[h2]𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚊𝚔𝚒 𝙷𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚖𝚒[/h2]"And that's why only some of us are actual magi," Hifumi said, following up on the executioner's words. "In first place, why is the Church even taking part into this conflict? You are supposed to be overseers. This breaches any code of neutrality you ever preached about. But, I suppose that's only what can be expected of a nest of hypocrites such as the Vatican," she added in the same nonchalant voice from before.

The Church and the Mage's aren't even allies. Far from that, in fact. So, why in the world was this boorish musclehead even here to begin with?

"Oh, so that's what you think that we are supposed to fear about them? Amateur level tricks?" Hifumi said, this time with obvious disdain as she picked one of the photos of the dead scouts and analyzed it.

"You do realize that, no matter how good you Western Magi are, you'll never match the Witchcraft from the Far East, right? If illusions and 'dark magics' are everything you are apprehensive about then I suppose I understand now why I'm even here."

"But really, what kind of second class magus can claim the title of family head of even a mildly influential family and be unable to counter a trick as ordinary as memory alteration magecraft?" Hifumi made an effort not to laugh when Orson spoke about why they didn't know the name of the Brandford son's fiance.

"Excuse me if I what I'm about to say sounds inappropriate. I truly respect anyone who does practice magecraft with the required dedication and discipline. But," she made a pause, placing the photo back and directing herself to Director Orson before continuing, "for someone who achieved the title of Director and carries the same name as Lord Kayneth El Meloi... you truly aren't that impressive of a magus are you? Nothing I've seen or heard so far is impressive by any means other than the location of the Grey's stronghold, which seems to be proper—but not truly special—for a family of Second Owners. And their plan is so infinitesimally likely to succeed, thanks to the Counter Force, that it could be safely ignored and we would lose nothing. So, why are all of you making such a fanfare about legitimate second——no, third rate magi like them?"

"Also, bear in mind that I'm not saying this because of ego. I'm far from reaching a level where I can say I'm even in the top 100 of the Association's magi. That said, what I've seen so far truly are childish games for any well trained magus. So..."

"Is there anything else you are hiding from us? If not, I suppose we could just move on with the rituals, right? After all, the 'end of the world as we know it' waits for no one."