The next day was the usual, but now Ron was alone with his dad off to work and all the free time. He decided to watch some TV to pass the time, as he walked towards the living room.
The living room was simple but neat — a soft grey couch, a low coffee table, and sunlight spilling through the large windows. A few photos lined the shelf, quiet reminders of memories long past.
Ron sat back on the couch, remote in hand, flipping through channels like a man on a mission.
Click.
A guy crying over a broken blender.
"Next."
Click.
Two politicians yelling over whose hair was real.
"Not this."
Click.
Some reality shows with dramatic music and flying sandwiches.
"I'm losing brain cells."
Click.
Then—he paused. The screen now showed a graceful woman in a sleek blazer, confidently reporting the day's news. Her voice was calm and her expression poised.
"...This just in," she said, as the camera zoomed in slightly. Her eyes sparkled under the studio lights.
Ron slowly put the remote down.
"Huh," he mumbled. "Maybe it's finally time I started... staying informed."
He leaned forward, nodding seriously.
"Yeah. Gotta stay updated on the world."
Ron stared at the screen, still pretending the news was his true passion.
But the anchor continued, her expression turned serious.
"And now we move on to a special live interview with the Head of the World Alliance, addressing the recent surge in dimensional outbreaks."
The screen shifted to a grand conference room, flags of various nations behind a tall, composed man in a suit. The alliance symbol glowed faintly behind the wall.
"This is it," Ron muttered, sitting up straighter without him realizing.
The playful mood shifted — what came next wasn't just news. It was a glimpse into the world's rising tension.
Desmond Kael, the Head of the World Alliance, looked to be around in his mid-fifties. His neat, combed grey hair and composed eyes reflected wisdom and experience. Dressed in a refined suit, he spoke with a calm authority that commanded attention without force.
Interviewer: "Many are questioning the R.A.S. system's effectiveness after the recent dimensional breaches. Has there been a failure in the early detection?"
Desmond: (calm but firm) "The R.A.S. system remains fully operational. What we have encountered recently are not random breaches. These were... induced.
Interviewer: "Induced? Are you suggesting that it was a deliberate act? By whom?"
Desmond: "That's correct. Our intelligence has confirmed that the recent outbreaks are artificially created. And It's not a single person but a syndicate —unaffiliated with any nation— that calls themself 'New Order'."
Interviewer (tense): "New Order...? This is the first time that the public has heard about this group. What do we know about them?"
Desmond: "Very little. Their structure, their numbers, even their goal— all of it remains unknown. But what is certain is that they possess the means to manipulate rifts... and that makes them extremely dangerous."
Interviewer: "So how will the alliance respond?"
Desmond (firmly): "We're still investigating but we will deal with them as soon as possible. And the Vanguard Agencies are now on alert for quick response, ensuring the safety of the civilians, so please rest assured."
The broadcast fades to the World Alliance's emblem as the studio transitions into a special report, while tension lingers in the air.
Ron sat back on the couch in silence with his thoughts.
"Artificially created..."
A syndicate called New Order', playing god with lives — with no clear motive. It didn't surprise him. But it left a bitter taste all the same.
Bored he decided to go for a walk to clear his mind. Getting up, he took his phone and started to head out to the park.
The afternoon cast long shadows across the pavement as he walked, eyes drifting from one passerby to another. Life carried on. People laughed, shopped, and complained about the heat — unaware that the stability of the world was held by strained wires.
Somewhere out there, decisions were being made, plans drawn, truths hidden.
***
World Alliance HQ. Undisclosed location.
The room was a circular, high-tech meeting room. Transparent screens hover above each delegate's station with the World Alliance emblem glowing softly at the center. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with urgency.
Desmond sat at the central seat, composed, watching the others settle.
After a moment he begins the meeting.
"The session is now in order," Desmond said, voice firm but controlled. "As we all know the reason for the current outbreaks — the New Order is behind it."
He gestures to the intelligence director to start.
Director Isha Miro, Head of Intelligence, adjusting her glasses leans forward. "The New Order is a new organization that we know little about, the people behind it or their influence. But we are sure that many people are involved and are supporting them."
