Chapter 509: X is here
Jade watched as the Director addressed the room, the atmosphere tense with anticipation. After a brief pause, a hand went up from the audience. It was President Emmanuel Macron of France. He leaned forward slightly, his expression sharp. "Director, what will each of these eight divisions be, and what purpose will they serve? If this is handled poorly, we could end up with more problems than solutions.
Humans are unpredictable enough as it is—how do we maintain control over a world with magic?" The Director nodded, acknowledging the weight of the question. "A valid concern, President Macron. Introducing powers to a world already full of challenges is indeed a significant risk. That's why these eight divisions are not just about defense but about establishing a framework to keep order and stability.
Our goal is to prevent chaos by ensuring that those with abilities are trained, guided, and integrated into society properly." He pointed towards Tyree, Oscar, and the others who stood by. "The strength and knowledge of individuals like those you see here will be the foundation. Their experience will help us build a structure that keeps society functioning, even as we adapt to these new realities.
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We know there will be challenges, but with these divisions, we aim to address them head-on." The Director clicked the remote, bringing up a series of symbols on the holographic screen. "Let me explain the roles of these divisions." The first symbol, a shield and sword crossed over a sun, appeared. "The Vanguard Division will be our frontline defense.
They will engage directly with immediate threats, whether Kaiju or other hostile entities. They are the first responders, ready to act at a moment's notice." He moved to the next symbol, a falcon in mid-flight over a mountain range. "The Reconnaissance Division will handle intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Their role is to provide us with the information we need to make informed decisions and respond effectively. They will be the eyes and ears of our operations." The third symbol, a tree with deep roots intertwined with glowing symbols, appeared. "The Arcane Research Division will study the supernatural phenomena we face, whether it's the energies of the Angelics or other anomalies.
Their research will drive our understanding and help us develop the tools we need to survive." The next image, a caduceus entwined with leaves, lit up on the screen. "The Medical and Recovery Division will provide medical support to both civilians and our forces.
They will operate field hospitals, develop new healing methods, and manage recovery efforts to keep our people strong and healthy." The Director continued, showing a hammer crossed with a quill over a gear. "The Support and Logistics Division ensures that our operations run smoothly.
From transportation to communication, they manage everything that keeps our forces equipped and coordinated." Another symbol appeared, a shield with scales on one side and a sword on the other. "The Internal Security Division will work closely with local law enforcement to maintain order.
They will enforce regulations and handle any internal conflicts that arise, ensuring that powers are not misused." The next symbol, an open book with a flame above it, appeared. "The Training and Development Divisionis responsible for identifying and training those with abilities.
They will ensure that anyone who gains powers is properly educated and trained, reducing the risk of uncontrolled abilities." Finally, the last symbol—a chess piece, the king, flanked by a compass and a map—came into view. "The Strategic Planning Division will coordinate our efforts, develop strategies, and ensure that every move we make is effective.
They will guide our overall approach, making sure that all divisions work together smoothly." The Director turned back to the room, his tone firm. "These divisions are designed to maintain balance and order as we move forward. We know humans are unpredictable, and with new powers, we're entering unknown territory.
But with these divisions, we can adapt and respond to these challenges." The room fell silent as the leaders took in the Director's explanation. Chancellor Annalena Baerbock of Germany raised her hand. "Director, this plan is ambitious, but how do we ensure that these divisions stay united? How do we prevent internal conflicts from weakening our efforts?" The Director nodded.
"A good question, Chancellor Baerbock. Unity is critical. We will carefully select the leadership for each division to ensure they work together. Regular drills and joint operations will be conducted to foster cooperation. We'll also maintain a clear chain of command to ensure that decisions are made swiftly and effectively." He glanced back at the screen before addressing the room again.
"Our goal is to protect humanity and guide it through this time of change. These divisions will be the foundation of that effort, ensuring that we not only survive but also build a future we can all be proud of." The Director stepped back, allowing the weight of his words to settle in. The room remained quiet, the leaders deep in thought, each one considering the path that lay ahead.
The Director allowed a moment of silence after introducing the division leaders, letting the significance of his words settle in. His gaze swept the room, noting the reactions from the assembled leaders—some intrigued, others skeptical. The murmurs grew louder until an older man, clearly a veteran of politics, stood up.
His face was lined with years of experience, and his expression was one of clear disbelief as he focused on Jade. "These are weak-looking people," he began, his voice dripping with condescension. "And the Asian-looking one with the long black hair—she's frail, weak. How can she be trusted to lead anyone?
This is absurd!" Jade felt the blood rush to her face, a mix of shock and anger bubbling up inside her. Her hands shot up in frustration before she could stop herself. "Excuse me?!" The room fell silent, the tension thickening. The Director, however, seemed unfazed by the outburst. Instead, he let out a small chuckle, which only deepened the confusion in the room.
His hand moved to his side, and with a practiced, almost casual motion, he drew a gun from his coat. A collective gasp rippled through the audience, eyes widening as the Director leveled the weapon directly at Jade. "Are you so sure about that?" the Director asked the older man, his tone calm but laced with challenge. Without waiting for a response, he pulled the trigger.