On the Brink (2)
Representatives from each country had gathered in secret, and a sharp conflict was unfolding over whether to accept the Kanon Empire’s “Pure White Brand.”
The Kanon Empire had proposed granting the Pure White Brand to each BRICS nation, promising powerful military support.
This went beyond simply strengthening their forces… it was, in effect, the same as placing themselves under the Empire’s control.
The Chinese representative began speaking forcefully.
“We have never been granted the Pure White Brand by any nation other than the Kanon Empire. If we utilize their great power, we will be able to dominate the surrounding countries firmly.”
Russia shared the same stance.
“That’s correct. By cooperating with the Empire, we too can become more deeply involved with Earth–001. Now is the time to make a decision.”
However, the Brazilian representative shook his head with a displeased expression.
“I understand the need to work with the Empire, but I do not want complete subjugation. We must maintain our sovereignty. Whether we should accept the Pure White Brand… that is something we must consider very carefully.”
The representative of South Africa added:
“I agree with Brazil. The moment we accept that Brand, our freedom will fall into their grasp. We must continue walking our own path.”
The atmosphere of the meeting was cold, and the differences in opinion were sharply divided.
Meanwhile, India had been unable to reach its own conclusion.
Unlike the other nations that had more or less chosen their direction, India was split internally between factions that wanted strong support from the Empire and those that wanted to keep their distance.
As a result, they were effectively unable to voice any opinion in the meeting.
“If we can cultivate… no, create powerful mana users through the Pure White Brand, then we will no longer need to worry about other nations. That means we can stand up to the top-tier mana users in the United States, South Korea, and the EU. I simply cannot understand rejecting such an opportunity.”
The Chinese representative continued, looking genuinely baffled.
In truth, China had no choice but to take the Pure White Brand seriously. They were already under immense threat from a Korean mana user known as Absolute Safety First.
The fear that their mainland could be annihilated at any moment weighed heavily on them, so even if the Pure White Brand was a poisoned apple, they were willing to take a bite.
“Don’t you have a saying in the East about escaping a wolf only to encounter a tiger? I believe that’s exactly our situation right now. The Empire… is not something that offers power for free.”
Brazil had already decided at this point to abandon everything and withdraw.
“I agree.”
South Africa followed suit.
In particular, South Africa had virtually no neighboring countries that posed a major threat, so it had little need for additional power.
“If that’s the case… then BRICS must be dissolved.”
Only Russia sided with China.
Russia, after the Great Cataclysm, had lost all forms of energy resources, leaving the nation itself nearly collapsed.
Countries that had depended on energy exports were all in similar situations, but Russia’s vast landmass made recovery even harder, while its actual power had drastically declined.
They were in a situation where they had to do anything to survive.
Thus, like China, even if problems arose later, they needed the Empire’s power to survive right now.
In the end, the meeting concluded with Brazil and South Africa withdrawing from BRICS.
However, the real issue was India.
India remained in chaos. Pro- and anti- factions were clashing fiercely even at this very moment, and within the capital, Delhi, repeated conflicts of opinion had escalated into actual clashes between mana users.
Ashan, a leader of Indian mana users who supported accepting the Empire’s power, continued his speech before his supporters:
“The power of the Kanon Empire is a noble technology that we cannot obtain on our own. If we accept this opportunity, we will soon stand as a great allied nation of the Empire.”
On the other hand, Mahavar, who argued for distancing from the Empire, refused to yield even a single step.
“Their Pure White Brand is never a blessing. It is merely a brand that turns us into slaves. We must reach the moment where we break free from their grasp.”
As the conflict between the two factions deepened, India began to feel like it was on the brink of civil war.
***
Meanwhile, the Emperor of the Empire granted the Pure White Brand to China and Russia and began preparations to strengthen their mana users.
As soon as approval from the Empire was given, China and Russia immediately began selecting mana users to receive the Pure White Brand.
Naturally, the stronger the mana user, the greater the benefit from the Brand, and loyalty to the nation was also crucial, so both countries began the selection process with extreme care.
Top-tier mana users from both nations were evaluated one by one, and only a very small number were chosen to receive the Brand.
***
This place was bustling with final preparations to select recipients of the Pure White Brand.
The Brand was not merely a mark.
It was something that drastically enhanced the abilities of the chosen mana user… as if granting them new life.
For Chinese mana users, this was not just an honor, but a critical opportunity to gain status and power.
Five candidates had been narrowed down:
Liu Chen, Zhang Feng, Liu Qian, Lin Zhao, and Han Wei.
Each possessed different abilities and backgrounds, but all held immense power and status.
As dozens of mana users watched, the director of the institute stepped forward and spoke with a voice heavy like the battlefield:
“Everyone, the Empire’s Pure White Brand goes beyond simple power—it will reconstruct your body and soul. This is an opportunity that can change your entire life, and it will only be granted to two people.”
Liu Chen listened calmly.
He held a unique position even among China’s mana users.
His rare spatial movement ability, Wind Leap, granted him unmatched mobility.
With absolute speed that transcended space itself, he dominated the front lines and was known as Heavenly Wind.
Zhang Feng specialized in destructive power.
His ability, Stacked Flames, multiplied its power over time.
Once ignited, his flames continuously stacked, overwhelming enemies completely.
Liu Qian possessed the ability to emit destructive vibration waves through sound.
His attacks shook and destroyed everything nearby, driving enemies into despair.
Lin Zhao specialized in defense with powerful barriers.
His defensive prowess was unmatched, earning him the nickname Great Wall.
Han Wei wielded the dangerous ability, Poison Manifestation.
His mana-condensed poison infiltrated and weakened targets, causing them to collapse slowly—making him a constant object of caution.
These five were known as the Five Heavenly Dragons of China, and all of them desired to become the strongest mana users in the world through this opportunity.
***
Russia’s situation was similar.
Security had been tightened to the extreme for the ceremony.
Four candidates were competing:
Alexei Borodin, Vladimir Kovalev, Tatiana Gregorova, and Sergey Zimov.
Alexei Borodin led mana user forces and wielded freezing power.
Everything he passed froze, leaving only icy traces behind.
Vladimir Kovalev, known as the Iron Shield, specialized in defense, turning his body into steel.
Tatiana Gregorova, a mental-type user, wielded Dance of Illusions, distorting enemy senses.
Sergey Zimov possessed Weight of the Earth, disrupting enemies through ground-shaking force.
All were powerful,… but only two would receive the Brand.
Thus, they began secretly competing, fully aware of one another.
***
“Brazil and South Africa have officially withdrawn from BRICS.”
Back in Seoul, Cha Seong Hyeon delivered the latest update to Seon Yul.
“Then that leaves China, Russia, and India?”
“India is showing signs of civil war among mana users. The factions are sharply divided.”
“Hmm… then China and Russia are the immediate problems.”
“Yes. Especially since they’re gathering top-tier mana users and preparing something. According to intelligence from the U.S., the Empire is planning to grant them an extremely powerful ability… but we don’t have exact details.”
“Gathering top-tier mana users and giving them power from the Empire…”
Seon Yul thought quietly.
It could be another form of a Brand.
He recalled that the Emperor could grant special powers through branded forms.
The artificial mana user system itself was one such application.
‘This could become much more serious.’
If China and Russia obtained mana users far beyond Earth–104’s limits…
There was no telling what they would do.
“Find out more detailed information about China and Russia.”
“Understood.”
Although Seon Yul asked this of Cha Seong Hyeon, he didn’t truly expect results.
Instead, he decided to investigate personally.
Whatever they were planning…
He intended to uncover it… and act first if necessary.
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