Hours passed before Jonathan returned, only to be met with an unexpected sight.

  Everyone was training—no one idle, no one slacking. The rhythmic sounds of weapons cutting air echoed through the hall, each movement precise and disciplined. This sight made Jonathan pause, a thought surfacing in his mind.

  ‘Maybe we do have a chance against the aliens… if all of Humanity shows this level of diligence.’

  A rare smile touched his lips as he called out, “Everyone.”

  The group immediately ceased their training. Weapons were swiftly lowered and stored into their Inventories before they approached him.

  Jonathan gave an approving nod before speaking. “Everything is ready. I’ve spoken to the Leadership Council about the situation, and they’ve agreed to the plan you presented.”

  Jack’s gaze remained steady. “Do they have any issue with us being the ones behind the plan?”

  Jonathan exhaled, shaking his head slightly. “Some do. Some don’t. But none will dare speak against you in public.”

  Cassidy crossed her arms. “How sure are you that they won’t betray us?”

  Jonathan’s expression hardened, his gaze sharp as steel. “If they do, I will hunt them down myself.”

  While the discussion continued, Nova quietly approached Thomas and motioned for him to step aside.

  Curious, Thomas followed and asked, “Need something, Nova?”

  Nova smiled. “I need you to do something for me…”

  “What?!”

  A sudden shout erupted in the hall.

  Hearing the sudden outburst, everyone turned their heads toward Nova and Thomas.

  Nova remained composed, a calm smile on his face, while Thomas’s expression shifted through a series of emotions before settling into one of quiet determination.

  Realizing that his shout had drawn attention, Thomas let out an awkward laugh and waved his hands. “Sorry about that! Just had an idea and couldn’t help myself.”

  The group accepted the excuse and resumed their discussion, paying it no further mind.

  Jack, however, wasn’t so easily convinced. ‘Something’s going on with Nova’. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. ‘I wonder what he’s planning. I need to find someone who can keep him grounded other than me…’

  His musings were cut short as Jonathan spoke. “Let’s move to the hall prepared for the meeting.”

  “Yes!” Rachel responded eagerly, curious to see the venue arranged for such a critical event.

  The others merely nodded, lost in their own thoughts.

  As they walked toward the main hall, Thomas looked as though he were heading to his own execution, his face noticeably pale.

  Samuel, noticing his unease, stepped closer and whispered, “Are you okay?”

  Thomas glanced up, forcing a weak smile. “Yeah, thanks, man. Just thinking.” Despite his nerves, he was genuinely grateful for Samuel’s concern.

  Jack walked up to Nova and muttered, “Man, if you mess this up, I’m not talking to you for a whole day.”

  Nova chuckled. “Relax, I’m not reckless.”

  Jack gave him a hard look. “You aren’t. But just remember our promise.”

  For the first time, Nova’s usual carefree expression faded, replaced by a rare moment of solemnity. He met Jack’s gaze and nodded. “I do.”

  “Good. Don’t forget it.” Jack’s voice carried finality before he sped up to rejoin Jonathan.

  Watching his friend’s back, Nova murmured to himself, “I won’t.”

  Amelia, who had silently observed the exchange, slowed her pace until Nova caught up.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  “Hey” she said, flashing a friendly smile. “We haven’t talked much.”

  Nova lifted his gaze and returned the smile. “True. How could I neglect my future sister-in-law?”

  Amelia giggled. “You really have a way of lifting everyone’s mood, huh?”

  Nova winked. “Only for the people close to me.” Then, his tone softened slightly. “Don’t let Jack go.”

  With that, he quickened his pace, leaving Amelia standing there, momentarily stunned.

  ‘Don’t let Jack go…’ The words echoed in her mind, and her eyes sparkled with newfound resolve. It felt like she had just received the approval of family. Clenching her fists, she whispered determinedly, “I won’t let him go!”

  Up ahead, Rachel caught sight of Amelia’s lovestruck expression and nudged Cassidy with her elbow.

  Cassidy sighed, already knowing where this was going. “Do I have to hear another ‘You’ll get it when it’s time’ speech?”

  Rachel smirked. “Maybe. But look at Amelia—doesn’t she seem ridiculously happy?”

  Cassidy glanced toward the back of the group and saw Amelia practically glowing, a goofy smile on her face. Raising an eyebrow, she turned back to Rachel. “She definitely does. So… what happened?”

  “Hehe, when you're ready, you'll be just like that,” Rachel teased before strolling off to chat with Thomas and Samuel.

