Chapter 130: Global Paranormal Groups Summit - Part 1

Chapter 130: Global Paranormal Groups Summit - Part 1

The towering glass facade of the United Nations Headquarters gleamed under the midday sun, its reflective panels mirroring the bustling cityscape of New York. The flags of nearly every nation fluttered in the gentle breeze, forming a vibrant tapestry of colors along the building's perimeter. Diplomats and staff hurried across the plaza, their movements purposeful as they prepared for the highly anticipated global meeting of anomalous organizations.

The hum of the city's chaos was interrupted by the screech of tires and the rumble of engines. From three separate streets converging on the iconic structure, three black SUVs, sleek and armored, emerged like shadows slipping through the crowded streets. Their arrival was almost synchronized, as if rehearsed.

The first vehicle emerged from the bustling 42nd Street, its tinted windows reflecting the pedestrians' curious stares. The second, a silent predator, approached from 1st Avenue, navigating seamlessly through the busy traffic. The third, from the opposite side, made an unorthodox turn, its presence commanding the attention of everyone nearby.

The three vehicles maneuvered deftly, merging into a precise formation. The front SUV led the convoy, while the other two flanked it like loyal sentinels. Together, they headed toward the subterranean parking entrance, their engines purring in unison.

The convoy slowed as it approached the security checkpoint. A group of armed guards, clad in the uniforms of the UN Peacekeepers, stood ready. Their stoic expressions betrayed no emotion as they observed the vehicles' arrival. The checkpoint was fortified, with retractable barriers, surveillance cameras, and scanners ready to inspect every detail.

The lead SUV stopped at the barrier, and the tinted window rolled down slowly. A stern-faced Resh-1 operative, dressed in a tailored suit barely that concealed his tactical gear, handed over a set of credentials to the officer on duty.

The UN officer took the documents, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the papers and cross-referenced them with his tablet. After a moment of tense silence, he nodded.

"You're cleared. Proceed," the officer said, stepping aside.

The barrier lowered, and the convoy began its descent into the underground parking. The vehicles moved with calculated precision, their headlights cutting through the dimly lit passage. 

In the middle SUV, Leonard adjusted his tie, his expression a mix of determination and weariness. Beside him, Graves was reviewing a tablet, his face a mask of professional detachment. Mei Lin, seated on Leonard's other side, remained focused, her demeanor calm but her eyes sharp, scanning their surroundings.

As they descended deeper into the parking structure, Leonard leaned back in his seat and muttered under his breath, "Let the games begin."

Leonard activated the Administrator's Aura, and his entire figure was instantly enveloped in a shadowy layer that clung tightly to his skin and clothing. Only his piercing white eyes and the silhouette of his suit remained visible, exuding an intimidating yet regal presence. As the convoy came to a halt, the hum of engines faded, and silence descended upon the underground parking lot.

From the far end of the space, a group of GOC soldiers emerged, accompanying a man in a navy-blue suit with the GOC insignia emblazoned discreetly on the back. The man's demeanor was calm but not without a hint of apprehension as he approached the vehicles.

Simultaneously, the operators of Resh-1 exited the vehicles in unison. Their black suits and tactical gear, combined with fedoras, dark sunglasses, and brassards bearing the Foundation's insignia, gave them an air of lethality. Each operator gripped a weapon expertly, their movements smooth and disciplined.

Graves stepped out first, similarly dressed but devoid of the tactical gear. Mei Lin followed, her Foundation suit sharp and her expression unreadable behind a sleek mask. They flanked Leonard as he stepped out last, moving with deliberate slowness, each motion carrying the weight of authority.

The GOC diplomat, his hand trembling slightly but his professional smile unwavering, stepped forward. "Good afternoon, sir. I am Daniel Shepard, ambassador of the Global Occult Coalition's Psychic Division. I have been assigned by the Undersecretary-General to accompany you during your visit."

Leonard extended his hand, gripping Shepard's firmly. His voice, calm yet commanding, resonated in the quiet parking lot. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shepard. Let's proceed."

Shepard glanced at his hand briefly as if trying to assess whether the Administrator's aura had left a mark on his hand then returned Leonard's smile with a nod. "Right this way, please."

Three Resh-1 operatives remained near the vehicles, maintaining vigilance, while the other six fell into formation around the group. As they made their way through the building, they reached a security checkpoint manned by GOC personnel.

