"And as you can see, the Enforcer Mech Suits are being mass produced in this very factory," a male researcher said to a crowd of reporters, their cameras swiveling around the facility, snapping pictures of machinery and conveyor belts.
"Very soon, we can equip every enforcer in the city with Spirit-Ghoul level firepower, and soon the entire nation will as well"
As he led the reporters through various parts of the factory, the Union President stood with his arms clasped behind his back, staring down through a one way glass pane in an office on the top level.
Behind him, a gathering of researchers, led by E. Marie, waited in silence.
The president turned around to face them, "How is the development of the second generation of EMS coming along?"
One man stepped forward and handed the president a tablet, displaying blueprints of different mechs and designs.
"These are the current designs, much more compact and agile, without forsaking durability. These will be able to last against Ascendant-Sunken level Awakeners. We are still developing the circuitry that will run the machinery and detection systems"
"Are you certain that a machine can fight against a fourth level Awakener?"
"With all due respect Mr. President," E. Marie stepped forward, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, "Our department has been underfunded and oppressed due to an overreliance on the so called 'protection' of the Holy Sanctuary"
She tossed a flat glass disk onto the ground that projected a holographic image of dozens of different weapons of war, from guns to mechs to high tech blades. The woman spread out her arms in a grand gesture.
"We have to rely on ourselves from now on, the Harbinger and Saintess Elizabeth can only do so much for so long, especially since they are at war at the moment"
Marie turned to the Union President, "Our technology has managed to grow by leaps and bounds in a short time. It is the future, a future where unawakened people can live in peace and harmony without fear"
The president's subtle frown eased slightly, his eyes glimmering with renewed resolve, "You're right, I was not in the right state of mind for a moment"
He took in a deep breath before exhaling, "How long will you need for the second generation"
Marie stroked her chin in deep thought, "...About three months, that's when we can start to distribute it. All of this is thanks to the massive talent pool and significant funding, otherwise we would need three years for this single project"
The other researchers nodded in agreement, clearly excited about the projects.
Previously, government tax had been partially regulated by the Holy Sanctuary under the guise of donations, forcing the Union to distribute their money very carefully across sectors. The engineering sector had been neglected for decades, but education has not, so there was a natural surplus of talent who had no work.
Now though, through government aid and incentives, these engineers and technical researchers were thrust back into the workforce, stimulating the economy and allowing for rapid technological development and advancements.
Work, development, money. These three drivers dramatically stimulated unawakened humans into a frenzy. Freedom and power are human natures, so it is only natural when given the opportunity, they will try everything in their ability to rise.
"Keep up the good work, Marie, come with me for a moment"
The researchers and engineers scattered to their stations, leaving the president and the blonde haired woman alone in the office.
"So"
She walked over to a pristine white desk and sat on the edge, crossing her legs, "What is it that you wanted to talk about"
The Union President stepped a bit closer and bowed, "First I wish to thank you, your genius has revived this great nation, and its citizens cannot thank you enough"
Marie waved her hand in dismission, "Just doing my job"
The man nodded in understanding before lifting his wrist and tapping on his digital watch. The device flashed, and the woman's own watch flashed with a message.
Lifting her arm, her emerald green eyes scanned through the contents of the message.
"We have a list of over six hundred volunteers," the Union President explained, "All of them understand the procedure and its danger, and their families have received the appropriate compensation"
Hearing this, her brows furrowed ever so slightly, though it relaxed the next moment, "How many rejected being a part of the experiment?"
"...Zero, and we anticipate that it will continue this way given the demographic we are targeting"
"I see," she nodded her head, "Once we obtain results, release the news to the public and announce a draft"
Pushing herself off the desk, Marie started for the door, speaking behind her as she walked.
"The Holy Sanctuary is losing followers at a fast rate, and soon enough they may attempt some desperate acts against us. While the Unawakened Protection Oath may deter them for a while longer, there will be a limit"
She casted a look behind her as she opened the glass pane doors, "I shall get started on the prototypes, we must be prepared for the worse when the time comes"
The door shut behind her as the woman sauntered out of view, leaving the man alone in the sky office, staring down upon the work of the nation's best talents. Their faces were full of smiles, and a glimmer of light shone in their eyes as they showcased their prowess.
And yet, behind that light, there was a hidden shadow omnipresent, the occasional shudder, the sudden bristles of neck hair, shoulders slightly slumped as if a hidden hand was there to push it down.
The shadow of superhuman threats loomed overhead the entire nation, a nation of unawakened humans defying the order of strength that has dominated the world for eons.
War is imminent, and behind bright smiles, they all knew that there was currently no way to compete against a Saint without outside aid.