A year later, the world was no longer the same. Disaster struck when The nation of United Estoria launched a devastating, unprovoked bombing campaign on its smaller neighbor, The United Sovereignty of Northland.The attack was swift and brutal, sparking a global panic, teetering on the brink of a third world war.The United Sovereignty of Northland immediately called upon its allies and the world's major powers for aid. But the response was a chilling silence. Desperate and facing annihilation, the government of Northland made a unprecedented decision. They turned away from the halls of global power and toward the private sector. They turned to the Sullivan Group.Barry was summoned to the penthouse of his own corporate headquarters by his wife, Veronica. The air was thick with tension when he entered the private chamber, lined with guards in muted armor. At the far end of the table, a man rose quickly to his feet—the Northland ambassador. The ambassador bowed so deeply it looked

Sebastian lowered himself into the armchair opposite them. His voice was calm as he began.“In the good old days,” he said slowly, “the Order was not a myth, nor a gathering of greedy men seeking influence. It was composed of powerful men and women—visionaries, leaders, guardians who took it upon themselves to protect the world and maintain order and harmony between nations. They were the unseen balance, stepping in whenever power tilted too far. They looked after each nation’s affairs, settled disputes before they flared into wars, and preserved peace where governments failed. For a time, they literally controlled the course of the world.”Barry’s brow furrowed, listening intently, his jaw tightening as Sebastian’s words stirred memories he had long buried.“But,” Sebastian continued, his voice darkening, “their successors squandered that legacy. They grew weak, selfish, complacent. The Order quickly lost its teeth.”Veronica leaned forward, her eyes wide, her face pale with recognit

A slow, appreciative smile spread across Barry’s lips, invisible behind the mask. He took a deliberate step toward the defiant Head.“Very well,” Barry said, his voice low with respect. “I admire your resolve. It’s a rare thing to find a man willing to fight for his principles, even when he stands alone.” He paused, letting the compliment hang in the air before his tone shifted, becoming as hard and cold as the conference walls. “But I am also relentless. And I always get what I want.”He reached into his pocket and pulled out a single, antique silver coin. It caught the dim light, gleaming ominously.“So, let’s settle this like gentlemen,” Barry proposed, holding the coin between his thumb and forefinger. “A simple flip. No force, no threats to your family. Just fate. Heads, I win control of the order. Tails, you lose… and I walk away, empty-handed. Do we have an accord?”The Head stared at the coin, then at the masked man. He saw no other way out. His own members had turned against

General Karr’s laugh was short and ugly, shattering the silence in the room. All eyes turned to him as he stepped forward.“Empty threats,” he snapped. “Why should we listen to some man in a mask claiming to be head of the Order? Do you think his words can stop bombs falling? We started this campaign for a reason.” He squared his shoulders as if to physically hold the room together. “Northland is weak. The Red Valley will secure our energy future for decades. This is an opportunity of a lifetime—one we cannot afford to squander.”The prime minister’s face tightened. He did not answer at once; instead he folded his hands, looking around the chamber at the other ministers and advisers. “Karr,” he said finally, “this is more than a threat. The footage... those are not idle boasts. The Order’s message was very specific. They claim networks, holdings and reach. We cannot treat this as a mere bluff and move forward blindly.”Karr scoffed, leaning forward so his words cut the thin air. “Do

The soldiers’ grips tightened on Karr’s arms as they shoved him down until his knees struck the dust. He forced himself to look up, eyes wide with confusion. “Is that really you?” he demanded, his voice raw and brittle. "Number One!"Barry’s masked head tilted. “I am Number One,” the voice answered, calm and raw with iron. “I’m sure you’ve heard about me.”Karr's lips felt parched. “I don’t understand. You infiltrated Estoria all this time? Our defenses are strong. You couldn’t have slipped through without me noticing.”Barry spread his arms. “As I mentioned earlier from the video, General Karr—the Order’s influence is absolute. Do not ever think for a second you are invisible. I am ten steps ahead of you.”Suddenly, Sebastian appeared out of nowhere like a ghost, startling the general. He bowed respectfully before Barry.“It is done, Master,” Sebastian said smoothly. “The entire country of Northland is enclosed in my protective barrier. Not one bomb will pass through.”Karr’s mouth