Chapter 99 A New Sword
On the day of the European Parliament election—
Elections were held across nations, and candidates opposed to supernaturals won a majority. At first, there had been hope that pro-supernatural MPs would prevail, thanks to the popularity of the Sanctuary Knights (Sanctuary Knights) among ordinary people.
But due to incidents caused by supernaturals in various regions, the anti-supernatural faction ended up winning—exactly as most had predicted. The new President of the European Parliament was Hans Berent from Germany.
[European Reform Party — Hans Election Office]
"Let’s now hear words from the newly elected President of the European Parliament, Mr. Hans."
The man stepped onto the stage, his hair neatly slicked back in white and brown, dressed in an expensive suit, smiling warmly. The election office erupted in applause.
"Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank every supporter who helped me in this election. As you all know, this is the first European Parliament election held since the world plunged into unprecedented crisis. There are many challenges ahead, but let’s face them together, hand in hand."
Roars of approval rose with strong applause. Hans glanced around the crowd, satisfied.
"And you all. Thanks to the actions of the Sanctuary Knights, the battle against monsters since the Day of Woe seems to finally be coming to an end. But there’s something we humans must consider. Is it right to keep leaving the fight against monsters solely to a few supernaturals?"
His words had been carefully crafted to pull in both the anti-supernatural and pro-supernatural crowds.
"Regarding the monsters, we've gathered ample data—science has proven we can defeat them. Think back, everyone. The first 'Leader' ever toppled wasn't an abnormal—it was Georgia's army."
A few supporters in the audience began to grasp what Hans was driving at.
"Sending someone to fight just because they're gifted? That's no different than human rights violations. I want to change that."
He sounded genuinely concerned about the future of abnormals. But anyone who knew him would know that was pure nonsense—everyone knew he didn’t give a single damn.
"I propose forming a military organization, different from NATO—yes, one dedicated solely to defeating monsters. Already, many legislators have agreed. We aim to launch it as soon as possible."
Hans’s speech became major news, spreading across the globe. From that moment on, how nations treated abnormals would change dramatically.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
"Fire Dragon!"
Flames twisted into a massive serpent shape, lunging at me—but they shattered against the barrier, vanishing in a burst.
"Shape's coming along, but still weak... still far from it..."
Victor’s challenge was pushing the power and control of fire magic, but even with effort, it was tough at this low level.
The other kids were over there fighting a giant. I’d summoned it—so no real danger. I figured they’d get little experience. But after checking with my appraisal, I noticed their levels had actually risen.
Not as fast as real monster battles, but still—huge discovery.
By the way, if you kill a monster you summoned yourself? Zero level gain. Hmm. Yeah, fair enough... probably expected.
It’s been almost a month since I came to this convent... Emily still hasn’t left her room, barely talking to anyone except Noah and a few kids.
She comes out of her room sometimes... just stands there in silence, then leaves without a word. Gotta do something about this... somehow...
Noah’s been the one who’s grown the most lately. Every time we’ve taken down the monsters I summoned, working together, slowly leveling up—his职业 rank in the "Mystic Compendium" climbed all the way to “C.”
Damn fast pace. Guess she really did have the innate talent of a sage. If she keeps this up, reaching an "A" rank wouldn’t be surprising at all.
I’d started to feel a real sense of purpose in watching children grow up... but...
Get out right now!
"Anti-superhuman facility! No way!!"
The group protesting outside the convent is one that hates people with abilities. They show up every weekend, sit in protests, and won’t leave.
"Again...?"
Seriously, how can you keep doing the same thing every week without getting bored? I was just thinking that when the bell rang, signaling the end of class, so I cut it short.
When I went to the staff room, all the teachers were watching TV. I looked too—there on the screen, a news report showed the European Parliament.
Something wrong?
I ask the Teacher sitting down.
"Yeah... the news about the new law targeting paranormals being passed. It's gonna affect the kids... and Gojo Teacher too... I think..."
Freyja’s words caught in her throat. It had happened in Japan too… but something about the politics—it’s heading somewhere bad.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
Everyone at the convent—us included—was gathered in the cathedral. The Sister said there was something important to tell us… but I already knew it wasn’t good news.
“Today’s news affects all of your futures, so listen carefully. The French government has set a few ‘rules’ for people with abilities.”
The Sister said that, then wrote several items on the whiteboard.
“Not everything here is listed, but first, you must register as an ability-user with the state. And you’ll need to carry your registration card with you whenever you go out. Also, expect more restrictions on your outings than before.”
Worst case scenario. What’s written on the whiteboard isn’t just about life here in the convent. It’s about jobs, where we can live, what education we can get—every single thing, restricted.
I thought things were bad enough already. Now they’re worse.
All the dozens of kids here have dark faces. Even the youngest understand their future’s being shut down.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
Belgium, Brussels—
The European Parliament committee was in session, with media from across nations gathered to cover the major decision. The spotlight was on Chair Hans as he stepped up to the podium.
“Apologies for the wait. I’ll now announce what’s been officially decided today.”
All eyes turned to the large screen set up in the hall. There, a logo appeared—something no one had ever seen before. Fire and a sword, twisted together.
“This is the world’s new sword. Not reliant on ability-users, capable of destroying the monsters that attack people. Humanity’s hope—”
As the screen held focus, the official unit name flashed into view.
“Announcing the formation of the Anti-Mutant Combat Unit: Prometheus!”