The tension that gripped the scene outside the Celestial Order's temporary headquarters did not stay contained for long. The entire confrontation—Christoff Erickson of the Celestial Order, Ried Stone of the Dark Triad, and Valentin Roux of Étoile Sanglante—had been broadcast live, unintentionally captured by surveillance drones and street reporters. It sent a shockwave through the global awakened world.
Now, across continents, the world watched—and reacted.
---
South Korea – Minor Guild: Falcon Dusk
In a modest headquarters tucked away in southern Seoul, three Falcon Dusk guild members sat frozen in front of a screen.
"He... That guy... isn't that Christoff Erickson? And Ried Stone?" said Lee Minjae, barely whispering.
"Yeah. And the one in red... that's Valentin Roux. The Red Phantom of France. Why are they all in Korea... at the same time?"
Their guild leader, Han Jiho, stepped forward with arms crossed, a bead of sweat on his temple. "Whatever's happening—it's beyond us. We stay out of it."
---
South Korea – Major Guild: Shadow Eclipse
Jin Kyun Tae, the leader of Shadow Eclipse, stared at the broadcast in silence. Around him, his top officers looked uneasy.
"They're here for the boy," whispered second-in-command Chae Yoon.
Jin finally spoke, his voice calm but ironclad. "Tell every member to stand by. We don't get involved unless Korea becomes a battlefield. But… keep an eye on Rover Cheon. He might be more important than all of us thought."
---
Japan – Tempest Fang Guild
Ayame Kazehana, draped in her signature wind-blessed robes, stood before a wall-sized screen.
"Valentin Roux," she murmured. "That bastard has the audacity to accuse someone of being a threat to the world... when he leveled an entire tower floor in France."
Her vice-leader, Riku, adjusted his glasses. "And the Dark Triad is there too. This isn't just a meeting. It's the opening move of something larger."
Ayame's eyes narrowed. "Prepare an envoy. We may need to head to Korea."
---
Philippines – Silver Halo Guild
Maria del Rosario stood on a rooftop balcony, watching the city below light up with talk of the broadcast.
"We just started recovering from Floor 64…" she muttered. "And now this?"
Her third-in-command, Kalea, sighed. "Should we intervene?"
Maria shook her head. "No. But if Korea calls for aid—we won't say no. Besides, that boy... Rover Cheon. I want to meet him."
---
Russia – Titan Eclipse
In a snow-laced bunker, Dmitri Volkov slammed his fist against the table, cracking it in two.
"That psychic bastard from France thinks he's the only one who sees danger?" he growled.
Beside him, an aide hesitated. "Sir, should we—"
"We wait. But be ready to move. Korea is the new center of this storm."
---
Germany – Iron Circles
Marcus Brandt, tall and silent, rewound the footage three times, studying each word and gesture.
"Erickson looked like he knew something... but didn't say it."
His daughter and right hand, Elke Brandt, crossed her arms. "And Ried Stone… he wasn't there just to provoke. He looked ready to kill."
"Send an encrypted message to Christoff," Marcus finally said. "If this has anything to do with the Calamity Dragon survivor, we have to be involved."
---
China – Widow's Veil (Guild of Mae Lou's Origin)
An elderly guild elder watched from a hidden chamber.
"She's alive," he murmured, eyes fixated on Mae Lou's figure beside Ried Stone.
"She chose the dark path after all."
---
Inside Celestial Order HQ, Korea
Back in Korea, inside the sealed war room of the Celestial Order, the five members sat in cold silence after the face-off.
Christoff leaned forward, hands clasped. "The world is watching now."
Roger Wilson, still radiating heat from restrained fury, cracked his knuckles. "Let them watch. If they think they can touch Rover—they'll go through all of us."
Naiomi's voice was calmer. "He's more than a boy now. They've all seen it. But we'll protect him, no matter what they label him."
Hestia looked toward the window. "Prepare for war. Even if it's in the shadows."
Martin, arms folded, finally said, "This isn't just about a boy anymore. It's about who gets to shape the future."
To be continue...