Estin, a bit calmer, nodded slowly. "And once Lucien understands and decides to cooperate, everything will return to normal. As it happened with the first levels of the book."
"Exactly," Mordred confirmed. "People will adapt. They'll see these sacrifices as a necessity for the city's survival. And over time, it will become as accepted as the first two challenges of the book."
The elders exchanged looks of understanding. The plan was taking shape.
"Then," said Mordred, returning to his seat, "it's decided. We'll use Elio as leverage to get Lucien's cooperation. We'll make him understand the necessity of the sacrifices for the 'Limit of God's City'. And once everything is in place..."
"I'll take care of Elio," Estin completed, a cruel smile curving his lips. "We'll recover Marcus's cores and ensure this boy pays for his crimes."