With the rampage caused by the developer's game characters and the subsequent destruction of the Anti-Blessed Malefactor Corps, the current inhabitants of the United States had no choice but to do what they could to survive.

Current inhabitants meant they no longer had the opportunity to leave - the airport systems were temporarily out of commission due to pilots refusing to return. They were stricken with fear, as they never wanted to become the next victim of the criminals.

Words of America's downfall quickly spread like wildfire on a global level. There was not a country unaware of the disaster that occurred that day. Everyone was informed via news, the very quickly trending topic of 'US Down' on social media or other means.

The reports even reached the mountains of an unspecified country. At the mountains resided a structure, with the interior and exterior resembling a traditional Asian dojo. The interior had a wooden frame. The dojo was decorated with armor kept on stands and what seemed to be wooden swords fixed to the walls.

There were also potted cherry blossom trees at each corner of the dojo. Strangely, the leaves of one of the potted plants seemed to be withering, with the branches drooped downwards.

Inside the dojo, there were two individuals, a male and a female. The man sat in a dark corner, causing him to be silhouetted against the shadow. The only thing that could be noticed about him was that he was reading a book. The woman, however, was diligently sweeping inside the dojo, riding it off any dust or grime.

Her aesthetic indicated a Japanese outfit. From the non-traditional miko outfit consisting of a white kosode, a pair of black hakama, and grey tabi shoes to her diligent sweeping, she gave a strong and responsible impression.

Her facial features radiated that same impression. She seemed to be a very young woman, maybe in her early twenties. Her young look was enhanced by her long, raven black hair, reaching down to her upper back. Her hair was tied in a side ponytail by a grey hair tie and kept over her left shoulder.

Her eyes were of matching color, complementing her hairstyle. Her forearms which were exposed by the small sleeves of her kosode were rather toned, showing that this woman was also diligent in even strengthening her own body.

While the duo were focused on their activities, the situation in the US was being played on the radio.

"A miserable outcome to a war in the United States. The Anti-Blessed Malefactor Corps have been destroyed by the S-Class criminals...they've proven to be a disaster far worse than anyone could have imagined..." On the radio was the voice of Ashley, reporting the news as she usually did. "This disaster has reshaped every level of the country...even up to the presidency. The cloud of despair now looms over us citizens...as the sparks of hope have been extinguished. The only thing we can do now...is pray for a miracle..."

Suddenly, the male abruptly closed their book.

"Well, would you look at that?" The man said. "The great superpower known as the US got screwed over by a couple of criminals. Isn't that crazy, Sharma?"

"Why don't you come out of the dark?" Sharma asked as she went over to the withering plant. "Also, didn't I tell you to call me by my first name, Ryzen?"

"I like sitting in the dark. It hides my body." Ryzen answered while completely ignoring her other question. "But forget about that. It looks like things are going to get exciting now..."

Sharma stood by the cherry blossom tree and placed her right hand in front. Suddenly, the leaves that withered away were replaced by new ones, and the stems stood tall once again. It was back to the beautiful plant it once was, even having a vibrant glow of pink on the cherry blossom leaves.

"I suppose so. Maybe I'll get some students to teach." Sharma responded. "I haven't had any students in many, many years."

"Yeah, haha." Ryzen chuckled. "That would be good, wouldn't it?"

It seems it's starting now. Ryzen thought as his silhouette was rubbing his chin. Looks like I'll be acting now...

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* * *

London, England - an enormous city sprawling over six hundred square miles. This vibrant city full of streets, shops, and beauty was filled with the deafening noise of civilians as they went about their usual days as opposed to the US currently, although some time has passed.

The winding streets and Victorian architecture also gave a rather vintage feeling. Simultaneously, the many skyscrapers gave an advanced design. The different designs were perfectly added into a splendid flavor to create the city of London.

But apart from that, London was also the home to the workplace of its Prime Minister, the Honorable Arthur Henry. At 20 Upping Street, in his workplace, Arthur was met by Barry, the Chief of Defense, who rescued Sergeant John and super soldiers. They sat in a lobby, which looked like a living room, with couches, a wall-mounted television, and decorations.

