"Alright, I have said all I need to say." Furina's tone shifted abruptly, carrying an unquestionable air of judgment. "The road ahead is for you to walk yourselves."
She stood tall, like a goddess of judgment. "Now, I formally announce: all members of the Research Department are hereby demoted to temporary members, including your temporary director. Salaries will be adjusted downward accordingly."
This news was like a bucket of ice water in winter, causing many hearts to tighten. But Furina's next words reignited the flames of hope in their hearts.
"However, I will disburse research funds as usual, and I may even increase investment in promising projects at my discretion." Her gaze became sharp. "At the same time, the Law Enforcement Department will intervene to supervise the use of every cent of funding to ensure it is truly used for research rather than being wasted."
She held up a finger. "I will give you one year. Within one year, those who can produce substantial results will not only have their formal member status restored, but their treatment will also be improved. Those who cannot will either continue to be observed as temporary members or... please apply for transfer to another department that is more suitable for you."
While everyone was still processing this major decision, Furina made a move that no one expected.
She calmly took several items from her storage spirit tool—several pieces of bone shimmering with a soft light. Even if they were only at the ten-year and hundred-year levels, the pure energy fluctuations undoubtedly proved their identity: Spirit Bones!
These precious research materials were exchanged by her from the system mall. Although the points required for thousand-year Spirit Bones were still more than she could afford, these low-level Spirit Bones were enough to trigger a Breakthrough in research.
In an instant, the entire hall was filled with the sound of gasping. The scholars' eyes were fixed on those few Spirit Bones, their gazes so hot they seemed ready to melt them. Spirit Bones! Even at the lowest age, they were priceless treasures that money couldn't buy on the market!
"These ten-year and hundred-year Spirit Bones," Furina's tone was as calm as if she were introducing ordinary laboratory equipment, "will serve as your research materials. As for their source," she slightly raised her chin, "you need not ask. After all, I am the Water God—the Water God of the Axis Cult and its Pope." This sentence carried just the right amount of mystery and majesty, preventing further questioning while reinforcing her transcendent identity.
"Remember, these are cult property; no one is allowed to covet or hide them for themselves." Her voice suddenly turned cold. "Furthermore, low-level Spirit Masters within the cult can cooperate with you for non-harmful experiments, but they must be given reasonable compensation and strictly follow the principle of voluntariness. If research requires it, you may also apply to capture Soul Beasts with a cultivation of one thousand years or less for observation and study."
Her gaze swept the room again, her tone slowing down but carrying a deeper meaning: "I have pointed out the direction for you, broken the shackles of your thinking, provided ample funding, and now I have even given you precious resources like Spirit Bones." She sighed softly. "I only hope that you do not disappoint me."
Just then, she threw out a temptation that made every scholar's heart race: "Of course, even if you truly disappoint me in the end, perhaps it won't matter. After all, you can choose to spend the rest of your lives in obscurity. But I think..." Her gaze became deep, "among those of you sitting here, there must be someone who desires to leave a name in history, right?"
She paused deliberately to let the thought ferment in everyone's mind, then continued to up the ante: "For those researchers who produce outstanding results and make prominent contributions, I will also grant the title of 'Doctor' as the highest honor of this cult. At the appropriate time, the Intelligence Department will promote their deeds within the Empire and even across the entire continent, making their names resound throughout the Spirit Master world."
A gray-haired old scholar asked with a trembling voice, "Lord Pope, are you not worried that after the promotion, other forces will come to poach us?"
The corners of Furina's lips curled into a confident arc: "I am not worried."
Her voice was crisp and firm. "What they can give, the Axis Cult can give; what they cannot give, the Axis Cult can still give." Her eyes suddenly became sharp. "Besides, you all know very well what the consequences of betraying the Axis Cult are. Disloyal and unrighteous people cannot survive anywhere. And..." Her tone carried a faint warning, "know that since I have the ability to raise you to the altar, I naturally have a way to make you fall from the clouds."
"Understood, Lord Pope." The old scholar bowed his head respectfully, no longer having the slightest doubt in his heart.
At this moment, the scholars present had nothing more to say. Resources, direction, opportunity, and even the most tempting lure of fame—this young Pope had generously given them everything. Those few Spirit Bones, which would cause a sensation even at a low level, lay there quietly, symbolizing infinite possibilities.
A surge of unprecedented energy and blood surged in the chests of many scholars. Most of them had been frustrated in the original academic System, and now, a broad road leading to the innovation of Spirit Master theory was slowly unfolding before their eyes. In particular, the title of "Doctor" symbolized the academic honor and social status they dreamed of.
"So," Furina's voice was like a final war drum, "give it your all and do a great job."
"Yes! Lord Pope!" This time, the response was no longer the previous uniformity and trepidation, but was filled with trembling excitement, a determination to burn one's bridges, and that completely ignited flame called "ambition."
The loud voice echoed in the hall for a long time, as if foretelling an unprecedented revolution in the Spirit Master world that was about to begin from this room.
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