LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 183: Chapter 182
The world had already changed once, and now, as whispers of the new frequency techniques spread, it was on the verge of another transformation. Governments, ability users, and nations scrambled to understand the implications of these new methods. These techniques, derived from the enigmatic Stargazer forum, promised control over natural phenomena. For the few who had access to the forum, the stakes had never been higher.
The world powers began to stir, each reacting to the news based on their own desires and goals. While PowerGen's technology had kept the status quo, enabling governments to stay on top of ability users, these new techniques threatened to shake the foundations of power. The promise of controlling elements without innate abilities was too great for anyone to ignore.
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Phoenix, the fiery ruler of his self-styled dominion, was a man of fierce pride. His ability to manipulate fire had once made him a force to be reckoned with. But after a crushing defeat at the hands of the U.S. government, aided by PowerGen suits, his dominion had dwindled. Still, Phoenix hung on, his ambition unquenched. He sat now, listening to his advisors as they discussed the implications of these new techniques.
"If this is real," one of his generals said, "we might finally have a way to push back. We don't need to rely on just your power, Phoenix. Imagine if all our soldiers could control fire."
Phoenix, still bitter from his defeat, flicked a small flame between his fingers as he considered the idea. "I'll believe it when I see it. PowerGen crushed us with technology, not skill. These techniques sound promising, but we've been down this road before. We need proof."
Another advisor chimed in, "We can acquire it. The forum is locked, but techniques always find their way to the black market. If we can get our hands on them before the government does, we might stand a chance."
Phoenix's eyes gleamed at the thought. "Do it. Get the techniques, whatever it takes. If this works, we'll rebuild stronger than before."
---
In the lush, sprawling jungles of South America, La Reina, ruler of La Corona, was quietly pleased. Her mind powers made her feared across the continent, but her rule was one of subtlety and manipulation. Where others used brute strength, she wielded control. News of the frequency techniques had reached her as well, and her mind raced with possibilities.
"These techniques will allow others to manipulate the elements like your followers do," one of her trusted advisors warned. "You should be concerned, Reina. It could upset the balance."
She leaned back on her throne, a faint smile on her lips. "Concerned? No. Intrigued? Absolutely. Let them try to master these techniques. They won't have my powers of the mind. And I always find a way to stay ahead."
"But we should still acquire them, no?" another advisor suggested. "At the very least, we need to ensure our own dominance. If we control these techniques, we control the future."
La Reina nodded slowly. "Find a way. I want to see if these techniques are as powerful as they claim. And if they are, we will be the ones to master them. But remember, no one rises without my knowing. I won't let these techniques disrupt my reign."
---
Eze, the towering ruler of Tera Nova, was a man connected to the earth in more ways than one. His earth-based powers had allowed him to carve out a dominion in West Africa, where his people revered him as a force of nature. As the news of the frequency techniques filtered into his court, he was unimpressed.
"We already control the earth," he said dismissively. "Why should we care about manipulating fire or water? Let the others chase after these techniques. Tera Nova stands strong."
His second-in-command, however, was more cautious. "These techniques could let others encroach on our domain, Eze. They might not need ability users anymore if anyone can control the elements with practice."
Eze considered this, his deep-set eyes narrowing. "Then we'll get them first. If these techniques make others stronger, we need to be stronger still. Contact our allies. If these techniques become a threat, we'll bury them beneath the earth."
---
In the cold and calculated Sovereign Pact, a loose alliance of ability users across Europe, the leader was a man known as Magnus, a telekinetic powerhouse with a mind as sharp as his abilities. The Sovereign Pact had always thrived on cooperation, but Magnus knew that alliances were fragile. The promise of these new techniques added a dangerous element to the already delicate balance of power.
"The techniques could allow anyone to rival our abilities," Magnus said, addressing the leaders of the pact. "This could threaten the pact's stability."
One of the other leaders, a pyrokinetic from France, nodded. "If these techniques spread, we might no longer hold the upper hand. The Sovereign Pact thrives because we're the strongest in Europe."
Magnus steepled his fingers, his telekinetic energy pulsing lightly around the room. "We must control the spread of these techniques. If we can acquire them and keep them within the pact, we ensure our dominance. Let the rest of the world scramble for scraps. We will remain the power brokers of Europe."
The pact leaders agreed, their eyes hardening. Europe would remain theirs, no matter what.
---
Online Reactions
Across the globe, the reactions to the new techniques flooded online forums and backchannel networks. In North America, Phoenix Dominion's supporters speculated wildly.
"We can rise again!" one user posted. "With these techniques, Phoenix can reclaim his place! Imagine everyone in the dominion controlling fire, not just Phoenix."
But others were skeptical. "It's not that simple. PowerGen crushed us once. Who's to say they won't do it again, even if we master these techniques?"
In South America, La Corona's citizens were more optimistic. "La Reina will find a way to use these techniques to her advantage," one user wrote. "She always does. We'll be ahead of the game."
Tera Nova's online communities were more pragmatic. "Eze doesn't need these techniques," one commenter said. "We already control the earth. But if they can help us stay ahead, why not use them?"
In Europe, the Sovereign Pact's supporters were cautious. "These techniques could upset the balance," one user posted. "But if the pact controls them, Europe will remain the strongest continent."
Suprema's followers were calm, confident. "Stargazer has always guided us," one user wrote. "These techniques are just another tool in our arsenal. We will master them, as we have mastered everything else."