Mimou
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Chapter 181 : Three months
🕑 Added 2025-01-20 12:23:22 +0000 UTC« Chapter-180 | Index | Chapter-182 »
Sora observed the arguing figures around the table, his mind drifting back to Kisuke’s words.
‘What he means is that once people die, they return to Earth. And the winner of the War for Supremacy claims it. Some safe spaces will open for [Ark] holders, but what happens to those inside once the protection fades? Will we have to fight the invaders again? Should we try to make peace with the new Earth rulers to survive if we lose?’
His brow furrowed as the questions piled up.
‘Will we keep our powers once we return? Feeding a hundred thousand [Soul Pearls] to the body inside my [Soul Palace] made it stronger. Salim, Kara, and Hope are all experiencing the same changes. Only Alius, who doesn’t have a body in his [Soul Palace], felt no change. But if we keep our strength… how will Earth survive battles at our level?’
‘From what I know, Earth doesn’t have regions, can’t regenerate from destruction, and doesn’t follow this strange world’s rules…’
‘So many questions, and no answers... For now, that is.’
Even as his mind raced, a portion of his attention stayed focused on the room. Arguments continued until Kisuke’s calm voice cut through the noise.
“Enough,” he said, his tone sharp, almost sounding angry. The room fell silent in seconds. His gaze swept across the offenders, and with nothing more than a look, they took a step back and sat quietly. “You’re all leaders and representatives. Stop acting so shamefully.”
Sora noticed the sudden silence. It wasn’t just respect—it was fear. Kisuke, or maybe the force behind him, [Tsuki], commanded enough power to make even the strongest players forget their status and submit.
Turning to Sora, Kisuke’s tone softened slightly. “Each force here operates independently, but they’ve all come here with the willingness to compromise and find the best solution for humanity.”
Sora almost snorted at the blatant contradiction between Kisuke’s words and the chaos from moments earlier. He kept his expression as neutral as possible.
Kisuke, seated near the center of the table, continued. “Ralph Eden,” he said, “I believe I speak for everyone when I ask—what do you plan to do with your [Ark]?”
Sora tilted his head slightly, considering ways to answer. “Honestly,” he replied after a few seconds, “I never really thought about it. I never considered that humanity might actually lose the war, or that we’d need [Arks] to survive.”
The room remained silent as they listened to his words.
“But,” Sora continued, his gaze sweeping the table, “I don’t mind sharing it. It’s not like it’s something I can keep for myself. What would I do with five hundred millions slots?”
A visible ripple of shock and relief passed through the room. They had finally received the confirmation Sora held a high grade [Ark]. Some remained cautious, but many seemed pleased by his answer.
However, his next words quickly soured the atmosphere.
“The real question is—what do you want me to do with it? What do you suggest? How do you decide who gets to live… and who gets left behind?”
No one responded immediately. The silence was heavier this time and no one was in a hurry to share their point of view.
Almost half a minute later, Kisuke finally broke the silence “That… is precisely why so many groups gathered here today. It is to give everyone the chance to give their opinion and be heard. Maybe we'll find a fair and ethical solution to the problem.”
The French leader, Admiral Figaro, raised his hand. Getting Kisuke's approval in the form of a nod, he spoke.
“If I may,” Figaro began, his voice deep, “this shouldn’t become a contest over who gets the biggest share. We should focus on ensuring that humanity as a whole survives. Not just the strongest factions, but its cultures, values, and diversity.”
He looked around the table, his gaze piercing. “Ralph Eden's [Ark] is more than a tool for survival. It’s an opportunity to preserve the best of humanity, ensuring that we don’t lose the very things that make us who we are. I propose that the [Ark] be divided equitably, with portions allocated to each region of the world.”
Sora appreciated the man’s words and almost nodded in agreement, but managed to restrain himself, keeping his reaction hidden.
After Admiral Figaro finished speaking, Hu Lexin, the Chinese leader, rose to her feet. Her eyes were locked on the French admiral. “Admiral Figaro, with all due respect,” she began, “France is in a continent categorized as a beginner region. Your nation’s contributions have been minimal compared to the major powers involved in this war. It’s already a privilege for you to be part of this meeting, and it is mainly because we are gathered in your territory.”
Hu Lexin turned her attention to Sora, her voice softening slightly. “Mr. Eden, China has been humanity’s spearhead. Our people have sacrificed the most, and our contributions to the war effort are unparalleled. If shares are to be allocated, my country deserves the a share proportional to its population and merits. This is not a matter of interests but of justice.”