Shepard stopped, his expression polite but strained. "Mr. Administrator, I must inform you that visitors are prohibited from carrying weapons within the UN Headquarters. I trust you understand this policy."

Leonard snapped his fingers, and without hesitation, Mei Lin, Graves, and the six Resh-1 operatives handed over their weapons to the checkpoint guards. One guard, moving with great care, collected each weapon as though handling live explosives, and stored them in a secure container.

With the formalities complete, Shepard resumed guiding the group through the hallways of the UN Headquarters. The interiors were immaculate, with polished floors reflecting the grandeur of the building's architecture. GOC soldiers bustled around, their boots echoing faintly through the corridors.

Shepard began pointing out notable areas as they walked. "To your left is the General Assembly Hall, where all member nations convene for discussions. Directly ahead is the Secretariat Building, where the UN's administrative functions take place."

He gestured to another hall. "This leads to the International Court of Justice wing, which handles disputes among member states. And over here, we have the Security Council Chambers, the nucleus of global peacekeeping decisions."

The final stop in his impromptu tour was a sprawling conference hall adorned with flags from every member state. "And here we have the Economic and Social Council Chamber, which focuses on developmental goals worldwide."

Leonard nodded, his expression composed. "Impressive."

Shepard smiled, though sweat glistened faintly on his brow. "We aim to serve the world, Mr. Administrator. Please, follow me; the main conference hall is just ahead."

The group proceeded into a heavily fortified and restricted zone. Daniel gestured grandly as he explained, his voice carrying a note of pride, "This is the headquarters of the United Nations Global Occult Coalition. Our HQ spans the entirety of the left wing of the UN headquarters. This area is strictly off-limits to the public and even UN personnel who lack clearance for paranormal affairs. It's here, within these secured walls, that the global summit will be held."

As they approached, the checkpoint loomed ahead, an intimidating line of GOC soldiers clad in state-of-the-art exoskeleton armor paired with dark blue uniforms. The soldiers stood at attention, their presence exuding an aura of readiness and command. Every step taken by Leonard's group echoed faintly against the polished floors, underscoring the gravity of the moment.

The corridor stretched onward, bathed in the sterile glow of overhead lighting, until they arrived at a wide chamber facing an imposing set of grand double doors. The hall buzzed with activity, teeming with people, most notably, soldiers and bodyguards from various anomalous organizations. Their differing insignias and uniforms painted a mosaic of the international anomalous community gathered under one roof.

Daniel turned, a polite yet firm tone in his voice, "Straight ahead lies the summit chamber. Per the summit's rules, you are allowed to bring only two of your subordinates inside. The rest will need to remain here."

Leonard didn't hesitate. With a sharp snap of his fingers, the six operatives of Resh-1 moved in perfect synchronization, their black suits and tactical masks giving them an air of both menace and professionalism. They marched with precision, each step a testament to their training, before forming two flawless lines of three operatives in a corner of the room. Their movements were methodical, almost mechanical, and they stood at attention as if sculpted into place.

The sudden display caught the attention of everyone present. Conversations tapered off, replaced by a palpable silence that filled the room. Then, the murmurs began.

"Look… It's the SCP Foundation."

"They're really here?"

"That Shadow among them, is that The Administrator himself?"

Mixed gazes settled on Leonard's group, some filled with awe, others with caution or outright hostility. The weight of their reputation preceded them, and in that moment, they became the room's focal point.

Leonard ignored the stares entirely, his presence unshaken, his steps deliberate. Graves and Mei Lin flanked him, their faces unreadable as they advanced alongside him toward the grand doors.

The grand doors swung open, unveiling a hall of breathtaking immensity. Its grandeur surpassed even the iconic General Assembly Hall, a testament to the importance of the gathering within. Rows of meticulously aligned seats stretched before a massive esplanade where DC Al Fine stood, accompanied by two other GOC representatives. Hovering chairs defied gravity, hosting select participants, while the majority remained seated in the grounded rows.

Daniel came to a halt just before the threshold, gesturing for the trio to proceed. Leonard, flanked by Graves and Mei Lin, stepped forward, their strides steady and deliberate.

