The Day After
Smoke still lingered in the air.
Sirens echoed faintly across Ritna.
Rows of black body bags lined the ground—each one holding what remained of a student.
A reporter stood before the camera, voice heavy.
"Today, we stand at the site of one of the greatest tragedies in Ritna's history."
He gestured behind him.
"Hundreds of students… dead. The attackers—identified as terrorists—have escaped. Authorities are still investigating."
People cried in the background.
Some screamed.
Some stood in silence.
One man shouted through tears—
"This country protects secrets… not its people!"
Behind the Scene — The World Government Assembly
Far from the chaos, deep within a secured chamber—
Five thrones were arranged in a semicircle.
Above them stood a higher seat.
A voice echoed.
"The representatives of the great nations have arrived."
One by one—
They were announced.
"King of Ritna — The Chained Emperor, George II."
"Ruler of the United Species Empire — Kilian, the Elf King of the Green Mist."
"Sovereign of the Kyrain Empire — David, Master of Guilds."
"King of the Black Mist Empire — Barry, the King of Hope."
"Lord of Winterland — Santa the 108th."
Silence fell.
Then—
A figure stepped forward.
Mask. Cloak. Authority.
"Code 3031," he said calmly. "Reporter of Newland. A neutral state created for observation alone."
He glanced at all of them.
"I will act as the speaker."
A pause.
"If you have complaints—write them. Not speak them."
His voice hardened.
"I will not repeat myself."
"Since all of you serve the World Government," Code 3031 continued,
"you are responsible for its failures."
"No objections?"
All replied in unison—
"No."
"Good."
He turned.
"King of Ritna. Stand."
George II rose.
"The massacre," Code 3031 said coldly,
"was caused by a conflict between Aura Holders."
"Why was it not stopped?"
George replied without hesitation.
"Aura Holders do not belong to any nation. We issued warnings. We deployed hunters to contain the damage."
A pause.
"We acted within protocol."
Code 3031 tilted his head.
"…Yet you staged a terrorist attack to cover it."
Silence.
"Efficient," he added. "Continue. External interference?"
George's expression darkened.
"Yes."
"A white-haired girl… blue eyes."
"She wiped out soldiers and lieutenants instantly."
The room shifted.
Tension rose.
Code 3031 spoke immediately—
"This is now classified as an emergency-level threat."
George continued.
"There is another issue."
"One student survived."
Now—
Even the kings reacted.
"Name," Code 3031 demanded.
"…Frank."
"The only survivor."
Silence.
Heavy.
Cold.
Then—
Code 3031 raised his hand.
"From this moment—"
"Frank is declared a global threat."
"All nations will receive his information."
"Bounty: 1 Billion Rubeen."
"Status: Kill on sight."
A pause.
"And ensure—"
"He does not reach the Phoenix Empire."
All rulers stood.
One by one—
They spoke.
"…Agreed."
[End of chapter]