The morning sun rose over the mountains, painting the valley in shades of gold and amber. The birds were singing. The breeze was gentle. The world was peaceful.
But for Ethan, peace was a foundation. Something to build on. Something to protect. Something to share.
He stood on the porch of the global council building, watching the light spread across the buildings below. It had been three months since the first test of unity. Three months of watching the regions implement their new agreements. Three months of watching the global network grow stronger and more connected than ever. Three months of watching fear turn into hope, isolation turn into connection, and despair turn into purpose.
The network was thriving. New regions were joining every week. New communities were being built. New c
