The main hall of East Horizon's western headquarters was packed. Cameras lined the walls. Reporters stood shoulder to shoulder. Alexander Vane stepped onto the raised platform with Olivia at his side. Vanya stood a few steps behind them, arms crossed. Tianya remained seated in the front row, her presence alone drawing constant glances.
Alexander looked straight into the cameras.
"I am officially declaring my candidacy for the leadership of the remaining human territories under the West Alliance. The current council has failed. They argue over loot while people in the East still die. They call eastern survivors cursed and treat them as cheap labor. That ends if I take power."
A reporter raised his hand. "Guild Master Vane, many believe your sudden rise is only because of the woman who appeared in the sky. Are you using a self-proclaimed goddess to manipulate the public?"
Alexander answered without hesitation. "I am not using anyone. Tianya appeared because the situation demanded it. If the people saw her power and decided to support me, that is their choice. I will not apologize for having strength on my side."
Another reporter pushed forward. "What about the eastern refugees? Will you give them full citizenship rights if elected?"
"Yes," Alexander said. "Every person who survived the Purge and still lives under East Horizon's protection will receive equal status. No more second-class treatment. No more silent slavery. If the West wants stability, it starts by treating its own people as human."
Murmurs spread through the hall. Olivia stepped closer to the microphone.
"East Horizon has already reclaimed nearly sixty percent of the eastern lands," she said. "We have built flux-shield cities, rescued survivors, and held the line while the Alliance argued over percentages. That record is public. You can check every number."
A senior journalist from a council-backed network spoke coldly. "Some council members claim you are preparing a dictatorship. How do you respond?"
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "I respond by pointing at the people currently sitting in power. They already act like dictators. They just hide behind the word 'alliance.' I am offering the public a direct vote. If that scares them, it tells you everything."
Vanya finally spoke, her voice low but clear. "I've spent the last two days in the refugee districts. People there are tired of being afraid. They're ready to vote for anyone who stops treating them like trash. That's all I have to say."
The questions continued for nearly an hour. Alexander answered most of them directly. When the press conference ended, the team moved into a private side room.
Olivia closed the door. "The live numbers are already climbing. Support in the capital is strong. The middle cities are still divided."
Alexander sat down. "What about the industrial zones?"
"Mixed," Olivia replied. "Workers like the idea of stronger protection and better supply lines. The factory owners are worried you'll favor eastern labor."
Vanya crushed the end of her cigar. "They should be worried. If they keep paying eastern workers half the wage, I'll personally shut their operations down after the election."
Tianya, who had remained quiet until now, looked at Alexander. "The council will not sit still. They will try to attack your image. Possibly mine as well."
"I know," Alexander said. "That's why we stay visible. No hiding. Every day until the vote, we show results. More supply runs. More protected zones. More eastern voices speaking publicly."
Olivia checked her tablet. "Luna Ren confirmed the funding channel is ready. She wants a short meeting tonight to discuss media coverage."
Alexander nodded. "Schedule it. And prepare a second public appearance for Tianya in three days. One more time is enough. After that, we let the people decide."
Vanya looked toward the window. "The Alliance will get desperate. Watch your back."
Alexander stood up. "I've been watching my back since the first raid. This time, I'm not the only one they have to fear."
Outside the headquarters, crowds were already gathering. Some held handwritten signs supporting Alexander. Others argued loudly with each other. News channels replayed his declaration on loop. Across the western territories, the election had officially begun.