Date: 17/05/2021, Monday
Location: GDA Central Command, Geneva, Switzerland / Director's Office
Time: 02:00 PM
It was exactly 2:00 PM at the GDA Central Command in Geneva. Exactly two months and four days had passed since the world's first absolute extraction operation. Over these sixty-four days, a massive industrial revolution had been quietly brewing in the subterranean levels of the GDA—a shift in power completely hidden from the rest of the world.
Richard Vance was finalizing his latest report on the main screen when the automatic doors of his office slid open, and Aris stepped in, a data-pad in hand.
Richard shifted his gaze from the screen, his cold, calculating eyes locking onto his subordinate. "Aris, report."
Aris placed the data-pad on the heavy desk and began. "Sir, the objectives you assigned have been completed. Over the past two months, the R&D department has mass-produced multiple 'Barrier Machines.' We have also concluded comprehensive research on the multi-colored materials and resources extracted from the dungeons. With the successful integration of the new Mana Stones and Astral Dew, we no longer need to worry about advanced Magitech fuel. Our energy reserves are now massive."
Aris swiped across his screen, projecting new blueprints onto the desk's holographic interface. "Most importantly, Chief Blacksmith Victor has confirmed that we are now directly forging weapons and heavy armor from monster anatomy—bones, hides, and fangs—combined with magic stones. We haven't stopped since the first extraction. Our secret strike teams have silently stripped several other dungeons over these two months."
Richard absorbed the details without a single shift in emotion. This was all just part of his grand mathematics. "And the global statistics?"
"The world is changing rapidly, Sir," Aris replied, his voice turning dead serious. "The scale of mana density has become exponential. More Hell Gates are manifesting daily than ever before. E and D-Rank gates have effectively become minor threats. The most significant shift is in the B-Rank gates. Their daily manifestation limit has spiked to between ten and fifteen."
Aris took a deep breath before continuing. "During our black ops, we strategically looted a few of these B-Rank Hell Gates as well. The quality and sheer quantity of resources found inside are massive compared to the C-Rank dungeons. Sir... the world is truly shifting."
A chilling, terrifying smile slowly crept onto Richard's face. He folded his hands on the table.
"You are right. The world is shifting," Richard said, his voice laced with absolute authority. "And the time has come to take control of this shifting world. Over the past year, the National Dungers Associations (N.D.A) have mistakenly believed they stand on the same level as the GDA simply by utilizing their S-Rankers. It is time we separate those S-Rankers from the N.D.A and firmly re-establish ourselves at the absolute top."
"Your next orders, Sir?"
"Send an official invitation to every S-Ranker and the heads of all National Dungers Associations worldwide," Richard commanded, his tone dictatorial. "A 'Global Summit' is being convened. Phrase the invitation to state that this summit addresses the 'World's Paradigm Shift' and the future of the gates. Word it in a way that makes it impossible for any S-Ranker or N.D.A head to refuse."
A deep sense of respect and realization flashed in Aris's eyes. He understood instantly; Richard was about to make his checkmate move.
"Yes, Sir," Aris nodded sharply. "Your plan will be flawlessly executed."
Richard's smile sharpened further. He put his computer system on standby and rose from his chair.
"Good," Richard stated. "Schedule the summit for exactly two days from now. Begin the preparations immediately."
He stood by the glass window, his mind already calculating the countless possibilities of the impending global takeover.