The sky of early December was exceptionally transparent and frozen.

  Breaking the silence above the presidential palace, Lillik’s sleek, silver-shining compact spacecraft began its descent, piercing through the atmosphere.

  As the sharp, biting cold of late winter swept across the ground, the sight of the vessel—a masterpiece of extraterrestrial technology—landing as softly as a mist was utterly surreal.

  In the front yard of Country U’s presidential palace, the spacecraft finally touched down, creating a stark contrast with the modest and elegant stone building.

  As the roar of the engines faded and the subtle vibrations traveling through the ground ceased,

  that fleeting moment of silence was being broadcast live to the entire world.

  Shimmering brilliantly under the clear winter sunlight,

  the appearance of the spacecraft evoked the illusion of a mythical beast descending into the very heart of the modern world.

  Ivanovich, the Intelligence Director of Country R, could not take his eyes off the YouTube screen while clutching a cup of black tea that had already grown cold.

  Similarly, Scott, the Chief of the U.S. JSTR, kept his silence with arms crossed before the massive wall monitor at command headquarters.

  In South Korea, the Minister of National Defense stared intently at the TV monitor alongside his staff,

  his expression hardened. And in her distant homeland, seated on the worn-out sofa in her parents' living room,

  Natasha also held her breath as she watched the surreal spectacle unfold.

  It felt like a sacred ritual—as if an envoy of goodwill from a distant galaxy had arrived to forge an eternal peace treaty with Earth.

  This was no longer the chilling mass of machinery that, until just recently,

  had roamed through the gunfire of the front lines or displayed its terrifying might in the capital square of Country R during an assault.

  Instead, the sight of the vessel landing gracefully in the tranquil courtyard of the presidential palace,

  bathed in shattered sunlight, instilled a strange sense of relief in the hearts of people worldwide who had been paralyzed by fear.

  It was the first impression of a friendly visitor rather than a hostile invader.

  The sleek hull, settled under the clear winter sky,

  was enough to make humanity harbor a vague yearning and favorable expectations for extraterrestrial beings.

  Instead, the sight of the vessel landing gracefully in the tranquil courtyard of the presidential palace,

  bathed in shattered sunlight, instilled a strange sense of relief in the hearts of people worldwide who had been paralyzed by fear.

  It was the first impression of a friendly visitor rather than a hostile invader.

  The sleek hull, settled under the clear winter sky, was enough to make humanity harbor a vague yearning and favorable expectations for extraterrestrial beings.

  The heavy lower hatch of the spacecraft opened slowly, hissing as it hissed out steam.

  Through the opening, Lillik and Vadim revealed themselves.

  Vadim stood silently behind her, his face concealed by a sleek, white helmet.

  As soon as they stepped onto the ground, the massive iron gates leading to the inner courtyard of the palace parted to the left and right.

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  Soldiers were lined up in the courtyard in a perfectly disciplined formation to welcome them,

  and at the far end, in front of the Main Entrance,

  President Kelensky and his aides stood with faces mixed with tension and anticipation.

  Lillik stepped forward first with an elegant yet restrained gait, and Vadim followed behind her like a shadow.

  On the screens being broadcast live,

  they exuded an air of humanity so profound that no one would have suspected them to be extraterrestrial beings from a distant star system.

  As Lillik reached the main entrance, Kelensky extended his hand first with a bright smile.

  Lillik also returned the gesture with a faint smile, taking his hand.

  This historic handshake between humanity and an extraterrestrial intelligence was broadcast in real-time to living rooms and public squares across the globe.

  However, watching this peaceful scene, Ivanovich, the Intelligence Director of Country R, felt a deep furrow form between his brows.

  His fingertips tightened around his glass.

  To him, this was no simple encounter;

  it felt like a grand ceremony declaring the end of the war and proclaiming Country U’s victory to the world—a thought that was profoundly unpleasant.

  With the leisurely grace of a leader of a victorious nation, Kelensky guided her toward the interior of the palace.

  Today’s meeting was to be a private summit between Kelensky and Lillik,

  strictly away from the prying eyes and interviews of journalists.

  Kelensky led Lillik to his office, and they began their conversation across a table.

  “I am deeply moved that you have come all this way. Thank you.”

  "Yes. I truly wanted to express my gratitude to you today, Mr. President, for your cooperation regarding the UN speech."

