Silence. Absolute, deathly silence filled the small conference room.
Finally, after the clock's long hand had moved just one-twelfth of a circle, the White Eagle ambassador spoke.
"Is… all the information on this file… real?"
His hands trembled as he held the document, despite having handled stacks of files before that could fill an entire room. His voice was bitter, wavering, as if swallowing a mouthful of medicine steeped in wormwood.
"Yes, Mr. Robert. This concerns the fate of humanity. Our nation would never lie," the East Huang ambassador replied.
"Mr. Lu, I mean… I'm not questioning your dedication to humanity, it's just… just…" Mr. Robert stammered. He wracked his brain, trying to find elegant words to express his current feelings, but ultimately failed.
"God…" Robert finally expelled his pent-up emotions from his throat. His hands instinctively clawed at his face, ruffling his aged yet still somewhat handsome features. "Can something like this really exist?"
"Yes, it is true. Since all of this is genuine, there is no need for further discussion. We will unquestionably support your player," Robert said firmly after composing himself.
"Mr. Robert, Mr. Lu, stop teasing. What exactly does that paper say?" The Northern Union ambassador finally lost his patience and asked.
With Ambassador Lu's consent, Robert handed the file to the Northern Union ambassador.
The Northern Union ambassador's solid, bear-like frame shuddered as if struck by a sudden blow.
The document quickly circulated among all the ambassadors in the room. Soon, only the sound of sharp intakes of breath remained.
"By Vladimir, Ambassador Lu, your nation has truly surprised us. I feel an irresistible urge to leave right now and take my family to an amusement park," the Northern Union ambassador said, smacking his lips and smiling wryly.
"I agree. We might as well call it a day. There's no point watching the live stream anymore. Our player simply cannot lose," the Iris Church ambassador shook his head, quietly supporting the suggestion.
"To think that someone of such caliber exists on Blue Star… all our previous complaints and mockery were wasted," the Sakura Empire ambassador muttered, scratching his head.
"Hey, guys, do you think I should report this to His Majesty and then take some gardening leave?" the Royal ambassador joked.
Of course, these were all jokes, but the very fact that they could joke showed just how relaxed they had become.
"Ambassador Lu, we will keep this information highly confidential," the Ironblood ambassador said seriously.
The discussions in this small conference room would not be known to the outside world. In fact, these formal meetings were of little interest to most people, who preferred to focus on the live broadcast.
Especially the viewers in East Huang. Freed from worry over their player's possible failure, they could finally relax. And with comfort comes curiosity, and many began noticing their player's appearance.
"Come to think of it, I didn't notice before, but isn't Reina May a little too good-looking? And she barely seems to be wearing makeup."
This comment sparked a flood of agreement.
"You guys have been staring too long; that's why your reactions are so slow. We've already started appreciating her looks!"
"Not just good looks! This is lifetime-level talent being held back by ordinary mortals."
"Am I dreaming? Did I somehow travel back an hour?"
"I'll just say this: all those so-called once-in-a-century beauties in entertainment are nothing compared to Reina May."
"Classic Jiangnan-style gentle beauty… my dream girl!"
"Ah, her legs… so fair, so long, so toned… I just want to bury my head in them and rub endlessly."
"Remember, this is a live broadcast, not a private space."
"I am Hammurabi. I will legislate this now!"
"User 'I am the Mad King' has been muted. Please follow the rules and avoid sexual comments."
"Front row, selling Reina May's stunning wallpapers. DM for details."
"User 'Add me privately' has been muted. Please follow the rules. Official reminder: do not trust friend requests or share private info."
"East Huang girl, beautiful as a flower, hardworking too (dog emoji)"
"User 'I'm not a troublemaker' has been muted. Please avoid inflammatory comments."
"Whoa, the moderators are going wild."
A continuous stream of cheerful comments swept across the screen. Soon, some foreign viewers also began sharing in the excitement. After all, if Reina May cleared the stage, even if their own players failed, the penalties wouldn't affect them.
Meanwhile, on-screen, Reina May was approaching the edge of the forest. The dense canopy was thinning, and a bright light appeared in the distance.
After walking a few hundred meters further, she came upon a cobblestone road. The path was wide enough for two small cars to drive side by side, though it was somewhat worn.
Stone barriers on either side were broken in places, and the ground was uneven with puddles in some depressions, evidence of a recent rainfall.
The path sloped downhill, disappearing around a bend into the forest. The upward stretch, however, was unusually straight, allowing a clear view of the entire road as it climbed steeply to the horizon.
There, the cobblestones gave way to mud tracks, and the road seemed to merge with the sky at the far end, where the setting sun had painted the clouds blood-red.
Faintly, Reina May heard a whisper, delicate and ethereal.
Following the sound, she saw a white apparition drifting among the leaves, pointing in the exact opposite direction of her intended path.
"Leave… leave… leave here…"
But in the next moment, the whisper was drowned out by a thunderous roar.
The sound came from below the slope. Reina May turned and saw a carriage emerging from the road's bend.