Chapter 4 Atlantis Shadow Government
In the dark room, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Five people gathered around a round table exchanged glances filled with suspicion, trying to ensure that the dim light did not reveal their identities. The tension peaked because this meeting was not an ordinary one; the decisions made here had the potential to shape the future of their nation and influence the fragile geopolitical relationships between Gaia, Earth, and Country Gamma. They were trapped in a prolonged conflict that began with a major incident that tore apart a peace agreement and sowed distrust among these three entities. In this context, they questioned what the next steps should be taken to avoid worse consequences.
"Are we ready to take this step?" asked one of them, his voice hoarse yet firm. "Atlantis will be key to influencing all our demands if we can master it. However, we also know its history—there will be unpredictable consequences," he continued, referring to the magical power said to envelop Atlantis, which could supposedly grant extraordinary strength to its ruler. Atlantis, known in world mythology as a center of knowledge and power, was something each country involved in this conflict yearned for. However, the division that occurred between Gaia, Earth, and Gamma, along with the rediscovery of Atlantis's location, added a complicated layer to the existing conflict, forcing them to reconsider every step.
About ten years ago, a major incident occurred: a magical portal that had long been hidden suddenly opened, bringing many supernatural beings into their world. As a result, diplomatic relations between the three countries deteriorated further. Gaia and Earth, united against this invasion, blamed Country Gamma, considering it the party that facilitated the opening of the portal. Every decision and contact between these countries was governed by ongoing tension. That time was filled with uncertainty and chaos, reinforcing the belief that the use of Atlantis's magical power could worsen the situation, forcing them to reconsider whether cooperation or conflict was the best choice.
"This proposal is about more than just power," the second person continued in a cold voice, emphasizing the importance of this decision. "It's about our survival. Will we allow the dark call of the past to demand us again? Or will we fight for a stable future?" In their minds, these three groups were part of a dangerous chess game, where one wrong move could mean disaster. Every choice on that table would not only affect them but also the fate of everyone living under the shadow of these three countries, heightening the interest in the impact their decisions could have.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the same dark room, five people gathered around the round table. It was too dark to recognize each other's faces, creating a tense and secretive atmosphere. Outside, thick fog enveloped the streets of the city, which had been devastated by long-standing conflict. The people inside realized that every decision made tonight could change the fate of Gaia, Earth, and Country Gamma forever, or even prolong the suffering they had endured for years.
"Do you agree with this proposal?" said the first person, his voice somewhat gruff; from his tone, it seemed he disagreed with the proposal he had just put forth. "It's very dangerous if anyone finds out about this. Chaos could erupt in this world again, just like ten years ago," he continued. The conflict that erupted a decade ago stemmed from the betrayal that occurred when Atlantis—a legendary island and center of magical power—fell under the weight of greed and ambition for power, causing a rift among the three countries now struggling to control the remnants of its power.
"There are still people debating this, even though everyone wants to forget that event. What is this child thinking?" asked the second person, her voice indicating that she was a woman. "Sometimes the past must be forgotten; what's the point of digging up the day when everyone mourned?" She recalled Atlantis's function as a balance of magic between Gaia and Earth, and how the presence of the remaining magical artifacts in the ruins of Atlantis now created tension—some factions were willing to do anything to control them, even though such actions could reopen old wounds that should have been closed.
"Hmm... I feel like I've lived long enough in this world, yet I still can't escape my desire to enjoy life, learn, and keep learning. Looking at this proposal, I'm curious about what remains unknown, which is the reason..." said the third person. In his mind, he envisioned a past filled with mystery and wonder in Atlantis, a place where politics and magic intertwined to create a balanced yet vulnerable civilization.
"Still, your ego could destroy us all," replied the second person. She emphasized that their individual ambitions and dissatisfaction could tear this group apart, once again leading to the destruction experienced a decade ago when a very strong alliance collapsed due to betrayed trust. She remembered that at that time, when the Artifact of Atlantis last appeared, a great battle occurred between the three countries, where the three wizard leaders fought to gain power. Currently, the presence of that lost artifact once again triggered deadly tension between Gaia, Earth, and Gamma, with risks far greater than before.