The afternoon sun, a pale disc veiled by a layer of perpetual English drizzle, cast a soft, diffused glow over the grand oak table in the heart of the Guildhall. The room itself was steeped in history, its walls lined with faded tapestries depicting sorcerers battling fantastical beasts, how it all started during the ancient times and so much more. A roaring fireplace crackled merrily, casting long dancing shadows across the faces of gathered mages. Around the table sat a motley crew, each one representing one of the great organizations dedicated to safeguard humanity from the Oscuros, and other evil organizations who sought the end of humanity, mainly Nightshade.
Lord Alistair, head of the Arcane Initiative in England, sat at the head of the table, his silvery hair neatly combed and his sharp eyes scanning the faces of fellow sorcerers. Beside him sat Lady Eleanor, she looked tired, yet her posture conveying the steely resolve of the Guardians of Balance. Opposite to them sat Mr. Thompson, head of the White-clad, and beside him was the stoic figure of Master Elias Stone, African, head of the Obsidian Shield, his face etched with the weight of centuries of knowledge. And beside him sat Nakamura, head of the Infinite Cycle in Asia.
"As I was saying," continued Mr. Thompson. "We've got the situation under control."
"I don't see how a hitman blowing up almost half of your base is under control." Said Lady Eleanor, she had an Australian accent. "And don't forget that he almost killed three of your students."
"This hitman," murmured Master Elias. "Broke into your facility unknown, managed to bypass your protection spells and entered the dark forest, and he made it out alive."
"Yes I'm well aware of what happened," sighed Mr. Thompson, he was beginning to feel tired.
"This hitman, Gregory is that right?" asked Alistair.
"Yes."
"He might be the toughest bastard, but I thought your men could handle him."
Mr. Thompson knew where this was going, being the leader of the number 1 greatest organization in the world has taught him many things. One was the expectations from other sorcerers and the world, the other was the competition with other rivaling organizations.
"Gregory used the element of surprise," Mr. Thompson said. "He won't surprise us anymore."
"I doubt that," Lady Eleanor mused.
"Let's set aside our competitions for later and discuss the main topic we're here for."
"Sure, anything to hide your shame."
"What about that incident in Montana?" Nakamura asked.
"We also got that under control."
"My sources told me that a sorcerer whom we've never seen or heard about before managed to slip by your security once again and attacked two of you students. The purple haired boy, and a girl who happened to be the daughter of the infamous White dragon leader, Mr. Hook."
"Yes and the situation was held neatly." Mr. Thompson was getting irritated now.
"I do not see how an eighteen-year-old boy falling from a building was…" Nakamura held up his fingers making an invisible quotation mark, "…held neatly."
"Who was this sorcerer actually?" Elias asked.
"We don't know. There were no remains of the body for us to identify."
"What do you mean?" Nakamura asked.
"Let me guess," said Lady Eleanor. "The purple-haired kid used his fire powers to incinerate him, like he incinerated the hybrid in Detroit."
"Correct," Mr. Thompson nodded.
"It's a shame that a famous organization such as White-clad can have such poor defenses." Nakamura said in a mocking tone.
"My agents are now looking for the answers as to how two invasions-,"
"Three actually," added Lady Eleanor.
"-were possible as we speak."
"Very well then Mr. Thompson." Nakamura straightened his tie.
Mr. Thompson sighed, and looked at Alistair.
Alistair nodded, "as we all know." He began, "the annual sorcerer exams are fast approaching. This year, however, the stakes are higher than ever."
A murmur ran through the table, reflecting the unease of the assembled mages.
"The Oscuros have been stirring, Nightshade has come up with a technique to produce hybrids," Alistair continued, his gaze sweeping over the room. "Their influence is growing, and we must ensure that the next generation of sorcerers is strong enough to face the coming darkness."
Nakamura's face hardened. "They have already unleashed four hybrids, each more potent than the last. They are testing the boundaries of magic and creating monsters unlike anything we have ever seen."
Eleanor leaned forward, "the recent attacks on our borderlands proves that not only is Nightshade getting stronger, but also other minor evil agencies are taking action as well."
"Not to mention the bombing at Immortal Adobe's HQ in India," Mater Elias added.
"It's a sad thing to be honest," said Mr. Thompson. "But we were able to dispatch our troops and sent medical units."
