Series Placement: The following Shard takes place at scattered points after Fragment 76.

They've gone through trials unfounded and succeeded. By their combined might, humanity was saved through Chaldea's determination. Most of the world's population remained unaware of that fact, and so their mission received no praise nor gratitude. That was how it should be: Chaldea would remain a secret to provide security for the world by supernatural means.

But of course, humans were curious beings, whether heroic spirit or not. From different eras and walks of life, they couldn't help but observe parts of the world they'd been summoned to. Some would interact more directly, but nearly all could gleam the headlines and news that rocketed across the globe by virtual means. With but a simple touch, Chaldeans could see what transpired, with or without their own little meddling.

But in an age of sensational journalism, news was always a mixed bag.

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Shard 54: Worldly Affairs

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"Space Fever" - Astronomy Now Magazine article excerpt
8 October

…exciting time for Space Exploration after this week's stunning announcement! With SpaceX and other companies now receiving extensive funding, the new Space Race is off to a great start. Elon Musk had even promised that humanity could see over a million living on Mars in 2040 or sooner, much earlier than his previous estimate of 2060. Before that, future moon landings are expected to occur within the next five years as companies race to join Nasa's legacy.

But earthly astronomers won't be left out. Aside from contests, there are different ways to participate or join in on the growing fervor of space exploration…

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"Hacker-bae Strikes One Last Time for 2016" – Yahoo News article excerpt
31 December

…now infamous mega hacker attempts to bring the turn of the year into an ominous tone by bringing down every anti-virus company's website for an hour. Data security firms are scrambling to access the damage from the brief shutdown as corporations fear it was more than just the websites. There is currently no comment on the matter, but if Hacker-bae's simple text replacement is any indication, they've only targeted the websites for laughs.

The message is simple: "I'm just being cute~! You should really stop being so complacent about internet security~!"

Hacker-bae's exploits began earlier this month when several famous websites were defaced with the simple purple-haired winking girl emoji that became their calling card. Thus far, all hacked websites and programs appeared to have just been messages, but the fact remains Hacker-bae is very capable to work alone and adjust codes and protocols to their whim. Security firms are already…

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"America chooses Flores!" - New York Times' headline article excerpt
9 November

…predicted that a third party candidate could win the election, but it was likely that the Democrats' decision to go with Hillary Clinton rather than Bernie Sanders may have alienated the necessary votes. Donald Trump's often brash commentary, apolitical background, and radical ideas proved to be just as polarizing as endearing to many voters disillusioned with the current government. In the end, it was the hopeful message and centrist ideology that gave the Liberty Party a stunning victory.

However, many are already arguing Flores' victory was illegitimate. Both the Democratic and Republican parties claim hidden interference by the United Nations, who have been growing in world influence since the Tumangang Nuclear Incident. Trump has insisted over many twitter posts that her private meetings and good standing with the United Nations was reason enough for further investigation.

Although the Liberty Party will not be a force of influence in the United States government, many more argue a third part victory only promises political gridlock and future…

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"Fantasy of Steam" – Science Magazine article excerpt
12 November

…surprising funding for ideas once thought novel. While the application of steam in most regards when compared to electricity are limited, its niche uses have appeared with newfound designs by an online user who goes by the alias "Sir_Steamvenerator." He has declined every attempt at an interview to simply state his inventions will do that talking for him.

Whether it's their surprising efficiency or novelty, scientists and researchers have taken notice of his offered plans celebrated by the Steampunk community. Already a larger convention is being organized in the hopes of drawing out this enigmatic inventor, seemingly from a lost era of thought…

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Assorted Big News Article Titles across December 2016

Climate Change to become a hot topic in 2017 as record high winter averages recorded in Middle East

Sudden Zika resurgence quickly brought under control with United Nations assistance

Japan's Cultural Invasion – V-Tubers growing in popularity worldwide

Despite heavy EU and UN pressure, Russia keeps its troops and claim on the Crimea Peninsula

Brexit Breakdown - Negotiations already becoming far more difficulty than anticipated

Aid missions within Africa more secure thanks to growing volunteer security force

Tensions diffused - United States and China pull back forces from South China Sea

Unusual Celestial Phenomenon briefly picked up on Hubble

Conspiracy Theorist Website claims Vigil Transporters frequently seen over Antarctica

Indian and Chinese Border troops clash in unarmed brawl – 37 dead on both sides

North and South Korea begin talks on border policy and trade after Peace Treaty

Israel and Jordan on the brink of conflict after Syrian Civil War ends

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"A Cure at Long Last" – Le Monde article excerpt, translated
22 October

…researcher states the inspiration for the cure was given by an unnamed mentor. "She guided me to think outside the box for the sake of saving as many as possible. I couldn't have found this cure without her assistance."

The credibility of HIV's first cure grows stronger with each passing day. Already twenty of the tested subjects have been cured at various stages of the disease. The experimental drug's potency and efficiency are startling, and Doctor Eisenheimer is already in talks with reputable pharmaceutical on the potential for mass distribution. More testing and long-term effects need to be studied, but hopes are growing for a promising solution to a decades long problem.

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Independent Australian Podcast
18 September

"…Have I not been saying this for years? Something's been going on in Area 51, and then bang! A lot of bangs! And suddenly the United Nations has this world crushing army at the top of its fingers. The world saw the footage. They released the tapes to prove the legitimacy of their mission but they only outed themselves as alien collaborators!"

"And they're still denying it."

"They're still denying it, mate! Who are they trying to fool with those questionable excuses? Human innovation? Give me a break! How did we go from a simple stealth fighter to a hypersonic fuck off combat plane that can cross the pacific in less than an hour? Where does that thing even get the fuel?"

"Alien power cells clearly."

"And I don't think that's diesel!" Laughter interrupted the podcast for a brief moment. "Then there's the lasers! And robots! Did they really think anyone was going to buy the excuse of a team of developers no one in the scientific community has ever heard of? What next, magic is real?"