Chapter 131: The Day Pangean Politics Changed

Seeker's return to Pangea from his long staycation in the Tatsulok Aguinaldo also brought in the arrival of yet another key figure that has become the center of admiration. While Seeker was admired as a great personality that would aid Pangea, this figure was seen as the true hero of Pangea.

The mere sight of him would cause countless youth's blood to boil.

While the WGP wrestled with the public as they faced attacks on all fronts, Harker's prominent rise allowed him to take over the missing gaps that the chaos against the WGP had made.

Although the WGP had done its best to mediate the situation, even using a PR stunt to appeal to gamers which composed the majority of the world-wide population, the Nations of the World E-Sport Meet ended up with more gaps and angry citizens because of Seeker Carlean. Harker took Seeker to hide in the Tatsulok until the school that Seeker studied would be militarized. It was only when things were safe that Seeker was allowed to return to school.

But Seeker's return to Pangea also meant the return of Harker to Pangea.

Pangea had long since been embroiled in such a battle where political groups were very fickle in their alliances. President Hydron who opposed Colestar and supported Harker suddenly switched sides as Harker's reach slowly encompassed his own empire.

Harker's rise was so imminent that almost all political enemies temporarily were on a ceasefire to resolve Harker's charge. Choosing the lesser of two evils, the political groups decided Colestar was the best person to ally themselves with. Seeing as how Colestar only maintained his political power and never sought to improve it, he was the better choice. Harker was all over the place, stepping the boundaries of these political groups. Only Malay-Pangea president, Albert Hoross, father of the deceased gamer-now-hero, Sabastian Hoross, sided with Harker.

Of course, this was within everyone's expectations. Because the two had shared pains in the deaths of their son and daughter, the two had allied. Malay-Pangea had become one of Harker's staunchest supporters. Every Malay-Pangea native hailed the great gamer as a hero and yearned for vengeance. Because of this, Harker had basically the support of one-third of the Pangean Nations.

In a short month after the event in China, Harker became a powerful political, business and military power. So the other groups met with Colestar in a secret meeting to discuss this. Seeing his political enemies reach out to him, and the fact that the Dragon has been confirmed dead, Colestar finally decided to act against Harker once more.

Of course, the WGP was supporting Colestar but the could only do things secretly. The biggest advantage of Harker's enemies was therefore fixed on Phil-Pangean President, Colestar. The nominal leader of the entire Pangean Nation. As President, he quickly made deals to allow and permit these businesses and foreign groups to further infiltrate Pangea. All that was left was to confront Harker and show him that he would be fighting a losing war if he kept at his madness.

The confrontation would happen when the Tatsulok who carried both Seeker and Harker would return to Pangea. While Seeker returned to school, that meeting took place. It was called the Thriller in Manila. Named after a boxing event during the Post-Modern era, President Colestar was to meet with Harker personally. The purpose of this personal visit was so that Colestar was to present several awards to Harker in response to the mounting pressure that the masses demanded to Colestar. Of course, behind this façade was a political confrontation.

Would Harker agree to focus on the war and not step on the territories of the many political groups? Or would he resist? Though the enemies of Harker were confident that they would win in the end, they knew it would be a costly battle.

On the tallest hotel near the Manila Bay, a particular man of shocking identity stood at the rooftop of this prestigious hotel. The view of the Tatsulok was clear on the rooftop. Yet this breath-taking view wasn't of any interest to this man.

"Hydron?" A well-dressed fat figure walked over to the Indo-Pangean president.

"Lyan Sherfire. We finally meet." Hydron smiled.

"Yes. And as allies… What a world we live in." The fat man called Lyan laughed.

"Who would have thought that the two of us would ever become allies. No matter how temporary this is." Hydron could not help but sigh.

"I'm more amazed that you and Colestar would ever see eye-to-eye on anything."

"That just goes to show you how formidable Harker is." Hydron frowned.

"I did everything. I tried to defame him, research some dirt on him… Nothing. We all know he's greatly involved in the Underworld, but now… none of his allies or enemies would speak up against him! No media group would accept my bribe of creating negative news about him!"

"Ugh. That's why I hate politics. All that nonsense and complexities. Business is easier. Anything that lets you earn is good, anything that doesn't isn't. No PR stunts, no circus trials, and all that nonsense."

"Wrong Lyan. Politics is the peak of businesses. Handle your empire long enough and you're bound to get involved in politics."

"A difference in opinion, but I'll take heed of the warning my adversary gives me." Lyan chuckled.

The two silently gazed at the Tatsulok.

"You think Harker would agree?"