As they entered, the air shifted. A GOC member standing near the entrance caught sight of their brassards. His eyes widened in recognition, and he quickly grabbed a microphone. His voice announced across the chamber, "The representatives of the SCP Foundation have arrived."

A profound silence swept through the room like a ripple, the energy palpable. Heads turned in unison toward the entrance, a sea of gazes locking onto the trio. For a moment, it seemed the entire hall held its collective breath.

The silence was broken by a familiar voice, a deep, confident laugh belonging to none other than DC Al Fine. Clad in a formal GOC suit and tie, he strode forward with a grin. "TA, how are you going bro?" he called out, extending his hand.

Leonard's lips curved into a smile beneath the veil of shadows enveloping him, the glow of his white teeth cutting through the darkness. "DC, been a while," he replied, his voice calm yet warm.

DC laughed heartily. "You've got some nerve, ignoring all my messages for a whole week and then erasing the entire world's memory! By the way, what's with this shadowy aura? Decided to start aura farming? Come on, share the secret, I want that too!"

Leonard chuckled lightly. "Just a power, nothing fancy."

DC clapped him on the back, his grin never wavering. "Alright, come on. Let me walk you to your seat."

The duo, joined by Graves and Mei Lin, began their trek across the vast hall. All eyes followed their every step. The murmurs of earlier were now replaced with a focused intensity, as though the weight of the SCP Foundation's presence demanded undivided attention.

Their path ended at a raised platform at the very center of the room behind everyone, where Leonard took his designated seat. Positioned high above the rest, his placement alone symbolized authority. As he settled in, a voice from his right broke the silence.

"Well, well, TA. Quite the dramatic entrance," a smooth, amused female voice quipped.

Leonard turned to find Midnight, the leader of the Serpent's Hand. Draped in an elegant green robe with a matching hood, her identity was further obscured by a delicately crafted mask. Her face rested casually on one hand, but her piercing gaze was unmistakable beneath the disguise.

"Midnight," Leonard greeted with a nod, a faint trace of familiarity lacing his tone. "It's been a while. How've you been?"

She tilted her head slightly, her voice laced with mock irritation. "Oh, you know, things were going great… right up until someone decided to wipe my memory."

Leonard let out a sheepish laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Collateral damage. My bad."

Midnight huffed softly but waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine, I'll let it slide this time. But seriously, what is this?" She gestured vaguely toward him. "I always knew the Foundation liked to stay in the shadows, but I didn't think you'd take it so literally and become one."

Leonard smirked. "Just my way of keeping my identity under wraps."

Midnight let out an appreciative whistle. "Impressive. I can't even sense you properly. No aura, no EVE traces, nothing. You're like a ghost."

Leonard chuckled softly. "Well, this proves the power has its uses."

Midnight narrowed her eyes playfully. "Cheater! And on top of that, you're getting the VIP treatment. Meanwhile, I barely got a 'hello' before being sent to my seat like some random attendee."

DC, who was still nearby, turned with a smirk. "That's because you're a pest."

Midnight didn't miss a beat. "And you're an asshole."

Without hesitation, DC flipped her the bird. Midnight raised an eyebrow, then returned the gesture in kind. DC scoffed and walked off, clearly unfazed.

Midnight sighed dramatically, slumping into her chair. "He's a good ally, sure, but damn is he insufferable sometimes."

Leonard laughed lightly, shaking his head. "You two make quite the pair."

Her voice twisted into one of pure disgust. "Ugh, don't even start shipping us. Just the thought makes me want to eat a bullet. I will never allow myself to fall into some bullshit romance enemies-to-lovers."

Leonard couldn't help but burst out laughing at her reaction. After a few moments of shared silence, Midnight glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "So… what do you make of this summit?"

Caught off guard by the sudden seriousness, Leonard paused to think. "Honestly? It has the potential to be incredibly beneficial… or an absolute disaster. We can only hope for the former."

Midnight nodded in agreement. "Pretty much what I was thinking too."

Their conversation was interrupted as their gazes wandered below, noticing several representatives of other anomalous groups sneaking glances up at them. Midnight leaned forward slightly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Don't let us interrupt you, folks."

The onlookers immediately snapped their heads forward, pretending they hadn't been staring.

Time passed as the room steadily filled with attendees, each group formally announced as they entered. The crowd grew thicker with every passing minute, the hum of whispered conversations and shuffling bodies filling the air.