"Same, I hope mage Vishal is doing okay," Eleanor yawned. "Excuse me."
"You've been busy lately," mused Nakamura. "I was surprised when the reports said you've successfully decimated all of the Oscuros, without any casualties."
Eleanor raised her eyebrow, "everything has to be kept a secret from the human world isn't that right?"
"Indeed Lady Eleanor."
"Back to the main subject," Mr. Thompson interrupted. "The Guildhall's curriculum needs to be revised," he continued, his voice firm. "We must integrate lessons on hybrid combat strategies and tactics, as well as the latest research on Nightshade's methods."
Elias, a flicker of anger in his eyes, spoke with a voice that was both controlled and dangerous. "We cannot simply rely on education. We must be proactive. We need to infiltrate Nightshade, expose their plans, and cripple their operations before they unleash further horrors upon the world."
"How do we do that if we don't know where their base is?"
"May I remind you that their base is located inside America, your country?"
Mr. Thompson wished he didn't ask the question, it almost made Nakamura burst out in laughter.
A new voice, calm and confident. "We at the White-Clad are confident in our students. They have been rigorously trained and are prepared to face any challenge. They will be the new guardians of mankind."
Alistair raised an eyebrow, a hint of smile playing on his lips. "The White-clad always boasts exceptional talent, Mr. Thompson."
Nakamura, ever the competitor, chimed in, his eyes sparkling. "Indeed, but the Infinite Cycle has its share of formidable young sorcerers as well. They are trained in the old ways, imbued with the strength of ancient magic."
Elias, rarely known for his humor, allowed a faint smirk to touch his lips. "The Order of the Obsidian Shield prides itself on its discipline and strategic thinking. Our students are masters of their craft, capable of anticipating and countering any threat."
Eleanor smiled. "Don't forget my girls."
Of course, Nakamura remembered that Eleanor's force was mostly composed of female sorcerers. He never quite understood why though, ever since Eleanor took over the Guardians of Balance, the population of female sorcerers drastically increased. How can they call themselves "The Guardians of Balance" if the male to female sorcerer ratio is not even balanced? He chuckled.
"Something you'd like to share?" Asked Eleanor.
"No, it's nothing," Nakamura grinned. "Just excited."
"Oh, get excited alright."
"Can't wait to see my students dominate yours," he said with a glee.
Eleanor responded with a cold smile.
"You'll see how though the Africans can be," added Elias. "And that purple haired boy of yours," he addressed Mr. Thompson. "He's no match."
The air in the room buzzed with a newly ignited energy. The subtle rivalry that existed between the organizations had now taken a more pronounced form. It was no longer a simple exchange of information and concerns; it was a competition, a silent wager on whose students would rise to the top in the upcoming exams.
Alistair, with a twinkle in his eye, brought the conversation to a close.
"Let the exams decide who has produced the most exceptional sorcerers. And for the first time in over a century," he announced, leaning forward, "the exams will be held here in England."
Everyone nodded their approval.
The sorcerers, each with a renewed sense of purpose and a touch of competitive spirit, rose from the table. The shadow of the Oscuros and the threat of Nightshade still loomed large, but there was a flicker of hope in the eyes of these guardians, a belief that the future of mankind was in good hands.
Albert Fisherman, head of Nightshade, was in the training room observing the training that his agents were taking. Some of them were sparing, some were in the shooting range and most of them were practicing their magic.
"Sir?" came a voice from behind. "A phone call."
Albert took the phone from the hands of a skinny Nightshade agent and waved him away. After the skinny agent was out of earshot he held the phone close to his ear.
"Albert Fisherman," came a rough deep voice.
"I forgot to thank you for aiding us in putting a small hole through the White-clad defenses." He smiled.
"Don't mention it. Now what do you need me for?"
"The annual exams are coming up. And I need your skills into penetrating their defenses."
"That's not going to be easy, and plus it'll blow my cover."
"I know," Albert sighed.
"What you're talking about is creating a hole small enough in a defense system that'll be constructed by England's finest Binders plus other volunteers."
"Is it hard?"
"Almost impossible."
"Let's make a deal. 10 million."
"I'll settle for 40 million."
"30 million."
"35?"
"Take it or leave it, you're not the only Binder on my list."
"But I'm the best you've got." The caller sighed. "Fine. Deal."