I created a foundation

The name flashed through her mind like lightning.

Is it...

Grandfather continued to speak, his voice full of powerlessness.

"We old guys have already felt it. The foundations of power are loosening, the flow of wealth has become erratic, and even our proud intelligence network is being constrained at every turn."

"It's as if a giant beast has quietly awakened somewhere we can't see."

"It just yawned, and it's enough to keep us mortals awake."

Fujiwara Chika's heartbeat began to accelerate.

She originally thought that the Foundation was just a secret organization that dealt with "abnormalities" and was isolated from the secular world.

But now it seems that she completely underestimated the power of the Foundation, or rather, underestimated the "side effects" of the Foundation's actions on the world.

The "monster" their grandfather had spoken of that frightened them, the mysterious entity that was taking away their control, was undoubtedly the Foundation.

It is the will of President Lin Qing.

"So, the real purpose of this banquet hosted by the Shinomiya family is not business cooperation, nor is it ordinary socializing."

Grandfather's eyes sharpened.

"This is a spontaneous, secret gathering of our families after we sensed the crisis."

"We want to know what that thing is."

"We want to see if it's possible to...talk to it."

There was a storm in Fujiwara Chika's heart.

It dawned on her.

My grandfather and his companions, those who stood at the top of power in Japan, finally realized the existence of the "behemoth" of the Foundation.

Although the Foundation's actions were extremely secretive, its enormous size, when solving abnormal incidents one after another, eventually created ripples on the surface of the real world that were enough to alarm these "kings".

These powerful people who used to be high and mighty and in control of everything are now feeling fear because of the unknown and uneasy because of the loss of power.

They wanted to test and see the true face of "God".

ridiculous.

An inexplicable emotion flashed through Fujiwara Chika's heart.

She had seen true "miracles" and knew the unfathomable power of the Foundation.

In the face of absolute power, the struggles of these mortals seem so insignificant and so presumptuous.

"Grandpa," Fujiwara Chika raised her head, a strange light flashing in her eyes, "I will go to this banquet."

Grandfather looked at her in surprise.

He originally thought that his granddaughter would be bored with such occasions full of calculations and pressure.

"You... figured it out?"

Fujiwara Chika showed a smile that was completely different from her usual one. In that smile, there was a hint of understanding, a hint of seeing through, and even a hint of... the calmness of a superior.

"Yes, Grandpa."

She stood up, walked to the window, and gently pulled open a corner of the heavy curtains.

Outside the window is the dazzling night view of a bustling city, but in her eyes, these neon lights are nothing but shadows that will soon be submerged by the tide of the times.

The real storm has just begun.

At this moment, Fujiwara Chika completely put away all her playful intentions.

She is no longer the secretary and section chief who only knows how to chase love gossip, nor is she the "temporary worker" who occasionally makes a guest appearance.

For the first time, she clearly realized her identity - a member of the SCP Foundation.

A chess piece under Chairman Lin Qing.

She looked out the window at the fragile order built by mortals, and an unprecedented sense of responsibility surged in her heart.

For others, this so-called secret banquet may be a temptation full of unknowns and a struggle in despair.

But for Chika Fujiwara, this will be her stage.

It was she who, on behalf of the Foundation, announced the prelude to the advent of a new era to those in control of the old era.

Her gaze was cast towards the distant Shinomiya family manor.

Kaguya should be ready too.

"Grandpa, don't worry."

Fujiwara Chika turned around, her tone calm but with unquestionable firmness.

"I'll take care of everything."

She was going to more than just a party.

That would be the first time the power of the Foundation would be truly demonstrated to these mortal rulers in a way that could not be ignored.

She took a deep breath and suppressed the excitement in her heart.

The black evening gown that had been prepared in the closet seemed to be waiting for its owner to open the curtain of a grand performance.

The grandfather looked at the aura that suddenly rose from his granddaughter, opened his mouth, and wanted to say something, but in the end it just turned into a long sigh.

He found that he seemed to be unable to understand this granddaughter whom he had seen grow up.

The study was silent again.

Only the flame in the fireplace was still dancing tirelessly, reflecting the ancient family emblems on the wall. They flickered in the firelight, as if heralding the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Fujiwara Chika adjusted the hem of her skirt.

She knew that the moment she stepped into that banquet hall, everything would be different.

Banquet that night.

The iron gate of the manor slid open silently.

The black car drove into a long tree-lined avenue. At the end was a brilliant light.

This is a private estate in the suburbs of Tokyo, closed to the public. The security is as tight as a restricted military zone. Every entrance and every corner is guarded by security personnel in black suits. Their eyes are sharp, and their waists are slightly bulging.

Tonight, almost all the real controllers of Japan are gathered here.

Chika Fujiwara adjusted the hem of her ivory lace evening gown. She took a deep breath. The air was filled with the scent of fine perfume and exquisite food. There was also an indescribable hint of power.

She followed behind her grandfather, Fujiwara no Daichi, a senior official in the current cabinet. His face was serious, his steps steady.

Qianhua blinked. The light from the crystal chandelier was a bit dazzling. The hall was filled with the scent of lingerie and hair. Everyone wore a perfectly balanced smile. Behind each smile, there seemed to be a hidden meaning.

The men, dressed in suits and ties, looked impressive. They spoke in low voices, occasionally letting out a restrained laugh. The women, adorned with jewels and exquisitely made-up, were the embellishment of this world of fame and fortune, and indispensable participants in it.

Qianhua knew some people, but most of them were faces she had only seen on the news.

The leaders of the chaebols. Political giants. Even a few mysterious figures from ancient families who rarely appear in public.

"Don't be rude."

Grandfather's voice was low, with a hint of warning.

"Yes. Grandfather."

Qianhua nodded obediently, but a sense of boredom rose within her. This situation was too oppressive for her. Every movement, every word, seemed to carry an invisible yoke.

She preferred the relaxed atmosphere of school, playing and joking with her friends, rather than being here, carefully playing the role of the Fujiwara family's granddaughter...

Her eyes wandered through the crowd, trying to find someone who could make her feel a little more relaxed.

For example, her friends.

The seat of the Shinomiya family is usually one of the most eye-catching places.

Qianhua looked over subconsciously.

She expected to see the imposing face of Shigong Yan'an, or his sons who were said to be outstanding.

however.

The next second, Qianhua froze.

Her eyes widened, almost thinking she was hallucinating.

In the main seat of the Shinomiya family.

Sitting upright.

Not Shinomiya Yanan.

Nor any of his sons.

But a young girl.

A girl she was very familiar with.

Her classmate. Her best friend.

Shinomiya Kaguya.

Kaguya wore a pure black, strapless gown. It was perfectly tailored, perfectly outlining her still-immature yet already well-developed curves. Her long, dark hair was tied up, revealing her fair, slender neck. No unnecessary adornments graced her neck, revealing only the natural glow of her skin.

She sat in a very dignified manner, her back straight, her hands folded in front of her.

Her face lacked the usual shyness or arrogance. Instead, it was filled with a calmness and composure that Qianhua had never seen before.

It was as if she was born to sit in this position.

It was as if managing the massive Shinomiya Group was a piece of cake for her.

Kaguya's eyes were very still, as still as a bottomless lake.

The important figures around her who tried to spy on her with their eyes, without exception, all quietly looked away the moment their gazes met hers.

No one dared to look down on her.

No one dared to question her.

Even though she is just a girl under eighteen years old.