The Damned Demon

Chapter 568 Project Guardian

Derek casually raised a hand, gesturing them to stand at ease before walking towards the podium on the stage.

He then let his gaze scan the entire hall before speaking with a determined light in his eye, "Honorable leaders, distinguished guests, and esteemed colleagues from around the globe, it is with great respect and a sense of profound responsibility that I welcome you all to this gathering of great importance. Thank you for responding to our call with the urgency it demands."

All of them nodded as Derek went on, "Today I stand before you to announce the inception of what I believe will be the cornerstone of our future safety and prosperity—Project Guardian," Derek proclaimed, his voice resonant and clear, "This initiative will involve setting up mana ley lines across our globe, enabling the WHA to intercept demonic threats with unprecedented speed and efficiency."

Rachel and Arthur had their eyes widened upon hearing his words.

"Across the world?" Rachel mumbled as she wondered what her dad was thinking by coming up with such a bold project. Which leader in their right mind would agree with this, and what was the need for such a thing?

As his words sank in, the hall erupted into a cacophony of heated murmurs and exchanged glances—shock, concern, and intrigue danced across the faces of the world leaders.

The implications of such a project were immense; it signified a new era of WHA dominance and a potential shift in the balance of global power.

To give access to their lands to the WHA would mean forfeiting a significant amount of control and nobody really had the power or authority to keep them in check once they make themselves at home.

Sensing the rising tide of disbelief and concern, Derek continued, firm and undeterred, "I propose this ambitious project not out of the interests of the WHA but as a necessity in the face of our recent challenges. The surprise attack by Hellbringer is a harsh reminder of our vulnerabilities. If demons like him continue to use loopholes to cause chaos here, the very fabric of our world is at risk."

He paused, allowing his gaze to sweep across the room, meeting the eyes of the leaders with a look that conveyed both the gravity of the situation and his unwavering commitment to what he was proposing.

"We stand at a pivotal moment," Derek added, his tone imbued with urgency and conviction, "The only way to preempt and prevent further destruction is by uniting our efforts and resources. Project Guardian is not just a defense mechanism; it is a call to solidarity. Together, we can forge a shield strong enough to protect our world from the evil entities that seek to undo it. The threat that Hellbringer made us realize is just a hint of how our world has never been in greater danger."

The hall, already charged with a palpable tension, briefly quieted as Derek finished his proposal, only for the murmurs to swell once more into a louder, more agitated discussion.

Rachel's expression became contemplative, and she never expected her dad to use Asher's attack as a stepping stone to propose this project.

Was it really because of Asher, or was there something more to this?

Among the sea of heads, a leader stood, his voice cutting through the cacophony with pointed concern, "I am sorry, President Derek, but are you suggesting that we are not capable of protecting our own countries?"

Derek, standing steadfast at the podium, shook his head, his expression calm but firm, "Please don't misunderstand. We will definitely need local support as well. Otherwise, we can never pull this off. As I mentioned, we have to join forces and support each other if we are to defend ourselves from great evil. Besides, even if people might see the WHA as a private entity, it is not. We have Hunters of various ethnicities and from all walks of life working with us to protect our world. They represent each of your countries. So isn't it more prudent to make provisions so that they can serve their own country and not just the world better?"

His words seemed to resonate with some, sparking nods and thoughtful looks, while others resumed their fervent discussions with their advisors, weighing the implications of his words against their sovereign responsibilities.

On one of the side benches, Arthur whispered to Rachel, "Most of the leaders here don't look happy about what your dad proposed. But why would they feel bad about having better protection for their country and citizens? If it's about losing some control, isn't it worth it since the WHA can protect everyone from demons like Hellbringer from such surprise attacks?"

Rachel sighed softly, her expression contemplative as she responded, "You are right. It would have been great if we could somehow guarantee that the entire WHA would only act in the best interests. But can you guarantee that each and every person in the WHA is selfless and honorable? Even a few bad seeds can cause a lot of damage. Would you like it if some strangers started living in your backyard and did as they please?"