  Cassidy sighed, watching her go. ‘Why is she being so mysterious? Doesn’t she know how annoying that is?’

  Before she could dwell on it, they arrived at the main hall.

  The moment they stepped inside, a sense of awe washed over them. The hall was vast and imposing, its high vaulted ceilings stretching endlessly, the gleaming white floors polished to perfection. At the far end, a raised platform held twenty magnificent throne-like seats, each adorned with intricate emblems, signifying the power of those who would occupy them. Arranged in a commanding semi-circle, they exuded an air of dominance and authority.

  Before them, rows of smaller thrones stood in perfect alignment—reserved for representatives and advisors. Though regal in their own right, they were unmistakably secondary in stature. Massive windows lined the walls, casting long beams of light into the space, illuminating the charged atmosphere.

  Nova let out an appreciative hum, barely above a whisper. “This is something.”

  His voice carried enough for everyone to hear.

  “Impressive” Thomas agreed, finally shaking off his earlier unease.

  The rest nodded in agreement—this hall was leagues above the previous one.

  Jonathan turned to them, his tone brisk. “You can take seats in the front row. The thrones on the platform are reserved for the heads of the high families.” Without another word, he strode off, already preoccupied with the many influential figures he needed to address. His presence was needed elsewhere, and he couldn't leave it to his guards alone.

  The group moved forward, settling into their designated seats. Around them, the hall buzzed with quiet murmurs. Many of the attendees had no idea why they were summoned by the Federation and were left speculating among themselves.

  Jack leaned toward Nova, who was seated on his left, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Wanna bet how many people are going to oppose this just because we were the ones who brought the information?”

  Nova, eyes half-closed, smirked slightly. “I hope as many as possible.”

  Jack sighed. “You’re no fun. Always so damn pragmatic. Give people a chance sometimes.”

  Nova’s smirk deepened. “I am giving them a chance—with this information. If they can’t grasp it, it just means their luck has run out.”

  Rachel, seated on Nova’s left, overheard their exchange and chimed in, “Some of them are bad, sure, but most of them are good.”

  Nova shook his head, exhaling slowly. “In a normal world, under normal circumstances, I’d agree.” He let his words hang in the air for a moment before continuing, his voice carrying a quiet edge. “But this world doesn’t allow that.”

  Turning to Rachel, his gaze sharpened. “Would you rather see our civilization destroyed—or worse, enslaved? I’m not doing this for them.” His voice was steady, unwavering. “But I won’t stand by and watch people suffer for the crimes of a few.”

  Rachel frowned, mulling over his words. She wanted to believe in the goodness of people, in second chances, but the weight of reality pressed down on her. Condemning billions for the stubbornness of a few hundred? The more she thought about it, the more Nova’s logic made sense.

  Before she could spiral further, Jack coughed, breaking the tension. He leaned back, staring at the grand ceiling above them. “I know you’re right, Nova. But if there’s even a chance to make them understand the danger we’re in, then we have to try.”

  Nova exhaled sharply. “Haaah… fine. This is your moment, Jack. Show me how good your method is.” His tone was calm but carried an unspoken finality. “If you fail, I’ll take matters into my own hands.”

  Jack met his gaze and nodded, then closed his eyes, waiting for the event to begin.

  Around them, the rest of the group continued chatting, Rachel included, shaking off the weight of the previous conversation. But Nova remained silent, his eyes half-open, half-closed, lost in thought.

  ‘If humanity crosses the threshold too fast, we’re doomed. I’m doomed. I won’t let a handful of idiots take my freedom from me.’

  Time passed in hushed anticipation. Then, the grand doors of the main hall creaked open.

  A man stepped through.

  His robes were drenched in blood, the crimson fabric clinging to him like a second skin. He stood tall, unyielding, the sharp scent of iron filling the air around him. His presence alone sent a ripple through the crowd, conversations dying in an instant.

  Victor had arrived.

  Jonathan, who had been preoccupied, turned—and for the first time, a flicker of wariness crossed his face. Still, he moved forward to greet him.

  “Victor… what happened to you?”

  Victor locked eyes with Jonathan, his expression unreadable. Then, with an sharpness in his eyes he said, “Some people were too stubborn. I had to show them the way.”

  He, too, had a purpose.

  He would never leave the fate of his daughter in the hands of fools.

  And just like Nova, though for different reasons, he had reached the same conclusion—

  No one would decide his life or death when he had the power to fight for it.

  This assembly wouldn’t be about wealth.

  It wouldn’t be about influence.

  No.

  This assembly would be decided by one thing alone—

  Who had the bigger fist.

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