Chapter 167: Chapter 166
As the world descended further into chaos, governments scrambled to respond to the growing influence of ability users. In a bid to stem the tide of destruction and regain some semblance of control, new strategies were put into place. The primary focus was no longer just combat—it was diplomacy. Leaders recognized that brute force alone wouldn't be enough to contain the escalating crisis.
In an emergency summit convened by the remnants of the United Nations, diplomats discussed the unthinkable: recognizing the sovereignty of certain ability-user-led territories.
"Times have changed," President DuPont of France began, his voice heavy with resignation. "We cannot pretend these so-called 'nations' don't exist. Eze rules West Africa, inferno controls Japan, and Phoenix is carving through North America. Denial will only weaken us further."
The proposal, spearheaded by Canada's Prime Minister Rosen, sought to formalize relations with the most powerful ability users by acknowledging their territories in exchange for cooperation.
"It's not about capitulation," Rosen said firmly. "It's about survival. If we bring these leaders to the table, we can stabilize the regions they control and prevent further bloodshed."
Not all agreed. Prime Minister Tanaka of what remained of Japan slammed his fist on the table. "You're legitimizing warlords! How can you trust men and women who've torn down entire governments?"
Max Donovan, the acting CEO of PowerGen, leaned forward, his presence commanding the room. "You're not legitimizing them—you're containing them. Bring them into the fold, give them a seat at the table, and you gain leverage. It's either that or watch the world burn. Trust me, PowerGen's suits can only hold the line for so long."
To sweeten the deal, the summit proposed new legislation that would grant ability users unprecedented privileges. Dubbed the Special Citizen Provisions Act, the law offered tax exemptions, priority access to resources, and immunity from certain legal actions for registered ability users.
"This isn't just about fairness," Rosen explained during a press conference. "It's about creating a framework where ability users can contribute to society without feeling alienated or persecuted. If we don't do this, the alternative is chaos."
Max Donovan was quick to back the legislation, framing it as a pragmatic move. "PowerGen has already begun working on specialized equipment that will ensure cooperation between ability users and governments. The SCP Act is just one piece of the puzzle."
However, not everyone was pleased. Traditional leaders and citizens alike decried the proposal as a betrayal of ordinary people.
"Why should these demigods get special treatment?" one protester shouted during a demonstration in New York. "We're the ones suffering because of them!"
Online, the reaction to the new legislation was explosive. Social media platforms were flooded with opinions, ranging from outrage to cautious optimism.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #SelloutGovernments, #AbilityPrivilege, and #NewWorldOrder began trending within hours of the SCP Act's announcement.
"This is ridiculous," one user wrote. "Ability users have destroyed our cities, and now we're rewarding them? What's next, handing them the keys to the world?"
Others were more measured. "It's not perfect, but what's the alternative?" another post read. "At least this way, we have a chance to rebuild."
In contrast, pro-ability user accounts celebrated the move as overdue recognition. "Finally, the world acknowledges our superiority," one prominent influencer wrote. "We're the future—time to embrace it."
Forums and livestreams buzzed with debates. On a popular podcast, The Aftermath, hosts clashed over the implications.
"I get it," one host said. "But think about the precedent. We're telling ability users they're above the law. What happens when they push for more?"
Her co-host countered, "If this stops another Phoenix from torching a city, I'm all for it. Sometimes you have to compromise."
Behind the scenes, PowerGen continued to strengthen its partnership with governments. Max Donovan spearheaded efforts to accelerate the production of advanced suits and other weaponry designed to counter rogue ability users.
"Our resources are stretched thin," Donovan admitted during a closed-door meeting with military leaders. "But with increased funding, we can secure key locations and fortify allied regions."
One such location was Toronto, where PowerGen had established a state-of-the-art research facility. The city became a fortress, its skyline dominated by massive barricades and drone patrols. It was a sign of what was to come as governments leaned more heavily on PowerGen's technological innovations.
"We're not just fighting individuals," Donovan warned. "We're fighting an ideology. The suits are a start, but we need to think bigger—weaponized satellites, AI defenses, anything that keeps them in check."
As governments worked to implement their new strategy, society grew increasingly divided. Protests erupted worldwide, with some demanding harsher measures against ability users, while others called for even greater concessions.
In Washington, D.C., a crowd of over 10,000 gathered outside the Capitol, chanting, "No special treatment!" Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, a smaller but vocal group of ability users held a counter-protest, holding signs that read, "We are the future."
The divide was most apparent online, where conspiracy theories ran rampant. Some claimed that PowerGen was secretly working with rogue ability users to consolidate global power. Others accused governments of preparing to abandon ordinary citizens altogether.
One viral post declared, "This isn't diplomacy—it's surrender. The governments don't care about us. They're just trying to save their own skins."
But amidst the noise, there were glimmers of hope. A few influential figures, including former world leaders, called for unity.
"We must adapt to this new reality," said former Chancellor Merkel in a rare public statement. "But adaptation does not mean abandoning our principles. We must strive for peace and equity, even in these unprecedented times."
As the SCP Act moved closer to ratification and governments began tentative outreach to notable ability-user leaders, the world teetered on the edge of a new era. The hope was that these measures would stabilize the global situation, but the risk of further division loomed large.
Max Donovan summed it up best during a press briefing. "This is a gamble, no doubt about it. But if we play our cards right, we can build a future where ability users and ordinary people coexist. The alternative is too grim to consider."
For now, the world held its breath, waiting to see whether diplomacy could succeed where force had failed.