Chapter Forty-Eight: Alliance! Alliance!

Today unfolded as usual.

“February 18th. Twelve days remain until the Lord of the Underworld awakens!”

The broadcast echoed through the building, instantly rousing the sleepy masses from their stupor.

There was no time left. No time at all.

This was the thought that gripped everyone. No one dared to relax, not even for a second. It was as if an invisible string was stretched taut within every heart, never slackening.

At the top floor of the Pearl Tower, an elderly man with silver hair stood before a floor-to-ceiling window, surveying the city below.

Chu Xiao sat on the sofa, frowning intently at a crimson dossier in his hands.

“Chu Xiao, I’ve been studying the approach taken by Eurofort and Northsand. I believe we should form an alliance. It would give us a better chance against the Lord of the Underworld.”

Chu Xiao set the file aside, his expression pensive. He too was aware of the recent maneuvers of Northsand and Eurofort.

“Eurofort is unlikely to join hands with us. Northsand, however, is worth courting—but best after the first wave of conflict,” Chu Xiao voiced his opinion.

Number One nodded. “Eurofort is essentially self-serving. Even if they considered an alliance with us, they would never risk offending America. Most likely, they will remain neutral.”

“By contrast, Northsand is more inclined to align with us. Their strength is not to be underestimated. Though they’ve declined in recent years, they’re still formidable.”

“Very well. Contact Northsand’s leadership!” Chu Xiao agreed.

At 3:00 p.m., the joint conference was formally convened in Pearl City.

The leaders of Northsand and Kyushu attended in person.

Northsand’s representative was Prime Minister Church.

Kyushu sent Number One and a young, unknown man.

“Greetings, Chief,” said Prime Minister Church.

“Greetings, Prime Minister Church,” Number One replied, shaking hands. The young man stood silently at their side.

“And this is?” Church’s gaze lingered on the young man, whose bearing was clearly extraordinary.

Number One quickly introduced him. “He is the chief coordinator of our National Production Movement, and also a seer. He has foretold tsunamis, earthquakes, and trade events—and this very catastrophe as well. This is Chu Xiao.”

Church regarded the young man in astonishment. He had heard of Chu Xiao before but imagined him to be a middle-aged elite, never expecting someone so young. It was truly remarkable—such grand designs from someone barely in his twenties!

“Impressive! On my way here, I saw the results of your efforts. I am sincerely impressed,” Church said, masking his surprise.

Chu Xiao nodded slightly, then replied, “No, this is not my achievement alone. It is the work of an entire nation.”

His words rang with conviction.

The Kyushu delegates’ eyes widened, a surge of emotion rising within them.

Yes! It was the burning passion of every Kyushu citizen that forged this accomplishment.

How could one man claim this as his own? Even if others believed so, Chu Xiao would never take sole credit.

“Well said!” Church exclaimed. If only Northsand possessed such patriotism, perhaps his own decisions would not have been so difficult.

Number One nodded, clearly pleased.

“I am glad you agreed to cooperate with us the moment we called,” he said, steering the conversation back to business.

“Of course! We are willing to become allies with Kyushu,” Church replied. Though he had once looked down upon Kyushu, now he could only seek their partnership.

Number One smiled and shook his head. “That still requires further discussion.”

“Our main concern now is uniting against the Lord of the Underworld. According to prophecy, he will awaken on February 29th and launch his assault on March 1st. But recent investigations indicate his activities are increasing—he may strike sooner.”

“We must be fully prepared.”

“As for weaponry, we’ll provide the blueprints for the parts. You manufacture the components, but assembly will be handled on our end.”

“As for fortifications, if time runs short, destroy all AI systems and perfect your counter-intrusion protocols.”

“That is all I can offer you.”

Church nodded. Kyushu had already given much; he knew it was impossible to ask for more.

“If there is anything you require from us, just say the word.”

At this, Chu Xiao and Number One exchanged a glance.

“We need radium. Your radium. Help us develop it,” Chu Xiao declared. This was the conclusion he and Number One had previously reached.

Church’s face paled. “Radium! Such a highly radioactive element… Is it for use in the laser cannons?” Realizing he had spoken too much, he quickly fell silent.

Number One and Chu Xiao were unfazed.

“It’s only natural you’d know,” Number One said.

He nodded, “Yes, it’s for the laser cannons. I know Northsand has many sources for extracting radium, while Kyushu has very few. We hope you can provide it to us, free of charge.”

Church hesitated. If war broke out, radium would become an indispensable resource.

But if he refused, would Kyushu continue to support Northsand? The answer was no.

After weighing the options, Church made his decision.

“Very well. On behalf of Northsand, I agree.”

At his words, the Kyushu delegates felt a surge of elation.

This was the new Kyushu.

Once, they had been exploited and plundered by the great powers. Now, the tables had turned.

Yet Kyushu would never stoop to their former oppressors’ baseness. In return for resources, they offered generous assistance.

Kyushu had presented its grand strategy.

This was the power of a great nation. The wisdom of a great people.

Afterwards, Church and Number One discussed the finer details of the alliance.

At last, on February 18th, at 8:30 p.m., the meeting concluded.

Before the eyes of the world, Northsand and Kyushu formally signed their agreement.

The two nations announced their alliance to the world.

News of the alliance sent shockwaves across the globe.

The two countries had only ever had lukewarm relations, often clashing over minor disputes—yet now they stood united.

Eurofort’s leaders, upon hearing the news, were thrown into confusion. But their pride would not allow them to bow to Kyushu, nor to seek an alliance.

America, as always, remained indifferent. Life continued in a haze of pleasure and leisure.

Chu Xiao gazed out at the stars, his eyes sharp as torches, as though they could pierce the night.

February 20th. Nine days remain until the Lord of the Underworld awakens.

Less than ten days left.

Ten days—what could one do? Indulge? Seek pleasure?

No. Not a single Kyushu citizen would choose that path.

Instead, they steeled their resolve, making each day fuller, preparing thoroughly for the coming battle against the Lord of the Underworld.