Eventually, the hall was nearly three-quarters full, buzzing with representatives from organizations all across the anomalous world. Leonard leaned back slightly in his chair, taking it all in with a mixture of intrigue and caution.

Mei Lin, seated beside Leonard, leaned in slightly, her voice low and cautious. "Boss, you should be wary of DC. Al Fine. He's incredibly shrewd."

Leonard tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

She adjusted her posture, her tone taking on a more serious edge. "I did some digging before this summit. The GOC has maintained a dominating presence in anomalous geopolitics, disputes between GoIs, and even within the United Nations. They've secured full support from the UK and are viewed favorably by the Security Council. On top of that, they've established multiple bases across Europe."

Mei Lin paused, ensuring Leonard was following before continuing. "Because of their dominance, weaker GoIs have been looking for another group to balance the scales, or at least keep the GOC in check. Naturally, the choices were between the Serpent's Hand and us, the Foundation. The problem is…" She gestured subtly toward the hall. "By openly acting so friendly with you and Midnight, DC just sent a very calculated message. He's showing them that their so-called hope for balance is actually aligned with his side. That the three of us, him, you, and Midnight, are already familiar and friendly with one another."

Leonard's expression shifted to one of mild surprise as he processed her words. A beat of silence passed before a broad, white grin spread across his shadowed face. "Fascinating," he said, leaning back slightly. "I've been calculated."

Mei Lin blinked, unsure how to interpret his response. "Boss… that doesn't concern you?"

Leonard chuckled, the sound carrying an undercurrent of amusement. "Oh, it doesnt. But if they think I'm just another pawn in their game, they're in for quite the surprise."

Suddenly, a voice crackled over the speakers, drawing the attention of everyone in the grand hall.

"One, two, one, two. Mic check. Can everyone hear me?"

Before anyone could respond, Midnight leaned forward, her voice dripping with mock annoyance. "Yes, unfortunately, we can all hear your damn voice."

Laughter rippled across the room, a mix of genuine amusement and restrained chuckles. Leonard's lips twitched, his mouth trembling slightly as he stifled a laugh.

Standing at the podium, DC grinned, though a vein on his forehead visibly throbbed. Choosing to ignore Midnight's jab, he pressed on.

"Welcome, everyone, to the inaugural Global Paranormal Groups Summit," DC began, his voice smooth yet commanding. "While some of you may already be acquainted in private settings, this marks the first occasion where so many of us are gathered under one roof. Seeing all of you here today, protectors of humanity, truly warms my heart."

Polite applause rippled through the room, interspersed with pockets of genuine enthusiasm.

DC raised his hand slightly, signaling for silence before continuing. "I'm well aware that some of us here are sworn enemies, constantly at each other's throats whenever the chance arises. But let me be clear: we cannot afford to destroy one another. If we wage war among ourselves, who will protect humanity? Who will stand against the machinations of the Chaos System, their plans for conquest and destruction?"

The room grew quiet, his words resonating with even the most skeptical attendees.

DC leaned forward slightly, his voice carrying both gravity and hope. "Let me remind you, it is our responsibility. This immense honor has been granted to us by the Hope System, not to squander but to uphold. We've been given a singular obligation in exchange for this opportunity: to protect humanity and ensure its prosperity."

Applause erupted once more, louder and more unified this time. Some clapped with reserved professionalism, while others joined with genuine conviction.

As the noise subsided, Leonard exchanged a glance with Midnight, who smirked and whispered, "He's good at working the crowd, I'll give him that. Almost makes me forget how much I dislike him."

Leonard chuckled softly, folding his hands on the table before leaning back, his glowing eyes fixed on DC. "Let's see where he takes this."

DC tapped the microphone lightly, his smirk transforming into a more professional expression. "We have several orders of business and discussions to tackle today. Of course," he added, his tone lightening, "I'm well aware that some of you may get hungry, or worse, bored to death. So, at 4 PM, we'll take a short break for refreshments before continuing until 7 PM."

A ripple of chuckles spread through the hall, breaking some of the lingering tension.

"At 7 PM, we'll host a formal dinner for everyone. You'll have the chance to mingle, network, and participate in several relaxing activities. Naturally, you're free to come and go as you please throughout the summit, but note that after 8 PM, the doors will close until tomorrow at 10 AM."

