Chapter 960 Book 15:: New Era
Another two years went by after the intentionally botched press conference, and while the larger and stronger countries were able to retain their own control, most of the smaller ones came under the control of the Alliance or some other factions that worshiped them without the public's knowledge. This was the best concession they could make to mix the Human World with the Supernatural World.
And what was the reason they gave to explain why this was only happening now? It's because the Supernatural World was very susceptible to developing conflicts and wars and every time the weak Humans got involved in it, it was always them who suffered the most. Of course, that already changed due to modernization and peace treaties between mythologies.
Of course, some people would be able to notice this but even if they revealed it to the public, with the Alliance sharing their technology with these smaller nations, they were able to solve most of the problems plaguing them. From housing problems to transportation of goods to hard-to-reach areas, the Alliance was able to boost each of these countries' economies by opening up many industries related to Magic.
And the most important aspect, energy, was easily solvable with Magic Power being converted to traditional electricity. Because the Magic Power they use comes directly from the Dimensional Gap where there's a nigh limitless amount of it, it'd only take a few years before everyone adapted to this cheaper and clean source of energy that would be enough to support civilization until it reached the interstellar level.
Even among the Alliance, where most were not in favor of mixing the Human World and the Supernatural World, could now see the potential of where the world was heading and began to accept the inevitable with greater enthusiasm, especially the old Gods who had been dreaming of returning to their home world and see what it had become.
Naturally, it was not all smooth sailing. These new Magic industries were on the rise but many were also going down and causing a bit of damage and nonacceptance from some people. Though thanks to the radicals being removed so early on, most of what came out were relatively peaceful protests.
[As the food, water, and shelter insecurities are being solved worldwide, a sizable amount of the population, especially the younger ones, are now focused and determined to acquire the new skills being presented to them.]
Kisuke was shopping for some groceries when the digital billboard caught his attention.
[But although there are numerous courses related to Magic, the trend of taking combat-related courses despite its strict requirements and tests for entry is rising up among young adults. An interview and poll were conducted among these people and what seems to be the leading cause is "fantasy becoming reality" and idolization of the newly established Magic Peacekeeping Order under the Alliance.]
[I agree with their sentiments, partner. After growing up in a pop culture full of fantasy-like Magic, it's like a dream come true for most. And with the newly established order rounding up the violent criminals while risking their lives, they look like heroes to the masses.]
[Even then, it's still a worrying trend. Why do we even need this many combat-related courses? Aren't we at peace?]
Kisuke then continued walking while thinking, 'I wonder when will they reveal that the world could be destroyed by aliens in the future?'
And while crossing the road, Kisuke saw a roaming drone that was projecting holographic images and advertising the popular new school created on a man-made floating island that was currently in the middle of the pacific, the Ouroboros Academy.
It was centered around the new courses and started accepting students three years ago. And in the middle of it was someone important to Kisuke.
It took almost half an hour of walking to get back to his candy shop and before he could approach, he saw a black futuristic car without any wheels parked in front of it, 'That's Aika's newest design. So they've already begun manufacturing it.'
Kisuke just took a quick peek at the car but couldn't see its interior thanks to the security feature added to it while thinking, 'There's only one who's free right now who could've come home.'
As soon as he opened the entrance to the living space of the shop, Kisuke was greeted by a pair of ladies' high heels shoes and a familiar scent.
"I'm home." Kisuke audibly said while coming in.
From the kitchen, Akeno, who had matured throughout the years, came peeking out with an apron over her office lady attire, "Welcome back~ Have you eaten yet? Will you be able to join me for lunch?"
Kisuke placed down his groceries while answering, "Not yet. And I already missed your nikujaga so I'm looking forward to it."
Akeno smiled gleefully and went back, "Great~ I only need a few more minutes so please prepare the table."
While they were enjoying their lunch, Kisuke could feel the presence of multiple people stalking the place and they were not the usual people who watch Kisuke from time to time, "You're the Minister of Magic Development and Security, not some celebrity. Why is the media still hounding you? It's been a while since you've taken the position."
Akeno sighed, "I also don't know what else they could possibly want. I've already answered their important questions so they're probably just there to find something they could write about."
The Ministry of Magic Development and Security. A newly established Ministry in Japan to deal with anything Magic related, especially the distribution and regulation of Soul Gears that were already reaching the market for normal people. It'd gained a lot of attention not just because of its Magic-related activities and a very young woman being the first Minister, but also because it got a special status at its inception.
Due to the Japanese Government not knowing how to deal with this new world, MMDS was made with a special authority, allowing it to enact edicts and policies that don't need the Diet's approval. This allowed the MMDS to respond immediately to new issues or threats. Of course, such an agency couldn't have this kind of power permanently so it was given a decade to have its own autonomy while also training the required manpower to operate it.
Although it was an unprecedented move, many countries also adopted a similar action for an easier transition.
Recalling something, Akeno added after chewing her food, "Ah... Could they have already known about the new bill?"
"New bill?"
"It's a new public safety bill that's about to be proposed. This bill will require everyone to reveal their real physical features, or at least a part of them in public places. This is to placate the anxious people that there are non-Humans that could easily hurt them hiding in the public. If they could at least see them, the ordinary people will be able to calm down."
"Sounds like the first solution you'd come up with for a complex problem. It's horrible."
"It is. But I don't have a say in it since my authority is only within Magic-related issues. This is a MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) policy."
While Akeno had autonomy with her actions, it's only applicable when it's within certain parameters. But thanks to this limited autonomy, other policymakers don't like her very much and her opinions on other matters would often be discarded or even outright avoided. In other words, it's politicians playing politics. Instead of thinking more about the problems and formulating better solutions, they'd rather follow the public's outcry without any regard to what it could cause and win the popular vote.
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