Before the room could react, another voice was heard. Moussa Kagate, the Nigerian minister, leaned forward.
“If we’re speaking of justice,” he said , “then population size isn’t the key factor. It’s military achievement and field effectiveness that matter.”
His hand gestured calmly around the room, stopping on two figures, before pointing at himself. “By that measure, the United States, China, and Nigeria have carried humanity’s survival. We’ve delivered where others have failed and paid for it. That should be reflected in how the [Ark] is divided.”
Sora glanced at Edward McCall, noting how the former president remained silent, content to observe. ‘The current balance must suit him,’ Sora thought.
He didn’t interfere as the debate continued, letting each faction offer their proposals on how to divide the [Haven of Peace].
Eventually, the first draft of the proposal was handed to him.
He read through it silently. ‘Twenty percent for the Chinese coalition, twenty for North America, and another twenty for Nigeria… These three alone are claiming three hundred million spots. Fifteen percent for the Indian coalition, ten percent for Europe, ten percent for Russia. The rest goes to Australia and some other regions… And of course, all the guilds and their friends are fully included into their region’s quota.’
When his eyes reached the final line, he nearly laughed. ‘Ten thousand spots for my family, friends, and guildmates… How generous.’
His frown returned. Sora addressed the leaders around him. “Is this a joke?”
The room fell silent, the leaders exchanging uncertain glances.
“I don’t see any mention of Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, or many other regions and countries,” Sora continued, his tone sharper. Turning to a few leaders, he asked, “You mentioned contributions earlier, didn’t you? From what I know, the countries I just listed contributed just as much as the top three forces represented here. So why are they being excluded?”
“I don’t see any mention of Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan—or many other regions and nations, whose representatives are missing,” he continued, his torne sharper. “Earlier, you all spoke of contribution. Yet from what I know, those countries gave just as much as the top three present today. So why are they being excluded?”
Several leaders opened their mouths, but Sora raised a hand to silence them.
“I could say the same, actually. None of your regions played a role in my growth.” His gaze settled on Hannah, who stood up, ready to protest. “And certainly not you.”
Noticing the anger on some faces, and the discomfort on others, he sighed, ‘If I don’t want to make enemies out of everyone, I should give them a way out…’
Softening his tone, he continued. “Because no one here helped me become who I am, I don’t feel tied to any country. I ask only for time. Let me visit your regions, rest after everything I’ve gone through. Then we can meet again, and I’ll make sure the [Ark] benefits everyone.”
President McCall coughed, breaking the silence that followed Sora's monologue. “You’re right. The war is far from over. There’s no need to rush this decision.” He leaned forward. “How much time do you need, Ralph Eden? We’ll need to begin preparations to select people to save in case of defeat. Things are already becoming tense in our territory.”
Sora glanced at Kara, silently asking for her input. She met his gaze, shaking her head slightly as if to say she wasn’t entirely sure either. Finally, she sent him a telepathic message, 'Three months, maybe? That should be enough.'
Sora gave a slight nod before turning back to the room. “Three months. Let’s meet again in three months.”
Murmurs spread across the table, discussing the delay. Soon, Hu Lexin’s clear voice was heard, representing everyone.
“Three months, then,” she agreed. Her eyes locked on Sora. “In the meantime, Mr. Eden… would you consider aiding China? A Tier 2 war will soon begin against the Demon Kingdom. We’re not optimistic. But with someone of your caliber… it might change everything.”
Sora blinked, surprised. ‘I literally just said I need rest… Is the situation that desperate?’
He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t plan on taking part in any war for now.”
Seeing the disappointment and the helplessness on the woman's expression, Sora sighed. 'I'm tired of wars, but I also want to help...' He thought, conflicted.
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Comments
ICRanger
Love how we still have just skipped the fact that the arks have a time limit. Like this allocation is theoretical all the way, as twenty years is nothing if no final safe haven can be attained.
mimou
Yes!! The admiral's suggestion makes sense. Regarding Salim's power, it might come in handy indeed.
Chibrahim
Can they cheat by allowing Tunisian king into his ark. Mf will count as one and save millions of people. To be honnest, I think the admiral proposition was the best. They should draft some martial law equivalent for all humanity, so everyone have the same participation and then they should save every culture
