Valkyrie Smash

Whether it's the details of the peace treaty, the new world order, or the confirmation that he can create Valkyries, Sam has already given the reporters enough information to keep them busy for months to come. Alas, the press conference was far from over, and one of the main topics has yet to be discussed.

Throughout the whole thing, the six Generals kept their silence, the importance of their presence dismissed. The only one who could answer the public's question was the new Head General Sam Sanderson, and with each passing minute, it seemed more and more like he was the one in charge with the others being nothing but extras.

Nathaniel Carter was taking it surprisingly well, however. He even had a hard time keeping his expression neutral, the urge to laugh weakening his resolve.

'Is he trying to make things easier for me?'

Each answer the Doctor gave was like gallons of fuel being poured into a field. No matter what kind of crops he would grow on it, it would only take a single matchstick to send the entire thing into flames.

The world might celebrate him for being the hero who ended the war, but when the party ends and the people sober up, they will see him for who he truly is, with the signs being clear from the beginning.

"About the video released on the Resistance website the previous afternoon." After a long wait, it was finally George Schrader's turn to ask some questions. "We would like to hear more details about the creature referred to as a Primordial, as well as the Awakening phenomena that is triggered by its arrival."

The conference hall was silent for a few seconds before the Head General spoke.

"If possible, I would like you to be more specific with your question. The video contains all the information the public needs in order to make a well-informed decision. I don't believe we have missed out on anything."

The same reporter stood up again.

"First of all, is it true that humans can obtain the same powers as the Nephilim and the Valkyries?"

A curt answer followed right after.

"Indeed. It has been confirmed." Pausing for a moment, Sam then added. "Though to be more specific, when someone Awakens, they gain the ability to learn and use the same powers. It would still take years of studying and training to reach the same levels as our otherworldly allies."

Instantly obtaining powers that could destroy worlds is nothing more than wishful thinking. It would still take talent and years of hard work to reach a level where one could stand side by side with Freyja's Children.

"Is it safe?" George asked next.

"I believe we have been clear about this." Sam sighed. "Anyone under the age of fifteen is safe, whether they Awaken or not. Those above the age of fifteen do not Awaken. Instead, they are at risk of contracting Madness, subsequently losing their minds and humanity."

"In the case of someone contracting this Madness, is there any cure for it?"

"None."

This time the answer came with a distinct pressure from the Head General. Looking at him, the reporters knew the topic wasn't something he enjoyed. George suffered the most, finding himself in a position where he might gain the ire of the strongest man on earth right now. Still, he couldn't cower and play it save.

Even if his news agency always played along with the Resistance's whims, this press conference is fated to go down in history and he was adamant on leaving his mark on it.

"Then… how do you plan on handling the cases where people contract this… disease?"

"We have already made preparations to ensure people's safety during the Primordial's visit. As long as you follow our instructions, you'll be safe from the infection." Pausing for a moment, Sam then continued. "However, we understand that not everyone is ready to comply with our procedures, whether it is because of mistrust or foolish ignorance. The chaos caused by Madness must not be underestimated.

That is why, starting from 12:00 tonight, a new set of regulations will be in effect. The details will be delivered to the public through various means, and a special emergency evacuation notice will be issued to mobile devices when the time comes."

"And what do those regulations entail?" The reporter asked as if anticipating that reply.

"Failure to cooperate will be considered as treason of the highest order and thus punished accordingly. Those who choose to ignore the evacuation order will face one of two sentences: the first is in the case of surviving the Primordial's visit without contracting Madness. Those who maintain their sanity after the crises come to pass will spend a minimum of twenty years in prison.

The second sentence will be applied to those who end up contracting the disease. As they pose unimaginable danger to themselves and everyone around them, the Resistance will spare no effort in subduing them, which includes the use of lethal force if necessary.

If the subject is restrained before causing damage or loss of human life, they will be put in cryogenic sleep for an indefinite amount of time until we find a way to bring them back."

The crowd was suspiciously silent as Sam finished his explanations. As if in a daze, the reporters stared at him with ghastly eyes, not sure if they heard what he said.

Eventually, they came back to their senses one by one. Though the regulations were nothing short of draconian, seeing that disobedience might lead to another tragedy everyone decided to keep their opinion to themselves. Logically speaking, anyone who willingly chooses to not follow the evacuation order can be considered to be acting with malicious intent.

Whether they lose their humanity to the disease or not, they should be punished for putting themselves and others in harm's way.

"What about those who Awakened?" Though his turn should've run out, George decided to take the risk and ask one more question. "As they have the ability to gain such formidable powers, are they expected to fight in future wars as well?"

As if the contained anger he showed before was never there, the new Head General smiled at the reporter, the clearance he gave his next answer with shocking the entire hall.

"Of course. It is only natural that those with the ability to fight will be tasked to protect their world." Before anyone could process his words, Sam continued. "Obviously, we aren't going to send children to war. Until they are of the appropriate age, the Awakened will be receiving the necessary education and training to make use of their newfound abilities. But don't be mistaken.

The duty of defending this world falls on all of us, whether we are Valkyries, Awakened, or Regular humans. That's why I intend to invest in talented individuals and future generations as much as possible. The age of limited resources is a thing of the past. With the multiverse open to us, everyone will get a chance to join the race, and success will depend on your efforts and nothing more."