CHAPTER 254: UNIFIED

Once Adyr felt the atmosphere had ripened and the emotions in the room aligned with his intent, he finally opened his mouth and laid out his demands.

"As you all know, we’re up against an unknown dimension—one filled with countless races and powers we, as players, are still trying to comprehend."

The crowd nodded, their agreement silent but unified.

"That’s why—something I believe you’ll all approve of—we need to become more organized, more unified. My first proposal is this: all twelve cities should dissolve their separate Player Headquarters and consolidate under one centralized command. A single city. A single structure. From there, every active Player can act as part of one coordinated force across both worlds."

Adyr’s intentions were clear. In the other world, a core team already existed—Selina, Victor, Eren, Dalin, and soon Evangeline. But for a world that vast, such a small team wasn’t nearly enough. If the remaining capable Players were encouraged to work together, a group of 20 to 30 could easily be formed, creating a far more effective and agile organization on the other side.

"This proposal is solid," one of the City Managers finally spoke, his dry lips parting as he gave his approval from where he sat. One by one, the others followed.

In truth, this had always been part of their long-term vision. At the start of the game, when thousands of Players were still active, they had deliberately encouraged factionalism and competition to push development and growth. But now that the numbers had thinned—leaving only the most capable behind—unity was no longer a choice but a necessity.

He also proposed that all leading researchers and top scientific minds would now operate under a unified structure—one centralized institution—an idea that was likewise accepted without a single objection.

Adyr’s first request was easy to accept—but it was only the beginning.

"I also believe that Players alone are not enough to establish a truly functional organization on the other side," he continued. "That’s why my second proposal is this: we should form a dedicated unit composed of the most capable and elite STF operatives, who will support Players and actively participate in operations within the other world."

As he finished speaking, Adyr made a subtle gesture with his hand. From behind the stage, Cannibal’s body was brought forward, strapped tightly to a chair with reinforced bindings, even his mouth and eyes covered.

Just from a glance, it was clear that the wounds once carved into his flesh had completely vanished. Even the teeth that had been shattered were now fully regrown. His skin retained its natural grey tone—a signature trait of his physiology—but now looked healthier, free of bruising or internal trauma.

Adyr didn’t linger on the other details. He merely confirmed that Cannibal was still alive, then raised his hand. A faint, translucent energy began to radiate from his palm, wrapping around the restrained figure. Within seconds, the entire body vanished from sight.

He had transported him to Twilight Land.

No one in the room reacted with surprise. Most were already aware that Players possessed this kind of ability. But witnessing it firsthand—the live transfer of a human body into a Sanctuary—sparked genuine intrigue. For many, it was their first time seeing such a feat in action.

"As you can see," Adyr said calmly, "Players aren’t limited to transporting only Sparks or inanimate objects between worlds—we can also move living beings. The only drawback is the high energy cost. But in the long term, I believe it’s a worthwhile investment. So... what do you think?"

For a moment, silence took hold—brief but dense. Then, low murmurs began to ripple through the room as many attendees, especially those from the research division, turned to one another, weighing the risks and merits of the proposal in hushed discussions.

Adyr didn’t interrupt. He let them speak, giving them the space to assess the implications on their own. It wasn’t a request that could be accepted lightly.

After all, the reason Players were able to survive in the other world was because of the system that empowered them—energy crystals, Sparks, and a continuous progression loop that made them stronger over time. Standard STF operatives lacked that advantage.

Even though STF personnel had been enhanced with second-generation mutant genetics—and while the most elite among them could potentially hold their own against low-tier Rank 1 practitioners—it was still a dangerous assignment. Deploying their best agents into such a hostile and unpredictable environment would require caution, preparation, and a carefully calculated strategy.

After several long minutes of quiet deliberation, a representative from the research division finally stood up to speak on behalf of the group.

"As the research division, we find this proposal strategically sound," he began, adjusting his glasses as his voice projected evenly across the room. "Splitting our defensive forces between two worlds will undoubtedly present logistical challenges, but this move would significantly reduce the burden currently placed on the Players. With STF operatives acting as a relay, it will become much easier to maintain a steady and secure information flow between both sides. Moreover, it’s a critical step toward expanding our influence in the other world."

Adyr nodded in acknowledgment, satisfied with their response. His gaze then shifted toward the section where the STF commanders were seated.

Unlike the researchers—and most of the others in the room—not a single member of the STF had spoken to one another during the discussion. From the beginning, they had remained seated in strict formation, their posture straight, their focus unbroken. Silent, composed, and utterly disciplined.

As soon as Adyr’s eyes met theirs, one of them stood—Commander Rhys Graves, the representative selected to speak on their behalf. His tone was calm, even casual, almost as if stating an obvious fact:

"We accept the deployment."

Then, without waiting for questions or acknowledgment, he returned to his seat with the same composed discipline that had brought him to his feet.

There were no discussions, no weighing of risks, and no hesitation—only a clear soldier’s affirmation. A decision made not from emotion, but from duty.

Seeing their unshakable resolve, Adyr allowed a brief smile to surface. He turned his attention at last to the final authority in the room: the Twelve City Managers.