His eyes scanned the room, gauging the mixed reactions before continuing. "Now, let me remind everyone why we're here. Cooperation. This summit is an opportunity for all of us to propose topics, raise concerns, and work together towards mutual goals. Collaboration is the key to our success, and I encourage all of you to take part actively."

Pausing for effect, DC gestured towards the room. "To begin, let's start with introductions. Each of us will share a bit about our organizations and our objectives. I'll go first."

Straightening his suit, DC adopted a tone of proud authority. "As most of you likely know, I am DC. Al Fine, Undersecretary-General of the Global Occult Coalition. Our mission is clear and unwavering: to protect humanity from the threats of the paranormal and the anomalous. We stand for unity, security, and order in a world that would otherwise descend into chaos without our vigilance."

He stepped back slightly, signaling for the next speaker while his eyes swept the room, lingering momentarily on Leonard. "And now, I pass the floor to the next representative. Who will introduce themselves and their organization?"

An air of tension settled over the room as the Brazilian representative, a stern-looking boy clad in a crisp military uniform, stood and adjusted his collar. His voice was steady, authoritative, and laced with an unmistakable edge of warning.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I am General João Henrique Souza, commander of the Brazilian Superintendence for the Paranormal. My organization is tasked with safeguarding Brazil from all anomalous threats, be they anomalies themselves or the organizations wielding them."

The general's gaze swept across the room, challenging anyone to question his resolve. "Additionally," he continued, "I must inform all parties present that, by direct order of our president, any organization entering Brazilian territory without express authorization will be deemed a hostile entity. Such actions will result in pursuit, capture, and, if necessary, termination."

A heavy silence gripped the hall. Faces turned toward one another in uneasy glances, whispers dying in throats. The diplomatic atmosphere DC had worked so hard to create began to splinter under the weight of Souza's proclamation.

Before anyone could respond, another figure rose. This time, a younger man, perhaps in his sixteens, clad in the sharply tailored uniform of the Iranian military. His presence exuded calm determination, but his words cut through the room like a blade.

"I am Chairman Arash Bahrami of the Office for the Reclamation of Islamic Artifacts, commonly known as ORIA. Our mission is the preservation and recovery of Islamic artifacts, as well as the protection of the Islamic Republic of Iran against all anomalous threats."

He paused briefly, his dark eyes surveying the room. "In alignment with my Brazilian counterpart, I must also declare that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has decreed that any unauthorized entry by an anomalous organization onto Iranian soil will result in immediate capture and, when deemed necessary, execution."

The weight of Bahrami's statement pressed down on the room like an invisible hand, further smothering what little joviality remained. The once buzzing chamber now sat in absolute silence, the tension palpable.

Léonard, seated at his high vantage point, exhaled quietly, running a hand down his face. This is already spiraling out of control, he thought, his eyes flickering briefly toward Mei Lin and Graves, who shared his apprehension.

Midnight, seated nearby, leaned closer to Léonard, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, Administrator, looks like this 'summit of cooperation' is off to a fantastic start. Shall we start placing bets on which side declares war first?"

Léonard didn't respond, his expression an unreadable mask of shadow, but inwardly he shared her sentiment. The summit had barely begun, and already it was teetering on the edge of disaster.

DC coughed awkwardly, visibly uncomfortable as he stepped back up to the microphone, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "Gentlemen, gentlemen, let's all take a deep breath. We're here to work together for the greater good of humanity, not to escalate tensions or, worse, declare war on one another."

Before the room could settle, Chairman Arash Bahrami rose to his feet, his face a mask of indignation as he pointed an accusatory finger. "We've been at war long before this summit even began. War against these filthy Americans," he said, his voice dripping with venom as he gestured broadly toward the PENTAGRAM delegation, "and their despicable Israeli counterparts."

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

The leader of PENTAGRAM, a towering figure with a sharp military demeanor, immediately began to rise from his seat, his fists clenched in visible fury. However, before he could fully stand, the representative of the Central Paranormal Intelligence Agency, a composed girl with piercing eyes, placed a firm hand on his arm.

She shook her head subtly but resolutely, her expression unreadable. After a tense moment, the PENTAGRAM leader exhaled sharply through his nose and sat back down, though his jaw remained clenched and his knuckles white as he gripped the armrests of his chair.