Hydron gave a rare smile.

Lyan's expression grew interested at Hydron's smile.

"You're that confident?"

"Ha Ha Ha." Hydron gave a mighty laugh.

"You think that Colestar is any pushover?" Hydron asked Lyan.

Lyan had a strange expression.

"Going by what I know… Colestar is boy-scout. Always looking for the righteous and the good. I know he isn't involved in any business deals that you are involved in. He's clean. Therefore, he is weak."

Hydron shook his head and laughed all the more.

"Naïve. Well… I don't blame you. Your interest lies parallel with Colestar's interest. So you've never clashed. But let me tell you this. He isn't weak. I've been fighting him for more than a decade and I've yet to kill him or defeat him in any political arena! That man is a genius! Yes. He is clean, he is a boy scout. But he is resolved. He's the reason for the downfall of the Ingress, the Solviatums and the Char groups of the Underworld. You tell me if he's weak."

Lyan was stunned to hear this news. Battles on the Underworld are extremely chaotic but it is also extremely covert. Some of the weaker organizations in that group are generally unaware of the battles that happen daily.

"He's that strong?!"

"Word of advice from your adversary… Don't mess with Colestar. We command people with fear and with our money. Colestar doesn't. He is trustworthy and those serving him are willing to dirty their hands for him. He controls them by their respect towards him! He's that formidable!"

Lyan was shocked.

"Honestly, I feel relieved that Colestar's on our side on this battle against Harker. They share the same aura if you will. Now that the Dragon's out of the picture, Colestar has nothing to fear. I'm quite interested on what Harker's expression will be after that talk." Hydron laughed.

A man wearing a black suit approached Hydron.

"Sir. The talks have been confirmed to be over. The two groups will now be commencing with the awarding ceremony." The agent notified Hydron.

"Good." Hydron smiled.

"Time to see a good show. I wonder how that imposing and dignified Harker will act now? If he agrees with our demands, he can still act freely. The only difference is; we get to earn… but if he doesn't agree… he will quickly lose his army and his plans are left in shambles. This deal is a sure win for us." Hydron laughed.

Lyan could only smirk. He knew the contents of that deal and even he was confident that Harker would agree. With Hydron's revelation on Colestar's true character, he became even more confident."

The two turned away from the view and sat down on the luxurious wide pool area. Surrounding them were all important political, business and criminal leaders.

Despite the enemies gathering on one area, they all had excited expressions.

The sat down to watch the ceremony of Harker's awarding.

Colestar was to simply start his speech by saying, "There is victory in unity." If Colestar said this, then it would be the signal that the deals went properly.

The event was held in the very middle of the large open areas of the Tatsulok. As the floating base carried with it an army, the area was so large that people had to use trucks and vehicles to commute from one location to the next.

At the center was a well-designed military stage. Several key figures of the military were in attendance.

Of course, several of them awaited Colestar's opening line.

Colestar's vehicle arrived.

The cameras were zooming on his exit of the car and how he strode casually towards the stage.

Colestar's appearance seemed a bit better than his face during the past weeks. This time, he looked happy, confident and almost brimming with excitement.

"The deal is successful." Hydron laughed.

Several of the Underworld leaders cheered and toasted with their allies and even with their enemies.

Colestar's expression could easily spell the letters of victory.

Colestar immediately strode towards the stage.

Everyone had curious expressions. Where was Harker?

"You may be wondering, where Harker is… Unfortunately, I've been informed that there was a problem with the vehicle that was supposed to bring Harker here." Colestar spoke on the microphone.

Everyone was surprised.

Hydron sneered with the others.

"Oh? It looks like the deal seemed to have given Harker some damage. To think he would not attend the awarding ceremony."

"Why would this happen?" The nearby Lyan asked.

"Perhaps a show of force. Everyone knows that Colestar and Harker are bound to butt-heads. Perhaps Colestar wanted Harker to use this event as a way to show that Colestar is still boss." Hydron laughed.

"Oh well… It looks like Pangea will belong to Colestar. If he managed this, I should take warning." Hydron gave a melancholic sigh.

The others around them seemed to have the same ideas and could not help but stare in fear at Colestar.

"So instead of a military vehicle, Harker will come donning his newest military tech. A full-body Exoskeleton armor that is twice as hard, and twice as fast as our current Exoskeletons!" Colestar then added.

Everyone had dumb expressions on their faces. Before any of them could react.

BOOM!

A loud sound of something breaking past the speed of sound could be heard.

A small object pierced through the skies from the distance and was diving towards the stage.

