After hearing the solution, Zack didn't expect it to be so simple. He thought for a moment and then said to himself:
"Using satellites... This is good and all, but it doesn't seem that easy."
He then looked at Mustafa with a cunning expression and asked:
"Mr. Mustafa, how will Egypt deal with Russia and China? Since you've told us about the solution, don't you already have an agreement with them?"
Zack carefully observed Mustafa's facial expressions, but he was certain that Egypt had a well-prepared plan.
Mustafa smiled calmly, then leaned back comfortably, resting his hand on his chin as if he wasn't concerned at all. But then, he answered with confidence:
"Don't worry, Mr. Zack. We appreciate your concern for our interests, and we thank you for that."
He then continued:
"We already have a solution to deal with Russia and China. We will take advantage of a legal clause in the agreement with the company, which states that the project cannot be exploited or manipulated to serve the interests of any specific party. Since America sees this situation as unfavorable to its interests, it can be considered an abuse of the project against them. That's why we decided to support America according to this law."
He paused for a moment before adding confidently:
"We will renegotiate with them, set new conditions, and offer them some compensations. You see, Mr. Zack, politics and diplomacy rely on interests. Everything in this game must be multi-sided, and whoever holds the greatest power directs everyone to their side. This is what we have done, so there's no need to worry... everything is planned."
At that moment, Zack realized that Mustafa was no ordinary man. He wasn't just a company executive; it was clear that Egypt had placed a highly intelligent and dangerous person in this position.
Zack smirked and said, "This is interesting." He wasn't bothered by the pressure he was under. Instead, he became more curious to see how things would unfold.
---
Back to the Present
Thanks to this solution, America could finally breathe a sigh of relief. However, this situation made it clear to everyone that Egypt was not a country that could be easily predicted.
It wasn't just America that realized this—Russia, China, and the European Union also understood it. And even though China and Russia received compensations and new agreements, that didn't stop them from feeling resentment. Everyone knew that Egypt was the only one who truly understood the situation and might be the only one capable of saving them.
The American president spoke with concern:
"What is our next move? What should we do?"
The leaders exchanged glances, but none of them had a clear answer. Then, the EU president spoke up:
"I believe these forces will use us to pressure Egypt, and we will focus on putting pressure on it while they try to use the situation to their advantage."
The Russian president responded:
"We are certain of that. But the question is, do we have a solution? Or are we just tools in their hands?"
He then added seriously:
"I think the best option is to quietly gather our strength, pretend to cooperate with them, and study them carefully."
The Chinese president, after a deep thought, said:
"Why all this? Don't they want to use us to pressure Egypt? Then, it's obvious that they know something we don't... and they are afraid of Egypt."
He then continued slowly, as if thinking out loud:
"I think we shouldn't provoke Egypt too much, or at least make it appear that we are forced into this situation. That way, if Egypt truly has something that makes these forces fear it, we can restore our alliance with it later, their defeat , and take their knowledge for ourselves."
The American president added coldly:
"We also need to secretly communicate with Egypt. I believe Egypt has already realized that magical forces, immortal warriors, and shamans exist. We must play on both sides—support Egypt while also cooperating with these forces. That way, if Egypt wins, we appear as allies who were in a weak position. And if these forces win, we can make them believe we helped them too. But we must be careful... they do not see us as humans, just mere ants."
The Russian president nodded:
"So, the next move is in Egypt's hands. As for us, we will play both sides and reap the benefits."
The Chinese president added firmly:
"And we must keep this matter hidden from the public, at least for now. You all know the chaos that has already begun due to this mysterious energy and the barrier."
The EU president remained silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. Then, he suddenly spoke:
"Haven't you noticed something strange?"
Everyone looked at him curiously, and he continued:
"Doesn't it feel like everything is following a specific plan? Egypt is the beginning and the end, and all attention is focused on it, as if something is deliberately making us direct our full attention toward it. I feel like we are walking toward an abyss."
The leaders looked at each other in silence.
The EU president then spoke again, his voice low but sharp:
"We are world superpowers, yet these emerging forces—whether they be magicians, shamans, or immortal warriors—all act out of greed, deception, caution, and fear. But despite all that, we are still searching, as if we are just pawns in a bigger game. Not in the hands of the magicians, shamans, or immortals... but in the hands of something greater."
Silence filled the room.
The American president then spoke slowly as he picked up a plastic cup of water. However, he noticed something strange… When he lifted it, it felt slightly heavier. It didn't weigh the same as a normal plastic cup.
He said quietly while looking at it:
"Has anyone else noticed something unusual?"
But everyone was too occupied with recent events to pay attention.
No one expected that things were already changing in the shadows… and no one imagined that even a simple plastic cup could be a part of it.
The Chinese president sighed and said:
"Alright, let's not overthink this now. We will proceed as agreed."
Then he added:
"We will study these forces—the magicians, shamans, and immortal warriors—and look for their weaknesses. Second, we will secretly communicate with Egypt and put pressure on it. Then, we leave the next move in its hands."
Suddenly, he added:
"And I believe they will want to investigate the three scientists as well, so we must focus on their movements."
But before he could continue, the Russian president interrupted:
"The three scientists... have already disappeared."
Silence filled the room. Half of those present were shocked, while the other half seemed to already know, but they had no idea where they had disappeared to.
The Chinese president asked anxiously:
"Disappeared? How did that happen?!"
"But no one knew that this was only the beginning."
---
Next stop:The disappearance of the scientists... and is it really important that a plastic cup became heavier, or was it just an illusion?
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As always, if you enjoyed this chapter, share your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to rate the novel and leave energy stones - your support truly helps.
[Author's Note]
We've now reached Chapter 15! What are your thoughts on the events so far?
• What do you predict will happen next?
• Where do you think the three missing scientists disappeared to?
• Are you liking Mustafa's character or not?
That's enough questions for this chapter - but if you have any others, let me know!"