Chapter 14 – “Ripples Across the World”

Zone: Russia – Moscow Sector

Dmitri Volkov sat shirtless by the window of a military-grade safehouse, nursing a whiskey. His towering frame was covered in healing wounds. Anya Petrova, his duo partner, leaned back against the bed, flipping through a thick old novel.

"I heard the System killed 127 people yesterday," she murmured.

Dmitri grunted. "Good."

Anya raised a brow. "You used to care about freedom of speech."

"I care more about not pushing our kind into madness. We barely survived the Tower. Mocking those who did? That's a sin. And the System just turned judgment day into a button press."

Anya smirked. "You've become poetic."

"I've become tired," he replied. "The marriage deadline is closing in. You still planning to dodge it?"

She looked up. "Not if you ask me properly."

His eyebrow twitched.

"Fine. Want to get married or not?"

Anya rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Russian romance."

---

Zone: China-Japan Alliance – Coastal Dome

Leonardo Takashi and Chloe Wu stood before a sea of floating lanterns. Their wedding had just concluded. It was grand. Televised. Glorious.

But the after-party was quieter.

Chloe whispered, "I'm scared."

Leo looked at her, puzzled. "Of me?"

"No. Of this. Marriage. The future. The Tower. Death. Everything."

He wrapped his arm around her. "Then let's be scared together. Because I'm terrified too."

She leaned into him, and for a moment — even surrounded by noise and music — the world felt like just theirs.

---

Zone: Pakistan – Desert Fortress

Aamir Khan and Faisal Rana stood face to face, both dressed in ceremonial garb.

Aamir scowled. "The system really wants me to marry you?"

Faisal grinned. "You sound disappointed."

"I was hoping for a prettier face."

"You wound me."

They signed the marriage contract in front of the System drone, laughing the whole time.

---

Zone: Vatican Core

Xenovia Kael and Elijah Voss stood in front of a stained-glass window, hands bound by holy ribbons. Their expressions were unreadable.

Their wedding was silent. No guests. Just a priest, the System drone, and solemn vows.

Afterward, Elijah broke the silence.

"Do you believe in fate?"

Xenovia's eyes didn't blink. "I believe in duty."

"…And love?"

She looked at him for a long moment.

"I believe we'll learn."

---

Zone: India – Small Apartment

Dev and Meera sat together on the floor, watching the worldwide wedding news on their holo-screen.

So many couples. So many expressions — joy, awkwardness, defiance, fear.

"I guess we weren't the only weird pair," Meera said softly.

"Nope," Dev replied. "But I think we're the only ones who made the System go full execution mode."

"…Yeah."

A pause.

"Do you regret marrying me?" she asked suddenly.

Dev blinked. "What? No. Why would you—"

"Because you could've died. Because I bring trouble. Because the world hates us."

"I'd marry you again even if it meant dying tomorrow."

Meera's eyes widened.

"...You idiot," she whispered.

He grinned.

---

[System Notification – Global Announcement]

[Marriage Phase: 92% Completion]

[8% Failed to Form Legal Bonds – Executed.]

[Congratulations to All Surviving Duos. Relationship Monitoring Has Commenced.]

[Training Floor Rewards Will Be Increased for Harmonious Pairs.]

[Warning: Disharmony Between Partners May Affect Survival Rates on the Second Floor.]

---

End of Chapter 14