  Kelensky had something he desperately needed to ask the woman sitting across the table.

  As the heavy doors of the presidential palace closed, sealing out all external noise,

  a strange tension permeated the room.

  Kelensky politely motioned Lillik to her seat and began to speak.

  "Lillik, first of all, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the overwhelming assistance you provided during our military's recent battles.

  We pray for this war to end as soon as possible so that we may return to our ordinary lives."

  The deep anguish of a leader responsible for an entire nation was etched into his voice.

  He paused for a moment, staring out at the quiet courtyard through the window, before continuing.

  "However, what we have now is merely a ceasefire—a deceptive calm before the storm.

  We are in a precarious situation where enemy fire could rain down on us at any moment.

  Would you be willing to continue your support?

  Or, could you perhaps transfer the special weapons systems you possess so that we may face the enemy on our own?"

  It was a request both desperate and justifiable for a man carrying the fate of a nation on his shoulders.

  Yet, Lillik’s response was calm but firm.

  "Mr. President, we have no plans to transfer military technology to any specific nation.

  Such an act would inevitably lead to a monopoly of power;

  for humanity, that technology is a gift that has arrived far too early."

  Lillik’s eyes grew deep and solemn.

  “And Country R will surely move again.

  Their first target will likely be my spacecraft.

  After that, they will resume their assault on Country U to achieve their ultimate objective. They have not given up yet.”

  It was a cold, ruthless analysis, yet Lillik’s tone carried an unwavering conviction.

  “However, we are also fully prepared to respond. So, do not be too concerned.”

  Her low, resonant voice carried a strange sense of intimidation and formidable strength.

  Kelensky stared into her eyes and nodded cautiously.

  “Then… if Country R attacks first, does that mean you

  are willing to retaliate directly?”

  Despite the desperate plea for confirmation hidden in his question, Lillik merely offered a faint smile.

  “You will see in due time,” she replied, neither confirming nor denying.

  “But why are you so intent on giving a speech at the UN?” Kelensky asked, his curiosity piqued.

  “Mr. President, I am not some grotesque alien from a movie or a TV series.

  I possess a physical body and a spiritual world identical to yours.

  And I breathe the same air as the people of Earth.”

  Lillik paused, her gaze steady.

  “I intend to speak to the entire world at the UN about the threats that lie ahead for this planet.

  Only by speaking with dignity and through official procedures on a formal stage will the people of the world truly follow the meaning of my words.”

  She leaned in slightly.

  “Mr. President, the world is currently riddled with various conflicts and wars.

  Eventually, those battles will end—likely with the victory of whichever nation wields the greater power.

  But do you really think that will be the end?”

  "When roads are destroyed, buildings crumble, and people die—once the social system has collapsed—

  what do you think remains in the hearts of those who have lost their children and siblings?

  First, I intend to stand before the UN podium and urge Country R to immediately cease this reckless war."

  Lillik’s voice settled low within the quiet office.

  She continued, her gaze fixed on the biting winter sky outside the window.

  "I will propose a peaceful solution first. However, if Country R ultimately rejects that hand and persists on the path of war,

  then I will have no choice but to show humanity our true power, just once."

  A mixture of sorrow and resolve dwelled within her eyes.

  "I want to awaken them to how futile this exhaustive slaughter really is.

  Furthermore, I plan to warn them of the practical crises and threats that humanity will soon face."

  Kelensky drew a sharp breath. His brow twitched at the sheer weight of the phrase 'future threats.'

  "Future threats? Are you speaking of a massive catastrophe that will shake the entire globe?

  Something like the climate crisis we are currently enduring?"

  Lillik slowly shook her head.

  "No. It is a far more concrete and existential threat.

  It is the possibility of a visit from yet another extraterrestrial life form."

  Her gaze locked onto Kelensky’s eyes.

  "When they set foot on Earth, they may choose a method entirely different from mine.

  They could be extremely aggressive and destructive.

  That is why unity and close cooperation among nations are what humanity needs most right now.

  It is the very reason this tragic war must stop immediately."

  "Ah..."

  Kelensky let out a short gasp and leaned back into his chair.

  The story he had just heard was a grand epic that transcended mere hegemonic struggles between nations;

  it was about the survival of the entire human species.

  The air circulating in the office sank, growing far colder and heavier than before.