novelraw Chapter 81 : The Official Response
Chapter 81 : The Official Response
Chapter 81: The Official Response
In front of the long, strip-shaped redwood conference table sat the most powerful people in this country.
Cabinet ministers, the Chief of Staff of the Self-Defense Forces, the Superintendent General of the Metropolitan Police, representatives of major financial conglomerates……
Their faces were all etched with gravity and anxiety.
On the projection screen, footage looped endlessly—extraordinary intelligence shared by the Longxi Republic with countries around the world, as well as surveillance recordings from the streets of Shibuya that looked like hell itself.
“Gentlemen,”
The Prime Minister took a deep breath and broke the suffocating silence. “The situation is even worse than we imagined.”
“The warning from the Longxi Republic—I believe everyone here has already read it.”
“They called this a ‘Game of Gods.’”
“And they issued a stern warning, telling us not to attempt to interfere with the progress of the game.”
“Not to attempt to make contact with the Transcendents.”
“Otherwise, we would bear the consequences ourselves.”
“Hmph, the people of the Longxi Republic have always liked to make alarmist statements.”
A hawkish cabinet minister snorted coldly, slamming the documents in his hand heavily onto the table. “This is Neon Metropolis, not the Longxi Republic!”
“Are we really going to let these so-called ‘Transcendents’ run rampant on our soil just because of a few threats?”
“What’s more,”
A fanatical gleam flashed through his eyes. “If this truly is the power of ‘gods,’ then why can’t we control it?”
“If we can master this power, Neon will rise again—no, even surpass the Longxi Republic and the Stellar Ring United States, becoming the ruler of the world!”
Those words were like sparks falling onto dry tinder, instantly igniting the ambition burning in everyone’s hearts.
That’s right.
Extraordinary power.
It was a miracle countless people dreamed of.
If it could be held in one’s hands, then what international treaties, what economic sanctions—everything would become nothing more than wastepaper!
“I agree!”
“We must control the Transcendents!”
“We can’t let this power wander freely outside!”
Voices of agreement rose one after another.
The warning from the Longxi Republic was quickly cast aside by these greedy politicians, replaced by an insatiable hunger and yearning for power.
“Then the strategy is decided.”
The Prime Minister swept his gaze around the room before making the final call. “Make contact with and establish ties to those Transcendents.”
“Whether it’s money, power, or beautiful women—whatever they ask for, we can give.”
“We must let them understand that cooperating with the state is their best way forward.”
“Even……”
A trace of viciousness flashed through the Prime Minister’s eyes. “If they refuse to see reason, we can also resort to some ‘special measures.’”
“After all, no matter how strong they are, they’re still just a few individuals.”
“And we possess an entire nation.”
“Sato, I’ll leave this matter to you. What suggestions do you have?”
Faced with the greed of the upper echelons, Sato Masayoshi spoke cautiously.
“Prime Minister.”
“Although the lesson from the Hai City incident in the Longxi Republic was indeed extremely painful.”
“But… but that was under circumstances where they knew nothing about extraordinary power.”
“We have now grasped part of the rules.”
“And we already know of two Transcendents.”
“Asahara Shoko and Yamazaki Tetsu.”
“Therefore……”
Hearing this, a flash of ambition passed through the Prime Minister’s eyes as he interrupted Sato.
“Very good!”
“Immediately send people to make contact with them!”
“Make them serve us.”
“The reason the Longxi Republic suffered such heavy losses was because they tried to resist.”
“We, on the other hand, should go with the tide of the times.”
“No matter what, we must win these two Transcendents over to our side!”
“At any cost!”
“Extraordinary power is a gift bestowed upon us by the heavens.”
“If we can hold it in our hands, Neon will rise again!”
……
The official machinery moved quickly.
They had already locked onto several high-profile targets.
The first person contacted by the authorities was 【Preacher】 Asahara Shoko, who had just “become famous in a single battle” in Shibuya.
Inside a “holy temple” hastily erected by believers in Adachi Ward.
Asahara Shoko sat upright upon a “divine throne” refitted from a gilded chair, enjoying the worship and offerings of his followers.
Although his sect had only been established for a few days, bolstered by the “miracle” in Shibuya, the number of believers had already grown explosively.
Countless citizens lost in panic regarded him as the only savior.
“Cult Leader, someone outside is requesting an audience.”
Tanaka, once a yakuza boss and now the “Chief Guardian Knight,” walked in respectfully.
“They say they’re… from the government.”
“The government?”
Asahara Shoko raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curling into a playful smile.
“Let them in.”
Soon, several officials dressed in black suits with solemn expressions entered.
Leading them was a senior official from the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office.
He looked at Asahara Shoko seated high above, his entire body emitting a faint white glow. A trace of surprise flashed through his eyes before he quickly regained his professional composure.
“Mr. Asahara, we are here on behalf of the government.”
The official got straight to the point. “The government hopes to cooperate with you.”
Asahara Shoko looked at the government officials standing opposite him, all dressed in black suits.
Their attitudes were respectful, even tinged with a hint of flattery.
“Cooperate?”
“How exactly?”
The leading official asked cautiously, “Lord Asahara.”
“Can you truly cure all illnesses?”
A compassionate smile hung on Asahara Shoko’s face.
He extended his hand.
A gentle white light radiated from his fingertips.
He lightly touched the official’s forehead.
“God loves all people.”
The official felt a warm current surge through his entire body.
The migraine that had plagued him for many years vanished in an instant.
He looked at Asahara Shoko in delight.
“A miracle! This truly is a miracle!”
Asahara Shoko withdrew his hand.
“My abilities are not meant for killing.”
“But for healing.”
“If you wish for my cooperation, I hope to receive the government’s support.”
“Let me help more people suffering from illness.”
“To save more lost souls.”
The officials were overjoyed.
“Of course! Of course!”
“As long as you are willing to cooperate with the government.”
“At critical moments, to contribute to the nation.”
“We will certainly support you with all our strength!”
“We can recognize your sect as legitimate and provide you with publicity and resource support.”
“Lord Asahara, you are Neon’s hope!”
“We will establish healing centers for you across the entire country!”
“We will use the media to vigorously publicize your miracles, letting your name spread throughout all of Neon!”
“You will become a national treasure of Neon!”
Ecstasy surged in Asahara Shoko’s heart.
This was exactly what he wanted.
Official endorsement!
Official publicity!
This would bring him a massive number of believers.
A massive amount of faith power.
This was simply a pie falling from the sky!
With these, he could openly harvest faith, and might even have the chance to turn the entire nation into his pasture!
As for being used by the authorities?
Hmph. Who was using whom was still uncertain.
When the time came and he had accumulated enough power,
he would become a true god!
And once he truly ascended the divine throne, these mortal officials would be nothing more than ants beneath his feet.
“That sounds like a rather good proposal.”
Asahara Shoko stood up from the divine throne, that sorrowful, world-pitying charlatan smile appearing on his face.
“God loves all people. Since the government is willing to act with goodwill, I naturally will not refuse.”
“So long as one harbors kindness in their heart, divine light will surely shine.”
“Excellent!”
The official was overjoyed. “Mr. Asahara truly is a reasonable man.”
“Then, a happy cooperation.”