Chapter 136

Eze Chinedu's conquest sent tremors far beyond Nigeria's borders, reverberating across Africa and shaking governments worldwide. What had started as an act of defiance had spiraled into something larger—an awakening, a reshaping of power that traditional authorities were unprepared to confront.

Rising Chaos Across Africa

In neighboring countries, chaos followed like ripples after a stone hits water. Reports of newly awakened ability users poured in from every corner: a teenager in Uganda with a scorching touch, a young mother in Mali who could summon gusts of wind, and an elder in Kenya whose voice could bend minds. Their powers ranged from weak and erratic to dangerously uncontrollable. Without any formal training, these individuals were unpredictable—and a potential threat. Governments scrambled to contain them, but for every one they located, three more seemed to emerge.

"Containment protocols are failing," muttered a grim-faced official in Nairobi, his voice cracking over a hastily arranged conference call. "We can't predict where they'll appear next—or how strong they'll be."

Across the call, a diplomat from Ethiopia replied in an exasperated tone, "We need help. We can't handle this alone. It's like trying to catch fire with bare hands."

As unrest spread across Africa, voices in Europe and the Americas demanded that the world take a stand. On the floor of the United Nations, an emergency session convened, with ambassadors exchanging anxious glances as each speaker took the podium.

"This is not just an African crisis—it's a global one," insisted the French delegate. "Eze's actions have set off a wave of instability. We must act before more self-proclaimed kings and queens rise up."

The American ambassador adjusted his glasses and added, "We're witnessing the birth of something unprecedented. We're not only talking about armed conflict but individuals with the potential to reshape nations. The longer we hesitate, the more dangerous this becomes."

In response, a diplomat from an African bloc countered, "Our people are crying out for help, not foreign intervention. We need a careful approach, not a hammer. Otherwise, we risk turning these ability users into martyrs."

But the room buzzed with murmurs of dissent. A growing number of voices, backed by Western powers, urged decisive action, even if it meant military intervention to neutralize Eze before more chaos ensued.

Across social media, opinions were divided. Supporters of Eze, inspired by his boldness, argued that he was a symbol of change, a challenge to corrupt governments and ineffectual institutions.

A trending post from a South African activist declared, "Eze has shown us what's possible. For too long, we've been ruled by people who only care for themselves. Now, we have a chance to take control of our future!"

Others, however, voiced grave concerns. A Nigerian commentator warned, "Eze's power may inspire others, but at what cost? We're on the brink of something we can't control. The world should step in—before it's too late."

In London, a prominent analyst appeared on a news program, addressing the new era unfolding before them. "This isn't simply about one man taking power. We're witnessing the emergence of abilities around the world, like sparks in dry grass. Unless contained, this could spiral into a global crisis."

In capitals around the world, governments faced a growing sense of helplessness. Law enforcement agencies, trained to handle ordinary threats, found themselves at a loss against individuals who could bend steel, summon flames, or disrupt minds with a glance.

"What do we do?" whispered an aide to the prime minister of the UK, her face pale. "Every report we get is more outlandish than the last. If even one of these abilities goes unchecked…"

The prime minister sighed, hands clasped on his desk. "We wait. We monitor. We can't strike out blindly. For now, let's—"

At that moment, a loud bang interrupted the conversation as the situation room door burst open. A military advisor entered, eyes wide with alarm. "Sir, another incident—an ability user in Manchester. Leveling buildings before we can—"

Meanwhile, online forums filled with new accounts from those experiencing the first sparks of their own powers. Some reached out in fear, others in excitement, trying to understand what was happening to them.

"I thought it was just a joke," one user posted. "But today, I felt it. Something inside me… shifting. I think I can—"

Another replied, "You're not alone. I haven't told anyone, but I can feel things changing in me too. Maybe Eze is right. Maybe it's time we show the world—"

In a quiet laboratory far from the chaos, Dr. Everett Carlisle tightened the straps on his latest prototype. The headband, a device intended to suppress the powers of ability users, glinted under the harsh lab lights. Though experimental, Carlisle's technology offered a glimmer of hope to officials searching for a way to contain the escalating threat.

But Carlisle himself felt conflicted. Every new report on Eze's conquest and the surge of abilities only underscored the urgency of his work—and the danger of its misuse.

A voice interrupted his thoughts. "Doctor, we have calls from three different countries interested in bulk orders of the suppression headbands. They're offering triple the original price."

Carlisle hesitated, glancing at the devices. "This could be a game-changer… but if it falls into the wrong hands…"