Aside from Gloria's visit, the evening passed without incident. The sun set, a peaceful night flowed by, and morning arrived.
It was the second day of the World Conference.
At 9:00 AM, the delegates gathered in the same large conference room as the day before.
"Well then, let us begin the second day of the World Conference," declared the moderator, Deus Ex Machina. "We have not set a specific agenda for today. If there are any topics you wish to discuss, please raise your hand and propose them."
"In that case, I have a proposal."
The first to raise his hand was King Rotaro de Lafayette of the Kingdom of Franz. "It is fortunate that Maquina-dono is in attendance." He looked around at the assembled leaders. "I would like to propose the creation of an organization—an army, perhaps—that transcends national boundaries."
Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom was the first to react. "I see. After all, national borders mean little to criminals."
The other heads of state and their ministers began to buzz with interest.
"Hoh..."
"I see, I see."
"...So that is the idea."
Understanding gradually spread across the participants' faces. Sensing the timing was right, Prince Arthur spoke again.
"Criminals are not bound by the constraints of nations or borders. If that is the case, the organization that polices those criminals should be the same."
King Rotaro nodded emphatically. "Precisely, Prince Arthur. You hit the nail on the head."
(An international police force... though maybe not quite the same.)
Listening to the discussion, Jin's mind drifted back to his old life. He remembered a TV anime he’d watched at the orphanage where an Interpol inspector chased a world-famous phantom thief—though the thief was the protagonist.
(The ICPO... I think that's what they called it.)
However, the organization they were debating now seemed to be one with significantly more martial power. They wanted something capable of opposing armed criminal syndicates, like the late Unifilar, with equivalent force. That was likely why Rotaro had noted it was "fortunate" Maquina was present.
(If that's the case, maybe it’s more like an International Rescue force...)
As Jin mused to himself, the conversation turned toward him.
"What do you think, Jin-dono?"
"I think it is an excellent idea," Jin replied. "In fact, beyond just security, I’ve often thought it would be wonderful if such a group could also teach academics and trade skills."
"Oh?"
Swept up in the momentum of the room, Jin had inadvertently voiced a concept he had been quietly nurturing for some time.
"Indeed," someone added. "If the world could learn from Jin-dono’s knowledge, it would surely become a better place."
But Deus Ex Machina’s voice rang out, building upon Jin's statement. "To reach that point, we must first establish and operate a World Security Guard that is not beholden to any single nation."
It was a timely assist from Laojun.
"That is true," said the Empress of the Shouro Empire. "But even if it is only a dream for now, there is no harm in discussing such an ideal academy, is there?"
"You are quite right," Jin agreed, nodding.
"To clarify one’s goals and strive for their realization—is that not one of the paths a ruler should follow?" The Empress concluded her thought, then looked at Maquina again. "For now, I would like to focus on discussing this World Security Guard."
"Agreed."
"No objections here."
The other attendees voiced their consensus.
"Very well. While the name is one I tentatively assigned... let us discuss the World Security Guard," Maquina declared. "In this capacity, I suppose I am serving more as a chairman than a moderator."
The atmosphere in the room lightened slightly at Maquina's remark.
"First, I would like to define its purpose—its raison d'être."
Following this prompt, King Rotaro, the original proponent, spoke up. "First and foremost, it must be to protect world peace."
"Well, that is certainly the ultimate goal."
"I think it’s perfect. That should be the primary premise."
Jin agreed that it was a fine organizational philosophy. It served as a clear banner for them to gather under.
"Indeed," Prince Arthur added. "Making our colors clear will also lead to greater organizational transparency."
"I see. In that sense, there is no banner easier to understand than this."
"It makes the organization's purpose clear to everyone."
The circle of agreement continued to widen.
"Then we are settled on 'protecting world peace' as the philosophy," said King Cesar of the Celuroa Kingdom. "The next question, I believe, is 'how'?"
"That is the difficult part."
"Precisely. That is why we need to discuss it," Cesar replied, responding to a comment from Chancellor Danner of the Klein Kingdom.
Marchioness Firenziano of the Kingdom of Elias then raised a point. "Without power, one can accomplish nothing. However, if this organization possesses great power, who will guarantee that it is not misused?"
"But that risk is the same for any nation or individual."
"That is why we need common sense, and why it is necessary to provide education in ethics and morality..."
Opinions began to pour out from every corner of the room.
"It might be best to start on a small scale."
"Will this be a subordinate body of the World Conference?"
The debate continued to evolve.
"I believe it would be more agile if it were independent."
"It would be a disaster if they couldn't act in an emergency until a World Conference was convened."
"Exactly so."
Even if nothing was set in stone yet, everyone seemed to feel that there was immense value in simply exploring these ideas.
"As for the location of the headquarters, the central part of the continent seems most desirable."
"That makes sense, but that would inevitably place it near the Celuroa Kingdom."
Kunlun Island was at the eastern edge of the known world, making it a difficult staging ground for rapid response. However, given the history with Unifilar, they had to be cautious about placement.
"If the ruins of Fort Crow are acceptable, I would be happy to let you use them," one delegate suggested.
"Oh, that is an excellent proposal."
The former magifortress of Fort Crow would certainly make a formidable base if it were refurbished.
"Alternatively, perhaps in the mountains that stand between the borders of the Celuroa Kingdom, the Shouro Empire, and the Kingdom of Franz?"
"Ah, I see. I imagine Jin-dono or Maquina-dono could easily develop such a location."
The ideas for the organization's structure and leadership were equally varied.
"What if we appoint someone with a proven track record as the supreme commander or an advisor to ensure the group doesn't lose its way?" King Rotaro of Franz suggested, turning his gaze toward Maquina. "Maquina-dono has already neutralized those who could be called enemies of the world on several occasions. Would he not be a fitting supreme commander? And his fellow disciple, Jin-dono, could serve as an advisor..."
"That is a very compelling argument."
Jin felt the distinct sensation that he was about to be dragged into something big.
The second day of the World Conference was off to a roaring start.