"If we can truly obtain the Path of Ascension from that world—allowing our soldiers to withstand missiles with their bare skin and granting our people a lifespan of five centuries—then the Federation will completely transcend every other nation on Blue Star."
"At that point, the aircraft carrier blockades from the Western Hegemon and their technological sanctions will be nothing more than a bad joke."
"Who would dare to bully us then?"
The atmosphere in the Council Chamber was instantly ignited. This wasn't a simple bump in GDP or military hardware; it was a leap in civilizational tier. It was the first true step for the nation to leave the cradle of Earth and conquer the Heavens.
Prime Minister Lee, sitting at the head of the long table, remained silent. His fingers were laced together, his deep, weathered gaze fixed on the young man on the screen. After a long moment, he slowly stood up.
As he moved, the heated discussions died instantly. Everyone looked toward this pillar of the state.
"This is a crisis," Lee's voice wasn't loud, but it carried the weight of a mountain. "But even more so, it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity."
He turned to his aide. "Pass on my orders."
Swish!
The Confidential Secretary stood at attention, pen ready.
"First: Immediately activate the highest-level National Mobilization Order. Codename: Project Skygate. This matter is classified as SSS-Grade top secret. Knowledge of this project is restricted to those in this room and the specific executors."
"Second: Command the Five Great Military Districts to begin the secret selection of Special Forces members. They must be politically vetted with flawless military records. They are to sign a 'Final Service Waiver' and be placed under total lockdown management. Tell them they are embarking on a mission from which they may never return—but one worthy of being etched into history."
"Third: Command the Academy of Sciences and the Defense Industry Group to transfer all top experts. I don't care what project they are currently on—suspend them all. They are to gather at the Starry Sky Base immediately. I want the Block Weapon System Comrade Ethan mentioned ready for testing within three days."
A series of three commands, each one capable of turning the world upside down.
After issuing them, the Prime Minister sat back down. His gaze softened as he looked at the image of Ethan. He let out a small sigh. "Also... when young Ethan arrives, I want to personally pour him a cup of tea."
The surrounding Elders were stunned for a moment, then nodded with approving smiles.
"Possessing such a world-bending opportunity, he chose not to hide it or use it for selfish gain," Lee said earnestly. "Instead, he chose to trust his country. He shared a power that could dominate the world. This shows that in this boy's veins flows the blood of our ancestors—a heart of pure integrity."
"Such a young man is a blessing to our nation. We cannot let him be disappointed, nor can we let him suffer. Since he has entrusted his back to us, the Federation must be his strongest support."
The Prime Minister adjusted his collar, a kind, expectant smile appearing on his face. "Let us go meet this young hero who is about to lead our civilization to the stars."
The engine of the armored limousine emitted a low, steady purr, carrying Ethan Ye away from the mountain base toward the heart of power.
Outside the window, the night was deep. Occasionally, the brilliant glow of a distant city skyline flickered on the horizon. Ethan leaned back against the soft leather seat, watching the world go by through the bulletproof glass. The nerves that had been frayed all day finally relaxed.
He let out a long breath, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"This... this feels right."
When he had been working alone, he had to do everything. He was the engineer building the machines, the gatherer synthesizing gear, the scout dying in the other world, and the frustrated commander trying to lead brain-dead NPCs. That feeling of helplessness—of having to be both the worker and the boss—had made him question his life several times at the Respawn Point.
But now, the board had changed.
With the nation as his safety net, he didn't have to do it all. Resource integration was handled by the Development Commission; tactics were drawn up by the General Staff; the fighting would be done by the Special Forces; and the R&D was the domain of the Academy of Sciences.
He only needed to be the Keyholder. The Opener of the Way.
"Only by leaning on a titan like this can one actually talk about conquering the Heavens," Ethan mused, watching the shadows of trees recede.
But as he enjoyed the quiet ride, he had no idea that Prime Minister Lee's orders had already thrown the entire Federation into a silent, frantic storm.
Southwest Military District: Ace Special Operations Garrison
02:15 AM
In the deep mountains, the rain fell in a heavy, freezing deluge. It should have been the hour of deepest sleep, but a piercing Level One Combat Readiness Alarm sliced through the night, echoing across the valley.
Toot! Toot! Toot!
In less than three minutes, two thousand fully armed soldiers stood on the rain-drenched parade ground. No one spoke. No one moved. The icy rain streamed off their Steel Helmets and down their necks, but they stood like statues cast in iron.
The Brigade Commander stood on the reviewing platform, clutching a red folder that was still warm from the printer. His hand trembled slightly—not from the cold, but from the SSS-Grade stamp on the cover.
Codename: Operation Ember.
"Soldiers!" The Commander's voice tore through the curtain of rain, hoarse and raw. "The Military Commission has issued a supreme directive. The nation requires a volunteer force—a team willing to walk into the unknown for a mission without precedent."
"This mission may have no extraction. It may never be recorded in the archives. You may face enemies that defy your very understanding of reality."
He waved his hand. Several officers stepped forward, hauling heavy iron chests. They flipped them open. Inside were not magazines or grenades, but thick stacks of Non-Disclosure Agreements and Last Wills.
"The high command has stated this is entirely voluntary. If you are afraid to die, or if you are thinking of your families, step out now. Return to your barracks. I will not blame you."
"But if you stay... sign these papers."
"Sign them, and you no longer belong to yourselves. You won't even belong to this world. You will become the Nation's Ghosts, carving a path of blood so the Federation may follow."
A heavy, dead silence followed. For three seconds, only the sound of the rain hitting the asphalt could be heard.
Then, a young Private in the front row took a violent step forward and roared at the top of his lungs:
"ALWAYS READY!"
That single shout was the spark in the powder keg.
"ALWAYS READY!"
"ALWAYS READY!"
The roar of two thousand men drowned out the thunder. No one retreated. No one hesitated. They lined up in the flickering searchlights, pressing their Red Handprints onto the documents.
The bright red ink blurred in the rainwater, looking exactly like the blood they were ready to spill.