The silence in the room was deafening. DC's usual charm and confidence faltered as he looked between the delegations. "Let's… perhaps redirect this discussion," he said, his voice slightly strained but still carrying a professional tone. "Remember, our purpose here is to find common ground. To build alliances, not walls."

From his elevated position, Léonard observed the unfolding chaos with a weary expression. Mei Lin leaned toward him and murmured, "This is going downhill faster than I expected."

Midnight, seated a few chairs over, smirked and muttered loud enough for Léonard to hear, "I'm giving this summit ten minutes before someone flips a table."

Léonard didn't reply, though the thought of her prediction becoming reality wasn't far-fetched. For now, all he could do was watch as DC struggled to keep the fragile peace from shattering entirely.

Suddenly, Léonard noticed a bag of popcorn appear under his nose. He glanced sideways to see Midnight holding another bag and smirking at him. "Want some?" she asked casually, as if they were at a movie theater rather than an international paranormal summit spiraling into chaos.

Léonard shrugged and took the bag. "Thanks."

The two of them settled into their seats, munching on popcorn as they watched the unfolding drama below.

From their vantage point, they could clearly see two distinct camps forming on the floor. On one side were the Western delegations, including PENTAGRAM, the CPIA, and other NATO-aligned organizations. On the other side stood a coalition of Eastern and non-aligned factions, including GRU-P, ORIA, and a scattering of smaller entities that had found common ground in their disdain for Western influence.

The tension between the two camps was palpable, like a lit fuse slowly burning toward an inevitable explosion. Voices rose and fell, with sharp accusations cutting through the air.

Surprisingly, the Chinese delegation and most of the European representatives remained silent, observing the chaos with calculated neutrality. Those unaffiliated with any government, such as The Pontifical Commission for the Suppression of the Supernatural and the Horizon Initiative, also kept their distance, their expressions unreadable as they watched the increasingly heated exchange.

Léonard popped another kernel into his mouth, his eyes glinting with amusement as he turned to Midnight. "This is better than any soap opera I've ever seen."

Midnight chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "Right? I give it five minutes before someone tries to throw a punch."

"Optimistic," Léonard quipped.

Meanwhile, Graves stood stiffly behind them, arms crossed, his expression a mix of irritation and exasperation. "Boss, is this really the time to relax?" he muttered under his breath.

Léonard waved him off without looking. "Relax. If things get physical, I'm sure DC will step in and calm everyone down with one of his legendary speeches."

Graves didn't respond, though his clenched jaw suggested he had little faith in DC's diplomatic prowess.

Below, the verbal clash intensified, the air almost crackling with hostility. Léonard continued munching on his popcorn, entirely unbothered. Midnight offered him a toast with her bag of popcorn, and he clinked his against hers with a grin.

"Cheers to the chaos," she said.

"To the chaos," Léonard replied.

The argument between the two camps escalated, voices rising to a fever pitch. Tensions were palpable, with accusations flying across the room like stray bullets. DC sat at the head of the table, his face a mask of forced calm as he observed the chaos.

Then, without warning, a bright blue aura of magic enveloped him, pulsating with raw energy. He slammed his fist onto the table with enough force to echo across the chamber.

"ENOUGH!" he roared.

The entire room fell into a stunned silence. All eyes turned to him as his aura crackled faintly around him, and his face flushed a deep red with barely contained anger.

"Are you serious?" DC's voice thundered across the room. "All of you are leaders of paranormal organizations, entrusted with the safety of humanity, and yet you're acting like a bunch of kindergarteners squabbling over toys! Grow up!"

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. No one dared to respond. DC closed his eyes briefly, massaging his temple as he fought to regain his composure.

"I apologize for losing my temper," he said, his tone more measured but no less firm. "I'm declaring a ten-minute recess. Use this time to cool your heads."

Without another word, he stood and exited the chamber through a side door, his footsteps echoing in the uneasy quiet that followed.

Midnight leaned back in her seat, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Well, guess he's the first to crack."

Leonard observed the unfolding scene with mild interest, his glowing eyes scanning the room. Low murmurs rippled through the remaining representatives as they processed what had just happened.

Out of the corner of his eye, Leonard noticed movement to his left. Turning his head, he saw a trio of Chinese delegates making their way toward him. The leader of the group, a man in a sharp military uniform, gave a respectful bow.

