"It’s too late to blame yourself now."

The Elder looked at everyone and said, "When our Sky Net was at its zenith, it was imperative to eradicate the remnants of the God Organization and eliminate the legends and myths of the Underworld. To have the dignified Terminator follow our orders and fight Deceitful Fox would not only demonstrate our power and ability to control everything, but also prove our qualification to become the new overlord of the Underworld. Forcing the Terminator to clash with Deceitful Fox and others is the best outcome possible."

"Forcing Terminator, what an awe-inspiring move. When all forces in the Underworld learned of this, the disparaging comments aimed at Terminator were overwhelming. At that moment, our Sky Net had won the greatest glory and honor with its powerful strength." The Second Elder said, "Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last long; we underestimated the Terminator."

"No, we never underestimated the Terminator, not ever." The Seventh Elder affirmed, "However, our overestimation was far below the necessary level."

"What’s the use of saying anything now? It’s already resulted in a major disaster, and it’s too late to say anything. I opposed the plan to coercively involve the Terminator, but the minority obeyed the majority, and my opinion didn’t become the collective opinion."

The Fourteenth Elder complained, "The fearsome reputation of the Terminator can be learned just by listening to external rumors and combat records; he’s a tough guy one should not provoke. We insisted on flexing muscles with the Terminator, and now we’re paying the price."

"Finally stepping on the Terminator was an essential move for Sky Net to become the new overlord, a point no one can dispute." The Eighth Elder spoke with conviction, "Forcing the Terminator to help us is a win-win situation, not only winning glory but also securing the greatest victory at the lowest cost. Although the final outcome wasn’t as desired, leading us to a stumbling failure, when the proposal to force the Terminator was made, everyone expressed their opinions and eventually agreed. Is there any point in discussing the right or wrong of forcing the Terminator now?"

"Right or wrong is no longer important now. At the moment of life or death, we should unite and focus outward, without any internal dissent." The Seventh Elder vowed.

"Preparing for a rainy day. Once we get through this crisis, there’s no worry of a comeback." The Second Elder said, "As long as our ambition remains alive, everything is possible. We can recreate our own legend and build Sky Net into the next dominant power."

"At this opportunity, we should unite and collectively resolve this crisis." The Elder shouted loudly.

Soon, the negative and pessimistic sentiments faded away, and the Elders became spirited and vibrant.

Indeed, although Sky Net has been fundamentally damaged, it still possesses great strength. If we can safely navigate this crisis, then perhaps a new force will rise.

Of course, that’s provided Sky Net doesn’t encounter the murderous intent of Ye Fan, Fire Phoenix, and the Butcher.

Other forces, even if they are hostile towards Sky Net, lack the power to eradicate the existing Sky Net force.

The only one who can achieve that is the entity behind the Shadow Guard.

"At this moment, we can only stand ready and vigilant for any potential enemies." An Elder said seriously, "We haven’t provoked the Butcher. I believe the Butcher wouldn’t attack us without cause. We’ve had conflicts with Fire Phoenix, but haven’t caused any loss to Fire Phoenix. So, if an apology can resolve this, we’d lose Fire Phoenix as an enemy. Ye Fan likely returned to Huaxia and wouldn’t engage in a relentless fight against us, thus eliminating the biggest enemy. Other enemies, while threatening, won’t harm our foundation."

The Elders became enthusiastic, with the shadow of the Ghost Squadron’s demise gradually suppressed in their minds. They gained new hope and fighting spirit, making efforts to recreate the legend for Sky Net’s resurgence.

"There’s another piece of intelligence worth questioning." The Seventh Elder said puzzled, "The Butcher has already left his original location with most of his forces, and his current whereabouts are unknown. Accurate intelligence hasn’t been obtained."

"The Butcher shouldn’t kick us when we’re down, right? We have no animosity with the Butcher." An Elder said, lacking confidence.

This Elder’s comment was based on Sky Net’s current situation. Previously, the Elders would have put the Butcher’s eradication on the agenda, treating the Butcher like a dead man. Now, they’re hoping the Butcher won’t trouble Sky Net.

The difference in wording reflects how Sky Net now pales compared to its past strength.

"Sometimes, you don’t need any animosity to become enemies. Different positions signify whether or not one is an enemy." The Seventh Elder said, "Just like how we were determined to wipe out the Butcher, now we’re seriously damaged. If the Butcher decides to strike against us, it’s very likely."

"The Butcher’s movements are unclear, but we must prepare for the worst." The Second Elder said, "Even if the Butcher does plan to confront us, we must be prepared and not scramble when the time comes."

"The Butcher’s movements are peculiar. It’s normal that he learned about Sky Net’s setback from the personnel under Fire Phoenix’s command, since there are naturally people loyal to both Butcher and Fire Phoenix within these camps. However, calculated by time, even if the Butcher has ill intentions towards us, they should have arrived and surrounded us. Why haven’t they appeared yet?" The Fourteenth Elder said.

"Perhaps the Butcher has other purposes and plans?" The Eighth Elder said, "We shouldn’t be overly suspicious, assuming that every movement is directed at us. If so, we’d be too cowardly."

"Reasonable, we should be cautious, but avoid being overly prudent." The Fourteenth Elder said with an odd smile.

In a blink of an eye, a day passed.

Sky Net remained on full alert, prepared to handle any crisis.

However, when Ye Fan, Fire Phoenix, and the Butcher appeared with a large group of forces, the Elders were dumbfounded.

This delayed news left the Elders feeling like crying.

It was a moment of being tearless despite wanting to cry.

A heavy sense of fear spread among all the Elders.

This unexpected situation might turn into their death warrant if carelessly handled.

This was a scenario they truly hadn’t anticipated.