Past Arc ⑫
"Declare withdrawal from the International Energy Consortium."
At a global summit attended by numerous nations, yet another declaration of this nature was made—how many times now, no one could count.
The International Energy Consortium was an international body managing so-called energy resources, such as oil and coal, historically centered around producing nations.
Its function was to facilitate smooth exchange of energy resources, regulating negotiations between supplier and consumer nations.
Yet now, nations withdrawing from the International Energy Consortium were increasing rapidly.
Withdrawal from the Consortium meant, in effect, declaring that oil and coal, and other such resources, were no longer needed.
Since Potimas Haifenas presented the MA energy theory, the number of nations issuing this declaration has increased.
Most were small to mid-sized states, nations burdened significantly by energy policy, yet even some large nations without economic hardship were included.
All declaring nations achieved resolution of their energy issues through MA energy, rendering oil, coal, and similar resources obsolete.
Initially, skepticism toward MA energy's existence was widespread. Yet once the methods detailed in the published papers were tested, energy truly emerged from nowhere.
No environmental changes resulted.
No atmospheric pollutants from burning oil or coal. No radiation. No need for large-scale power generation facilities.
Anyone can access energy effortlessly with just the device.
The device, when small, is portable enough to carry.
Even large models can be transported by heavy-duty trucks.
It is small enough to be installed in every household.
With such a convenient device, energy once obtained only at great cost can now be acquired with ease.
Developing nations seized upon it immediately.
President Dazuldoria of the Dazuldoria Kingdom observed the representatives, his brow furrowed.
He had anticipated this outcome.
Yet, he refused to authorize the use of MA energy within his own nation.
His approval rating has plummeted as a result, but he shows no intention of changing his stance.
Energy conjured from nothing.
Such a thing does not exist.
If it were truly present, it would have to be drawn from somewhere.
The source of it is the issue. Whether the energy itself truly causes no harm is also the issue.
It is unknown energy, after all.
The effects on the human body remain unknown.
The method of human evolution announced simultaneously—was it truly safe?
The president believes they have an obligation to verify it.
Without confirmation, no matter how convenient or desired by the people, there was no intention to authorize it domestically.
Yet, precisely because it is one's own country.
Cannot stop other nations from promoting them.
Influence may be exerted, but the final decision rests with the politicians of other nations.
The president had repeatedly warned of the danger. Whether those warnings were heeded is told by the current state of affairs.
One cannot perceive danger unless one faces it directly.
Prefer convenience directly before one’s eyes over fear of unseen danger.
Especially when that convenience can transform the world.
Not all nations rushed to adopt it immediately.
Oil and coal-producing nations, losing their primary foreign exchange source, now strongly oppose MA energy.
Even among advanced nations with surplus resources, many remain观望.
Still, the global trajectory is shifting.
Simply because MA energy’s dangers have not been proven.
It does not deplete, no matter how much is used. It can be generated from nothing.
And so far, no malfunctions have occurred.
Truly a dream-like energy source.
Nations that adopted MA energy early are developing rapidly.
To merely watch this unfold without action is difficult to endure.
Public opinion is likewise shifting toward approval of MA energy.
MA energy-based human enhancement protocols.
All abilities are elevated, and longevity is extended—desires for such procedures are widespread.
However, the procedure requires MA energy.
Without national authorization for MA energy use, the procedure cannot be performed.
Thus, widespread public demand for MA energy authorization was inevitable.
This trend is especially pronounced in advanced nations.
Developing nations place national progress hopes in MA energy, while advanced nations are drawn to human enhancement.
The momentum can no longer be halted.
Even the president does not believe he can indefinitely stall the Ducholdrian nation.
Though his term remains, it is far from certain.
Removal from office is a possibility.
The president exhales deeply.
Does he understand?
That the author of these two papers is Potimas Haifenas.
That he is a criminal, repeatedly conducting inhumane human experiments, and is internationally wanted.
And one more thing.
The president has concerns.
That two factions hold a negative stance toward MA energy.
One is the Dragon.
The Dragon, which rarely initiates contact with humans unless directly provoked, has issued a direct declaration.
Do not touch MA energy.
That Dragon.
A sense of dread is the only feeling at this point.
The other is the Salyera Group.
Its chairman, Salyeriel, has voiced opposition to MA energy.
Warnings from beings whose existence lies beyond human comprehension.
To ignore this is not a prudent course.
Yet the flow of the world does not halt.
It cannot be stopped.
At this moment, the president would deeply regret not having stopped it—by force, by military might, by any means necessary.
Yet time does not reverse.