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    Weeks passed, and although nothing officially alarming had happened in Macro, several intelligence agencies around the world began noticing subtle anomalies.

    Nothing that immediately screamed "danger," but just enough for eyes to gradually turn toward the small kingdom, which seemed far more active than usual.

    The sudden increase in material transport, the influx of specialized scientists in advanced physics, and the surge in energy consumption in specific areas had been flagged by a handful of meticulous analysts.

    For now, no one suspected a nuclear project. But Macro was making noise, and in the world of geopolitics, a persistent noise always ends up drawing attention.

    Washington – CIA Headquarters

    Inside a discreet briefing room at CIA headquarters, an analyst pointed at a satellite surveillance screen, where Macro was displayed.

    "We''ve noticed an increase in unusual activity over the past few months. More material convoys, transportation to undocumented locations, and a spike in demand for very specific industrial equipment."

    A senior officer raised an eyebrow.

    "Civilian infrastructure?"

    "Maybe. Nothing appears overtly military, but what''s strange is that they haven''t announced any major projects. Normally, when a country like Macro plans a large-scale development, they publicize it to attract foreign investment."

    Another more seasoned agent chimed in.

    "You''re saying they''re trying to hide something?"

    The analyst hesitated.

    "Not necessarily. But let''s just say they''re making no effort to explain these movements. That doesn''t mean it''s suspicious... but it''s worth keeping an eye on."

    The senior officer nodded slowly.

    "Put Macro on our priority watchlist. If they''re preparing something unusual, we need to be the first to know."

    Brussels – European Union Strategic Council

    "Another report on Macro?" grumbled a diplomat while flipping through a file.

    "Not exactly," replied an economic analyst. "What''s intriguing us is their recent demand for certain rare materials on the international market."

    The diplomat raised an eyebrow.

    "And then?" The diplomat scoffed, flipping through the report. "They''ve always imported materials for their tech industry. Nova 1 didn''t come out of nowhere."

    The analyst shook his head.

    "That''s precisely the problem. The materials they''re purchasing don''t align with microprocessor manufacturing. We''re talking about exotic metals, heat-resistant materials, and certain industrial infrastructures that aren''t associated with any known civilian projects."

    Lassen turned toward the large window, gazing at the city sprawling before him.

    "We''re going to launch a highly publicized civilian project. Something that justifies our material imports and equipment acquisitions. The perfect smokescreen to divert their attention from what''s really happening underground."

    Alex crossed his arms, thoughtful.

    "And what kind of project?"

    Lassen smirked.

    "I''ll let you guess."

    Alex''s expression hardened.

    "You''re planning to build something completely useless just to confuse them, aren''t you?"

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "Oh no, it''ll be something grand. Something spectacular enough to capture the world''s attention... while we move forward in the shadows."

    Lassen stretched, cracked his fingers, and turned to Alex with a mysterious smile.

    "So, tell me, Alex, if you had to choose a project that would capture the world''s attention, make headlines, and keep all the geopolitical experts busy, but in reality, be nothing more than a smokescreen, what would it be?"

    Alex raised an eyebrow, arms crossed.

    "An ambitious civilian project, something seemingly revolutionary but not strategic enough to trigger a crisis. Something that screams ''progress'' rather than ''threat''."

    Lassen snapped his fingers, a playful grin on his lips.

    "Exactly. And I already have the perfect idea: a floating megacity, fully powered by renewable energy. A technological paradise, a showcase of what Macro can achieve. A project so grand that no one will think to look anywhere else."

    Alex stared at him, dumbfounded.

    "A floating megacity?! Are you serious? You actually want to build a city on water?"

    Lassen nodded, enjoying Alex''s reaction.

    "Think about it: an ultra-modern metropolis, an architectural marvel that will serve as an economic and technological hub, a demonstration of power, without weapons. No one will be able to officially oppose a project this ''peaceful''... but everyone will want to know more. Meanwhile, we''ll continue our real work unnoticed."

    Alex let out a long sigh, running a hand down his face.

    "This is completely insane..."

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "No, it''s brilliant. A massive distraction. And the best part? Investors from all over the world will want a piece of it. They''ll give us the perfect excuse to import whatever we need, without asking any questions."

    Alex shook his head, half-impressed, half-exasperated.

    "You''re an absolute genius... and a world-class con artist."

    Lassen shrugged.

    "One doesn''t work without the other, my dear Alex. Now, prepare the press conference. We''re going to sell them a dream while we build a far greater reality."