Chapter 247 - 243: World Alliance’s First Meeting (2)

Chapter 247: Chapter 243: World Alliance’s First Meeting (2)

Kodell of France expressed his agreement and pressed the button to speak.

"We have now developed a relatively complete disaster classification system, a sizable database on the anomalies, and an unparalleled level of research on Evolvers. We have also established comprehensive response and defense mechanisms. For our special operatives, from elite agents to Evolvers, we have thorough training systems and development plans in place."

"I don’t believe it’s appropriate to simply hand over the fruits of our labor to other nations after we’ve already paved the way. With the exception of those present, I have no faith in their gratitude."

He offered a small compliment to the other five nations, but his stance was clear: he was against public disclosure.

This was, in fact, closely related to France’s own lack of a strong foundation. They had gotten a late start, after all. Never mind the gap with China, America, and Russia; they were still closing the distance with even Ukraine.

A British expert in anomaly probability research then pressed the button to request the floor.

"I concur with some of Mr. Kodell’s points, but I also have a slight objection."

The man was clearly prepared. As he began to speak, an aide projected a data chart onto the main screen for him.

It was covered in data points and annotations.

"This is my analysis of the temporal and spatial markers for all known anomalies. The primary regions covered by our six nations’ intelligence are quite detailed. Data for other territories comes partially from international exchanges and partially from analyses of incidents reported online."

"As we can see, on a global scale, anomalies of Class-3 and above remain relatively rare. As for Class-1 high-risk events, there have only been three to date. The first was the Ice and Snow Desolation’s ’Rafflesia’ incident, the second was the Flame Demon incident in Saint Louis, and the third was the Soul-Devouring Demon incident in Hua Country a few days ago."

(The Soul-Devouring Demon incident is widely assessed as Class-1. However, based on its own experience, Hua Country has internally classified it as Class-2, while officially declaring it as Class-1 to the outside world. It is internationally recognized as a Class-1 event.)

"What is happening in the depths of the ocean is unknown, but for now, international fishing and shipping have not been affected. While we will continue to monitor the situation, we can set it aside for the moment."

"It is therefore reasonable to believe that most countries have not yet encountered an anomaly severe enough to teach them a harsh lesson. Some nations even mistake these anomalies for new, domestic supernatural discoveries and have remained completely silent about them on the international stage."

At this point, the image on the main screen changed again, replaced by a bar chart.

The leaders present in the room and those attending via video link were not unfamiliar with this type of image; every country conducted similar research periodically.

"This is a chart showing the upward trend of anomaly incidents. I’m sure you are all familiar with similar data."

"A low probability is the current reality, yes, but it will not remain the norm. I imagine the nations that have already initiated large-scale defensive projects are the most prescient on this matter."

The Briton’s gaze drifted, intentionally or not, toward the delegations from Hua Country and the United States, and also swept over those from France, Russia, and Ukraine. In this regard, the United Kingdom’s progress was, in fact, the furthest behind.

"Good luck doesn’t last forever. Nations that aren’t prepared—or worse, are completely oblivious—will pay a heavy price!"

The British expert’s point was clear: he still hoped to release some of the data.

"Then why don’t they adopt the proper attitude? Why were our nations able to break down the barriers to communication, and not them?"

A senior agent from the United States’ Department 19 suddenly spoke up.

He was the head of a foreign relations research division and a key figure in coordinating the response to anomalies.

"They’ve made subtle overtures to other countries. As the number of anomaly incidents increases, these attempts may be intensifying, but in my view, they’re treading water. They won’t make any real progress for years."

"Luck may have played a part for us, but we have all paid a price. Knowledge is precious, now more than ever."

"On one point, I agree with Dr. Charlie..."

The senior agent glanced at the Briton who had just spoken.

"Nations that aren’t prepared *will* pay a heavy price! So permit me to ask everyone here a question: are *we* truly prepared?"

Everyone frowned. He hadn’t even finished, yet some of the quicker minds had already grasped his implication, their gazes fixed on the man who might alter the course of the entire meeting with his next words.

And sure enough, Dex’s next sentence laid his meaning bare.

"Global resources are, after all, finite..."

He didn’t say any more, but for those present, his meaning was crystal clear, sparking a murmur of discussion.

Politics is sometimes just that cruel. Sympathy for other nations only exists when one is relatively prosperous and there is no conflict of interest.

The meeting continued until two in the afternoon, breaking only for lunch. It was a mix of technical discussions with charts and graphs, and sharp verbal sparring.

Finally, a vote held just before adjournment set the primary resolutions.

First, all prior secret pacts are to be abolished. A new "World Alliance Convention Against the Dark Tide" shall be established, with the six nations as founding members. A full effort will be made to invite the Dawn Association to join as an honorary member.

Second, after an initial integration period (the length of which is to be determined by the six nations based on practical realities), technical data will be shared on a limited basis with nations willing to exchange relevant experience with the mainstream world. An assessment will then be made to determine whether to invite them to join the World Alliance.

During this interim period, member states have the right to engage in private contact and communication with other nations, but are forbidden from disclosing the existence of the World Alliance.

Third, the existence of Dawn must not be disclosed to any other nation, unless that nation is already aware and possesses considerable information, or the Dawn Association makes contact with them independently.

Fourth, member states of the World Alliance shall retain full autonomy, but must not conceal intelligence regarding major crises from other members.

Fifth, members may request aid from the Alliance, but there will be no compulsory military unification or mandatory assistance.

Sixth, starting today, member states of the World Alliance shall, within all reasonable bounds, make every effort to prepare for war.

There were numerous other, more minor, articles and provisions as well.

The six nations now largely accepted Dawn’s warning about the Dark Tide, acknowledging they might face an apocalyptic environment in the future.

The sixth point was, in fact, the cruelest. It might not be apparent from the wording, but its implications were profound, influenced, in the end, by the senior agent from the United States, Mr. Dex.

What did it mean to be prepared? The answer was simple: until the very moment a full-scale crisis erupted, no amount of preparation could ever be considered complete.

Shortly after this secret conference concluded, the import orders of certain countries began to gradually increase. These orders mainly involved rare minerals, materials, and energy. Simultaneously, their exports of these same products were restricted, and domestic orders were increased.

PS: First Chapter for Monday.