Continuing, the Science & Research head spoke.
Dr. Oliver, with a calm expression, explains the situation. " First of all the RAS system detects and analyzes unique energy signatures emitted by unstable spatial zones, allowing it to pinpoint and predict rift formations before they fully manifest." With a serious expression. "But the New Order has somehow found a way to force open a rift directly on the spot."
General Harven, Military Division Commander, slammed his fist on the table. "How is this possible, if this is true, then we have to deal with them fast!"
Dr. Oliver reassured, "You don't have to worry about that. As far as I can tell, they are using a device to cause the rifts, but it's unstable, and the rifts are smaller, which doesn't last longer than normal."
"Then how do we handle the safety of the civilians? What do we tell them?" Asked Elmar Moore, the Civil Affairs Representative. His expression was stern.
"For now, we should reassure them and handle the threat. We can't cause panic among the people, it would create chaos." Kendra Solen the Head of Finance & Logistics Coordinator. Responded bluntly.
Finally, Desmond spoke. "I agree with her; we should handle the situation professionally and ensure safety." In a calm heavy tone. "Also, for the safety of the people, we will put the Vanguards on high alert and give them full support until the situation is handled. Also, start an investigation on the New Order."
After a final discussion, the meeting ended, followed by murmurs as the delegates filed out one by one.
Left alone in the room, Desmond was lost in his thoughts. What did the New Order want, and what would they achieve by doing this?
He didn't have the answer, but one thing was clear: if they wanted chaos, then he was going to stop them.
***
City B. District 1.
It was already dark, but the city was lively as ever. The skyscrapers were bright, and the stores and buildings were still open. People going back and forth as usual.
There, in District 1, the HQ of Vanguard Agency 'Aegis' remained active. The building rose with quiet authority, it was well-built and secure. The atmosphere was calm but alert; operatives moved between stations, voices low and screens flickering with regional updates.
Inside the HQ, the briefing hall buzzed with quiet tension. Operators and squad filled the room, their eyes fixed on the person in front of them. It was Commander Victor, he stepped forward, the large screen behind him lighting up with rift markers and intel reports.
Commander Victor, 27, was calm and sharp. He wasn't strict but he let with quiet authority — respected for his clear judgement and level head, even in tense moments.
"We've just received orders from the World Alliance." He began, voice clear and firm. "Effective immediately, all the squads are to be on high alert and will have full authority on cases related to the New Order."
He glanced around the room making eye contact with a few key squad leaders.
He informed the squads that there wasn't any new intel on the New Order but nevertheless, they had to be vigilant and make sure to stay sharp and ready for emergency deployment.
The room shifted with tension, but Victor's calm made it bearable.
"Let's do our job. That's all"
With synchronized nods, the squads dispersed, their footsteps fading in the hum of the HQ.
At the same time, in a different room of the HQ. A woman sat on her chair as she checked the reports; she was Sera Vance, the head of the Finance department.
With a final tap, she closed the dashboard and leaned back slightly.
She picked up her phone. Swiftly typing.
"Sorry, I'll be having dinner outside today. So you guys can eat without me. Love you both."
She hit send, smiling faintly at the screen, then stood, straightening her coat.
On her way out, she passed by a few staff still finishing up.
"Good work today." She said with a smile.
"Thank you, Director Vance." One of them replied, putting down some files on the desk.
She gave a small wave. "Call me if there is anything urgent."
Then, heels clicking against the polished floor, Sera stepped out into the cool night air. Walking toward the bustling city.
***
The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the living room. Ron sat on the floor as he played a game, the TV was on, but the volume was low — more background noise than anything.
Then he received a text from his dad.
"Ron, I'll be having dinner outside. So you can have dinner without me."
Reading it, he replied with an ok, it was normal for him. Since his dad would have dinner with clients sometimes.
Standing up, he took a glance at the kitchen, sighed, and then decided to order something tonight.
With a grin, he scrolled through a food delivery app, looking for something delicious.
"Let's have something good for dinner tonight."
A few taps later, the order was placed.
He sat back on the couch and waited.
Outside, the city lights flickered in the distance; it was quiet, but things were going to change for him in the future.