break through to the fourth ring have their own paths, and there are certain things they cannot back down from."

"Compromise would be a major setback on the path of mystery."

"Hmph, sophistry." Ninomiya Sui wasn't buying it. In her opinion, it was just an excuse from those selfish guys.

"If you never understand this, you'll just be stuck in the Fifth Ring Road your whole life."

"You, you bastard."

Ninomiya's chest heaved, while Augustus remained completely unperturbed.

"What, did I say something wrong?"

"Why are you arguing again? Just shut up a bit," Maekawa Kazuto said helplessly.

"Hey, am I wrong? You're different from her, you should understand what I mean."

"Well, this..."

He was caught in a dilemma. In fact, he thought that Augustus's words had revealed the key to the current predicament of the Seven Rings Tower, but he couldn't say it directly.

Didn't you see how angry Ah Sui was? If I added fuel to the fire...

"By the way, Augustus, how are your recent challenges going?"

At that moment, Jack asked a question that seemed unrelated.

"Uh," Augustine stammered, "Yes, there's been some progress."

"He's just a braggart."

Seeing this, Ninomiya Sui felt much better: "When did you become able to withstand ten moves from Feng Sect Master? You've completely disgraced the strongest man in the mystical realm."

"When have I ever been called such a silly name!"

Augustus blushed. "You don't understand at all. Ten moves are the key. Once I can withstand the sect leader's ten moves, I can withstand her next hundred moves."

"Besides, Sect Master Feng is a super strong expert. It's normal that I can't beat her. There's nothing shameful about it!"

"Drip drip"

Just then, Jack's phone rang. After seeing the caller ID, he quickly moved to the side.

"Yes, the meeting is over... Ninomiya and the others are the same as always."

"...Masumi is alright...time..."

"I see"

After hanging up the phone, Jack looked very tired.

"What's wrong?" Augustus walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder.

Jack shook his head first, then hesitated before saying, "Maybe I really need your help with something."

Jack seemed a little embarrassed to have caused trouble for his long-lost friend right from the start.

"What about Masumi?" Ninomiya asked.

"What kind of relationship do we have? What are you worried about?" He said, his voice unusually tinged with anger.

"Actually, Masumi hasn't been doing well lately."

Jack said in a deep voice, "It's not a physical problem. Well, let me start from the beginning."

“Masumi also works in the government, and she became a ‘caregiver’ last year.”

The caregivers are mostly young women. Their daily work is no different from that of ordinary civil servants, except that they have the additional task of raising children.

The children are not ordinary children, but rather gifted children who possess special abilities or talents that attract the attention of the Federation.

Education should start from childhood.

Through the subtle influence of their foster mothers, the gifted children's sense of belonging to the Federation was enhanced.

Once they grow up, it will be only natural for them to serve the Federation, given the right opportunity.

“A caregiver… Masumi, she’s not really suitable.”

Ninomiya Sui hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Jack: "Ah, I'm not denying her abilities, it's just..."

“I know, Masumi is too emotional and is not suitable for this job at all.”

Jack sighed. Being a caregiver isn't easy. Once she discovers that the child she's raising has antisocial tendencies, she has to personally deal with the 'problem'.

"That was her first time raising a child, and Masumi tried her best."

"Failed?" Augustus interrupted Jack.

"..."

What can we do?

After thinking for a moment, He Ren said, "It's not our place to offer comfort yet."

Jack said helplessly, "My aunt just called me. She's very unhappy with Masumi's recent behavior."

"Do you have any children here who have lost both parents, are talented, obedient, and kind-hearted?"

"Your expectations are too high."

"Yes," Kazuto said affirmatively almost at the same time as Ninomiya opened his mouth.

Section 120, Chapter 119: Skipping Grades

"Really? I didn't know that."

Ninomiya Sui racked her brains but couldn't find a match.

"Weren't we just talking about her?"

He said earnestly, "I've met that child, and he perfectly fits the requirements you've put forward, Jack."

"No, it's too dangerous!"

Jack flatly denied it, "Even you don't think what's happening around her is a coincidence, how can I push Masumi into a fire pit?"

"I think it's a good idea."

Augustus analyzed objectively: "Once that child goes to Lily of the Valley, as long as her own mystique doesn't surpass the sum of all the teachers and students in the academy, then such an accident will not happen again."

"Although Suzuran Academy, due to its consistently moderate approach, is ranked lower than Wutong and Unicorn Academies, it is still one of the three major academies. To think that one person's mystique can overwhelm the entire academy is probably beyond Nakazawa's capabilities..."

Augustus hesitated for a moment: "Nakazawa won't work either."