Chapter 660: Decision

Vale was intrigued by the Director's sudden offer. It never occurred to him that this secretive organization would even bother to give such an offer.

'I barely know anything about this Arcane Bureau... Might as well learn about them now. It's not like I can make an enemy to everyone.' Vale thought as he wondered what the Arcane Bureau was and how it worked.

After some contemplation, he asked, "That sounds interesting... But I need more information before I make a decision. What is the Arcane Bureau? What is the Council you mentioned? What are the benefits and responsibilities of being part of them?"

He wanted to be direct in his questions as he also didn't want to waste his time with them.

The Director didn't even mind not being invited inside the castle to discuss this matter.

He just smiled and replied with a confident tone, "I'm glad you're curious. I'm sure you are at least aware that the Arcane Bureau is an organization that oversees and regulates the use of Arcane Arts in the world. You can think of us as the modern Overseer while Sage Merlin is an ancient Overseer..."

He then paused for a moment to see Vale's reaction before he continued.

"Sage Merlin's position was handed over by the previous Overseer, who had already become an Immortal and left this realm. On the other hand, the Arcane Bureau was made by Half-Immortals and a True Immortal..."

"Anyway, our organization has agents who monitor and intervene in severe situations that involve Arcane Arts, such as conflicts, crimes, disasters, and anomalies. We also have researchers who study and develop new Arcane Arts, such as spells, artifacts, and techniques. If you're not interested in that, we also have educators who teach and train new Arcanists, such as students, apprentices, and teachers. It's completely different from the normal Arcane Academies..."

"It seems you have a huge organization..." Vale muttered as he listened to the man's words.

"Yes... We also have diplomats who communicate and cooperate with other organizations, such as the Church, the Secret Orders, the Kingdoms, and even to some Cults if necessary... Finally, there are leaders who make decisions and policies for the World of Arcanists, such as the Council which belongs to the Bureau."

Vale pondered for a moment as he looked at the Director and the Agents behind him.

Then, he used his Telepathy to communicate with Pearl and Faith... Well, he wanted to know their opinion of the Arcane Bureau before making decisions.

To be honest, he could see the benefits that the Bureau could bring. Just the fact that they would ignore his two Half-Immortal Slaves was already a great thing for him. Although there might still be some retaliation, it wouldn't come from an organization with an Immortal like the Director.

Seeing that Vale wasn't replying, the Director felt that he had to convince him more.

Director Virgo continued, "The secret Council is the highest authority and the most powerful group in the Arcane Bureau. It consists of twelve members, each representing a different aspect of the Arcane World. However, we only have nine members at this time, and I'm part of it. The Councils are the ones who set the rules and goals for the Arcane Bureau, and they are the ones who handle the most important and difficult matters. Of course, as a member of the Council, you will have access to most resources and privileges, such as access to the best Arcane Arts, the best Artifacts, and of course, the Immortal Spirits that will help you ascend to another realm..."

The Director took a deep breath for a moment before he continued with a few more words.

"I will not lie to you... Being part of the Council is a great honor and a great challenge. You will have a lot of benefits, but you will also have responsibilities. It's not an easy path, but it's a rewarding one. However, I can tell that it's not a path for everyone, but it's a path for you."

"So, what do you say?"

Vale sighed as he completed his chat with the people inside the castle.

In the end, he nodded to the Director and accepted the offer.

"I think being part of the Arcane Bureau will benefit me. However, what will happen to the Church without the Pontiff and those three Disciples of Sage Merlin?" He asked.

"There will be another Pontiff in a few weeks... But we won't interfere if the Eminence of the Sea decides to punish you. Even though the Eminence is not here, he may have other ways."

"So it was like that.... That's fine. I'll face the consequences of my actions." Vale answered. Although he wasn't sure how strong the Eminence of the Sea was, as long as he wasn't going to personally come and visit him, he felt that he would have a high chance of winning now that he had become a Shadow Celestial who wielded and produce Divinity with his own ability.

The Director nodded at this and continued, "As for the three Disciples, they were groomed to become Overseers. Maybe in a decade or two, they'll become Half-Immortals and replace the Sage. Just let them go. They're not a threat to you."

Vale thought that was fair, so he accepted it. The disciples were still too young and may bore some grudge to him, but it would take a lot of time before they could become a threat. When they possessed the strength to become a Half-Immortal, he probably extracted thousands of Demonic Beings from the Abyss Realm.

"Alright... I am fine with that. However, I will not join the Council, Director Virgo." Vale replied.

Even though being part of the Council sounded prestigious, he didn't want to deal with such a big responsibility. The Abyss Realm Invasion was approaching. Once it started, the Bureau and the Council would have a lot of work to do. And he didn't want to be part of that.

He wanted to focus on his own survival...

After all, once the Abyss Realm opened, the Demon Saints would also come for him.