"Does this happen across all rifts?" I asked.
Dravon nodded. "Yes. Not just Grade 4, Grade 3 rifts show the same pattern. It's as if they want to maintain the stalemate. For people like me, the reasons are unclear. We can only speculate. But I'm certain the Council knows."
I nodded slowly.
Dravon's gaze shifted, moving over all of us. "So… does your organization only have five members?"
"We have more," I replied evenly. "They'll arrive later."
It was a lie, but a necessary one. There was no reason to reveal the my summoning capabilities.
"Oh?" Dravon said, mildly surprised. "Do you want me to assign someone here to receive them?"
"No," I answered. "That won't be necessary. We have our own methods."
He didn't press the issue. Instead, I asked, "Who's leading the demon forces at this rift?"
Dravon's expression sharpened slightly. "One of my relatives. Saleos Emberlord. He's strong, disciplined, and capable. He's already an Upper-Transcendent."
