Chapter 3 Pressure

A week has passed since the announcement of Project EX was declared to all Existence-sensitive individuals, using Shaher's Shohi Ginsei as a medium. The KND and the Hyakki Yako also participated in the effort by delivering pamphlets to every doorstep of the potential citizens, and all respondents to the packages replied via email towards the site set-up for the purpose, with many enthusiasts gathering for questions.

Meanwhile, Shana is currently in a library in Geneva, asleep and drooling over a couple of books during the mid day.

Someone tapped her shoulder and she shouted, turning everyone's attention to her and the one who surprised her.

Shana immediately went back to reading and continuing the her research.

"Flame Haired Fiery-Eyed Hunter, You have been doing a lot of research lately… you need to take a rest."

"I can take care of myself, Hecate." Shana remarked as she chomps on a nearby sandwich she brought much earlier. "I have to study all these and excel if there is any chance for me to answer the inquiries about the new nation."

Hecate grabs a chair and sits beside her, and she immediately slumps on the desk besides Shana.

"Wow, that's new…"

"The other nations are CRAZY!" Hecate remarked. "I know Master said that I have became like them, now being capable of carrying the existence of multiple beings, but they are pressuring me to either follow this ideology or that economic system! Who would be my allies, enemies, trade deals, you name it! UK wanted me to adopt a Constitutional Monarchy, US a Constitutional Federal Republic, China his Communist system, you name it!"

"Exactly how the forums on our website is going…" Shana remarked. "I already stayed late just to study it all because Yuji is still behind bars, and Alastor wanted to train me just in case we go into a system that makes me the head of state. It is a pain actually, since the Denizens favour an absolute triple-monarchy of the three Crimson Gods, while most of the human members that aren't Flame Hazes wanted varying styles of democracy, which, for some, includes communism, and others, free market economy."

"I was hoping to find you here." A young, male voice approches them.

"What are you doing here Khamsin?" Shana replied without turning an eye on him, just focusing on the things she is reading. "Just in time. I would like to ask you regarding the system of government you used to…"

Khamsin forces Shana to drop the book by putting it to the desk while it is open, with the cover facing the ceiling. Khamsin then said to her an idea that may help her in the long run.

"Flame Haired Fiery-Eyed Hunter, do not stress yourself on just this world's ideas. Remember that Project EX is also a bridge between dimensions, and we must visit the other world for ideas as well."

"You… have a point!" Shana had her light bulb brightened. "However, doing that would mean…"

"I have arranged everything." Khamsin said. "From the Moderators of those who would gather the forums to the makers of the surveys and reports. I've got it covered."

Shana gave a long sigh and leans back to the table. She then stretches her arms and then followed "Studying is one thing, being well-informed is another, and establishing a new nation is on an entirely different level. Why did you and Sophie tasked me with all these?"

"Why are you pressuring yourself first, Shana?" Khamsin remarked. "I heard stories from Kazumi that you managed to scare off your teachers back in Misaki City, because you overwhelmed them with philosophy and wisdom that spans across several decades. But this level of involvement of yours is already on par of that, if not more."

"That is because…" Shana made a long pause then continued "I wanted to have the best place for my child to live."

"And it was precisely that reason why we chose you to arrange it." Khamsin said. "But don't just box yourself on the ideas of this world. There is another horizon to explore, and maybe there, you might be inspired."

"Alright, old man." Shana remarked. She then relaxed a bit, and asks Khamsin "Um, regarding Justus, Whilhelmina said that he bears the existence of both Pheles and Johann, but something else is with him. Do you recall anything… weird? Aside from finding him right beside Kazumi?"

"Nothing unusual." Khamsin remarked. "How about your child? What is 'weird' is that he still doesn't have a name."

"Actually… I already have an idea, but I'm a bit hesitant to name him as such." Shana replied.

"Why?"

"Because I wanted him to be named naturally, in the way I was named by Yuji." She said.

"Oh. Whatever you planned for him." Khamsin just shrugs. "I'll be preparing a charter for you to Point Nemo in order for you to visit the other world, alongside the UN and the KND. Maybe even a special request for the Bal Masque to be free but under the guarding of the KND."

"Whatever you say." Shana remarked. Khamsin decides to leave the area, as Shana decides to turn back to her studies. Hecate notices Shana stop reading, and she asks the Priestess. "Is Melon Bread available here in Switzerland?"