**CHAPTER 51
WORLD ORDER**
For the first time in years, the world breathed.
After the sudden disappearance of H.I.M—vanishing like a shadow swallowed by its own darkness—global tension loosened as though a massive weight had lifted from humanity's shoulders. Nations that had trembled, presidents who had barely slept, and civilians who walked in fear… all suddenly found the air different. Lighter. Almost hopeful.
A WORLD WITHOUT H.I.M, even temporarily, felt unreal.
But the world leaders wasted no time.
Inside the World Council Hall—an enormous domed building lit with gold chandeliers and guarded by soldiers from every continent—presidents, prime ministers, kings, and diplomats gathered in one room. Every representative had heavy eyes, whether from stress, fear, or relief.
Screens all around the circular chamber showed news reports:
"Crime rates have dropped drastically…"
"No global attacks in the last 24 hours…"
"Is this the dawn of a new era?"
The room buzzed. Some officials whispered in cautious relief, others still rigid, expecting the worst.
"Ladies and gentlemen," spoke President Everett of the Allied States, his voice echoing. "The threat known as H.I.M has disappeared. We cannot confirm if he is dead, hiding, or waiting. But we must act."
A representative from France nodded.
"We've lived in fear too long. Now that he's gone, we must restore order."
Others murmured in agreement.
Japan's Prime Minister added softly, "We have to rebuild trust. The public needs to feel stable again."
Germany's Chancellor leaned forward.
"And we must prevent future beings of that scale from rising unchecked."
There was silence.
Then President Everett announced the new directive:
"We launch OPERATION CEASEFIRE."
A massive hologram lit up behind him—an international plan designed to neutralize conflicts, cleanse corruption peacefully, end illegal arms trading, and stabilize rebel zones across the planet.
No armies.
No violence.
Only rebuilding.
It was humanity trying to prove it could still fix itself.
The council voted.
The screens flashed green.
OPERATION CEASEFIRE — APPROVED.
For the first time, world leaders felt like they were controlling their destiny again.
But the feeling was fragile.
Very fragile.
---
EAST EGYPT — THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
Far away from politics and flashing cameras, the sun hovered above the horizon in a deep orange blaze. Sand stretched endlessly, shimmering under the heat.
And on the very tip of the Great Pyramid of Giza—standing impossibly steady—was H.I.M.
Motionless.
Silent.
Almost statue-like.
His cloak fluttered with the wind sweeping across the dunes. His eyes reflected nothing of the chaos he'd caused, nor the vengeance that once burned inside him. He simply stared at the rising sun as if trying to understand something beyond mortal comprehension.
Slowly, he lifted his hand toward the glowing sphere, palm open.
He didn't speak.
He didn't scream.
He didn't threaten.
He simply reached… as if trying to pull something from the sky.
Or as if trying to push something away.
The sun's reflection gleamed in his darkened pupils.
A faint whisper—almost like a voice carried by the wind—moved around him.
Not the devil.
Not a command.
Just… a memory.
The world believed H.I.M was gone.
But all across the desert, the air trembled with a faint, unfamiliar energy.
As if he was trying to decide something.
As if the world was on the edge of another shift.
---
BACK TO LIBERTY CITY
Things had changed.
The once-chaotic streets were calm. People walked without hurrying. Shopkeepers opened early, children played near fountains, and the constant nighttime sirens were now silent.
Liberty City finally lived up to its name.
John Stellman—finally returned from the Himalayas—stood on a balcony overlooking downtown. A soft breeze brushed his hair as he breathed deeply, absorbing the sight.
A city at peace.
Gina stepped beside him, crossing her arms with a small smile.
"Not bad, right?"
John nodded. "It's… different."
She laughed lightly. "Different? It's a miracle. For once, the city sleeps at night."
John's eyes softened.
"Jack would've loved to see this."
Gina's smile faded warmly. She placed a hand on his shoulder.
"He'd be proud of you, John."
For weeks, Stellman and Gina had cleaned up Liberty City.
Strengthening laws.
Cutting off corruption lines.
Reforming the police system.
Helping families find safety again.
Word spread that Stellman was a symbol of hope—a man who trained, fought, and endured to protect the city without crossing moral lines.
People waved at him from the streets.
Children called his name.
Workers thanked him.
Liberty City didn't just change.
It healed.
And they didn't know whether to thank God, or fate, or simply the disappearance of a shadow called H.I.M.
But deep down, Stellman felt something was off.
Peace came too easily.
Too suddenly.
And the absence of H.I.M felt less like a blessing… and more like the quiet before a new storm.
---
THE WORLD'S CALM… AND THE WORLD'S FEAR
News stations repeated the same message:
"The world is entering a new age of peace…"
"Crime remains low worldwide…"
"Operation Ceasefire begins today…"
People everywhere felt safe. They walked freely, slept deeply, and smiled more than usual. Some thought it was divine protection. Some believed humanity finally woke up.
But others whispered…
"What if he comes back?"
"What if this peace is temporary?"
"What if he's watching?"
Because no one—no nation, no satellite, no radar—could find H.I.M.
He was nowhere and everywhere at once.
A ghost.
A myth.
A silent void.
And somewhere far across the glowing desert sands of Egypt, atop a pyramid older than time…
H.I.M lowered his hand.
His head tilted slightly.
And for a single second, a faint breeze swirled around him—shaped like a warning.
The world thought peace had returned.
But H.I.M was not done.
His story was not finished.
His silence…
was simply the next step.
---