"Greetings, Mr. Administrator, and Miss Midnight," said the man leading the trio. His uniform bore the insignia of high rank, his stance upright and commanding.

Midnight, seated comfortably, tilted her head with a faint smirk. "Well, hello there, General Wei Zhonghua."

The man nodded politely. "I am General Wei Zhonghua, representing the Paranormal 19th Bureau of the Ministry of State Security of the People's Republic of China. It's an honor to meet you both."

Leonard offered a polite nod, extending his hand with a slight smile. "The honor is mine, General Wei."

General Wei hesitated for a fraction of a second, seemingly caught off guard by Leonard's gesture. He quickly composed himself and accepted the handshake. "I must say, you are much more approachable than your reputation suggests."

Leonard chuckled softly, the shadows of his Administrator aura rippling faintly around him. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now, tell me, what brings China's Paranormal Bureau to my humble presence?"

General Wei straightened, his expression unwavering. "To be direct, Mr. Administrator, our organization recognizes the SCP Foundation's unparalleled expertise in handling and containing anomalies. It would be advantageous for both parties if we could establish a formal cooperation agreement."

Leonard raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the straightforwardness of the general. His calm yet commanding tone cut through the air. "A cooperation agreement, you say? That's an interesting proposition. What exactly do you have in mind?"

The Chinese general, his uniform adorned with gleaming insignias, stood a little straighter, his expression composed yet deliberate. "The SCP Foundation possesses expertise in containment and neutralization that is unmatched globally. While China's Paranormal 19th Bureau excels at identifying and recovering anomalies within our borders, there are aspects where your organization's assistance would greatly enhance our operations."

Midnight, sitting nearby, smirked. Her arms were casually crossed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, so you're saying you can't handle your own mess and need the big bad Foundation to save you?"

The general's expression flickered for a moment before he regained his composure, turning his attention back to Leonard. "Handling our 'mess,' as you put it, is precisely why we're here. Collaborating with the Foundation would ensure not only our efficiency but also the safety of the global community from threats that could escalate beyond control."

Leonard chuckled softly, brushing off Midnight's remark with a subtle wave of his hand. "I appreciate your honesty, General. But tell me, what would the SCP Foundation gain in return for such a partnership?"

The general's lips curled into a faint smile, his sharp eyes glinting under the bright lights of the hall. "In exchange, China is prepared to grant the SCP Foundation unrestricted access to certain restricted zones within our territory. Additionally, we will provide logistical support and intelligence sharing across East Asia, ensuring smoother operations for your organization in the region."

Leonard leaned back slightly, the swirling shadows of his Administrator's aura rippling faintly with his movement. "Your offer is intriguing. However, trust and specifics are the foundation of any collaboration. We'd need concrete details before taking any steps forward."

The general nodded, evidently prepared for such a response. "Naturally. We have a detailed proposal ready to present. If you are available, we'd like to discuss it further during tonight's dinner."

Leonard smiled faintly, his luminous white grin a stark contrast against his shadow-cloaked visage. "I look forward to reviewing your proposal, General. Cooperation is always preferable to conflict."

The general bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment, his tone respectful. "Then we shall see you tonight, Mr. Administrator. Thank you for your time."

With that, the trio of Chinese representatives saluted and left, their disciplined footsteps echoing as they disappeared into the bustling crowd.

Midnight leaned closer to Leonard, her grin widening. "Well, look at you, Administrator. Already wheeling and dealing with the big shots. You're making this look easy."

Leonard sighed, shaking his head as he glanced toward the door where the Chinese representatives had exited. "It's not a deal yet, Midnight. It's just the beginning of a conversation. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Midnight popped another piece of popcorn into her mouth, her voice playful. "Sure, sure. Just let me know when you're ready for me to order the 'Administrator of the Year' trophy. This is peak diplomacy. Do nothing and somehow winning"

Leonard chuckled, the faintest hint of amusement tugging at his expression. "If this summit doesn't implode first, I might just hold you to that."

Leonard turned towards Midnight, his tone casual yet deliberate. "By the way, interested in signing an alliance?"

Midnight reclined lazily in her chair, her hood slightly obscuring her face, though her smirk was unmistakable. "Nope. The Serpent's Hand can handle itself just fine. But if you've got juicy deals like last time during that demon invasion, we'll be there."

