Leaders of countries like Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and more couldn't sit still any longer. They all wished to instantly return to their countries to receive the Valkyrie. Some had already started thinking about how to welcome her with grand gestures.
While they couldn't be certain that the Valkyrie, who remained on Earth, was heading to the Nordic countries, it was a possibility with a 70% probability, given the direction she was traveling. This was a high enough chance for the leaders in this part of the world.
But with so many country leaders gathered for a United Nations meeting, it wasn't appropriate to leave abruptly without an excuse.
Just as the Nordic countries were contemplating methods of departure, the President of the United States suddenly had an idea. He clapped his thigh and exclaimed, "The South Pole Exploration Team has already left Antarctica and is flying towards the United States. How about we wait for their arrival before making a decision?"
Hearing the President's words, the leaders of the Nordic countries, who had already stood up to leave, exchanged glances and hesitated for a moment before sitting back down.
This South Pole expedition was a collaborative effort involving many countries. In theory, what was discovered underground in Antarctica should be shared among all participating nations. While many countries were aware that the scientific research base in Antarctica was primarily funded by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, as well as countries like Germany and Japan, they all hoped for a piece of the pie. Even if they didn't get the most significant share of the discoveries, they expected to receive some peripheral benefits.
In the past two years, mysteries had manifested on Earth, and the existence of various gods had been confirmed. However, the threshold for mystical knowledge was exceedingly high. Apart from the Saint directly empowered by Christ, the only individuals who had acquired knowledge of the mystic arts were the students studying at the magical academy – the future wizards.
In contrast to Earth's population of over seven billion, there were currently only a few hundred individuals capable of wielding mystical power. Even when these hundred or so wizard apprentices completed their studies and returned, their powers were unlikely to surpass the scientific knowledge accumulated by humanity. In essence, Earth, despite now hosting gods and their mysteries, was still predominantly controlled by the science and technology mastered by humans.
While mystic knowledge was sought after, scientists focused on what was already known. The leaders of nations were primarily interested in natural sciences, the proven foundation of their world.
The ancient civilization discovered beneath Antarctica, known as the Elder Things, was a civilization of researchers and scientists, albeit with some belief in gods. What they discovered underground in Antarctica was more aligned with the development of modern human civilization.
In short, Earth was more inclined toward understanding the mysteries of science and technology rather than solely relying on mysticism.
But these mysteries remained distant. It would be better to focus more on the natural sciences that have developed over thousands of years.
With this idea in mind, the leaders of various nations decided to stay for a while. Who knew what advanced extraterrestrial technologies they might miss if they left? The regret would surely gnaw at them.
Seeing that everyone present agreed, the President of the United States smiled smugly.
As a top-tier politician, he was well aware of the ulterior motives of this move. The location chosen for this United Nations summit was the United Nations Headquarters in New York, which was on American soil. The President had even ordered the plane carrying the Antarctic exploration team to come directly to the United States, aiming to gain an advantage by exploiting his home turf.
Though everyone understood his intentions, they refrained from voicing any objections at this moment. Instead, they chose to go along with his plan.
"So it's settled," the President declared. "I'll have everyone stay at my hotel. You will receive absolute VIP treatment, and the security services will provide round-the-clock protection!"
The President's decision meant the security agency of the United States would face a monumental challenge, safeguarding so many world leaders simultaneously. The slightest misstep could lead to global conflict!
"Oh, and because this hospitality is private, I won't ask you for money. I only hope that if you find your stay comfortable, you'll leave a five-star review for my family's hotel. Better yet, you could promote it on Twitter!"
The world leaders smiled, though inwardly they couldn't help but mock the President's entrepreneurial spirit. Even in this situation, he was thinking about advertising his family's business. With so many heads of state endorsing his establishment, he would make a fortune!
However, despite their private thoughts, every leader maintained a gracious facade, promising to leave five-star reviews and endorse the hotel on social media.
The President was delighted, thinking he had successfully deceived all these world leaders.
……
An aircraft landed at a military airport near New York. Well-equipped medical personnel rushed forward to assist, receiving the heavily injured or unconscious members of the Antarctic exploration team. They were prepared to provide the benefits of the American healthcare system.
It took about ten hours to fly from Antarctica to the United States. After a good night's sleep, Gui Bin had mostly recovered, and he, along with several other relatively healthy members of the Antarctic expedition team, descended from the aircraft. They saw people holding flags of various nations who had been waiting here for a while.
As the members of the Antarctic expedition team had diverse nationalities, government personnel from different countries were there to welcome them.
Gui Bin quickly spotted the flag of China and made his way toward it.
"Why is there such a grand reception? When can I return to my country?" He wondered.
Although everything appeared chaotic here, there was a strict order, and security was extremely tight. What was even more terrifying was that Gui Bin saw the presence of regular U.S. military forces, including armored vehicles, tanks, helicopters, and more, all stationed here.
The Chinese military officer who welcomed Gui Bin had been extremely respectful. Gui Bin was an important figure, given his status within the Department of Supernatural Affairs. This meant that he also held a military rank.
"Leader Gui Bin, the supreme leader, is currently in the United States. Many heads of state from various countries are in New York as well. We are here to protect you all and accompany you to meet the supreme leader."
Hearing that the supreme leader was also in the United States, Gui Bin's expression became serious. He also noticed the massive military presence here and couldn't help but wear a thoughtful expression.
The reason for all this was clear. The Antarctic exploration team had discovered some mysterious artifacts below the Antarctic continent. For their safety and, more importantly, for the security of these artifacts, their aircraft had landed at a military airport, and the U.S. government had dispatched a substantial military escort to accompany them to New York.
Before long, the colossal U.S. military convoy set out for the outskirts of the city, with Gui Bin and the members of the Antarctic exploration team riding in a heavily armored vehicle.
Those who knew the truth understood that these were heroes. Those who had no idea about the identity of these individuals had mistaken them for formidable prisoners.
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