Elijah Kane didn't sleep much after the call with General Monroe.
Every passing second seemed heavier than the last, and his mind buzzed with potential arguments, scenarios, and ways this meeting could go horribly wrong.
His system screen floated nearby, as silent as ever.
For once, he was glad for it.
He needed to think without being reminded of the stakes.
Hours ticked by as he paced his small living room, rehearsing his pitch to the President.
"Mr. President," he began, gesturing dramatically at an imaginary figure. "Earth's future depends on this moment. We....no, I....need your help."
He shook his head, sighing. "Too dramatic."
He tried again, this time sitting down. "Sir, I know this sounds insane, but I have evidence to back it up. The Endless World is—"
Elijah groaned, running a hand through his hair. "This is impossible."
Finally, as the clock neared the third hour of relentless pacing and rehearsing, his phone buzzed.
It was Monroe.
"Pack your bags," the General said curtly. "You're going to Washington. A plane's waiting for you at the airfield. Don't be late."
Elijah's heart jumped into his throat.
This was it.
The plane ride to Washington was uneventful, though Elijah's nerves were anything but calm.
The small jet landed smoothly at a private military airfield outside the capital, where a dark, armored vehicle was waiting for him on the tarmac.
Armed guards flanked the car, their expressions unreadable as Elijah approached.
"Mr. Kane?" one of them asked.
"That's me," Elijah said, trying not to let his voice tremble.
"Follow us."
The door opened, and Elijah climbed into the vehicle.
The noise of the engine was the only sound as they drove through the streets of Washington.
The city's grandeur passed by in a blur, but Elijah's focus was fixed ahead.
When they finally approached the White House, his breath caught in his throat.
He had seen pictures, of course, but standing before it was something else entirely.
The pristine white columns, the manicured lawns, it was awe-inspiring.
The vehicle rolled to a stop at the gate, and after a brief security check, they were waved through.
Elijah was ushered through a series of security checkpoints.
Armed guards lined the halls, their eyes scanning him as he walked past.
The grandeur of the interior was almost overwhelming the polished floors, the intricate moldings, the towering portraits of past presidents.
General Monroe was waiting for him just inside.
"You made it," the General said, his tone as sharp as ever. "You have ten minutes to pull yourself together. The President doesn't like to wait."
Elijah nodded, swallowing hard. "What should I expect?"
"Expect him to question everything you say," Monroe said. "He's a pragmatist, but he's also skeptical of anything he can't control. You'll need to be convincing and fast."
"No pressure," Elijah muttered.
Ten minutes later, Elijah was led into the Oval Office.
The room was smaller than he expected, but its presence was undeniable.
Behind the massive Resolute Desk sat President Tronald Drump, his trademark blonde hair perfectly coiffed, his sharp blue eyes locked onto Elijah as he entered.
"So," Drump said, leaning back in his chair. "You're the guy who's got Monroe all worked up. What's your name again?"
"Elijah Kane," Elijah said, stepping forward.
Drump gestured to a chair across from the desk. "Sit. Let's hear what you've got."
Elijah sat, his palms sweating.
This was it the moment he'd been preparing for.
"Mr. President," Elijah began, his voice steady despite his nerves, "what I'm about to tell you is going to sound impossible. But I need you to listen because Earth's future depends on it."
Drump raised an eyebrow. "You've got my attention for now."
Elijah took a deep breath. "In less than a month, Earth is going to merge with a higher dimensional plane called the Endless World. It's a universe that operates on completely different rules magic, ancient empires, creatures we can't even imagine. And when that happens, everything we know will change."
Drump's expression didn't waver. "And you know this... how?"
"I've been given knowledge and abilities by Gaia, the spirit of Earth," Elijah said. "She entrusted me with this responsibility before she died."
Drump snorted. "So, you're telling me the planet has a spirit, and she picked you to save it? Sounds like a bad movie plot."
Elijah leaned forward. "I get it. This sounds insane. But it's the truth. The merge is already starting. You've probably noticed strange things weather patterns, energy fluctuations. Those are just the beginning."
Drump tapped his fingers on the desk, clearly unimpressed. "Talk is cheap, Mr. Kane. You're going to need more than words to convince me."
Elijah nodded. "I was hoping you'd say that."
He raised his hand, letting the golden energy swirl around his fingers.
The room seemed to grow warmer, the air vibrating with power.
Drump's eyes widened slightly, though he didn't speak.
Elijah gestured toward the bookshelf on the far wall.
With a flick of his wrist, one of the books floated into the air, spinning slowly before settling back into place.
"That's just a fraction of what the Endless World is capable of," Elijah said. "When the merge happens, things like this will become the new normal. And we're not ready for it."
Drump leaned back, his fingers steepled. "Alright. Let's say I believe you. What do you want from me?"
"I need your support," Elijah said. "Resources, influence, access to other world leaders. If we don't start preparing now, Earth won't survive the merge."
Drump's eyes narrowed. "And what happens if I don't help you?"
"Then we're on our own," Elijah said bluntly. "And trust me, Mr. President you don't want that."
Drump was silent for a long moment, his gaze piercing. "Why should I trust you? For all I know, you're just some guy with parlor tricks and a good story."
Elijah met his gaze head-on. "Because I'm not asking you to blindly trust me. I'm asking you to trust your instincts. You've seen enough to know something's coming. Let me help you prepare for it."
Drump tapped his fingers on the desk again, his expression thoughtful. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts don't win wars, Mr. Kane. Strategy does."
"That's why I'm here," Elijah said. "To give you the strategy we need to survive."
The debate continued for what felt like hours.
Drump questioned everything Elijah's motives, his powers, the existence of the Endless World.
Elijah countered with facts, logic, and the occasional demonstration of his abilities.
Finally, Drump leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You're a stubborn one, aren't you?"
"I have to be," Elijah said simply.
Drump nodded slowly. "Alright, Kane. You've convinced me for now. But if you're lying, or if this turns out to be some elaborate hoax, you'll regret it. Understand?"
"Completely," Elijah said, relief flooding through him.
Drump stood, extending a hand. "Let's see what you've got, kid."
Elijah shook his hand, a smile breaking across his face. "Thank you, Mr. President. You won't regret this."
As Elijah left the Oval Office, escorted once again by armed guards, he felt relieved.
He glanced at the glowing system screen as it appeared in front of him.
[Quest Update: Found Your Pillars]
Recruits Found: 2/10
Remaining Time: 4 days
Elijah smiled to himself. "Two down," he whispered. "Eight to go."