It's worth noting that this one percent completion wasn't from speedrunning the Otherworld Dimensional Rift, but from battling the British soldiers.
Apparently, it wasn't necessary to kill the targets; simply engaging in combat was enough to count towards the objective's completion.
Firefly changed out of her swimsuit and was on her way back to the inn when she pulled out her phone and immediately noticed a striking headline:
Shocking Revelation: The Truth Behind the Arctic Ocean Dimensional Rift!
Great Britain Recklessly Endangers the Planet, Maintaining Exclusive Control of the Dimensional Rift for Three Years!
Mysterious Figure Calling Himself "SAM" the Molten Knight Uncovers Great Britain's Conspiracy and Annihilates Their Elite Soldiers!
...
The reporter had clearly wasted no time, publishing the story using the ship's thawed computers during the return voyage.
As with most news articles designed to grab attention, this one naturally contained its share of exaggerations.
After quickly skimming the article, Firefly noticed it devoted considerable space to describing the battle, detailing how the silver-armored Knight had thoroughly outmatched the general.
It was only then that she realized the man she had fought was actually a general from Great Britain.
Normally, such sensationalized reporting would stretch credibility thin. How could a national general be so easily defeated?
Yet this article came with irrefutable proof: photographs and even video footage. The entire battle had been recorded in surprisingly clear detail.
Anyone who clicked on the video could see the battlefield transform into a raging inferno in the blink of an eye. Glaciers melted, and the sea surface boiled with flames. Ordinary soldiers couldn't even approach, leaving only the general to charge forward, engage briefly, and be effortlessly defeated.
SAM's metallic voice, chillingly clear in the recording, delivered a brutal verdict:
"Your courage is commendable, but this foolish act is meaningless."
While the combat in the video was surprisingly straightforward, starkly contrasting with the flamboyant descriptions above, it left no room for doubt about the news's authenticity. There were no flashy techniques; the fight ended with a single punch. Anyone who watched the footage couldn't deny its legitimacy.
Scrolling further down, Firefly found comments from netizens worldwide. White Eagle users typically wrote:
"Whoa, that's so cool! This Knight is ridiculously badass!"
"Even the Knight's line was cooler! A new Bible has arrived! From now on, I'll recite it daily and spread the word!"
"Uh... I hope the commenter above doesn't get beat up."
"Wait, is there someone inside that mech? Are they an Evolver, a Transformer, or is it just pure technology?"
British netizens, on the other hand, were skeptical:
"Seriously? Is it really this cheap to fake things these days?"
"Fake at first glance. Don't even bother watching."
"That mech is hideous! What kind of taste do you all have? Makes me want to puke—"
"Damn it, who wrote this article? I'm gonna kick their ass with my boots right now!"
In stark contrast, the European Union was ecstatic, as if they'd just popped a bottle of champagne:
"Ha ha! This is so satisfying!"
"This is amazing! I'm treating myself to a special dinner tonight!"
"You magic-obsessed fools! This mech is badass—your taste must be broken!"
"Hee hee! I love seeing you all so pissed off! Neener neener!"
The comments section of the news article quickly devolved into a raging flame war between Great Britain and the European Union, with occasional remarks from the Dragon Nation and Bear Nation—mostly just spectators enjoying the drama.
After reading the entire article, Firefly couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The general was portrayed as an overconfident clown, but she knew he was simply fulfilling his duty.
Whether Great Britain's actions were justified or not was a separate matter. Aaron was, after all, just a general. In his position, any other country, any other general, would have made the same choice.
Although Firefly was genuinely just passing by and had no interest in the rhombus ice block formed by the Attachment Dimensional Rift, the soldiers stationed there found such a coincidence highly suspicious. On the battlefield, wishful thinking about the enemy could cost you your life.
As time passed, the news story grew increasingly popular, becoming the second-most trending topic in the Dragon Nation, trailing only the announcement of Robin's new album.
Soon after, Great Britain officially warned White Eagle, demanding they retract the fabricated and defamatory news article.
But... even a child could have guessed White Eagle's response: "You think you can just order us around? Why should we take it down just because you say so? We're a free nation—people can do whatever they want! You have no right to interfere! Even if the story is fake, we published it for fun, and we like it!"
Shortly thereafter, the Bear Nation issued a diplomatic warning to Great Britain, demanding the disclosure of all information regarding the Arctic Ocean Dimensional Rift and all intelligence regarding the rhombus ice block.
The Dragon Nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs followed suit with a similar message:
"Let's all get along and make money together. No need for fighting. But Great Britain was clearly in the wrong here. To prevent further escalation, why not just share the intelligence?"
Faced with pointed questions from numerous major powers, Great Britain suddenly found itself under immense pressure. Shortly thereafter, perhaps to divert attention, it immediately issued a second announcement:
"A suspicious individual calling himself SAM, possessing formidable power and unknown motives, is suspected of harboring illicit intentions and poses an extreme danger. He must be apprehended immediately!"
Less than a minute after this announcement, the European Union responded sharply:
"What suspicious individual? I saw no such thing! I only witnessed a Knight passing through who was attacked by your forces and forced to defend himself!"
Great Britain: "So you're admitting this is your new weapon?"
European Union: "What are you talking about? I don't understand! And stop changing the subject—what about the Arctic Ocean Dimensional Rift?"
Initially, both nations' announcements maintained a formal tone. However, as the exchange continued, the hostility between them grew increasingly palpable, almost devolving into outright insults.
Firefly even suspected they were misusing official channels for personal feuds. So, you two countries are trading barbs in news comment sections AND in diplomatic announcements?