Leonard opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by a visibly nervous GOC agent approaching from the side. "Mr. Administrator, the Undersecretary-General, DC. Al Fine, has requested a private meeting with you."

Leonard's glowing eyes flickered with mild curiosity. "Very well," he replied, before turning back to Midnight. "It was fun talking to you."

Midnight waved him off with a lazy grin. "Go deal with your politics. I'll just enjoy the show."

Leonard rose smoothly, flanked by Mei Lin and Graves, and followed the agent. They passed through the same concealed door DC had used earlier, entering a stark, empty corridor that led to a private meeting room.

Inside, DC was slumped over a table, his suit slightly disheveled, exuding an aura of exhaustion. The GOC agent hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the sight of his superior in such a state, and cleared his throat awkwardly. "Sir, the Administrator is here."

DC didn't lift his head, his voice muffled yet sharp with frustration. "Yes, yes, thank you. Leave us."

Leonard gestured for Mei Lin and Graves to stay outside, and the two silently obeyed, stepping back with the agent and closing the door behind them.

The room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning. DC groaned, shifting slightly in his chair but keeping his head down. "This summit is already a disaster," he muttered, his voice laced with weariness.

Leonard leaned casually against the table, his shadowy aura flickering faintly. "You're not wrong," he said with a faint chuckle. "But then again, did you really expect anything less?"

DC groaned, slumping further into his chair. "I thought that sharing the same goal would bring us together, but no. They're too busy bickering amongst themselves."

Leonard leaned back slightly, his glowing white eyes narrowing. "What did you expect? These people are tethered to their governments and their own national interests. Even if they want to cooperate, it's impossible. The Russians and Americans have hated each other for decades, the Iranians and Israelis are locked in eternal conflict, South America resents the West, and half of these nations refuse to let anyone step foot on their territories. Then there are the rogue groups like my SCP Foundation, the Serpent's Hand, and the Three Moons Initiative, who operate completely outside the law."

DC sighed, massaging his temples. "I know that, but how do I make them at least cooperate when it comes to major threats, like the Chaos System?"

Leonard paused, his shadowy aura flickering faintly as he considered. "You've got two options. The first is diplomacy. Endless meetings, sweet-talking, deals. It's tedious, and your odds of success are slim, but it'll at least prove your sincerity. Or…"

DC leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "Or?"

Leonard smirked faintly. "You implement the foreign policy of the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War."

DC blinked, confused. "And that is?"

Leonard's voice dropped a tone, the words sharp. "You're either with us or against us."

DC shook his head, frowning. "That's extreme. If I do that, the GOC will make too many enemies and lose credibility. But… if we used that approach on problematic groups…"

Leonard yawned, stretching as he stood. "There you go. You've got your solution."

Without waiting for a response, he walked out of the room and made his way back to the summit chamber.

As he passed through the corridor, he noticed Clara and Elise engaged in conversation, both dressed in formal attire. He raised a hand in greeting, and they returned the gesture with polite nods.

The interaction didn't go unnoticed, catching the attention of a few representatives who murmured amongst themselves, intrigued by the duo's connection to the Foundation.

Leonard returned to his seat, and Midnight, who was deep in conversation with a sharply dressed man, noticed his arrival. She arched an eyebrow. "That was quick. How'd it go?"

Leonard's smile was cryptic. "Expect a fun show."

Midnight tilted her head, curious about what he meant. Her gaze shifted to the young man sitting beside her, whose arms and legs trembled slightly. Leonard leaned toward her and remarked casually, "I think I'm scaring him."

Midnight sighed before elbowing the man in the ribs. "Introduce yourself. I'm not doing it for you."

The man stammered, his voice shaky. "M-my name is Kwame Mbaye. I'm the head of the board for the Manna Charitable Foundation. It's an honor to meet you."

Leonard's glowing smile didn't falter. "I'm the Administrator of the SCP Foundation. The honor's mine."

Without another word, Kwame blurted out, "I-I have to go," and bolted from the table, sprinting across the chamber as if his life depended on it.

Leonard watched him leave, stunned. Then he turned to Mei Lin and Graves, his tone incredulous. "Do I really look that intimidating?"

The two exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison.