The skies over the Western Continent were shrouded by thick nuclear dust, turning daylight into twilight.
Those once-prosperous cities had been reduced to smoking ruins, their shattered walls casting grotesque shadows beneath the dim light.
Yet even more terrifying than the ruins was the pale blue mist spreading through them.
It rose from every area dense with death, slowly but irresistibly spreading outward in all directions like a tide.
Wherever the mist passed, electronic devices malfunctioned, radios fell silent, and drones dropped from the sky like kites with severed strings.
The images transmitted by satellites grew increasingly blurred until nothing remained but vast patches of blue light.
Kyoto, Great Xia. Underground Strategic Command Center.
The new emperor, Zhao Zhao, stood before the holographic projection table with both hands braced against its surface, his gaze sweeping across the rapidly changing battlefield data.
"His Majesty." Minister of State Li Jishen hurried in through a side door, carrying a thick stack of documents. "The international community... has reacted strongly."
Zhao Zhao did not look up. "Go on."
Li Jishen opened the first document:
"The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting. With twenty-seven votes in favor, six against, and five abstentions, it passed a resolution condemning Great Xia for carrying out a nuclear strike against the Western Continent."
"Condemning us?" The corner of Zhao Zhao's mouth curled slightly. "What else?"
Li Jishen immediately turned to the next page and continued his report:
"Under the banner of 'maintaining regional peace and stability,' the countries of the South Continent have formally declared neutrality in this conflict.
At the same time, they have called on both sides to cease fire immediately and resolve their dispute through peaceful negotiations.
Moreover, they have all urgently closed their airspace and unilaterally announced the suspension of all military cooperation with