Chapter 506: Side Story, Return (6)
Chapter 506: Side Story, Return (6)
A heavy silence settled over the conference room. The expressions worn by the heads of state were varied and conflicted. Some cast irritated glances in my direction, others fixed their gaze straight ahead blankly in an attempt to appear composed, while a few looked quietly unsettled. No one appeared willing to break the silence.I leaned back loosely in my chair. The sharp scrutiny directed at me still felt unfamiliar. I wondered if they even understood that I was showing them considerable restraint. From the perspective of the other gods, lingering here like this would be considered foolish.
It would be insincere to feel resentful, however, as I had set this up.
“This is not a forum where we will negotiate. I am delivering a notice, so listen carefully. It is simple enough that you will not need to strain yourselves trying to remember it.”
I immediately noticed their complaints surging to the surface, so I muted them. Their lips twisted awkwardly and unnaturally as they attempted to speak, only to find they couldn’t. It was rather effortless. Just as it had been in the pub before I had entered the tower, they could only roll their eyes in stunned disbelief.
I spaced my words out—letting the significance of each one settle—as I declared, “Permanent peace,” then continued at a normal pace, “From this moment on, there will be no war on Earth. Any conflicts conducted out of sight, fueled by the suffering of others, are to cease immediately. The same applies to irrational disputes between nations.”
I had considered this matter for a long time, even seeking advice, but only this solution had presented itself. Even the opinions of the most learned ultimately reflected personal biases and fell short of perfection. A problem that even the Primordial God had failed to resolve was never going to be solved cleanly or easily.
That said, unlike him, I had no intention of standing by idly. I would continue confronting the issue head-on, just as I had while climbing the tower. Any problems that emerged could be addressed one step at a time.
“I have no intention of interfering with domestic or foreign policy, nor with the workings of the market economy. However, if you act inhumanely, sanctions will be imposed.” I realized I had overlooked something and quickly added, “Oh, and the same applies to dictatorships.”
Several of them looked at me, expressions full of unspoken objections as their gazes burned hot and sharp. Only a handful of the people who had looked at me like that in the tower had survived. When I met their gazes, none of them managed to hold mine for more than a second. I was exuding noticeable pressure. I let out a quiet breath and eased my presence, causing a wave of strained exhales to echo through the room.
“I am not asking for much, so I will not entertain objections or compromises. I do not know how you perceive me, but I strongly advise against testing me.”
Once again, I marshalled my aura in a clear and unmistakable threat. It felt childish to me, but it was necessary. I wouldn’t brainwash them or forcibly reshape society’s perception, yet my will still needed to be enforced.