"Mosman, you said there was an emergency. What exactly happened?"
Berlitz looked at Mosman, slowly removing his glasses to wipe them before speaking. He was the representative sent by the European Space Agency for this meeting, and a high-ranking official with real authority.
"I'm curious too. What could possibly require you to gather all of us here?"
Opus glanced around as he spoke. Present were Myers, President of the New United States, Berlitz from the European Space Agency, Saburo Arasaka, a representative from the Kang Tao Xu family, a director from Petrochem, and several other major corporation representatives.
"Everyone, time is limited. I'll get straight to the point. Take a look at this message."
Mosman, expression grave, sent the Blackwall's message to everyone.
Immediately, brows furrowed across the room. Confusion spread.
"Where did this message come from?"
"The Blackwall."
Mosman answered directly.
"What?!"
The room erupted. Only Saburo Arasaka showed a knowing look, remaining silent as he waited for the others to speak.
After PROJECT's counterattack, Arasaka had suffered heavy losses. This was not the time to stand out.
"You're saying the Blackwall has developed self-awareness?"
Opus's face darkened as he questioned Mosman.
Mosman simply nodded. He had no good way to explain it.
Seeing Opus about to press further, Berlitz stepped in.
"Hold on, Opus. I have something to ask."
Opus frowned but said nothing more, letting out a cold snort as he sat back down.
"Mosman, if you're telling us even this, then there must be something more dangerous than that, right? Tell us clearly. What's happening in the Old Net?"
Berlitz stared at him.
"…The situation isn't optimistic, but it's not out of control yet. That entity is currently in a standoff with the Blackwall. Overall, the Blackwall is at a disadvantage. It doesn't dare engage directly and can only defend passively."
Hearing this, Berlitz let out a small breath.
"Then the issue is PROJECT, correct? This AI crisis originated from them. What's your plan?"
"The powerful AI is currently isolated outside the Blackwall. That means PROJECT no longer has access to it. We need to seize this opportunity to destroy its core!"
The room fell into a brief silence.
Glances were exchanged. Not everyone shared the same thoughts.
"No problem. On behalf of the European Space Agency, we will participate in this operation. We will move to eliminate PROJECT and resolve the AI threat."
"The New United States agrees. We will deploy troops to surround PROJECT's territory. We'll need your support when the time comes."
"Arasaka will provide both military and financial support. We hope the New United States can open some of its ports."
Saburo Arasaka finally spoke.
Myers glanced at him, then nodded.
"Of course."
With the leading figures in agreement, the other corporations followed. Petrochem and Kang Tao pledged resources.
Even the Highriders offered support.
With that, the meeting ended. Everyone disconnected and returned to their own rooms.
On the surface, all factions had agreed.
Behind the scenes… that was another matter entirely.
...
"Any thoughts?"
Opus looked around calmly.
"Support PROJECT. We can't let the European Space Agency get that technology."
Logan Doyle spoke without hesitation.
"PROJECT has already contacted me. They're willing to trade their energy technology for our resources."
The moment Encryptus said this, every Highrider executive turned toward him.
The intensity of their gaze made his skin crawl.
"Don't look at me like that. I don't have the technology. They're waiting for our reply. What's the decision?"
"…Tell them we also want their giant mech technology. Not just the basic version."
A sharp glint flashed in Opus's eyes.
Encryptus nodded and sent the terms.
"They've agreed."
"Good! Have them send part of the technology first. Then we'll provide resources and help absorb pressure from the other factions."
Opus broke into a wide grin.
...
Meanwhile, Myers had barely finished the meeting when an urgent distress call from Southern California came in.
"What's going on?!"
"It's PROJECT. They've launched a full-scale attack on Southern California. The local forces can't hold. A city has already fallen. They're requesting immediate support!"
Myers took a deep breath, then steadied herself.
"Buy time. Tell them to hold as long as possible. Inform them that the European Space Agency and Arasaka will intervene. Combined forces will be deployed soon."
"And us?"
"Do nothing. If they can't hold, that's their problem."
She waved dismissively. The secretary quickly withdrew.
Leaning back in her chair, Myers began analyzing the situation.
PROJECT's actions. The number of factions now involved.
That meant...
"The Fifth Corporate War?!"
The realization hit hard.
And it had been initiated by PROJECT.
Which meant their ambitions were enormous.
And this was happening on New United States territory.
"They're trying to swallow us whole?!"
Myers's expression twisted with anger.
A rising power, barely a few years old, daring to replace the New United States?
"Keep dreaming!!"
She immediately contacted Berlitz, demanding immediate military support.
"Hah… things are getting interesting."
After reviewing Lissandra's report, Roland chuckled.
Then he began issuing orders.
This was no longer a slow expansion.
This was a full-scale takeover.
"Deploy Apocalypse and the PROJECT squads directly to the front lines. Full offensive. The other states can begin operations as well. It's time those New United States officials we've cultivated start earning their keep."