I am the creator of New Life on the Earth
Chapter 256: Negotiations and Concessions

Chapter 256: Negotiations and Concessions

Chapter: Negotiations and Concessions

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The conference room’s heavy atmosphere was pierced only by the subtle hum of the air conditioning.

The golden table at the room’s center gleamed under the overhead lights, reflecting the tension radiating between the two opposing sides.

Logan, Ninja, Sona, and Tayo sat composed yet alert, their postures embodying both respect and quiet strength.

On the other side, the President, flanked by his ministers and advisors, exuded an air of authority.

His sharp eyes moved between his visitors, attempting to gauge their true intentions.

Behind him, the line of armed security personnel stood at rigid attention, their presence a constant reminder of the stakes.

The President was the first to break the silence. "I must admit, I didn’t expect you to act this swiftly," he said, his voice steady but tinged with skepticism. "Your response to my announcement this morning was... remarkably fast."

Sona, perched elegantly on the edge of the table, responded without hesitation.

Her small form belied the weight of her words. "We cannot afford delays, Mr. President," she said firmly. "Every moment wasted could lead to more innocent lives lost in this ongoing conflict."

The President leaned back in his chair, studying Sona intently. "Innocent lives, you say?" he replied, his tone carrying a sharp edge. "Yet it was your actions just days ago—actions that resulted in widespread destruction and near chaos. How do you reconcile that with your claims of protecting the innocent?"

Ninja, seated further down the table, straightened slightly at the comment. His piercing gaze met the President’s, and his voice was calm but pointed.

"Dwelling on past mistakes won’t resolve the issues at hand. We’re here to ensure such events don’t happen again."

The President’s jaw tightened, his irritation barely concealed. Before the tension could escalate further, the Prime Minister intervened.

His composed demeanor contrasted sharply with the growing intensity in the room. "Gentlemen," he said with a faint smile, raising a hand to quiet both sides, "let’s focus on the matter at hand. What exactly is it that you’re proposing?"

Sona spoke again, her tone measured and deliberate. "We require exemption from certain laws that currently restrict our ability to act," she stated plainly, her glowing wings casting faint patterns on the polished table.

The President arched an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "Exemptions from the law?" he echoed. "You expect us to grant you a free pass, to operate outside the bounds of justice? Why should we agree to such an audacious demand?"

Sona met his gaze evenly, unfazed by his challenge. "It’s not about being above justice," she explained patiently. "It’s about removing obstacles that hinder us from effectively combating rogue power-holders. The current legal framework prevents us from taking necessary action in critical moments."

Logan, who had remained silent until now, leaned forward slightly. His deep voice carried a weight that commanded attention. "She’s right," he said, his tone calm but firm.

"You’ve seen the scale of destruction these rogue power-holders can unleash. If one of them rampages through a city, law enforcement can do little to stop them. And yet, we’re held back by restrictions that prevent us from intervening when it matters most."

The room fell into a heavy silence as Logan’s words sank in. The President and his ministers exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions betraying a mix of concern and contemplation. Logan continued, his voice unwavering.

"You’ve already witnessed what happens when we’re forced to act within these limitations. The cost is always higher than it needs to be. If you truly want to protect our citizens, you need to give them the tools to do so."

The Prime Minister, who had been listening intently, leaned forward and placed his hands on the table.

His expression was thoughtful as he addressed the room. "There’s merit to their argument," he said slowly. "If we want The Union to succeed in their mission, we must allow them certain freedoms."

The President frowned, clearly reluctant but unwilling to dismiss the Prime Minister’s reasoning. After a long pause, he nodded grudgingly. "Very well," he said. "We will grant you exemptions from some laws."

A flicker of satisfaction passed between Logan, Sona, Tayo, and Ninja, though they maintained their composed exteriors. This was a significant step forward.

However, the Prime Minister quickly added, "But let me be clear—these exemptions will not be absolute. There will be limits to your authority, and you will be held accountable for your actions."

The group exchanged brief glances, understanding the importance of this condition. While the partial victory wasn’t ideal, it was a crucial first step in establishing their legitimacy.

As the discussion drew to a close, the President leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "Let me make one thing clear," he said, his voice cold and deliberate.

"If you abuse the trust we are extending to you, there will be consequences. This alliance is based on mutual respect and the shared goal of protecting this nation. Betray that trust, and you will find yourselves facing not just us, but the full force of the people."

Ninja inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the warning. "Understood," he replied. "We have no intention of breaking this alliance. We want the same thing as you—a safe and stable future."

The President studied him for a moment longer before finally nodding. "Then we’ll proceed. The necessary documents will be prepared and finalized within the next 48 hours."

As the meeting concluded, the group rose from their seats, their mission for the day successfully completed.

Logan, Ninja, Sona, and Tayo exited the conference room with quiet confidence, their steps echoing in the hallway.

In the back of their minds, they knew this was only the beginning. The challenges ahead would be far greater, and the balance of power between The Union and the government remained fragile.

But for now, they had secured a critical foothold, setting the stage for the next phase of their masters plan.

The Chapter ends with the group stepping out of the Presidential Building, the bright sunlight casting long shadows behind them. The path forward was uncertain, but their resolve was unshakable.