A Meeting of Power

Lancaster Tower was once again a gathering place for world leaders. This time, the stakes were higher than ever. Representatives fromGermany, the United Kingdom, and Francehad flown in under the cover of secrecy, each seeking to secureJamie Lancaster’s expertise—and ensure that her advancements wouldn’t tip the global balance too far in any one direction.

Inside the high-tech conference room, Jamie sat at the table, her expression composed but sharp. Across from her, the three European envoys were seated—Chancellor Klaus Reinhardt of Germany,Princess Eleanor Windsor of the United Kingdom, andPresident Louis Moreau of France.

Henry Lancaster, as always, sat at the head of the table, his fingers steepled, watching the negotiations unfold. David Lancaster was there, along with Ryan and Solomon Kane, who stood at the back, arms crossed, observing everything with quiet intensity.

Princess Eleanor, a striking woman in her early thirties with platinum blonde hair tied in a regal braid, was the first to speak. “Miss Lancaster, the world is shifting, and so is the balance of power. We cannot afford to remain neutral in the face of what is happening. Europe must be prepared.”

Jamie gave her a measured look. “And what exactly are you asking for?”

Chancellor Reinhardt adjusted his glasses. “Your expertise inmech enhancements. We have seen what you are capable of—what you did with the Grey Eagles, and now, theupgrades to India’s Green Guardians. If we are to keep up, we need your guidance.”

President Moreau leaned forward, his voice more diplomatic. “We are prepared to offer you full protection.A European Security Agreement—our best intelligence, military resources, and safe zones. You will have the backing of NATO.”

Jamie took a deep breath,weighing their words carefully. She wasn’t naïve. This was anotherpower play, another move on the grand chessboard. They wanted her skills, but more than that, they wanted control over what she developed.

Henry spoke next, his tone smooth yet pointed. “You’re asking Jamie tochoose sides. You do realize she’s already working with India, correct?”

Princess Eleanor’s expression remained calm, but there was a flicker ofpolitical sharpnessin her eyes. “Which is precisely why we’re here. We would rather form a mutual alliance than find ourselves on the losing side.”

Chancellor Reinhardt sighed. “Let us be direct, Miss Lancaster.If India gains a technological edge over Europe, we will have no choice but to counterbalance that development. That means increasing investments in our own mech divisions—and potentially forming alliances elsewhere.”

It wasa diplomatic warning. They weren’t openly threatening, but the implication was clear: if Jamierefused their offer, they would seek alternatives—and those alternatives might include aligning with nations she didn’t trust.

Jamie leaned back in her chair, her mind working rapidly. Sheneeded to maintain control. If she committed too quickly, she would be caught in a political trap, forced to answer totoo many different factions.

“Let’s be clear about one thing,” she said finally. “I amnot a weaponto be controlled. My work is my own. If I decide to collaborate, it will beon my terms.”

Princess Eleanor studied her for a moment before giving a small, almost approving nod. “Then let us see if we can convince you.”

A Battle of Titans

Before Jamie could respond, theentire building shuddered slightly—a distant rumble shaking the foundation.

“What was that?” President Moreau asked, frowning.

Henry smirked. “That,” he said, standing, “would be themilitary drillwe arranged. If you want to understand why Jamie does not need to be pressured, you should see for yourselves.”

Intrigued, the European leaders followed the Lancaster team to theprivate observation deck, overlooking the massive combat training grounds just outside the city.

There,a breathtaking battle was unfolding.

Solomon Kane, inside aGrey Eagle mech, was locked in a duel againstIndia’s Green Guardian mech—the same model that had been promised as Jamie’s personal guardian.

The Green Guardian’sMagic Shield Technologywas active, creating a stunningshimmering blue barrierthat deflected incoming attacks. The mech’sform was sleek yet imposing, painted in deep emerald green with golden engravings, giving it an almost mythical presence.

Solomonmoved with lethal precision, piloting the Grey Eagle with anunmatched level of skill. The mechdarted across the battlefield, its thrusters roaring as it launched arapid assault.

The Green Guardiancountered flawlessly.

Themagic shield absorbedhigh-impact rounds, and when Solomonswitched to close combat, the Green Guardianmet him head-on, itsreinforced armor glowing with supernatural energy.

The battle was adisplay of raw power and strategy, unlike anything the European delegation had seen before.

Princess Eleanor’s eyes widened slightly. “The Green Guardian can withstand direct hits like that?”

Chancellor Reinhardt watched withthinly veiled awe. “Magic Shield Technology… if India perfects it, they may surpass both the Grey Eagle and Red Archer models.”

President Moreau muttered, “This changes everything.”

Then,Solomon executed a masterstroke.

Hefaked a retreat, luring the Green Guardian into ahigh-speed chase. At the last second, he activated amaneuver that sent his mech into a controlled spin, twisting mid-air beforedelivering a powerful energy blade strike.

The Green Guardianreacted in an instant,activating its shield to full power—a blindingburst of blue energy erupting outward, repelling the attack like a divine force.

The battlefieldflashed brilliantlyas the two mechs clashed in a moment that looked almostmythical, like a battle betweengods of war.

The European leaders werespeechless.

A Shift in Power

As the battle concluded, Solomonemerged from the Grey Eagle, stepping onto the observation platform with anunbothered smirk.

“Well?” he asked. “Still think Jamie needs your protection?”

Princess Eleanor smiled faintly. “I see your point.”

Jamie, watching them closely, knew she had gained theupper hand.The display of force hadtipped the balance in her favor.

Chancellor Reinhardt exhaled. “Miss Lancaster, we will not rush your decision. But know thatEurope stands ready to support you—should you choose to work with us.”

Jamie nodded. “I will consider your offer.On my terms.”

The meeting had changedeverything.

Shadows in Motion

Far away, in aclassified black-site intelligence facility, another meeting was taking place.

ARussian generalstood in the dimly lit room, arms crossed. “She’s consolidating power.If she unites India and Europe, the balance will shift beyond our control.”

AChinese intelligence officerleaned forward. “That’s why we haveProject Specterin motion.”

The Iranian commander exhaled slowly. “It must work. If we cannot defeat Jamie Lancaster in the open, we willdestroy her reputationinstead.”

The Chinese operative smirked. “She won’t see it coming and the damage would be done when does.”

The war was only just beginning.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com