NOVEL NEXT Chapter 535: Michael Is Back!!!
[Military Barrack]
Commander Wang sat hunched over a formidable mountain range of documents in his office. The unification of the seventeen cities, while a brilliant strategy, had unleashed a torrent of immediate administrative work, particularly for him and the President.
New streets, homes, and burgeoning commercial zones demanded constant oversight and meticulous record-keeping. Every resident and business needed to be integrated into the new security system, a task made exponentially more complex by the reliance on pre-AI human technology – stacks upon stacks of papers.
"Commander Wang, the fifth district's integration is complete. The soldiers have compiled the names of all residents," his vice commander, Celina, announced, adding another substantial pile to the already precarious tower on his desk.
Wang released a weary sigh, leaning back in his chair.
"Commander Wang, I strongly suggest you take a break," Celina said, her voice laced with concern.
"And who will tackle this Everest?" Wang gestured to the documents with a wry smile.
"Well, it can wait. Perhaps for a couple of hours?"
"In those couple of hours, I would have cleared half of this backlog," Wang countered, straightening up and grabbing a document, his eyes scanning the dense text. "What's the status of the Supreme Brigade?" he asked without looking up.
"Colonel Robert is currently leading them through the sixth district..."
"With such a vast population, dividing Amerisa into ten districts was necessary," Wang mused aloud. "We're in the first, but the tenth still has vulnerabilities. Securing all ten is paramount for lasting peace." He finally looked up from the document. "Any word from Erika and Tyson?"
"Nothing definitive at the moment. We don't know if—"
RING!
The shrill buzz of Wang's phone sliced through Celina's sentence. Wang snatched the receiver and answered, his usual calm demeanor instantly replaced by focused attention.
"Yes, Mr. Theo," he said.
"WHAT?!"
Celina watched, a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach, as Commander Wang practically leaped out of his chair.
"Are you absolutely certain about this?!" he exclaimed into the phone.
"Okay! I will be there immediately!!" He slammed the phone down.
"What happened, Commander?" Celina asked, her brow furrowed with confusion.
"General Michael is back!!"
The words detonated in her mind, sending a shockwave of disbelief and elation through her.
"Come on! They're hosting a party at the Grand Hotel... It starts in a few hours. Make this news public, Celina, everyone is invited! That's what Theo said."
"Yes! Yes, Commander!" Celina stammered, a wide smile breaking across her face. Her gaze flickered to the daunting piles of documents. "What about the name lists?"
"Forget that! It can all wait until tomorrow!!" Commander Wang bellowed, grabbing his military fur coat and striding out of the office with an uncharacteristic burst of energy.
"Oh wow," Celina chuckled to herself, watching his retreating figure. "He just said he couldn't spare two hours, and now he's taking a fifteen-hour break."
She began tidying the office, neatly stacking the documents and placing them in cupboards and under the table. "I do miss General Michael. The whole world misses him... It will be wonderful to see him again." A genuine smile warmed her face as she followed her commander out of the office.
__
[President's Office]
BAM!
"Mr. President! We have incredible news!!"
Joy, the Vice President, burst into the Oval Office, her usual composed demeanor replaced by breathless excitement. President Dennis was in the middle of a serious discussion with Governor Lil and Minister Shawn.
"What is it, Joy?" Dennis asked, a slight frown creasing his forehead at the interruption.
"Yes, Joy, why the dramatic entrance? Did you outrun a stampede?" Governor Lil quipped, raising an eyebrow.
Joy took a deep, steadying breath and then announced in a voice brimming with exhilaration, "General Michael is back!!"
"WHAT?!"
The three most powerful figures in Amerisa shot to their feet, their expressions mirroring utter shock and disbelief.
"Yes!" Joy confirmed, her eyes sparkling. She quickly retrieved her phone and tapped on a video, holding it out for them to see.
Their eyes widened as they watched a slightly shaky recording. It showed Tyson excitedly filming Michael and Erika locked in a tight embrace, followed by Jennifer playfully dragging a grinning Michael towards a car.
"Mr. Tyson said he's throwing a welcome back party at the Grand Hotel tonight! Everyone is invited!!" Joy added, her voice still bubbling with excitement.
"This is fantastic news!" Dennis exclaimed, a broad smile finally breaking through his initial surprise. He turned to the two men before him. "Governor Lil, Minister Shawn, I'm afraid this meeting will have to be rescheduled."
"You don't need to tell me twice, Mr. President! We'll be on our way immediately," Minister Shawn said, a genuine smile on his face. He offered a respectful bow to Dennis and hurried out of the office.
"I shall also take my leave," Lil added, echoing the sentiment with a nod and a swift exit.
"Joy," Dennis said, his voice now filled with renewed energy, "clear my schedule. If I have any meetings today, reschedule them all!"
"Yes, Mr. President!" Joy replied, her smile mirroring his enthusiasm.
___
[Second District.]
[Once known as Blackwater neighborhood.]
Evan sat at a small roadside stall, enjoying a cold drink under the afternoon sun.
DING!
He pulled out his phone and glanced at the notification. His eyes widened slightly as he read the message.
"Oh... I thought he was gone for good," he murmured with a soft chuckle, quickly typing a reply:
["I will be there."]
He placed his phone back on the table and finished his drink in a long gulp.
"Well then," he muttered, standing up and turning towards the sleek black motorcycle parked a short distance away. "Looks like it's time for a ride back to the first district."
_
[Second District Minister's Villa.]
"Brother! Michael is back!!"
Camila burst down the grand staircase, her voice echoing through the villa as she rushed towards her brother, Chris, who stood up abruptly from the living room couch.
"What did you just say?" Chris asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Michael is back!" Camila repeated, stopping in front of him and thrusting her phone into his hand.
Chris took the phone, his gaze fixed on the message. A slow smile spread across his face. "Finally... Come on, tell Dad the news. We're heading to the first district."
"Yes!" Camila nodded eagerly.
___
[Third District Governor's Villa.]
"I see you haven't received the news yet?"
Luncheon's founder, Priscilla, walked gracefully into the opulent sitting room of the Third District Governor's Villa.
A young woman, Mika, the current Governor, quickly rose to her feet and rushed forward to embrace Priscilla warmly.
"Priscilla! What brings you here?"
"Don't call me 'founder,' child," Priscilla chuckled, patting Mika's back. "'Priscilla' is perfectly fine."
"Come on, I can't just call you that... You're my elder," Mika said, pulling back from the hug and leading Priscilla towards one of the plush couches.
"Alright then... How about 'Grandma'?"
"Really?!" Mika's eyes widened in delighted surprise.
"Yes," Priscilla confirmed with a gentle smile.
"Okay, Grandma," Mika said, settling down beside her. "What news were you talking about?"
"Someone get us some tea, and perhaps a few cookies!" Priscilla added, her voice carrying a hint of playful command.
The maids standing discreetly nearby nodded and hurried away.
"Oh... It's such wonderful news."
"Come on, Grandma, tell me!" Mika urged, her curiosity piqued