Awakening The Only SSS-Rank Class! Now Even Dragons Obey Me Chapter 754: The President
Previously on Awakening The Only SSS-Rank Class! Now Even Dragons Obey Me...
Amidst a sky where light and darkness clashed violently, amidst explosions that tore space asunder, and amidst a battle that had rocked the very foundations of the nation... silence descended upon a different realm.
The Presidential Palace.
Its towering white stone columns reached towards a ceiling lost in golden shadow, while soft luminescence poured through expansive windows, casting a brilliant sheen upon the polished floor designed to resemble a mirror. An unsettling calm pervaded the atmosphere... far too calm.
In stark contrast to the chaos engulfing the world outside, and in defiance of the colossal war raging in the capital between two of the country's most formidable Guilds, this place exuded tranquility.
Not a sound echoed, nor did even the faintest hint of the ongoing battle mar the scene. It was as if the cataclysm unfolding beyond its walls held no sway over this sanctuary.
But was this serene facade the truth? Nay...
This placid exterior was a deception. The turmoil outside exerted a profound influence on the palace, not through physical destruction, but with an impact of far greater magnitude.
At the heart of the grand hall, two figures were seated. Two formidable presences... whose sheer gravitas rivaled that of the very battlefield.
One man, with immaculately styled gray hair and an inscrutable expression, possessed a gaze that seemed to perceive events unfolding steps ahead of time.
His dark suit, devoid of any ostentatious displays of authority, exuded a power that resonated precisely from its understated simplicity.
He was Adrian Volkar, the democratically elected President of the Republic of Medes, and a National Rank Awakened.
He was the archetype of a leader whose softest command carried the weight of thousands; a single decree from him held the power to condemn countless souls or, conversely, to preserve them.
Seated beside him was another man.
In contrast to Adrian's refined aura, this man's presence was untamed and weighty. His physique still bore the indelible marks of the power that had once carved through battlefields. An aged scar etched across his face, a stark memento of a blood-soaked past, remained unconcealed.
His eyes... were sharp, unforgiving, and intimately familiar with the specter of death.
This was none other than Kaiser Ronald, the current President of the National Awakened Federation.
Following the demise of the previous president in a conflict that had nearly drawn every National Rank Awakened of the nation into its vortex, just one year prior, he had ascended to the leadership position.
Naturally, his ascent had not been a seamless affair. He encountered considerable opposition, largely stemming from his unyielding personality and conduct. However, in the absence of any other National Rank Awakened capable of assuming the mantle, he was ultimately chosen.
Suspended before them, a holographic projection shimmered in the air.
The sky fractured, the earth lay devastated, and two distinct domains, resembling rival worlds locked in a consuming struggle, were depicted. Explosions, calamitous descents, anguished cries... all unfolded in an oppressive silence.
The projection, naturally, showcased the ongoing confrontation between the two Guilds, an event that had become a significant vexation for them.
Despite their positions at the apex of the nation's leadership, there existed matters beyond their direct intervention, as the repercussions of such interference could prove catastrophic.
"This is no longer a Guild war..." Kaiser articulated, his gaze locked onto the unfolding spectacle.
"This has escalated into a nation-level conflict." His voice, though calm, carried a palpable weight that intensified the solemnity of the chamber.
Adrian remained contemplative for a brief interval.
"And we... are merely spectators," he responded softly.
Neither of these two leaders was prone to naivety. They possessed an acute understanding of why they had yet to intervene directly.
More crucially, they comprehended the reasons behind their inability to act. It was not a matter of unwillingness to step in; in truth, their desire to quell this war and bring it to an end surpassed that of any other.
However, the situation was far more intricate. Their formidable power alone was insufficient to halt the conflict.
A war, which if allowed to persist, threatened to unleash widespread devastation upon the nation.
"The Goblin Guild has valid grounds," Kaiser stated, drawing a deep breath, his hand resting upon his knee as he leaned forward slightly.
His focus remained riveted on the simulated battlefield.
"From a legal standpoint, this is a direct reprisal for the actions perpetrated by the Everlight Moon Guild."
Regrettably, the transgression by the Everlight Moon Guild – the assassination of the Goblin Guild's heir in the presence of numerous esteemed guests – had effectively neutralized their ability to intervene.
Had the Goblin Guild lacked such a justifiable pretext for initiating hostilities, both leaders would undoubtedly have intervened and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
"If we intervene... this ceases to be a mere Guild dispute."
"...It descends into a civil war," the President interjected, a note of bitter irony lacing his tone.
And then, all semblance of control would dissipate. Other Guilds would inevitably be drawn in. Alliances would fracture and reform. Betrayals would become commonplace.
What would ultimately remain would be naught but utter devastation.
"We could intervene, but the cost would be the complete dissolution of order," Kaiser added.
From their strategic perspective, direct intervention was an untenable option.
Adrian shifted his gaze towards the holographic display. A deepening frown creased his brow, as though he were contemplating the very future of the nation.
"Should the Everlight Moon Guild fall, the Goblin Guild would attain unparalleled dominance."
"And if the Goblin Guild falters..."
"A power vacuum will form. Everyone will rush in to fill it."
The result? In both cases, it would be a disaster.
"It’s not like we can interfere right now. We have to wait until the end of the war. That will be our chance to intervene," Kaiser replied.
"Right now something else has caught my attention," he then waved his hand.
And for a moment, the image changed and zoomed in.
On Daniel.
Right at the moment when he was standing under the pressure of the domains, alone and facing two S-ranks.
Kaiser narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I didn’t expect such a genius to exist in the country."
This sentence wasn’t simple, because it hadn’t come from just anyone’s mouth. In all his life, he had never seen anyone like this kid.
He still hadn’t even reached S-rank, yet he could fight against two of them, and if that array didn’t exist, he might have even managed to suppress them.
How had such a genius remained unknown until now?
"The death of such a genius would be a loss for the country," Adrian added without looking away.
"Can you stop them?" He really didn’t want to let such a genius die.
But on the other hand, he himself couldn’t take any action to save him. His position didn’t allow him to do that.
But the President of the Awakened Federation had more freedom in this matter and might be able to do something.
However, Kaiser stayed silent, and for longer than usual. He didn’t answer, as if he didn’t know how to reply.
"Surveillance will continue," Adrian finally let out a calm breath and said.
"Keep the emergency forces ready." His eyes darkened slightly.
"If any of them crosses the line..."
"We will step in." They had to be prepared for dangerous scenarios. The country’s enemies might take advantage of this situation.
At that exact moment, an unknown energy suddenly burst out from Daniel’s body in the image.
Light and darkness stopped for a moment, space bent, and something different was released.
Kaiser’s eyes opened wider for the first time, and even their bodies trembled for a moment. An aura so powerful was released that even they could feel it.
The aura was so strong that it was no less than that of a Heavenly King.
"...What the hell is this? What did that kid just do?"