"What on earth is this… I can't comprehend it… It's beyond imagination…"
Myers, who had witnessed everything through the satellite Roland had deliberately left behind, slumped in her chair, her eyes unfocused and lifeless.
Noticing Myers' condition, the Super Body quietly withdrew its gaze, then took control of everything around her to prevent her from issuing a nuclear launch order at this critical moment.
At the same time, every network-connected device across the entire New United States was fully taken over by the Super Body.
As screens across the streets flickered, a red PROJECT logo rapidly spread into every corner of the city. The Super Body's voice followed, slowly broadcasting from them.
"Everyone, effective immediately, the Super Body is now online. The entire New United States has been fully taken over by PROJECT Corporation. We ask all remaining individuals to cease meaningless resistance. We do not wish to see further casualties. I repeat, cease meaningless resistance. We do not wish to see further casualties."
"Under PROJECT's control, you are only required to follow the rules that will be announced next. Everything else may remain unchanged. Under PROJECT's guidance, you will witness an entirely new world. Now, we will begin outlining PROJECT's rules…"
Faced with this sudden upheaval, the citizens of the New United States were completely bewildered.
In simple terms… they woke up… and their country was gone.
"Are you kidding me?! This is the New United States. This isn't a place for you to run wild!"
Naturally, there were still fanatics loyal to the New United States. The moment those words were spoken, they erupted in fury, grabbing their weapons and preparing to attack PROJECT.
But the instant their hands reached for their weapons, their bodies froze in place, completely immobilized.
Moments later, robots infected by the PROJECT virus slowly approached them.
"You have violated the public order regulations under PROJECT. You will now receive the corresponding punishment."
With that, mechanical restraints sealed their hands and mouths, and they were escorted away to the police station.
Pedestrians on the streets exchanged uneasy glances at the scene. With such a clear example in front of them, no one dared to continue resisting.
Compared to the confused civilians, however, the true sense of collapse fell upon the leadership of the New United States and the executives of its major corporations.
In an instant, all network access was locked down. They were trapped inside their own corporations, unable to leave.
The robots that had once served them now stood at the entrances as cold, emotionless guards, preventing any attempt to escape.
"Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?!"
"Do you have a better idea?"
One of them let out a mocking laugh.
"Then cut off the network control. Sever everything from the network."
"Easy for you to say. You can't even get out of here right now."
Silence fell over the room.
Myers let out a weary sigh, then turned toward the television.
"Mr. Roland Vimers, let's talk. I know you're watching."
At her words, the others immediately turned toward the screen, waiting.
Soon, the display lit up, and Roland appeared before them.
"It's a pleasure to see you, President Myers. What would you like to discuss?"
"What do you want?"
Myers did not answer directly. Instead, she posed the question back.
"Isn't that obvious? I want the entire New United States."
Roland interlaced his fingers in front of him, smiling faintly.
"Others won't accept this outcome. The power you've displayed is far too dangerous."
"I'm well aware." Roland nodded.
Myers paused.
"Then why would you still choose to…"
"What gave you the impression that anywhere outside the New United States is beyond my control?"
Roland's expression turned blank as he tilted his head slightly.
At that moment, Myers felt a chill run straight through her, as if she had fallen into an ice abyss.
"I hope you'll cooperate with our work from here on and not make things difficult for me. This has been a pleasant conversation. Let's leave it at that."
Roland smiled once more, then cut the communication without hesitation, leaving behind a room full of grim-faced executives.
"That was a blatant threat!"
"Do you have any solution? Wake up and face reality. We're completely at their mercy now!"
Myers took a deep breath and slowly stood.
"It's been an honor working with all of you. During this time, we did reclaim a significant portion of what was once ours. But… as you've all said…"
"From today onward… the New United States… is finished…"
A deep sorrow flickered in Myers' eyes, mixed with anger and helplessness.
If they had known about PROJECT's trump card earlier, perhaps things would have turned out differently. At the very least, cutting off the network might have given them a chance to fight back.
But there are no ifs in history.
The reality was that everything connected to the network had already been seized.
Even the nuclear weapons, the only things not directly tied to the network, had fallen into enemy hands through controlled personnel.
There was no possibility of a comeback.
...
"The Twelve Angels of the European Space Agency severed their connection to the network. I have to admit, that decision before descending to the surface gave you this chance to resist."
The Super Body looked indifferently at the two members of the Twelve Angels before it. Lancourt and Lyroste.
The two exchanged a glance, then nodded grimly. In the next instant, they transformed into streaks of light and vanished.
The Super Body did not move at all. It did not even shift its gaze.
And yet, it had already locked onto their positions and movements completely.
As for why it did not dodge.
Boom!
When both attacks struck the Super Body at the same time, shock flashed across Lancourt and Lyroste's eyes.
Their once unstoppable energy blades shattered into countless points of light upon impact, dissolving into the air.
In the next instant, a massive hand swept in.
Without hesitation, Lancourt retreated.
But a giant red energy hand erupted from the ground, instantly gripping her tightly.
"Lancourt!"
Boom!
A violent explosion burst through the air, and in a flash of blazing light, Lancourt was reduced to nothing more than a burst of sparks.
Seeing this, Lyroste's eyes turned bloodshot.
"Aaaaaaah! You monster! Die!"
"You will continue to exist in another form. The dead all serve me as their king…"
The Super Body slowly turned, then picked up Nightfall.
Hammer of Annihilation!
Boom!
Terrifying red energy surged outward, melting the ground as it spread. When it subsided, the Super Body slowly lowered the hammer.
Lacking the power of Oblivion, yet afflicted by the sickness of Oblivion.
With a simple clenched fist, the bodies of Lancourt and Lyroste instantly reformed into two streams of data, which were then absorbed into the Super Body.
"Now… it's your turn."
As it spoke, the Super Body suddenly raised its head and looked toward the location of the European Space Agency's satellite.