Chapter Eight: Convening the Meeting!

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At exactly 11 o’clock in the morning, a major conference concerning the fate of Kyushu was convened in the SZ Hall of Pearl City.

Outside the SZ Hall, the entrance was lined with armed military police officers; policemen had cordoned off the area from afar, holding riot shields, their piercing eyes alert to any movement around them.

Though unsure of the exact reason for such heightened security, the public was not oblivious; shrewd onlookers quickly sensed that something momentous was about to unfold.

Inside the SZ Hall, which held five hundred seats, every chair was occupied. Each attendee was an eminent figure in their own right, summoned here solely at the command of the First Leader.

To prevent public panic, no journalists were permitted at the meeting, yet the matters discussed would decisively shape the future trajectory of Kyushu.

Before the assembled crowd, the First Leader strode to the podium with a grave expression, scanning the room before addressing the microphone in a measured tone:

"Thank you all for setting aside your work and making time in your busy schedules to attend this meeting."

"In truth, the assembly was called in haste—so abruptly, I have not had time to prepare."

"As for the theme of this meeting, it is simple and clear: five words—Nationwide Mass Production!"

"After extensive deliberation by dozens of experts from the Academy of Sciences, military specialists, logical analysts, and super hackers, our nation will, within three months, launch a nationwide mobilization campaign named 'Nationwide Mass Production.'"

As the First Leader spoke, the distinguished audience was momentarily stunned. The topic was so unexpected—why initiate such a campaign now?

Nevertheless, in such a setting, no one dared ask foolish questions.

The entire hall fell silent, every ear attuned, waiting for the First Leader to assign tasks.

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After presenting a broad summary of the development, capabilities, and expert predictions (from Chu Xiao’s team) regarding the Underworld King, the First Leader picked up a report and spoke in a commanding voice:

"In light of all this, to confront the imminent awakening of the Underworld King, I hereby issue orders on behalf of the entire nation."

"First, halt all export trade, especially of nonferrous metals, steel, crude oil, and grain."

"Second, import large quantities of military supplies and essential goods, and acquire materials that Kyushu lacks or produces in low quantities."

"Third, bring together elite talent from every sector nationwide to form advanced scientific research teams. I do not wish, nor will I allow, Kyushu to revert to the Stone Age when the Underworld King awakens!"

"The purpose of these elite research teams is to contend with the Underworld King in cyberspace; at minimum, we must ensure Kyushu’s networks remain beyond his control."

"Fourth, assemble all military research personnel to develop effective weapons against the Underworld King’s mechanical forces within one month; the remaining two months are to be dedicated to mass production of these weapons."

"Fifth, and most crucial—migration!"

"I have decided to abandon third- and fourth-tier cities, concentrating the entire population in first- and second-tier cities. These major cities will serve as bastions against the Underworld King’s invasion, so their fortification and restructuring must be completed within three months."

"Remaining labor forces will be relocated to the vast provinces of the northwest and southwest, forming the backbone of our grain reserves and production."

"Sixth, expedite the harvesting of crops and the production of essential goods. Should war break out, it will doubtlessly be a protracted struggle, a contest of endurance and resolve. Therefore, logistical support must be unwavering!"

"I reiterate: within these three months, any official found to be negligent or inactive will be immediately dismissed!"

"Regarding these six directives, aside from myself, a general director is needed. I have already chosen this person, who will assume the post tomorrow."

"May I ask, First Leader, who is this person?"

Someone in the audience could not resist asking.

"Chu Xiao!"

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"Chu Xiao?"

Suddenly, murmurs and whispers rippled through the crowd of dignitaries; the name was unfamiliar to most.

Only Chu Renfang’s expression underwent a dramatic shift.

Chu Xiao?

My son?

How could this be?

Last night, Chu Renfang had spent the entire night investigating, yet found no trace of Qi Tianlei whatsoever.

In other words, he had failed even to uncover the background of a mere ‘errand boy’—let alone those behind Qi Tianlei, who were beyond Chu Renfang’s reach.

When Chu Xiao was returned home that morning, Chu Renfang and Qin Lihua immediately questioned him.

Yet upon entering the house, Chu Xiao locked himself away, offering no explanation.

Now, hearing Chu Xiao’s name in such a setting, how could Chu Renfang not be shocked?

The meeting, which began at 11 in the morning, continued until 5:40 in the afternoon. It was a closed internal meeting, so much so that Western nations were willing to pay exorbitant prices for information.

But they could never have guessed: this was a first-level conference concerning not only Kyushu, but all of humanity.

With the future of the nation at stake, and billions of Kyushu’s people as its foundation, a grand campaign of mass production was about to unfold across the land.