Later that day, the air inside the meeting room felt strangely heavy—like everyone was holding their breath without knowing why.

  Raizen sat at the head of the table, silent but sharp-eyed.

  Takumi took a seat beside Mira, trying not to show the unease in his chest.

  Across from them, Ayato leaned back with his arms crossed, Reika casually flipped through a digital file, and the other key members of Edenfall sat in tense stillness, their gazes flicking between one another.

  Something was shifting… and everyone could feel it.

  Raizen cleared his throat.

  "Today's agenda focuses on two things. First, the global fallout from Antonio Callahan's speech—humanity now officially knows the truth. Second, The Breach of Antarctica, those people will begin moving soon."

  He paused for a moment, then turned toward Takumi.

  "Takumi… this is your first time attending Edenfall's meeting. Welcome. Before we go further, do you have any questions?"

  Takumi glanced around the room, then looked directly at Raizen. "Yes, sir. If I'm allowed to ask this…"

  He leaned forward slightly, voice calm but sharp. "I understand Edenfall opposes the world's elite. I know we have operations beyond Japan. But all of this—it feels like we're just gears supporting a larger mechanism."

  Takumi look at Raizen's eyes. "So… who's behind all of this?"

  "The room fell silent for a moment. A few members exchanged glances, faint smiles tugging at their lips—clearly impressed by the sharpness of Takumi's question."

  Raizen let out a low chuckle. "Heh. I expected smart questions from a genius, but… this far, already?"

  He folded his arms, then continued. "Our mission is to bring down the false Eden built by the elites—to reveal the truth to the world. And as for who supports us from the shadows…"

  He paused.

  "If there's a bad side, then surely a good side must exist too. Light and dark... they always coexist in the real world—even within people."

  "So, who's behind us? They're ultra-rich individuals who feel a responsibility for the privilege they were born into. They believe in something old... noblesse oblige."

  "They know the corrupted elites exist—those who control and manipulate everything. And to counter them, these people, with their belief in noblesse oblige, gathered people like us… the ones willing to act. In return, we promised to keep them untouched, hidden in the shadows."

  "They gave us the funds, resources—everything we need for our operations."

  "But don't worry. They've never demanded anything from Edenfall beyond our goals. We, in turn, don't want to ask their true intentions. As long as their hands stay clean, we trust them."

  "We called them Owl, We're not on their level to fully understand… ultra-rich people, who knows? Maybe they got bored of their lives—or maybe they're chasing something beyond this world. Either way, we don't ask. We only move."

  He stopped and looked back at Takumi. "Does that answer your question?"

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Takumi nodded slowly. "Yes, sir. Thank you. Please, continue."

  the meeting room was tense, the air heavy with what the world had become. As the discussion shifted into the main agenda, Raizen leaned forward slightly.

  "Well then," he began, "I watched Antonio Callahan's speech online last night myself. From what I've gathered, several countries in Asia—like Indonesia—have already plunged into total chaos. Governments are being overthrown. In Brazil and Mexico, the cartels didn't hesitate—they just took control. The U.S.? People have started rioting, exchanging gunfire with the military and police."

  He paused, glancing at a few faces around the table. "But here… things aren't that bad yet, right? Ayato? Mira? Utsushi?"

  "Yes, sir," Ayato responded. "I'm glad Japan hasn't collapsed like the others, but it's still bad. Riots broke out that same night. People were running, trying to escape the chaos."

  He continued, his voice more serious. "Low-level yakuza took advantage of the situation—looting shops, threatening civilians, even reports of rape and assault. There's also been a spike in crimes committed by foreigners who can't return home due to the unrest."

  "After the speech, most were in shock. Others were angry—pushing against police lines, demanding answers, demanding revolution."

  "Even people who didn't care about Antarctica before... were stunned," Utsushi added.

  "I saw it myself," Mira said quietly. "From the top of a building. As Callahan's speech ended, people screamed. Some pushed forward. Gunshots fired into the air to disperse the crowds. Those farther back just heard the sounds and ran in panic. Others froze in disbelief."

  Raizen closed his eyes for a moment, taking it all in.

  "I see… It's all unfolding, just as we expected. Our mission was to awaken humanity to fight the elites—but now, Callahan has done that for us. He confirmed the truth, and even pushed it further… introducing the so-called 'New World Order.' Claiming we must unite to face an extraterrestrial threat."

  He opened his eyes again. "But we'll collect more intel on that soon."

  He turned to Hinami. "You mentioned in your report that people here are more interested in the breach?"

  "Yes, sir," Hinami said with a nod. "Interest is growing fast."

  Raizen exhaled. "Still... the chaos in our own streets is another problem. In the daytime, it's manageable. But at night, it's no longer safe."

  Mira spoke next. "Should we deal with crimes directly, Takamura-dono?"

  "Maybe. But not on a large scale," Raizen replied. "Let the police wear the hero's mask. We'll act from the shadows—quiet, unseen. Other Edenfall branches in less chaotic countries are doing the same—minimizing crime from the shadows."

  Ayato added, "The police and army can handle most of it, but they're short handed. Just like with Takumi's incident—response was too late. And this is just the beginning. The full impact of that speech hasn't hit yet."

  Takumi spoke up, firm and confident. "Many foreigners can't return home. They're desperate, and some turn to crime just to survive. If possible... I want to help fight them too, protect people who can't protect themselves."

  Raizen nodded. "I understand. But for now, we hold. Observe. If we move recklessly, we risk revealing ourselves to the elites. Vigilante action to support law enforcement is a good idea… but we need to give it three days at least. Let's see how the authorities respond."

  He shifted the conversation. "Next—the breach of the Antarctic ice wall. Based on Hinami's latest report, more and more people from Japan want to join. And globally…" Raizen paused, then smiled slightly.

  "2.4 million people will attempt the breach at the same time. This… is still a win for Edenfall."

  "Yes, sir," Hinami confirmed. "There are hundreds of videos responding to Callahan's speech—especially from Breacher factions. Most are rallying others to join them."

  Takumi looked directly at Raizen. "Takamura-dono… I have to ask. Will we join them?"

  Raizen leaned back, expression darkening slightly.

  "We're still in a gray area. To moves, we'd need to coordinate with every other HQ across the world. But if we stay here… and the elites succeed in establishing their New World… we will be wiped out. Edenfall will vanish, Takumi."

  Raizen hesitated, voice quieter. "That… is my greatest fear."

  Takumi pressed again. "If we wait too long, breaching might become impossible. Are we really just going to wait? Let Neo Earth erase us?"

  Raizen didn't answer right away. Then finally—"No. I won't let that happen. When the time comes… I'll order all of you to leave Edenfall. Disappear. Go off the elites' radar."

  He looked around the table. "Our mission was to awaken the world—and we've done that. After this… I will give you all your freedom."

  He turned back to Takumi. "If you wish to join the breach, I won't stop you. None of you."

  A brief pause. Then— "This is still confidential… only known to Edenfall's heads worldwide. But I'll say it early to you all."

  Raizen's voice dropped with finality. "If possible… please lend your strength to Edenfall's final mission—"

  Silence followed. Some lowered their heads. Others clenched fists. In the far corner, Ayato exhaled quietly—he'd known this was coming. Only Takumi met Raizen's eyes, unblinking.

  "To take down Neo Earth."

  The meeting ended, a heavy silence lingering among Edenfall's members.

  Outside, the world was burning—nations overthrown, economies collapsing, and opposition forces preparing for the breach in overwhelming numbers.

  Amid the rising chaos, Edenfall's final mission quietly took shape.

  Not merely to survive—But to strike back.

  To bring down Neo Earth.

  Time's almost up.