"Every location that received significant unexplained funds also experienced major demon attacks within six months," he said quietly. "The money was funding something. Preparation, maybe. Paying collaborators. Purchasing supplies or information."
"That's our working theory," the Emperor confirmed. "Someone has been systematically organizing and funding demon incursions across the entire Empire. The question is who, and to what end."
"Could it be multiple someones?" Seria asked. "Different conspirators in each kingdom, working independently but toward similar goals?"
"Possible but unlikely," General Blackthorne said. "The coordination is too precise. The timing too synchronized. This bears the hallmarks of central command, not distributed cells."
