Demonic Pornstar System novel Chapter 892

Chapter 892: Power Plays

He paused for the camera. The pause was perfect.

"Eclipse, under the leadership of Guild Leader Kaiden Grey, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the defense of American lives and American interests. From unearthing the deplorable leadership of ChronosX and ensuring they were held responsible. To working with us with bravery through the mass dungeon breaks, saving countless human lives. And now, all the way to the elimination of the recent Kaiju-class threat. This young man and his team have stood where others could not, fought what others would not, and emerged as a symbol of what the awakened community can achieve when it works hand in hand with the institutions that serve our people."

Kaiden listened politely and read the room instead of the speech.

His girls wore expressions of diplomatic tolerance in various shades, except for Calypso, who genuinely seemed to be trying to follow along and finding the experience educational.

Alice got bored within moments and began fiddling with his fingers.

"...And so it is with great pride," the President continued, building toward the crescendo his speechwriters had earned their salaries on, "that I stand here today to formalize the partnership between the United States of America and Eclipse. A partnership built on mutual respect, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of every citizen under our flag."

He turned to Kaiden and gestured toward the table with a grand, inviting sweep that said: this is where you walk over, sign quickly, shake my hand, and let me have my photo.

Kaiden walked over.

He sat down, settled into the chair, and pulled the leather-bound folder toward him.

The hall quieted. Cameras tightened their frames. The President remained standing beside him, smile locked in place, one hand resting on the back of the other chair in a pose that would photograph beautifully.

Kaiden opened the folder, and he did not pick up the pen.

He began reading.

The document detailed the deal he had already struck with the Chairman in the tent yesterday.

Line by line, clause by clause, his eyes moving across the first page at a pace that made the word ’leisurely’ feel rushed.

The hall held its breath for about thirty seconds before the first murmur rippled through the press section.

The broadcast carried his silence to tens of millions of screens.

One minute passed. Kaiden turned the page.

’Sovereign dungeon ownership... recognition of Eclipse’s territorial boundaries within municipal and federal jurisdiction...’

Vespera had already approved of the document’s contents, or he wouldn’t be here.

But Kaiden didn’t care.

It was his duty to ensure the contents were still the same she approved of, and he intended to do his due diligence no matter how uncomfortable the atmosphere got.

The President’s smile held, but the warmth had left his eyes.

The hand on the chair back shifted its grip. His speechwriters had not budgeted for this, and far too many viewers were watching the wait unfold in real time.

Two minutes. Kaiden turned another page.

’Entity reclassification... legal personhood extended to non-human sentient beings under Eclipse’s authority...’

He paused at a line, reread it, and continued.

Luna bit the inside of her cheek as the President’s composure thinned, because watching the most powerful man in the country wait on her boyfriend’s reading speed was the best entertainment she’d had all her life.

Three minutes. The cameras had adjusted their shots. What was supposed to be a five-second signing photo had become an extended broadcast event, and the press section was alive with whispered commentary that would become tomorrow’s headlines.

The President leaned down, just slightly, enough to bring his mouth near the microphone without it looking like he was prompting anyone. "Everything in order?" The warmth in his voice was immaculate.

Kaiden didn’t look up. "So far, yeah."

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