"…and thus, the new world order completely collapses…"
He pauses, as if concluding his speech…
He looks around—
At the eyes fixed on him.
The table isn't very long, but the people sitting around it are all staring at him.
He continues:
"But… being known as 'Jerusalem' or as a cult within this order could damage our image. That's why, during the summit where all nations gathered, we were also given the opportunity to speak on this matter.
As you know, I was part of the team sent there.
In my speech to all the world leaders,
I stated that the Dark Angel was neutralized and safely contained for examination.
Jerusalem's efforts to build relations with nations and adhere to global regulations
became a huge plus for us at the summit and earned great praise.
Then, my private meetings with each national leader ended successfully, and it was decided that Jerusalem would be granted a political center.
So, it was agreed that Jerusalem would be established across four regions: Taka, Dragon, Xirat, and Anox.
However, to reevaluate this decision, a new summit will be held specifically for this matter—on August 17th."
Everyone around the table rises to applaud the young man.
The young man bows slightly in gratitude and steps back.
Andrew approaches, a very satisfied smile on his face…
The general meeting ends…
"That's it… well done, Shun!"
The young man who had just spoken—about 22 years old and called Shun—looks at Lie and smiles:
"It was bound to happen. The terror of the Dark Angel was ended by us. It was expected."
Shun, receiving the congratulations, steps outside.
Where is this place?
The central city of the Anox region—Anox itself.
But if things go as planned, it will become the capital of the newly forming Jerusalem nation and be renamed.
Shun breathes in the fresh air and keeps walking.
It's been 5 years since the "death" of the Dark Angel.
Jerusalem has increased its population and taken a path to becoming the first and largest cult-based political nation in the New World.
But clearly, there's something behind all this.
Taka?
He and Xirat were declared suspects in this terrorism.
That's why their lands will be annexed to the new nation.
This was ruled by the Supreme Court founded by Dragon.
Although Taka was one of the "Big Three" for seven years, in key decisions, only Aid and Dragon will have authority.
Shun continues toward his home.
"Shun!"
He turns around:
"Rina… hey."
"Hey. You arrived last night? I didn't hear. I listened to your speech today. You renewed our hopes. Congratulations."
"Thanks. How have you been?"
"I'm good. You? Things must be tough. Andrew gave you a job that's full of responsibility."
"Yeah. But this is exactly why I exist."
"…Right. Anyway, I won't keep you. You probably haven't had proper rest. See you."
"To be honest… yeah. I'm tired. See you."
Shun walks on. As he goes, he thinks about everything. Everything.
So much has happened.
Imagine…
Suddenly opening your eyes in an unfamiliar place.
Strangers around you, and someone comes up and says: "From now on, you are my child."
Yes. Andrew introduced Shun as the heir of the Jerusalem council 3 years ago.
He was created 5 years ago as "Subject 667: The Last Hope of the New World."
Tested for 2 years. Trained. And now, this.
He's been working for Jerusalem for 3 years.
Technically, he's 5 years old. But in the body of a 22-year-old.
And his mind—far beyond that of the average 5-year-old or even a 22-year-old.
Apparently, Andrew wanted someone as smart as himself.
How strange.
Shun enters his house. Takes off his clothes immediately.
And steps into the shower.
After washing, he enters a hot water pool and relaxes.
Life's good, isn't it?
Especially if you're someone important.
Especially if you live in luxury.
But luxury has its downsides. For instance, even though he's about to collapse from exhaustion, why can't Shun sleep?
He leaves the pool. Walks to the kitchen and makes himself a cup of tea.
Tea???
Yes, my friend—TEA!
Tea still exists in this world. Organic, too.
How?
Very simple. Someone, often prayed for by the pious, kept some tea leaves and seeds. That's how.
They were cultivated, and ta-daa!
Shun lives in a multi-level home, in a private sector. He steps onto the balcony and watches the city.
It's already night. Time to sleep…
But Shun seems to be stalling—he's in no hurry to sleep.
Why?
Even he doesn't know. It's like he's afraid of sleep.
His dreams?
No. His nightmares.
In them, things happen—things he can't understand, that scare him deeply.
What are they? He doesn't know.
Here comes the philosophical side:
Humans fear the unknown. It's that simple.
"Ah… if I weren't this tired, I wouldn't even push myself… but I have to…"
Slowly turning off the lights, he slips into bed.
Closes his eyes.
.
..
…
….
…..
...
....
.....
...…
...….
...…..
...
....
...…
.........…
"Shun…"
"No…"
"Shun… you know… you can't escape from me…"
"Who are you?!"
....
Shun opens his eyes and rises—
The sun is about to rise.
He's drenched in sweat.
"Ah! Hhaaaahh!!
Again!
I can't remember anything again…!"
He gets up and heads to the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee.
Coffee?
Yes!!! Coffee!!!
Still exists?
You already know how…