The participants entered the large hall decorated with the flags of various countries. The hall was vast, and the atmosphere was filled with tension and anticipation, as representatives from multiple countries gathered, some with their presidents in attendance, while others sent their foreign ministers. The chairs were arranged in a large circle around a huge table where everyone met to exchange opinions.
The Chair of the Meeting (calmly but firmly):
"We are here today to discuss solutions to the economic crises that threaten the stability of our continent. We must devise strategic plans for cooperation between our countries, but there is one important matter we must address. The five major organizations have started dealing with certain countries individually, and this is very dangerous for us."
Aksir (Country 1) (in a concerned tone):
"But how can we allow this? These organizations are strengthening their ties with certain countries, which will increase the disparity between us. If this continues, we will be in a weak position on the global stage."
Niros (Country 2) (cautiously):
"We can't let competition ruin our relations. We must unite and build a unified economic front to face these organizations. If they continue exploiting individual countries, we will have a serious problem."
Tiron (Country 3) (assertively):
"We need mutual understanding. Some countries are striving for economic domination, and we must be in a position to negotiate with these organizations on equal terms."
The Chair of the Meeting (interrupting):
"Yes, that's true. Our competition must be limited to developing our internal projects and strengthening integration among us. Cooperation is the only solution to avoid the division of economic powers on the continent."
Valeria (Country 4) (seriously):
"But we must ensure that our smaller countries are not negatively affected. We need a plan to protect our national economies and not allow the major organizations to exploit us."
Drinar (Country 5) (angrily):
"What's the problem with working with the organizations? There are some smaller organizations we work with, but when it comes to big projects with huge amounts of money, we must work with them. This is the only way to ensure success in the global market."
Aksir (Country 1) (firmly):
"The problem with the major organizations is that they take a huge share of the profits and do not respect the laws. They are powerful organizations with the ability to impose their terms, and this makes them above everyone. Moreover, if you decide to work with them, you are forced to accept their terms simply because they are strong."
Tiron (Country 3) (decisively):
"Organizations like these impose their control over the markets and leave no room for equal opportunities between countries. If we allow them to dominate, we will lose our ability to make decisions on our own. We must look for other solutions apart from these major organizations."
Valeria (Country 4) (worriedly):
"But if we continue rejecting working with them, we might close the doors to many opportunities that could benefit our countries. Maybe we need a more flexible way of thinking instead of complete rejection."
Niros (Country 2) (hesitantly):
"But we must keep in mind that not all these organizations are bad. Some smaller organizations work more flexibly, and the opportunities to work with them might be less harmful than dealing with the major powers that impose their conditions."
Aksir (Country 1) (interrupting):
"But if we decide to form alliances with some of them, we will allow them to strengthen their position at our expense. We need to build strong alliances between us before we turn to the outside, or we will become mere followers in the global market."
Chair of the Meeting (concerned):
"We are discussing this issue unproductively. If we continue debating without reaching an agreement, we will remain stuck and solve nothing. We need to come up with an effective plan instead of these discussions."
Tiron (Country 3) (firmly):
"The solution is not in forming alliances with these major organizations, but in developing our internal economy and enhancing cooperation among ourselves. We need to cooperate and work together to develop alternatives. We must not let the major powers dominate us."
Drinar (Country 5) (clearly frustrated):
"Are we really ready to give up huge profit opportunities just because we don't want to work with the major organizations? This will set us back economically."
Nordalia (Country 6) (seriously):
"I want to say something important, and I would like to remind you of something very significant. There is an organization that has started moving quickly at this time, and that is Arcadia. This organization has halted a major project worth 226 million Phoenix, a project meant for a company operating in Firan. We must come to an agreement with them, or else investors will flee. What's even stranger is that they didn't just take the money; they destroyed and burned everything. Their actions are very odd; it seems like a response or revenge."
Shocked voices filled the room. Some of the leaders exchanged bewildered glances, while others appeared completely stunned. Their faces froze, and they couldn't even breathe for a few moments. The situation was incredibly strange, as if they were facing a greater threat than ever before. It was clear that this was more than just an economic move; it was a message filled with power and intimidation.
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Raven began training every day after school, using the fundamentals he learned at the academy, but he knew that relying solely on lessons wouldn't be enough. He spent hours after class honing his magical skills and combat techniques, striving to understand his energy on a deeper level.
