The cold winds howled as **Manav and Priya** descended from **Crimson Peak**. Their footprints left a trail in the untouched snow, the weight of their past pressing down on every step.
Manav walked ahead, his eyes locked on the vast Martian landscape below. The city-sized **Dome**, the last sanctuary of humanity on Mars, loomed in the distance like a glass coffin.
Priya followed behind, her breath heavy. She hadn't spoken much since their conversation on the mountain.
She wasn't sure **who her brother was anymore.**
"Manav," she finally said, her voice quiet but firm.
He didn't stop walking. "What is it, sis?"
Priya hesitated before asking, **"What are you going to do now?"**
Manav slowed his pace. He turned his head slightly, just enough to glance at her from the corner of his eye.
"Sis," he said. "Do you remember **Earth?**"
Priya's chest tightened. "…Of course, I do. Our sweet home. But after **World War III**, everything changed."
Manav nodded. "That war… destroyed everything. After **North Korea** invented spacefaring technology, they built ships capable of carrying a thousand people each. Humanity spread out—each ship landing on a different planet. We lost contact with the others. We don't even know if they survived."
Priya frowned. "What are you saying?"
Manav's eyes gleamed. "I'm saying that if **we** want to survive, Mars needs to be **united**."
Priya stopped in her tracks. "…You're planning something, aren't you?"
Manav faced forward again. "I'm going to **form a nation**."
Her stomach twisted. "A nation?"
"Yes," Manav said. "Seeing me, **others will follow.** Soon, Mars won't be a scattered collection of survivors hiding in domes. It will be a world of **nations**—strong, independent, and free."
Priya took a deep breath. "And what about the Dome? That's where **all** the people live."
Manav's expression darkened. "I'll destroy it."
She felt a chill that had nothing to do with the cold. "You're serious?"
Manav didn't answer.
But he didn't need to.
She already knew.
It started **as a revolution.**
Manav gathered his allies—fighters, visionaries, rebels. Together, they **marched toward the Dome**, determined to break its hold over Mars.
The Dome's leaders tried to resist. **They sent soldiers, drones, mechs—anything to stop Manav's forces.**
But Manav **had already won.**
With **strategic precision**, he and his army **infiltrated** the Dome, **overpowered** its defenses, and **brought the city to its knees.**
And then, with **one final command…**
Manav **brought it down.**
The massive glass structure **collapsed**, shattering like ice under a hammer. The people—once trapped in the Dome's artificial safety—**were finally free.**
Mars was no longer under the control of the old world.
It **belonged to Manav now.**
-
After Manav **dismantled the Dome**, others began to **rise.**
Inspired by his leadership, **twelve more nations were formed**, each with its own president, laws, and vision for the future:
1. **Goodie Hunters**
2. **Ironclad**
3. **Sunstone Republic**
4. **Silver Plains**
5. **Redcrest Dominion**
6. **Starlight Confederacy**
7. **Horizon Reach**
8. **Crystal Vale**
9. **Shadow's Edge**
10. **Lunar Divide**
11. **Thunderfall**
12. **Dusthaven**
13. **Eclipse Territory
Together, these **13 nations** formed the backbone of **a new Mars.**
But as the nations grew, so did the need for **a central authority.**
Thus, the **Global Parliament** was created.
---
The **Global Parliament** became the **governing body** for all of Mars.
They needed **a leader.**
And naturally, **they turned to Manav.**
They **offered him** the title of **World President.**
But he **refused.**
He had no interest in ruling over others. His nation—**Goodie Hunters**—was enough for him.
So the **Global Parliament** created **a system** to elect a World President:
1. **Every five years**, each nation sends **delegates** to the Parliament.
2. These **delegates** present the achievements of their **nation's president**.
3. The Parliament deliberates for **48 hours**.
4. The **World President** is chosen based on their **contributions to Mars**.
It was a system **built on merit**—not bloodlines, not power, not politics.
And for the first time, Mars had **a true government.**
---
### **Present Day – Manav's Office, Goodie Hunters Headquarters**
Manav **opened his eyes.**
The past faded, replaced by the soft glow of his office. He exhaled slowly, the weight of **years** pressing against his chest.
The door creaked open.
Ryan Jim **walked in**, carrying a silver tray with a steaming cup of **tea**. He placed it on the desk, standing with his usual **sharp military posture.**
"Sir," Ryan said. "Your tea."
Manav took the cup, letting the warmth seep into his fingers before taking a slow sip.
Ryan pulled up a chair, crossing his arms. **He had something on his mind.**
"Sir," Ryan began, his tone serious. "Now that **Adrian Veylor** is dead… who do you think will become the next **World President?**"
Manav didn't react. He took another sip of his tea, then set the cup down.
Ryan continued, "After his death, the **Vice President** announced he'll rule for **one year** before the **next election.**"
Manav remained silent for a moment. Then, finally, he spoke.
"I don't guess, Ryan." His voice was calm. "I just **wait** for the result."
He lifted his cup again.
"And then, I **watch.**"