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Chapter 8 - First Order

After the serious discussions had concluded, Navies rose from his seat with a calm yet commanding presence. His sharp gaze swept across the room, where executives remained seated in silence, processing everything that had just been discussed. A faint smile curved his lips not one of warmth, but the quiet confidence of a leader who had made a decisive move.

Without haste, he stepped out of the meeting room, followed closely by Mr. Kein, his ever-loyal right-hand man. They walked down a long corridor, softly illuminated by ambient lighting, heading toward an exclusive lounge on the top floor. This was no ordinary bar it was a covert meeting space for those who pulled the strings of the world from behind the scenes. Only a select few had access.

As they arrived, the air of elegance immediately embraced them. The dim lighting, combined with the soft clinking of crystal glasses, created an atmosphere of quiet authority. In the corners of the room, men in tailored suits spoke in hushed voices, their conversations carrying the weight of power.

Navies took a seat in a more private section of the lounge. A bartender approached almost immediately, placing a drink before him without needing to be asked they already knew his preferences. He picked up the glass, swirling the liquid inside with a slow, deliberate motion, as if contemplating something profound.

"We need to build a new foundation," he said suddenly, his voice steady, cutting through the air with an undeniable presence. "Not just a company, but an entity capable of reshaping the global balance of power. Security, research, manufacturing everything must be centered around advanced technology. We've fallen behind for too long. The data I received from Balqis makes that painfully clear."

Mr. Kein remained silent, listening intently. He was accustomed to Navies' grand vision and was more than ready to follow his lead.

"The first step?" Kein asked, ensuring every detail of the emerging plan was clear.

Navies took a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down with measured precision. "We're investing in Southeast Asia specifically, the Malacca Strait. Singapore is nothing more than a Western puppet, but Indonesia is a far more promising option. Its ports and strategic waters hold the key. We need to strengthen Indonesia's position, gradually eroding Western dominance over the strait. That will be our foothold before we expand further."

Kein nodded, though he knew Navies wasn't finished.

"And then, there's Aratsun." Navies leaned back, his gaze sharp and calculating. "Our business there has been drained dry by pro-Western parties. They evade taxes, exploit resources, yet maintain a spotless image in the global eye—thanks to the manipulated data from institutions they control. But I know the truth. Poverty is rising, prosperity is an illusion. On the ground, the people are suffering."

Navies locked eyes with Kein, his voice lowering, carrying a quiet yet undeniable menace. "We'll start by weakening them from the bottom. Their smaller supporters one by one, we'll bring them down. Their immediate downfall won't shake the core power structures, not at first. But little by little, they'll realize their grip is slipping before they even have time to react."

Mr. Kein took a sip of his drink, pausing for a moment before nodding firmly. "Understood, Mr. Navies. I'll begin arrangements immediately."

A faint smirk crossed Navies' lips. Tonight, a monumental decision had been made, and the world would never be the same.

Navies leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with calculation. His voice dropped to a lower, more commanding tone.

"There's one more thing," he said. "I'm creating a special division. It'll be called 'X.' This division will operate outside the official company structure, reporting directly to me."

Mr. Kein narrowed his eyes, now fully intrigued. "A shadow division?"

Navies gave a faint smile, his expression unreadable. "Yes. You know, the Western Party has a terrifying intelligence network. If we can't match their capabilities, we'll be crushed. Even though our allies from the pro-Eastern nations will support us, it's better if we have our own strength."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"This is more than just defense. This division will be our eyes and ears across the world. They will gather intelligence, protect our interests, and ensure that we always stay one step ahead of the rest."

Mr. Kein nodded slowly. There was something in Navies' voice that made him certain—this was not just an ambitious plan but a monumental step toward absolute dominance.

"Who will you recruit?"

Navies met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "I will personally select the first ten key leaders. After that, you will handle the recruitment of the remaining members."

Mr. Kein smirked faintly, fully aware of the immense risk they were about to undertake. "Very well, Mr. Navies. I will ensure everything proceeds according to your expectations."

Navies rose from his seat, smoothing out his suit with a single, effortless motion. For a moment, he appeared to be just another young businessman, but Kein knew better. Beneath that calm exterior lay something far greater.

"This isn't just about business, Mr. Kein." Navies' tone deepened, almost a whisper. "This is about making sure the future is in our hands. There can be no gaps in this plan."

Mr. Kein looked at his young boss with a newfound sense of respect. "You can count on me."

Navies strode toward the door, but just before stepping out, he halted briefly. In a low voice, almost like a command, he said, "I want a meeting with our party's top officials. I need to know the state of parliament, the social climate, and the political landscape of our nation. This is crucial. Because politics will be the primary weapon we wield."

Without waiting for a response, he walked out.

Behind his composed demeanor, the storm of change had already begun to stir.

That night, a light drizzle fell, dampening the city illuminated by neon lights. Atop one of the skyscrapers, the rotor blades of a helicopter roared, whipping strong gusts of wind that sent the bodyguards' coats billowing.

From the helipad at the building's peak, a black helicopter bearing an unidentified emblem lifted off, merging into the darkened sky. A transmission crackled over a secure frequency, cutting through their private communication channel.

"Government spies and intelligence agents are on the move. They're tailing our helicopter."

A security officer's voice came through the headset—calm, steady, and precise, the voice of a seasoned professional accustomed to high-stakes situations.

In the shadows, a broad-shouldered man gave a nod. He was the head of security that night, ensuring the operation ran without flaws. In a tone flat yet authoritative, he issued his final order.

"VVIP will exit using another vehicle. Make sure no one can trace them."

Meanwhile, in the sky, the helicopter continued its ascent, serving as the perfect decoy for the spies who believed the supreme leader of NFC Group better known as the Eastern faction was on board. But reality told a different story.

Beneath the building, concealed within an underground passage hidden behind the exclusive parking system, a convoy of armored vehicles moved in silence. No sirens, no commotion. Just one undeniable truth their supreme leader had to remain invisible.

Out there, the world might think they could track NFC Group's movements. But they were wrong. Tonight, the true power remained in the shadows.

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