Elijah Kane stepped off the plane into the crisp air of Beijing.
The sprawling city stretched before him, a strange blend of ancient traditions and modern ambition.
The imperial system of China still puzzled him deeply.
In his world, the monarchy had been dismantled long ago.
Yet here, it thrived an emperor ruling over one of the most powerful nations on Earth.
"System," he muttered under his breath, adjusting his jacket, "is this some kind of glitch in reality, or did the author of this simulation get lazy?"
[Historical discrepancies are irrelevant to your quest. Proceed with caution.]
Elijah sighed, grabbing his bag. "Right, because asking questions would be too logical."
An aide quickly ushered him into a black car, which navigated the streets toward the Forbidden City.
Elijah tried to steady his nerves.
The Emperor of China, Long Wei, wasn't just a leader; he was a symbol of authority stretching back thousands of years.
Elijah couldn't afford to mess this up.
Inside the Forbidden City, its red walls and golden roofs glimmered under the midday sun.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony loomed ahead, an imposing structure that radiated power.
Elijah's escort led him inside, where Emperor Long Wei sat atop a throne carved from jade and gold.
His presence was commanding, his golden robes adding to the aura of regality.
"Elijah Kane," the Emperor's voice echoed through the hall, calm yet firm. "You've traveled far to see me."
"Your Majesty," Elijah said, bowing slightly. "Thank you for granting me an audience."
"Speak," the Emperor commanded. "I am curious about these extraordinary claims you've made."
Elijah took a deep breath and explained everything the impending merge, the Endless World, and the chaos that would follow.
The Emperor listened intently, his sharp eyes never leaving Elijah.
When Elijah finished, the Emperor's expression remained unreadable. "You claim our world will merge with another a place of magic and ancient empires. Tell me, Mr. Kane, why should I believe this?"
Elijah straightened. "Because the signs are already here, Your Majesty. Strange weather patterns, energy anomalies your scientists must have noticed these irregularities. They're the first cracks in the veil between worlds."
The Emperor's gaze hardened. "Science can be interpreted in many ways. Words alone will not convince me."
"I can show you," Elijah said.
Raising his hand, he let the golden energy swirl around his fingers, casting a warm glow across the room.
The temperature shifted, the air vibrating faintly with power.
A delicate vase on a nearby table lifted into the air, spinning gently before settling back down.
The Emperor studied him, his expression unchanged. "Power can be shown. But words of truth cannot be lifted so easily. What do you want from me?"
"Support," Elijah said firmly. "Your kingdom is one of the most powerful on Earth. With your resources and leadership, we can prepare for what's coming. Humanity needs leaders like you."
The Emperor leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "And if your words prove false?"
Elijah met his gaze. "Then you've lost nothing but a few days. But if I'm right, you'll have saved millions."
The room was silent for a long moment. Finally, the Emperor nodded. "Very well. I will lend my support for now. But understand this, Elijah Kane: my patience is not infinite."
Elijah bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You won't regret this."
Hours later, as he boarded his next plane, Elijah replayed the meeting in his head.
Convincing the Emperor was no small feat, but it was only the beginning.
His next stop was London.
The Rotchild estate was as grand as Elijah had imagined marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a library that looked like it belonged in a fantasy novel.
Isaac Rotchild greeted him with a handshake, his sharp blue eyes scanning Elijah like a hawk.
"Elijah Kane," Isaac said, motioning for him to sit. "I've heard some interesting things about you."
"Good things, I hope," Elijah replied with a faint smile, settling into the plush chair.
"Interesting things," Isaac corrected. "You've been making quite the rounds. Presidents, emperors, kings… and now me. What exactly is it that you want?"
Elijah launched into his pitch, explaining the merge and its implications.
Isaac listened carefully, his fingers steepled, his expression giving nothing away.
When Elijah finished, Isaac leaned back. "So, let me get this straight. You're telling me that our world will merge with another, filled with magic and empires, and you need my resources to prepare for this… event?"
"Exactly," Elijah said.
Isaac chuckled softly. "You don't aim low, do you?"
"I can't afford to," Elijah said. "This isn't just about money. It's about survival. When the merge happens, your wealth and legacy won't mean anything unless we're prepared."
Isaac tilted his head. "And why should I believe you?"
Elijah raised his hand, letting the golden energy dance around his fingers.
A heavy paperweight on the desk lifted into the air, hovering for a moment before settling back down.
Isaac smirked. "A neat trick. But tricks don't save the world."
"This isn't a trick," Elijah said, leaning forward. "This is a glimpse of what's coming. If we don't adapt, humanity won't stand a chance."
Isaac studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Mr. Kane. I'll support you for now. But know this: I expect results."
"You'll get them," Elijah said, shaking his hand.
Pyongyang's cold wind bit at Elijah's face as he stepped off the plane.
He had been warned about this meeting, both by Monroe and the President.
North Korea's Supreme Leader, Kim Ryeong Il, was a wildcard unpredictable and fiercely guarded.
Convincing him would require not just skill, but precision.
The grand hall where the meeting took place was lined with portraits of Kim's predecessors.
Elijah stood at attention as the Supreme Leader entered, his expression unreadable.
"Mr. Kane," Kim said, his voice soft but firm. "You've come a long way. Speak."
Elijah nodded, launching into his explanation.
Kim listened silently, his piercing eyes locked onto Elijah.
When Elijah finished, Kim smiled faintly. "You are asking me to believe something extraordinary."
"I am," Elijah said. "And I can prove it."
He demonstrated his powers, lifting a heavy chair with a flick of his wrist.
Kim watched intently, his expression unchanging.
When the demonstration ended, Kim paced the room. "If what you say is true, then North Korea must be prepared. But tell me, Mr. Kane, why come to us? We are isolated, sanctioned. The world has left us behind."
"Exactly," Elijah said. "That's why you're so important. The Endless World doesn't care about borders or sanctions. If North Korea adapts, it could become a major power in the new world. This is your chance to break free from isolation not through war, but through survival."
Kim stopped pacing, turning to face him. "And what if you are lying?"
"Then you've lost nothing," Elijah said simply. "But if I'm right, you'll have secured your place in history."
The room was silent for a long moment before Kim nodded. "Very well, Mr. Kane. I will support your efforts. But know this if you betray me, there will be consequences."
Elijah bowed slightly. "Thank you, Supreme Leader. You won't regret this."
As he left Pyongyang, the system screen appeared before him.
[Quest Update: Found Your Pillars]
Recruits Found: 10/10
Remaining Time: 2 days
Elijah leaned back in his seat, exhaustion threatening to overwhelm him. "Ten down," he whispered. "Now the real fight begins."