His training wasn't limited to magic alone—he also focused on strengthening his body. He recalled the words of his teacher during one of the lessons:
"You may possess powerful magical techniques, but if your body is weak and your energy runs out, you will lose. On the other hand, if you have a strong body but lack mastery over magic, you won't last long. That is why you must be strong in all aspects."
These words echoed in his mind every day, driving him to push his limits and refine his abilities even further.
After a month of intense training, Raven had become stronger than most students in the school. However, despite his growing power, he kept it hidden from everyone. He knew that the academy selected the strongest students to serve under the royal families, and he had no desire to become a mere tool in their hands.
As the Martial Arts Tournament approached, excitement filled the academy. This competition was a chance for students to prove their skills, gain recognition, and possibly attract the attention of high-ranking officials. Everyone was talking about it, and expectations were high for who would emerge as the champion this time.
Raven wanted to participate. He knew he could defeat most of the competitors—perhaps even win the entire tournament. But the thought of being chosen by the royal families terrified him. He didn't want to be forced into loyalty or used in power struggles.
As the battles raged on and the roaring crowd filled the arena, the announcer's voice boomed with excitement, fueling the energy in the air. Most of the fights had ended, and now only the final showdown remained.
"It's time for the ultimate battle!" the announcer shouted, his voice echoing through the stadium.
On one side of the arena stood Shin, Raven's classmate, radiating confidence. He knew he wasn't an ordinary fighter—he had trained relentlessly for this moment. But his opponent was no weakling either.
On the opposite side stood a mysterious warrior known as Kyle, a fighter renowned for his blinding speed and his ability to end battles within seconds. His long black hair swayed with the wind, and his piercing eyes gleamed like those of a predator eyeing its prey.
The match began. In the blink of an eye, Kyle vanished, moving so fast that only the wind left in his wake could be seen. One moment, he was in front of Shin; the next, he was behind him, landing a flurry of rapid, precise strikes, each one hitting like an invisible bullet.
Shin gritted his teeth, struggling to block the attacks, but Kyle's speed was overwhelming. Sweat trickled down his forehead, but he refused to surrender.
From the stands, Raven observed the battle intently. Among the spectators, Ryo also sat, arms crossed, silently analyzing the fight.
Determined to turn the tide, Shin activated his magic. His entire arm transformed into solid rock, glowing with the raw power of the earth. This was his chance—if he could land this attack, he might be able to shift the momentum! With a thunderous step, he lunged toward Kyle, the ground trembling beneath his feet.
But just as his stone fist was about to connect, Kyle vanished.
Shin's eyes widened in shock. He barely had time to react before he felt a gust of wind behind him.
"It's over."
A cold voice whispered in his ear before Kyle reappeared behind him, delivering a swift, cutting strike. A sharp pain seared through Shin's shoulder, leaving a deep wound. He gasped, dropping to one knee, struggling to catch his breath.
For a moment, the entire arena fell silent. Then, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
But Shin did not surrender. Despite the pain surging through his body, he stood tall, his breath heavy but his resolve unwavering.
Kyle, who respected Shin's spirit, realized that his opponent had no intention of giving up. With a deep sigh, he raised his weapon high, flames igniting around the blade, forming a deadly glow.
"Step back and surrender. I don't want to hurt you any further, but I must win!" Kyle declared, his eyes burning with determination.
Yet Shin remained silent. His gaze held no fear, only pure defiance. Kyle understood in that instant—Shin would never back down.
"If that's your decision… then I'll end this now!"
"Flaming Blade!"
The deadly technique was unleashed! A storm of fire erupted from Kyle's sword, spiraling around the blade in a blinding blaze. In a heartbeat, he surged forward at an unbelievable speed, aiming to pierce through Shin and end the match with a single strike!
And then…
"Now!"
From the stands, Raven moved, his face hidden behind a black mask.
Raven threw several smoke orbs onto the battlefield.
Before Kyle could react, Raven appeared in front of Shin, his body wrapped in an intense aura of power. he reached out barehanded toward the Flaming Blade!
"Impossible!" Kyle gasped.
In a moment of sheer shock, the fiery blade shattered under Raven's grip, and the flames that once roared vanished as if they had never existed.