Arthur's expression becomes contemplative as he feels that she has a point and realizes that Rachel must have a lot more experience than him despite her being younger. As expected of a seasoned Hunter.

He felt he had a lot to understand about the world because he had lived in secrecy for most of his life.

After a tense pause in the hall, Derek grasped the ends of the podium with a renewed intensity, his gaze sweeping across the room, "I am sure a decision regarding this project requires a lot of time and discussion before any of you are ready to give an answer. So, I won't insist on any answers today. But those who have trust in my vision and care about the future of our world may raise their hands if they wish to join."

The atmosphere inside the grand hall, already saturated with the weight of decision, thickened further into a palpable tension.

Whispers passed like shadows between the assembled leaders, their glances darting around as they weighed the gravity of the moment.

The WHA president's proposal not only promised protection but also subtly hinted at isolation for those who chose to stand apart.

And if they don't join, they would offend the president and it might seem like they were too selfish and did not care for not only their citizens but the entire world.

The media people would definitely have a field day with this and cause a lot more backlash.

As Derek's heavy gaze swept over the assembly, some leaders began to sweat, their discomfort visible.

The stakes were clear: saying 'No' could mean exclusion from vital defensive support in times of demonic attacks and severance of crucial resource exchanges.

For smaller nations, particularly vulnerable to such existential threats, the decision was less about choice and more about survival.

Their hands rose timidly, almost reflexively, as they aligned with the WHA's vision without much deliberation.

Gradually, as more hands ascended, the leaders of larger countries, influenced by the tide and perhaps by the fear of being left out, also joined in.

The domino effect was palpable, with neighboring countries feeling compelled to participate after observing their regional counterparts.

However, not all were swayed. The President of Germany, Bruno, stood with a stern expression, embodying a stark defiance, "I am sorry, but I can't join this project," he declared firmly. "I believe my countrymen can protect my country by themselves, and as for the greater threat looming over our world, we will be willing to lend a hand anytime. But not by sacrificing our lands and disturbing the governance of my country."

Derek's eye momentarily narrowed, a quick flash of intensity passing through them before he composed himself with a professional smile, "I understand where you are coming from, President Bruno. But I am afraid you seem to have a slight misunderstanding of our project. We will gladly compensate appropriately for the usage of the lands needed for the project, and we have no intention of disturbing the governance of any country. We will pretend as if we don't exist while we establish these ley lines. But of course, you are free to refuse if you don't believe in the project. However...I hope not, but if some large-

scale attack happens and your government's hands are full, we and any country that is part of this project might not be able to react fast enough to protect your country. I just hope you will keep this in mind for the sake of your people."

Bruno's throat cleared audibly, his face a mask of internal conflict as he slowly resumed his seat, feeling the weight of hundreds of eyes upon him.

The hall remained silent, the unspoken message clear: exclusion from the project meant getting abandoned by not only the WHA but all the countries that would become part of the project.

This was the worst scenario for any leader of a country, especially when a single powerful demon could cause great damage to a country's economy, infrastructure, and so on.

What if demons actively start targeting those countries they know were abandoned by the WHA? That would be a nightmare!

Rachel pressed her lips together and could see that her dad was indirectly offering an ultimatum.

Why was he going so far to pressure all these countries into joining his project? It was not like Asher could take over the entire world on his own, and this was overkill. If the loophole was that dangerous, wouldn't all sorts of demons have taken advantage of it already?

This wasn't right or ethical. Rachel wanted to believe that her dad had some other good reason for doing this and hoped she could ask him later.

After a moment heavy with contemplation, President Bruno slowly raised his hand, his expression somber, conceding to the collective will for the greater good.

Derek acknowledged this with a nod and a brief smile, "Thank you, President Bruno. You made the right choice."

Following this, a renewed wave of hands rose, some reassured by Derek's clarification, while others were visibly shaken by the potential repercussions of abstaining.

The hall, once a forum of diverse opinions, subtly transitioned into a collective nod of agreement, each leader internally grappling with the implications of their choice in this new, interconnected battle against the growing threat of demons.

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