21st century Goguryeo

Men wearing sunglasses and black suits were standing guard amid the helicopter's strong winds, while a plump man in a party uniform appeared. He was President Wang Jing-wi, New China's supreme leader.

Ironically, the Joint Chiefs of Staff were watching President Wang Jing-wi ride a transport helicopter out of the X-15 bunker to another location in real-time with the help of the Apollo reconnaissance satellite.

In fact, the Joint Chiefs of Staff had already identified the location of the X-15 bunker where President Wang Jing-wi had been hiding even before the 'Flattening Operation' began. Additionally, the C-SH Zinog-II missile that was launched from the Zeus satellite deviated considerably from the X-15 bunker. In other words, they had purposefully kept President Wang Jing-wi alive.

In reality, when they had identified the location where he was hiding, there was one question that caused conflicting opinions among the staff when confirming the plans for the 'Flattening Operation.' It was a choice between keeping him alive or assassinating him.

One side wanted to completely destroy President Wang Jing-wi, while the other said that if that were to happen, the leaders in charge of each group or lower unit currently engaged in the war would vanish, potentially prolonging the war's end.

As a result, the latter opinion was taken into account, and President Wang Jing-wi was kept alive for the time being.

At that moment, while several J-20 stealth fighters flew in formation and covered the sky above, President Wang Jing-wi and his General Staff escaped the hell that Beijing had turned into and headed south in a large transport helicopter.

This was the reason for Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Youn Gi-youn's words, as he had voted to have President Wang Jing-wi killed.

"It's not too late now…"

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Shin Sung-yong, spoke quietly to Youn Gi-youn, who couldn't take his eyes away from the screen while touching his chin. "Deputy Youn, you must be very disappointed."

"Instead of being disappointed, I'm angry, Chairman! It would be over in a flash with just one missile!"

"Haha, I understand your feelings. However, our decision will result in a better outcome. So, let's wait a little while longer."

"It will only take one word…Well, well, I can't help it."

Youn Gi-youn, Deputy Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, coughed several times and appeared dissatisfied. Then he paused for a few moments to reflect on the situation. <'South Korean comrades think in overly complicated ways even though it is simple and easy. I'm exhausted.'>

"Deputy Youn! I feel the same way as you, but since it was decided by the majority, why don't we just follow them?" Army Chief of Staff Lee Eun-hyung also expressed regret and offered words of reassurance.

"Right. I have to follow them."

* * *

January 8th, 2024, 17:00

The briefing room of the Ministry of National Defense, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Namju

By 6 p.m., the statistics of casualties in New China were compiled. In response, the Ministry of National Defense decided to make an announcement to rectify the false casualty count being broadcasted in various countries, including New China.

The 'Flattening Operation,' which resulted in a massive number of casualties due to short-term attacks unprecedented in human history, piqued the world's interest. As a result, there was widespread condemnation that it was an act of war against humanity.

At the podium in the briefing room, the spokesman from the Ministry of National Defense, Oh Jin-hwan, politely greeted the room and immediately began the briefing.

"As there has been a flood of criticism directed at the Republic of Korea as a result of unfounded and indiscriminate reports of casualties in various countries, I would like to provide you with accurate information. Please take a look at the screen on the left."

Following the greeting, a map of New China was displayed on the large screen next to the podium. Then, various details about the city where strategic weapons were used were revealed.

"As you can see, the data is not exhaustive, but based on the statistics acquired, the number of civilian casualties has been confirmed at 9.2 million."

Although the number of casualties was 3.75 million lower than the primary statistics reported to the president, the total of 9.25 million was far from insignificant.

Among the cities, Beijing suffered the most casualties. The total number of casualties reached 6.47 million, or 60 percent of the total casualties, with an estimated death toll of 6 million. Even though it was the most populated city when compared to the others, the main cause of the high number of casualties was because of the control the New China government had over its citizens.

As the central government was located in Beijing, their control over its people was the most intense, forcing at least 3 million citizens to return to Beijing.

Following the release of the casualty statistics, the spokesman, Oh Jin-hwan, elaborated on the cause of such high casualties. He emphasized that the major casualties were caused by the poor judgment of New China's government. It was publicly announced that Korea had taken all precautionary measures, including broadcasting evacuation warnings and distributing flyers to civilians.

In essence, it may have appeared to be a release of casualty statistics by a spokesman from the Ministry of National Defense, but their ultimate goal was to defend against the flood of external criticism.

* * *

January 8th, 2024, 20:00 (Latvia time: 13:00)

Office of the EU Chairman's Headquarters, Riga, Latvia

U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson, who was aware of the gravity of the situation as a result of President Choo Un-hee's obstinate statement, immediately visited the EU headquarters in Riga, Latvia's capital.

Following the unexpected visit of the U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson, representatives from the EU rushed to the EU Chairman's headquarters and began preparing for a meeting that was to commence in the next 30 minutes.

Before the start of the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson met with Maris Felsix, the EU Presidency's representative, and handed her a letter from President Trump.