"Despite it being nearly a month since, I'm glad to see you're back, Barry," Arthur stated. Arthur was a middle-aged man with regular facial features. He had thick brown eyebrows, with his hair and beard of matching color. His skin was fair, revealing slight wrinkles on his forehead due to old age. His expression had a kind and approachable feel to it. Naturally, he donned a black suit.

"Yes, it was rather risky going there now, but we did get instructions from the monarchy," Barry responded. "And besides, John Walker and the super soldiers will be useful to eliminate the criminals, especially since their bodies are becoming modified."

"Hmm...the situation is looking rather bleak," Arthur continued. "Do you think we can eliminate criminals that did that to the States?"

"...I'm not sure, to be honest," Barry replied as he looked to the floor in a downtrodden expression. "The best we can do is put our 'best soldiers' in the accelerated courses...and hope that the Project Zero theory will work out. Other than that...we'd need nothing short of a miracle...a divine intervention."

Silence filled the room as they pondered on the seriousness of the situation. Amid their thoughts, however, a black-suited woman opened the doors and entered.

"I'm sorry for the sudden entering, Your Excellency." They apologized. "But the United States president would like to speak with you online."

Hearing this, Arthur and Barry were surprised.

"...It's fine, you're my assistant. Put her on," Arthur stated.

Hmm...there's a new president now, right? Barry said. The S-Class criminals murdered Garfield. How unfortunate.

Arthur's assistant quickly set up the online meeting for Arthur over the mounted television. When she was finished setting up, Ada could be seen on the TV, sitting in the Oval Office.

"Ah, perfect! We've connected!" Ada stated with excitement.

"Greetings, Ada Foster," Arthur said. "This is the first time we're meeting."

"Yes. Unfortunately, we couldn't meet in person...considering the circumstances."

"My condolences on the death of President Garfield," Arthur expressed. "You were rather close to him...although it hasn't been too long since I heard of that."

"Well, it's just as you say. Garfield taught me everything I knew about government affairs...he wanted me to take his place when he retired..." Ada said with a sincere tone and expression. "Although he passed on, I was accepted by every government branch as the new president...and I know Garfield would have accepted that too..."

"I see," Arthur stated. "So why did you request a meeting?"

"Ah, yes. I went on a tangent. Well, your Chief of Defense came to my country a few weeks ago, right?"

As she said that, Barry became rather shocked.

"Don't worry! I'm not angry or anything!" Ada explained. "I think that's even better. You guys were probably concerned about our country or the threat of the criminals, which is why I want to ask for your help!"

Hearing that, Barry sighed with relief.

"Well, of course! We'll help you." Arthur declared with a smile. "But...it's going to be a tall task to locate and eliminate threats such as those..."

"Don't worry about that. I have aaaalllll the information on those criminals." Ada assured. "Right now...the ones we should focus on eliminating first...are Jack Knight and Nathan Hayes."

"Hmm...I understand Jack considering his sociopathic and murderous nature...he's the most dangerous, but why do you say Nathan Hayes?"

"Nathan...is a very intelligent criminal. He's singlehandedly escaped numerous police chases, destroyed multiple police stations, and killed super soldiers, just with his wit and normal weapons. From his actions, he seems to be the strategic type...he's the leader of the rest." Ada explained. "He's just as dangerous as Jack the Ripper."

"...That is true. Alright, we'll combine our efforts to eliminate them. But that's if we can't kill all the S-Class criminals simultaneously."

"Thank you very much!" Ada happily expressed her gratitude. "For this, we will have to communicate a lot. Let's hope for a grand success!"

"Yes, a grand success," Arthur repeated. With that said Ada waved goodbye before leaving the meeting.

"She's rather outgoing, isn't she?" Arthur asked.

"Yeah, she is." Barry agreed.

"I'm sure you know what to do now," Arthur continued. "Gather our best soldiers and put them through the accelerated training."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"And if there's any new recruits...accept them and put them in the training as well."

"Recruits? But training them quickly...will be difficult if they aren't accustomed to their blessings." Barry argued.

"It's just as you said. We'd need a miracle," Arthur responded. "It might be wishful thinking, but maybe there will be a miracle among those recruits."

"...I understand," Barry said. "I will take my leave now to start preparations."

"No problem."

Like that, Barry left the lobby room and soon after, the building.

"Hmpf...all this for five criminals," Arthur said as he leaned back on the couch. "What a hassle..."