Bright light from the hanging stalactites filled the giant cave.

Even though a group of people was inside a cave, the cave didn't feel dark at all. Rather, they felt it was dreamlike to be in a cave filled with mysterious light.

About twenty people were walking around the cave, placing mana stones on top of a summoning circle drawn on the floor. Others were pouring some kind of dark red liquid.

One man, who was looking at them from the side, took out a crystal orb from his pocket. A dry voice sounded from the crystal orb.

[How are the preparations going?]

The man, who had geometrical tattoos all over his face, answered respectfully, "We are almost done, but… because we've rushed the preparations, I cannot guarantee its success…"

[Hmm.]

You could feel that the person on the other side was annoyed.

[Make it a success. No matter the cost.]

"Understood," the tattooed man answered in a low voice.

[This summoning is only the first step of our great plan. Failure is unacceptable,] said the voice. Then,...