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“…A fire has occurred. The fire chief stated, ‘The fire authorities are keeping all possibilities open,’ and did not deny the chance of arson…”

Have you ever seen a candle burning on a cake?

Standing there in shock, the flame lights up the surroundings and produces that distinctive scent of wax burning.

Have you ever witnessed a candle that caught fire not just at the tip but engulfed its entire body in flames?

And have you ever seen a pillar of fire blazing atop a cake?

That was exactly what happened in Wall Street.

A truck rampaging like it was on some kind of substance crashed into a building after hitting several people.

A madman was running wild, and not long after, a tremendous boom echoed. Then flames began to rise, soon engulfing the entire building like a towering inferno.

“Let’s hear from an eyewitness at the scene.”

“I woke up startled from sleep. I thought, ‘Where’s another strange sculpture being made?’ or ‘Is there a festival going on?’ Then I realized my window faced Wall Street. Surely, there’s no way a boring neighborhood like that would create such a ruckus at midnight, right? So I wondered what was happening, and wow, a pillar of fire is blazing! I thought maybe today was the apocalypse.”

Naturally, firefighters rushed to the scene. They fought to extinguish the flames, and their efforts were fruitful as the fire was put out soon after.

Fortunately, the fire didn’t spread to other buildings, but…

Sadly, there was a victim.

Lucas Metathronius Goldsmith.

The owner of the building was found inside, unconscious.

Lucas was quickly rushed to the hospital by paramedics, but…

Unfortunately, it seemed that he inhaled a lot of toxic gas, and he has fallen into a coma.

It was truly a regrettable incident.

* * *

This fire, which resulted from a terror attack or arson on Wall Street, caught the interest of many.

Ordinary American citizens watching the news thought little of this event, considering it just another incident among the countless that happen. Those with a negative image of Wall Street found a strange satisfaction in the chaos.

While some felt sorrow upon learning that Lucas, their representative and hero, had fallen into a coma, others chuckled, thinking it was a fitting end for that miserable betrayer.

Countless reactions.

Some were saddened by Lucas’s injuries.

Some were amused.

Some rejoiced at the lack of casualties.

Some lamented the victim who fell into a coma due to the fire.

These reactions were far from few.

However, they were like fog that momentarily appears and then vanishes—nothing but ephemeral.

With so many events occurring in the world,

and overflowing information,

for those not directly involved, it was merely light gossip.

A conversation piece to be tossed around during lunch or casual chat, easily moved along to another topic.

But for those directly connected to it, this was a significant event demanding attention.

Especially for those who were part of the country.

Inside a bunker somewhere in New York,

where countless people were “working,” a briefing was taking place.

“I will begin the briefing. The fire at M point is—”

This bunker, located far below the New York subway, could only be accessed after passing through numerous security checks in a government-owned building, giving it an atmosphere that was anything but “bunker-like.”

Despite being cramped due to its underground location, instead of damp and moldy air, a pleasant and fresh atmosphere filled the space, with special lights akin to sunlight illuminating it instead of cheap bulbs, creating an atmosphere similar to the surface.

Additionally, with high-end decor and many cutting-edge devices, bustling people populated the area.

It felt closer to a corporate office than a bunker.

Inside that bunker, in a conference room, many people gathered.

These were individuals who had passed countless verifications and earned the right to serve their country, actively working for and significantly contributing to it.

“Upon checking the data, there were a total of 12 personnel at M point. They were not part of a single organization but rather a multitude. It was neither an alliance nor did they exchange intentions among themselves. They simply gathered at the same place, on the same day, at the same time by coincidence.”

They were focused on the presentation, hurriedly scanning the numerous holograms that flickered before them.

The holograms displayed protesters and individuals secretly entering buildings in coordinated outfits.

The quality of the footage was excellent, revealing even the strange madness gleaming in their eyes.

“First of all, these people belong to the service organization ‘Shepherd and Sheep.’ While they’re publicly known as good neighbors who adhere to Christian values and enjoy helping others… the reality is a bit different. They came dangerously close to being classified as a cult by various Christian organizations but managed to evade that label through the strength of their network.”

“Hmm.”

“As you can see from the data, their risk level isn’t particularly high. They were placed on watch lists, but their activities were generally beneficial to society, and while some extreme tendencies existed, it was determined that due to the leader’s characteristics, the likelihood of it leading to terrorism was low. In fact, the organization’s members primarily focused on human rights and were committed to service.”

“But what just happened clearly can’t be described as ‘moderate,’ can it?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Their actions were extreme enough to bring to mind a terrorist organization. The reason is precisely… the influence of this organization.”

The presenter manipulated a ring-like device to switch the displayed materials.

Suddenly, the hologram shifted from the previously shown individuals to what appeared to be a factory setting.

A massive factory befitting America’s grand scale.

Gigantic machines of unknown purpose.

Cars and parts lined up in rows.

Robots that seemed either for manufacturing or showcase.

And researchers along with workers in coveralls walking among them.

At a glance, it looked like the data depicted a large factory.

However, those present understood what that place represented.

“Everyone here likely knows. It’s a high-risk organization under global scrutiny, capturing the interests of various nations’ intelligence agencies. Yes, it’s a corporate alliance nicknamed the ‘Machine Cult.'”

“…Tsk, it was quiet for a while.”

Upon hearing the term “Machine Cult,” many grimaced.

Some wore complicated expressions.

The reason for their reactions was simple.

The entities known as the “Machine Cult” were a source of love-hate for them.

Indeed. It was not merely hatred but love-hate (愛憎).

“Had those bastards not been affiliated with America….”

Why the love-hate? The reason was straightforward.

All the unions that constituted the Machine Cult were based in the United States.

Not even small businesses.

They were all globally renowned corporations or companies that were among the top five in their respective fields.

A high-risk entity composed of global giants in IT and high-tech industries.

From a national standpoint, one would want to drop the hammer immediately.

But they couldn’t.

All of them were American, and one of the pillars supporting the nation.

What if they vanished or declined?

Initially, it would feel good.

After all, a high-risk entity would have vanished.

But then comes the problem.

The advanced industry and IT sectors would enter a recession, and those within the Machine Cult would relocate to other countries. Naturally, America’s competitiveness in those fields would drastically weaken.

A dreadful reality, one that’s too horrid even to imagine.

Thus, America couldn’t act directly.

If it erupted, it would ultimately lead to America’s loss.

No, even the foreign intelligence agencies felt the need to protect them.

Each of their technologies could greatly impact American national interests.

Hence, it was love-hate.

Bombs are still bombs, yet one can neither toss them aside nor not protect them.

No matter how they try to control them, they slip through due to numerous legal experts and lobbyists.

Fighting tooth and nail against antitrust laws, while secretly shaking hands behind the scenes for research,

even wanting to send in spies gets thwarted by their advanced equipment, or they twist things to create double agents who leak intel from the intelligence agencies…

They were truly a headache-inducing bunch.

 

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