"Oh! I can't believe President Trump sent me a letter…" Chairman Maris Felsix's face lit up as she received a fancy-looking letter bearing the presidential seal of the United States.

After reading the contents of the handwritten letter slowly, she flashed a dark look at Maine Johnson. "Is this really what President Trump wants?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Well, that's not easy."

"That is why the president wrote you this letter. He would appreciate it if you could make an effort with the representatives from the member countries."

Chairman Maris Felsix placed the letter on the table and took a moment to think while her chin rested on her hand.

That was because the contents of the letter were more serious than she expected. Chairman Maris Felsix, who already watched President Choo Un-hee's public statement announcement, had the thought that if she agreed and carried out President Trump's request, the autonomous EU could be engulfed in war as well.

"True, I am the chairman of the EU, but I believe that the views of representatives from all member countries take precedence over my personal views. So I'll put it on the agenda for the meeting, but I don't think I'll be able to persuade them."

"Chairman, your authority is desperately needed at this time. Please don't think that way. Think positively instead."

"No, I am unable to express my personal view on such a critical issue," refused Chairman Maris Felsix firmly.

"Well, all right. Then, can you give me the right to speak at today's meeting?"

"Yes, I can do that much."

"Thank you. Then I'll see you in the meeting room in a few minutes." US Secretary of State, Maine Johnson, rose from her seat, bowed slightly, and left the chairman's office.

* * *

January 8th, 2024, 20:00

Office of the Prime Minister, Central Office, Tokyo, Japan

While U.S. Secretary of State Maine Johnson was in Latvia, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian paid an unofficial visit to Japan and met with Prime Minister Uchida in secret, without the South Korean government's knowledge.

Uchida, who had previously served as Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare during the Abe administration, was appointed as Prime Minister after South Korea completely reorganized Japan's political board following the defeat.

Japan, which experienced an economic crisis comparable to a recession as a result of its defeat in the war, had maintained an annual economic growth rate of 2.2 percent as the world's former second-largest economy. As the saying goes, 'The age of an old eagle is better than the youth of a sparrow.'

"Prime Minister Uchida! How long will you rely on Korea to defend Japan?"

Following a brief greeting, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian jumped right into the main reason he was there. Prime Minister Uchida paused for a moment with a teacup in his mouth.

"What are you talking about all of a sudden?"

"It is an outdated idea to entrust the operation of one country to another. Japan should be protected by the power of the Japanese."

"Well, that's natural, but the current situation in Japan is—"

"Prime Minister Uchida! Circumstances change all the time. If you are willing, the United States can help." U.S. Foreign Minister Julian threw the bait and looked at Prime Minister Uchida's face.

"What do you mean?"

"Are you asking me because you don't know?"

"Yes, I don't understand." Prime Minister Uchida looked like he really didn't know what U.S. Foreign Minister Julian meant.

<'Oh, he is a frustrating person. Now I know why Korea put him as prime minister.'>

While pondering, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian took a thick stack of documents from his bag and handed it over to Prime Minister Uchida.

"What's this?"

"It's a new vision for Japan."

"What?"

"It's a lot, so take your time reading it. I'm leaving by plane tomorrow afternoon, so you have until then to give me your answer. Prime Minister, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so take advantage of it."

"Well, I'm not sure what it is, but I'll read it carefully and get back to you."

"Yes, I'd appreciate that. Oh, and President Trump will make a trip to Japan before the end of his term."

"Oh! Really? Please inform him that he is welcome at any time."

"Yes, I see. Then, this…Oh, right! Today's visit and the documents I gave you are not good for Korea, so please keep them secure." Standing up from his seat, U.S. Foreign Minister Julian expressed its importance.

"Yes, don't worry about that."

"Then I'll leave now."

After a while, when Julian left the Prime Minister's office under the guidance of the Prime Minister's secretary, Prime Minister Uchida, picked up the thick stack of documents from the table.

Prime Minister Uchida was appointed by South Korea and had been in office for three years, but this did not imply that he had a close relationship with them. He is a politician with a common-sense mindset that Japanese politicians don't usually have, and he has served as prime minister solely for the sake of the Japanese people. As a result, even in last year's midterm elections, he received overwhelming public support.

The current Japanese Prime Minister's office had been restructured so that a three-year term can only be re-elected once. This was a system that was altered to overthrow the previous Abe administration, which had been in power for four consecutive terms.

Prime Minister Uchida's expressions changed numerous times as he read through the first chapter. At times, a faint smile would cross his face or his brows would furrow.

After a while, Prime Minister Uchida, who had only skimmed the contents, sighed deeply as he placed the documents on the table.

<Whew.>

<'There could be a huge whirlwind in Japan again.'>

When this thought crossed his mind, he pressed the button on the intercom.

<Beep!>

"Yes, Prime Minister! This is Secretary Nagamoto."

"I would like to convene a security meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, so please call everyone."

"Yes, Prime Minister!"