Rebirth: 100 Days Before Doomsday - Chapter 277

Chapter 277: Meeting the Leaders
Grace inhaled the fresh morning air as she stood at the edge of Starfall Isle.

Because of the barrier, no more snow was falling on the island. The barrier also kept the bad air of the outside world from entering the island, allowing the residents to breathe the fresh oxygen produced by the newly grown trees.

She was gazing at the vast ocean stretched before her. A cold breeze swept through the island, rustling her auburn hair as she exhaled slowly. Today was going to mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where she would no longer work in the shadows but claim her rightful place among the powerful.

Just a week ago, she received messages, both at Greenstone and Hilton Base. These messages carried invitations from the government and military leaders of Starship Country.

She was well aware of what the leaders wanted from her. They had finally taken notice of her because of the impenetrable barriers protecting Greenstone and Hilton Base. With a little bit of further investigation, they found out about the Starfall Isle as well. And then they sent her the invitation.

But they were mistaken if they thought she would just hand over her secrets. She had her own goals, and she intended to achieve them… on her own terms.

As she was preparing to leave, Davian found her in the villa. The look of conern on his face made the reason behind his appearance obvious. “Are you sure about this?” he asked. “They are going to try and corner you, pressure you for answers.”

Grace remained calm and adjusted her weapons. “Let them try,” she said coolly. “I want them to see just enough of my strength to be intimidated but not enough to make them desperate.”

Rune, who entered right after Davian, finally spoke. “If they try anything reckless, I’ll help you wipe them out.”

She gave him an amused look. “No need to go that far… yet.”

After giving final instructions to her people, she, Davian, and Rune boarded an aircraft provided by the military. The journey took only an hour, and soon, they arrived at a massive underground military base near Sunspire City. It was heavily fortified and brimming with armed soldiers.

The moment Grace stepped off the aircraft, dozens of eyes locked onto her, mostly curious about hee identity.

A high-ranking officer stepped forward and greeted her. “Miss Blackwood,” he kept his tone respectful. “This way.”

The fact that he knew her read identity meant that the government had done a proper investigation on her.

Grace followed without a word, while Davian and Rune flanked her like shadows. The deeper they walked into the base, the more intense the atmosphere became. They finally arrived at an enormous conference room where the new leaders of Country’s government and military were awaiting her.

The President was himself sitting at the head of the table. His sharp gaze assessed her the moment she entered. Beside him sat the Minister of Defense, several high-ranking generals, and top scientists who had no doubt been analyzing her barriers from afar.

Grace took her seat with practiced ease, her expression giving nothing away. Rune and Davian stood behind her. Their presence was a silent reminder that she wasn’t alone.

The President was the first to speak. “Miss Blackwood, thank you for coming.”

She tilted her head slightly, not missing how his gaze briefly shifted to Davian before returning to her. “I assume you have done a thorough investigation on me,” she said, cutting straight to the point.

The Minister of Defense was the one who replied as he leaned forward. “Indeed. We have been observing your activities for some time now. Your bases, Greenstone and Hilton, are protected by an advanced barrier technology unlike anything we have ever seen.And then there’s Starfall Isle. A city that shouldn’t exist under these conditions… and yet it does.”

Grace smiled faintly. “A city that thrives while the rest of the world crumbles. That’s what you mean, isn’t it?”

A tense silence followed her words. The President clasped his hands together. “Let’s not play games, Miss Blackwood. You have built something extraordinary. We want to know how.”

Her eyes gleamed with amusement. “And why would I just hand that information over to you?”

A general frowned. He looked like someone with years of experience which was evident in the hard lines on his face. “Because if humanity is to survive, we need every advantage we can get.”

Grace leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. “Survival comes at a cost, General. I have paid mine. What about you?”

Another silence.

The President sighed. “You are cautious, and I understand that. But surely, you must see the benefit of working together. If you share your barrier technology with us, we can integrate it into our defenses and-”

“I’m not interested in sharing my technology,” she interrupted smoothly. “But I am interested in joining the Great Alliance.”

Her words caused a visible stir. The Great Alliance was a coalition formed by the remaining world powers, a last effort to unite against the chaos of the apocalypse. It was composed of the strongest survivors, each with their own contributions.

The Minister of Defense narrowed his eyes. “You wish to join the Great Alliance? And what would you offer in return?”

His question made her smile, but there was an edge to it. “If I didn’t have something you wanted desperstely, I wouldn’t be sitting here.”

She lifted her hand slightly, and for a brief moment, a pulse of energy radiated from her palm. The air crackled with raw power, sending a wave of pressure through the room. Papers fluttered, and the lights flickered.

Several of the leaders shifted uncomfortably. Even the President’s expression darkened.

“That,” she said softly, lowering her hand, “is just a fraction of what I’m capable of.”

The scientists exchanged frantic whispers while the generals looked grim. They had clearly underestimated her.

The President’s gaze was unreadable as he spoke, “You have certainly given us a lot to think about, Miss Blackwood.”