Chapter 158: The Official Meeting Begins

Although the white mist obscured his view, Shisui could not discern the gaze others cast upon him. Yet, he could sense a certain inquisitiveness in the eyes of the outsiders. At this thought, the usually composed expression on Shisui’s face flushed slightly.

“My identity must not be revealed; otherwise, my reputation...” A chill ran through him as he resolved even more firmly to conceal his true self.

At that moment, Shisui noticed that Herde, represented by Uchiha Jun, did not direct her gaze at him.

“Is it because she’s unaware of the book’s existence, or does she simply deem me unworthy of notice?” Shisui’s mind stirred with doubt, for Herde’s demeanor was markedly different from the other two members.

Under normal circumstances, even if one had not read *The Legend of Terra*, the book’s widespread fame meant few were ignorant of it. Even as a woman, Herde’s calmness seemed unusual—unless she already knew about this matter. But that was impossible; Uchiha Li had promised to keep it secret and would not have disclosed it to Herde.

Therefore, there was only one other explanation: perhaps Herde was entirely unaware of it, which is why she remained indifferent.

If that were true... Shisui glanced at the unperturbed Herde and pondered deeply.

He had received confirmation from Uchiha Li that Terra was not their world but a different one. Could it be possible that Herde did not originate from their world? After all, it was never stated that Terra’s apostles hailed only from their own world.

On the main seat, Uchiha Li observed the subtle gestures of those present. He understood that they were trying to deduce each other’s identities from limited information. He had no intention of intervening—unless Shisui and the others revealed themselves, exposure was impossible based on mere words.

Tapping lightly on the conference table in front of him, the crisp *knock knock* sound brought everyone back to attention. Uchiha Li then gestured towards where Kakashi sat, signaling it was his turn to introduce himself.

Without hesitation, Kakashi’s voice filtered through the white mist: “Twelfth Apostle, ‘The Saint’ Michael.”

He was confident that, aside from Uchiha Li, his identity would not draw undue attention. After all, he was not an elder like Herde, nor a heavyweight like Bakal.

Throughout his demeanor, he had not revealed himself as a newcomer, unlike the yet-to-introduce individual.

As expected, after Kakashi’s introduction, gazes lingered briefly before shifting away. Shisui and Itachi simply noted the name Michael and pondered the title “The Saint.” Based on their own abilities, they guessed the apostles’ code names likely related to their real names, and a title like “The Saint” suggested a figure of light and virtue.

After a brief silence, the attention turned to Itachi—the newest member who had yet to introduce himself. Uchiha Li deliberately manipulated Uchiha Jun to cast a faint glance at Itachi.

“...” Feeling the scrutiny, Itachi took a deep breath, knowing what was inevitable had come. The thought made him inwardly annoyed. Had he not insisted on accompanying Uchiha Li and Shisui, he would never have ended up in such a predicament. And soon, he would have to reveal his own code name, uncertain of the consequences.

Clenching his teeth, Itachi finally spoke: “Fifth Apostle, ‘The Stalker’ Shilock.”

Having said this swiftly, Itachi fell silent and, mimicking Herde’s demeanor, adopted a cold, unapproachable posture.

“The Stalker Shilock? That name sounds rather feminine, doesn’t it?” Shisui immediately reacted, glancing at the apostolic insignia on Itachi’s chair.

Now, his suspicion was confirmed.

This new member should have been male, yet the contract bore the mark of a female apostle.

What could this mean? Was his situation unique, or was there another reason?

Shisui did not know but committed the name Shilock deeply to memory and resolved to keep his distance in the future. He had no desire to be influenced by someone so peculiar.

Kakashi’s reaction mirrored Shisui’s. After confirming that Shilock was a female apostle, yet the successor was male, he fell silent. Having grown up in the village, he believed himself mature and experienced—yet he had never encountered such a situation.

“Heh, interesting,” Uchiha Li controlled Uchiha Jun to chuckle lightly as Shisui and Kakashi chose silence. The once calm atmosphere in the meeting suddenly grew awkward and tense.

Everyone understood what Uchiha Jun was laughing at. At this, Shisui and Kakashi exchanged looks of sympathy toward Itachi. The elder members seemed to take a perverse pleasure, while the newcomer’s situation was uniquely complicated. Words could not describe it.

“Is that so amusing?” Itachi finally could not contain himself. His voice, filtered through the white mist, carried a weight of anger. Since his status as a newcomer was already exposed, he might as well establish a reputation for not being easy to bully.

Uchiha Li, watching Itachi’s reaction, stifled a chuckle and, speaking through Uchiha Jun, replied: “Apologies. I merely recalled something amusing.”

His tone was flat, devoid of particular feeling, as if it truly meant nothing.

Itachi clenched his fists tighter but refrained from further comment. Yet, in his heart, he had already blacklisted Herde—Uchiha Jun.

When the atmosphere quieted once more, Uchiha Li, as the leader, rapped the table again. Once all eyes focused on him, he began:

“Let us conclude the introductions and commence the formal meeting.”

At this, everyone straightened, listening intently. Shisui and the others knew well that what the leader was about to say was the true purpose of this apostles’ assembly.

Uchiha Li scanned the group and, without delay, said: “As we have recently welcomed a batch of new members, this meeting will focus on discussing Terra.”

He paused, then continued slowly: “Those who have joined Terra should have some understanding. Terra is, in fact, a world that has fallen into ruin, and the apostles bear the responsibility of restoring it.”

Everyone nodded in acknowledgment.

Uchiha Li pressed on:

“However, the revival of Terra is not a swift task but requires a long and arduous process.”

“During this process, Terra will need you to undertake various missions.”

“Of course, as an equitable exchange, upon completing missions, I will allocate ‘Contribution Points’ to you...”