Chapter 972: The Grand Symposium
The grand symposium had finally arrived, a highly anticipated event where the crème de la crème of Hunters from all corners of the globe would converge.
The prestigious occasion was held in a vast, opulent hall within a magnificent convention center, specially transformed to accommodate the remarkable gathering.
The hall itself seemed to breathe with an air of anticipation, as if aware of the extraordinary individuals who were about to grace its expanse.
The hall was adorned with intricately designed tapestries, depicting mythical creatures and legendary battles, paying homage to the rich history and folklore of the hunting profession.
The high ceilings, embellished with elaborate chandeliers, bathed the space in a warm golden glow, casting enchanting shadows across the room.
The fragrance of freshly cut flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of old parchment, creating an atmosphere both regal and scholarly.
As the delegates filed in, the buzz of excitement rippled through the crowd, each person eagerly searching for familiar faces and renowned figures.
The audience consisted of Hunter Association Chairmen, their entourages, and other esteemed guests, all dressed in formal attire befitting the grand occasion.
The attire varied, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of the attendees, with vibrant robes, sleek suits, and traditional garments intermingling, forming a colorful mosaic of sartorial elegance.
At the center of the hall, a magnificent stage stood, elevated above the rest of the hall, commanding attention. The stage was adorned with banners featuring the emblem of the Zenith, yet another testament of their importance in this glorious event.
The emblem, a striking amalgamation of mythical creatures representing strength, agility, and wisdom, served as a reminder of the significance and prestige of the event.
As the murmurs in the hall began to die down, the imposing figures of two of the Zenith's most powerful individuals stepped onto the stage.
They were dressed in tailored black suits that exuded authority and charisma. Their eyes scoured the hall, commanding total silence in recognition of their arrival.
These two Pillars were well-recognized by the world as the most powerful Hunters besides the head of the Zenith.
The Pillar of Love; Derek Scotsman
The Pillar of Diligence; Gyu Pol
The decorum in the hall only lasted for so long before finally being interrupted by a more natural response.
Applause.
The audience erupted into applause, their anticipation reaching a crescendo, before finally settling into a hushed silence as the higher ranked of the two Pillars, Derek Scotsman, raised a hand, signaling for attention.
"Please... save your applause." He smiled, truly exhibiting his title as a Pillar of Love.
He had a handsome look, having dark brown hair, with striking green pupils that would put anyone under an instant spell.
His body was also well-built, and his well-chiseled face as well as clear skin brought everyone's attention to him as he spoke.
The other Pillar, Gyu Pol, stood beside him with both hands behind and a serious expression on his face.
"We only came here to welcome in our leader. He is the one that truly deserves your applause."
The tension in the auditorium reached an all time high, and everyone's expectation shot through the roof.
Some Hunters present in the room hadn't even laid eyes on the one proclaimed to be the strongest Hunter and head of the Zenith.
The time had come for them to say goodbye to that.
"Please present a round of applause to the man who stands at the very top of the Zenith and leads this world into the future." Derek Scotsman smiled, uttering the name of the hero of the world.
"Chad."
Roars and rounds of applause instantly filled the hall, nearly deafening those present. Excitement, awe, anticipation, and expectation all combined into a fine blend.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the stage, expecting his arrival
And then, just like clockwork... he arrived.
The applause and noise exploded even further once Chad made his appearance, his long white hair dancing as he walked on stage.
He had a clear face, one that put even Derek's to shame. He was so handsome that Derek looked like a rat in comparison.
His well-built body was the perfect tone of balance and a sheer masterpiece.
He was the epitome of perfection, the man who resembled a god.
Suddenly, the room came into a hush—silence befitting a man of such caliber.
"Esteemed Hunters and honored guests," His voice boomed through the hall, resonating with a commanding presence. "Welcome to the Grand Symposium, where the world's greatest Hunters have come together to exchange knowledge, forge alliances, and face the challenges that lie ahead."
The crowd erupted into applause once again, this time a thunderous roar that filled the hall, as the Zenith's leader gestured toward the representatives from each country, acknowledging their presence and contributions. The representatives stood tall, representing the pinnacle of their respective country's Hunter Associations, radiating an aura of strength, determination, and unwavering resolve.
With a wave of Chad's hand, the symposium officially commenced, marking the beginning of a series of enlightening discussions, demonstrations, and exchanges of information.
The hall brimmed with fervor as the symposium unfolded, a melting pot of ideas, expertise, and camaraderie, united in their shared passion for the Hunter's way.
Ever since the Zenith was founded, this had been an annual event for solidifying the bond of every country... and also to remind them of the body in charge of them.
As a result, the grand symposium had become a crucible of intellectual prowess, where the collective wisdom and experience of the world's greatest Hunters merged, fostering a spirit of collaboration, growth, and innovation.
From that moment forward, the stage was set for a remarkable chapter in the history of the world when it came to Gates, Dungeons, Monsters, and research associated with it.
The symposium embraced its role as a beacon of knowledge and a catalyst for the preservation of humanity in the face of formidable challenges.
At least, on the surface, that was the idea. But in the end, it had devolved into one thing and only thing only.
The Zenith's show of power.
"You should all be careful not to draw attention to yourselves." Chairman Sung whispered to the people with him.
They were seated comfortably in the area allocated to the representatives from South Korea, and so far none of them had experienced any trouble.
While it was too naive to expect the same treatment throughout the event, Chairman Sung preferred avoiding anything that would escalate the situation.
However...
"W-why...? Why is this...?" A certain female voice in their midst oozed out.
Chairman Sung and the other two male in their group looked at Aloe Vida, whose eyes were wide in shock.
Her face appeared pale, and her wide eyes were fixated on the leader of the Zenith, who was addressing everyone on stage.
In simple terms, it felt like she had seen a ghost.
"Why.... why is he here? Why is he the one...?"
"Is everything alright, Miss Vida?" Chairman Sung asked, a bead of sweat now escaping his face.
The other two representatives also had awkward, uncomfortable expression on their faces.
This was the first time they had seen Aloe so shaken up, and it was all due to the appearance of the head of the Zenith.
"Have you met Mr. Chad before?" Chairman Sung asked, his face depicting worry.
"Y-yes. I mean, no. Not him. It's just..." Fortunately, Aloe snapped out of her unconscious depiction of shock, a d she finally began to compose herself.
Sweat still formed on her face regardless. After all, the man called Chad had a face she recognized too well.
"... He looks like someone I know."
Of all the things she couldn't have expected to see, this certainly topped the list.
'Is this what you meant by a surprise, Jared? Isn't this too cruel?' Aloe's bit her lip as she fought to compose herself.
Her heart raced, but she did her best to control it.
'Why didn't you tell me that Chad looks exactly like Neron?'
The man who led the Zenith was yet another variant of the one they sought after the most.
... Neron Kaelid.