Going back six months earlier, Uwa had received intelligence that Corey would appear at a hospital. She had hidden there two days in advance, waiting for his arrival. Her patience paid off when he finally showed up, though she hadn't expected to see him in a wheelchair. "Could his legs be injured?" she wondered.
Late that night, she crept out from her hiding place and approached Corey's room. Six guards stood outside his door. She took out a prepared solution and sprayed it in their faces. Moments later, all six slowly collapsed. She opened the door and entered the hospital room. As she pulled out her knife and prepared to plunge it into Corey's chest, he suddenly opened his eyes and cried out, "Who are you?"
"Keep quiet, or I'll kill you," she threatened.
Corey quickly regained his composure and asked, "Are you from the resistance?"
"I'm Uwa, not from any resistance."
"Now I remember. You're Amandine's woman."
"You know me?" Now it was Uwa's turn to be surprised.
"Yes. Amandine kept calling your name before he died. I looked into your relationship afterward."
"What else did he say?"
"Nothing more. He died terribly, but I admired him. He was a brave warrior. To show my respect, I buried him in a special place."
"Where?" Uwa couldn't help asking.
"Put down your knife first, and I'll tell you."
Uwa lowered her knife. "Tell me. Where exactly?"
"If I tell you, can you guarantee my safety?"
"What do you really want?" Uwa demanded angrily.
"Let's make a deal. Spare me today, and I'll have someone tell you where Amandine is buried. How does that sound?"
"You won't deceive me, will you?"
"I'm the chairperson of the Illuminati. I keep my word."
"Fine, I'll trust you. I hope you contact me soon."
Only after leaving did Uwa realize she hadn't given him any contact information. When she returned, Corey had already been moved, and the hospital was surrounded by Illuminati warriors. Corey hadn't broken his promise—he initially tried to find Uwa, but as his condition worsened, he gradually forgot about it. It was only on his deathbed that he suddenly remembered Uwa, leading to the earlier scene.
After Corey's death, over two hundred operatives from Greenway Orphanage quickly mobilized with General Ethan's support. They swiftly took control of the Illuminati's main departments across all continents. After more than six months of effort, they had completely secured their position. The Group of Seven discussed appointing Uwa as the new chairperson.
"No, no, I don't know anything about leadership," Uwa refused.
Bayu spoke up, "This is Miss Catherine's wish. We cannot oppose it."
General Ethan added, "Ms. Uwa, please don't reject this mission. Without your dedication over the past decade, today's victory would have been impossible. You are undoubtedly our hero and protector."
Nandi laughed, "Since becoming a general, my brother certainly speaks more eloquently."
After much persuasion, Uwa finally agreed. Following Catherine's suggestion, the Illuminati was renamed the "Nine Stars Alliance."
Time flies, and years pass like a shuttle. Another five years went by. The city-state developed rapidly, and its relationship with the Nine Stars Alliance gradually shifted from harmonious to competitive, even developing some hostility. This change also manifested between Catherine and Enos.
"Why are you letting Nine Stars Alliance people stop the city-state from mining gold?" Enos asked.
"The city-state uses honor value. What use do they have for gold mines?" Catherine replied.
"They might need it in the future."
"That's a future concern. Right now, the Nine Stars Alliance needs these resources more."
From their conversation, it was clear that Catherine sided with the Nine Stars Alliance—understandably, as she had invested so much emotion in the organization and had personally helped establish it. Enos, on the other hand, favored the city-state due to her connection with Ronnie.
"Catherine, I've noticed you've changed," Dan remarked.
"Have I? I hadn't noticed," Catherine responded, looking at her.
"Your heart is now with the Nine Stars Alliance. You've completely forgotten our purpose."
"What is our purpose? Is it to destroy the Nine Stars Alliance?" Dan was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond. Catherine continued, "Don't forget, the Nine Stars Alliance still exists in our time. The city-state needs external pressure to maintain its vitality. The two entities can compete peacefully and develop together."
"That's sophistry. The pie is only so big—either you're strong or I'm weak. How can both develop together?" Dan countered.
"What do you suggest then?" Catherine asked coldly.
Enos spoke up, "Let both sides share this gold mine. The Nine Stars Alliance shouldn't monopolize it."
"That's not possible," Catherine refused. Enos and Dan asked simultaneously, "Why not?"
"I've already said the city-state doesn't need gold mines right now. Besides, I've already agreed to let Uwa and her people handle it. I can't go back on my word."
The group parted on unfriendly terms. Enos and Dan walked together afterward.
"I'm never helping her again," Enos declared.
Dan sighed, "How did Catherine become like this? She's completely a spokesperson for the Nine Stars Alliance."
"What should we do? With her—a person from the future—helping them, won't the Nine Stars Alliance overshadow the city-state?"
"If only we had a time phone, we could secretly support the city-state."
"I might be able to find a way," Enos muttered.
Uwa didn't care much about Nine Stars Alliance affairs. She typically left everything to Bayu and the others, serving as chairperson in name only. The Group of Seven had no special attachment to the city-state. Previously, the two sides had been collaborators, but now they were competitors. They were determined to secure the gold mine. Although city-state personnel had discovered the location first, it was technically within Nine Stars Alliance territory. Both sides had agreed to negotiations, scheduled for three days later in Zi City. Uwa was also required to attend this first formal meeting between the two parties.
When the day finally arrived, the Nine Stars Alliance was represented by Uwa, Bayu, Ethan, and Nat. Across from them sat Simon, De Silva, and three members of the city-state's Council of Elders. Alena, being the former Holy Virgin, was not present.
As soon as Uwa saw De Silva, she recognized him and couldn't help asking, "Are you Amandine's son?"
"Yes, ma'am. We met in Thailand over twenty years ago."
"Why haven't you aged at all?"
This was the question De Silva dreaded most. He forced a smile and said, "Perhaps because I'm short and grew slowly, I also age slowly."
Uwa nodded in agreement, "My brother was the same way. He never looked old either."
The others were confused, not understanding who "brother" referred to, but De Silva understood perfectly.
He sighed, "Too bad he can never return."