Right before it could land, another booming sound was heard as the Exoskeleton used its boost to stop its fall.

CRASH!

The Exoskeleton landed on the ground before the stage. It stood up, stalwart and dazzling facing the crowd and the cameras.

It was unlike the former Exoskeletons of the army. It had a deep black coating and had a bulky figure. It was about twice as huge as the regular Exoskeleton.

FIZZ! FIZZ! FIZZ!

Several mechanical sounds were heard as the Exoskeleton slowly opened up revealing the pilot.

Freakin' fog appeared out of the armor as the grand figure of Harker emerged out of the opening Exoskeleton.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I present to you the General of the Heroes Army! General Harker Cipril!" Colestar gave an almost fanatical shout as he pointed to the standing figure of Harker.

Harker glanced at the crowd silently and strode for the stairs that made its way to the stage.

Everyone's mouths were wide open.

"What the...!?" Hydron gave a surprised scream as he witnessed the odd scenery.

Just as Harker was walking on the stairs, the standing Colestar started to use his fingers to "shoot" at Harker.

"Why? Why? Why is Colestar giving Harker the finger-gun?!" Lyan shouted in amazement.

And just as Lyan observed, Colestar was indeed giving Harker several finger-gun bang bangs as the General approached.

The two immediately stood nearby each other and Colestar avoided the handshake that Harker offered and instead dove in to give the General a deep hug.

As they parted, Colestar continued to rest one of his arms behind Harker as the two looked and waved to the cameras.

The crowd erupted into cheers. Except for those who knew of the deal, the rest went bananas at the sight. Who would have thought that Colestar would show nothing but support to Harker?

As the crowd continued to erupt in cheers, the cameras caught Harker and Colestar having small talks as the two talked. Colestar was laughing and was brimming with joy and even proceeded to give the General a good ol', friendly, slap on the back.

Harker's political enemies were astounded.

As the cheers died down, Colestar took the microphone once more.

"Harker has just told me that I can just pin the medal immediately and be done with this ceremony. He is a busy man, and he's about to get busier." Colestar smiled.

He went over and pinned the medal over Harker.

"As for Harker's next task, he is to hunt down all political and government groups that have been acting against him. Truth be told, several groups have been threatening me to attack Harker and I was caught up in a dilemma as the goals that I desired for this country were being harassed by these political enemies. Harker offered a solution. He would hunt them down all at once, ignoring military and judiciary procedure and then take on whatever punishment our country will lay upon him."

There was pin-drop silence. The once rowdy crowd was stunned at the news.

Colestar was being threatened?

Harker would hunt the corrupt officials down?

Harker did not waste time. His large figure suddenly ran and jumped out of the stage.

The Exoskeleton below the stage suddenly came to life and moved immediately flying in a circle and used its opening to envelop Harker. Just like that, Harker once more piloted the Exoskeleton.

Before anyone could react, several gunshots were heard as the Exoskeleton started shooting on several Generals, military and political officials.

Beams of light could be seen and those that were shot stumbled down as if paralyzed.

The crowd panicked but suddenly, Harker flew away on the distance.

"Those he shot are among the political, military and even commercial groups pressuring me and threatening me. I want to take this time to reveal to Pangea, the political and military turmoil plaguing the government. But first I would like to use the power that the Pangean Nations have given me to call for Martial Law. I will hand total military control to Harker effective immediately. I only need the approval of another Pangean President." Colestar said flatly.

"I agree." A voice was heard and as news reporters turned their eyes, the shocking figure of Malay-Pangean president, Albert Hoross was shown.

"Then with that, Harker…you are free to hunt."

On the top of the Hotel, the terrorized looks on the people around them remained but things happened so fast that they did not know how to react.

Hydron was the first to notice it.

The Exoskeleton that Harker wore was zooming towards the rooftop of their building!

"He's coming here!" Lyan shouted as he sprinted towards the door.

BOOM!

Lyan was thrown backward at the explosion.

As the debris and dust cleared, military soldiers armed with deadly Pangean weaponry were seen. Some Exoskeletons were even among the soldiers!

"You have two choices." A cold voice was transmitted.

Harker was already hovering over them.

"Confess to your crimes now. Or I will kill you. You have five seconds to decide. Five… Four… Three…"

The events on that day would later be called the Pangean Rebirth. The shocking revelations of all corruption came to light causing great shifts and changes on the political arena of Pangea. The decades of scheming and wars between various political parties ended and one group held the monopoly of power. But this was a group, that the masses trusted.

The title of Harker was officially decided that day.

Harker Cipril. General of the Heroes Army. The Light of Pangea.