Chapter 70: An Invitation from the United Nations

Britain—

Official name: "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." Britain remains one of over twenty legitimate "kingdoms" still existing in the world today.

And it was also one of the nations hardest hit on "The Day of Catastrophe," alongside America. In London, massive "holes" appeared throughout the city, swallowing people and buildings whole. They were over a kilometer wide, bottomless chasms whose depth no one could measure.

From the depths of those holes poured forth an overwhelming number of Dragons, filling the skies above London.

In response, the British military and NATO rapid-response forces launched attacks against the Dragons. But the result? Not a single Dragon was defeated. The forces were utterly destroyed.

The politicians, the Queen, and the rest of the royal family fled to Ireland, where they suffered relatively little damage. After that, their whereabouts became completely unknown.

Blue-black earth and bottomless chasms began appearing one after another across England, Wales, Scotland…

Ironically, the very land once known as the "Great Britain Kingdom" became nothing but a Dragon's den.

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Osaka – Prime Minister’s Residence—

I’d been summoned by Prime Minister Toda, and so here I was with Sakuragi and Saka, standing in the Osaka residence. Said it was something important… something urgent…

“Apologies for the delay. Normally I’d be the one coming to you, but thank you for the trouble of coming all the way here.”

We were waiting in the conference room when Prime Minister Toda and Hagiya from the Cabinet Office—someone I’d met before—entered. Sitting across from us, the Prime Minister straightened his collar, while Hagiya wiped sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

"We've called you here because the United Nations European Headquarters in Switzerland reached out to Gojo, inviting him as an advisor to an international conference."

"Advisor?"

"If someone attending the conference asks for input, it's someone who actively provides expert advice and recommendations."

"Hah... uh..." Expert? Honestly, I don't even get what that means... I must've looked confused.

"Gojo, are you familiar with the current situation in the UK?"

"The UK?...No, not really..."

Prime Minister Toda explained the current state of affairs in the UK. The Dragon's appearance, the complete collapse of the military force sent to eliminate it—way worse than anything I'd imagined.

"They considered using weapons of mass destruction like nuclear arms, but decided against it since they don't even know how many people in the UK are still alive."

"Yeah, that makes sense... Honestly, we don’t even know if nukes would work on a Dragon..."

"And the most serious issue right now is the Dragon's range of movement. Up until now, it never left UK airspace, but recently, it's been spotted flying over other countries' territories."

Yeah, if a Dragon this powerful is expanding its range, that’s definitely a threat to humanity... I must’ve looked serious, because the Prime Minister continued as if reading my mind.

"That’s why they decided to gather those who’ve defeated a 'Leader' before."

"So you want advice at the international conference?"

"Yes, officially."

"Officially?"

"Practically speaking, it's more like a request for help. The UN's real intention is to bring together people from around the world who've proven they can defeat a 'Leader,' and ask them to do something about it."

So that’s what it is... huh...

"They’re aware of this, I think—other gifted individuals invited this time."

"Other gifted people? Who exactly is here?"

"I’ll let Inspector Hagi no explain that. Hagi no."

"Yessir! I’ll explain everything within the scope the government knows."

Hagi no wipes the sweat from his forehead and pulls out prepared documents. He’s definitely a heavy sweater... Anyway, summarizing Hagi no’s explanation—

I was invited from Japan. The Japanese government had officially reported to the UN that I’d defeated a "Leader."

America didn’t invite anyone—apparently the one who defeated the Leader there remains unknown.

China sent someone called "Suzaku."

Russia reports one of their military officers defeated a "Leader" and notified the UN. Hearing that, me and Sakaki exchanged a dry smile.

A representative from Georgia’s military was also invited. After all, Georgia was the first country in the world to defeat a "Leader."

And then—

"An organization called the has been invited, having reportedly defeated two 'Leaders'—one each from Angola and Greenland."

"The Sanctuary Knights?!"

"Supposedly the strongest group of gifted individuals in the world. They’re said to have gathered members from various European nations, and their power is rumored to surpass even that of 'Suzaku'..."

So there are people like that out there... They’ve taken down two "Leaders" already.

"Knew about this, Sakaki?"

"Yeah... just heard rumors. They’re a pretty famous group."

"The Japanese government doesn’t have detailed info, but the group has around ten members, and one in particular stands out..."

Hagi no placed two photos in front of us. A young woman and a man.

"These two, yes. The woman is Freyja Cruz—only eighteen, but she took down Angora's 'Leader.' Supposedly the only one with unique abilities in the world."

Looking at the photo, she's a beautiful woman with long golden hair. Really slender... but...

"The man is Leo Garcia—leader of the Sanctuary Knights, known as the strongest man in the world. He defeated Greenland's 'Leader.'"

A silver-haired man with a solid, muscular build. He looks strong, for sure.

"All we know is this much. The other members of the Sanctuary Knights are each extremely powerful. Probably only Wang Xinyi, the 'Vermilion Bird's' King, could match them..."

Instead of Hagi no, Prime Minister Toda spoke up.

"Taking this roundabout approach with an 'invitation'—it's because we want the Sanctuary Knights to take on the mission to destroy England. They're currently advancing through Canada, and they've already refused a UN request once."

So if the Sanctuary Knights refuse and someone else steps in, it'd make them look bad? Feels like some complicated maneuvering... but honestly, I don’t get it.

"We know that Gojo took down four 'Leaders.' But officially, it's not confirmed. Globally, the Sanctuary Knights—having eliminated two 'Leaders'—are seen as having the better record."

Prime Minister Toda took a breath, then looked straight at me again.

“What will you do? Even if we’re going to eliminate them, it’ll be the Sanctuary Knights leading the charge, won’t it? If you’re refusing, I’ll inform the UN directly from the government…?”

The Prime Minister’s being careful, but my answer’s already decided.

“Of course I’m going!”