On the top office floor of the Senheiser Building.

Quinna was deep in discussion with the Head of the Listening Department when the sharp creak of the heavy oak door cutting through the room caught her attention. She turned to see her younger sister marching in. Nona's face was as dark as stagnant water. Her high-heeled boots struck the floor with an ominous, rhythmic click.

The Head of the Listening Department greeted her with a slight nod. "Captain Nona."

Nona offered a terse nod in return and took up a silent, rigid stance behind Quinna.

Quinna turned back to her subordinate. "That will be all for now. Suspend the Listening Plan for the next three years, and shift our strategic focus from anticipating future risks to maintaining present stability. Additionally, I want a comprehensive report on the family's sorcerers. Include their numbers, sorcery ranks, and sorcery classes, with a clear emphasis on their cultivation priorities."

"Understood."

Once the Head of the Listening Department had slipped out of the room, Quinna stood up and gazed out the window at the fog-shrouded city below. The elf family leader's eyes seemed to pierce through the mist into the future of Vanmura. Her lips were pressed tight as she weighed the safety of her family....