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 with the world. Something that had been earned through years of struggle, sacrifice, and hope.
He stood on the porch of the global council building, watching the light spread across the buildings below. It had been two months since the new system was established. Two months of watching the regions thrive with their new autonomy. Two months of watching the global network grow stronger and more connected than ever. Two months of watching fear turn into hope, isolation turn into connection, and despair turn into purpose.
The globa
