Some of the seats in the front row began to move.
Important figures who had been silent from the beginning-only observing-now began to show their stance. One of them was Dr. Emilia Carstensen, the official representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Bioethics and Transhumanism.
She stood slowly, wearing a white suit with the WHO logo prominently displayed on the sleeve. His face was rigid, but full of control.
"The World Health Organization has studied the report provided by NEXARIS," he said into a nearby microphone. "And we recognize that this case involves genetic and biological factors that are not yet fully understood."
"However, in terms of global safety and the stability of the general population, we... approve the proposed lawsuit."
The room was whispering again. The uproar began to grow slowly, spreading like embers in all directions.
Shortly after, a man in a dark blue suit stood up. Ambassador Marquez Delaure, the UN permanent representative for Legal Affairs and Global Anomalies, took two steps to the side podium. He didn't speak right away, just stared at Liam for a moment-curious, and somehow, a little compassionate.
"The UN Assembly has long awaited this moment," he said. "Not to punish, but to set a precedent. William Louren's case is an opening... and a barometer for the future."
"I officially declare that we, the UN representatives, support the holding of a decisive hearing. On one condition..."
All eyes turned to him.
"...that the process is transparent, fair, and guarantees the fundamental rights of the subjects concerned. William Louren must be considered a human being... until proven otherwise."
That sentence-even though it felt fair-was a cold blow that echoed in Liam's chest.
"Until proven otherwise..."
It was as if his human status was now an assumption that could be revoked at any time.
Liam still did not react. But his breathing, which had loosened earlier, was now heavy again. His left hand was clenched on his thigh, his fingernails almost piercing the skin of his palm.
Meanwhile, representatives from the European Union, Africa and East Asia also began to speak up, one by one expressing the need for "global standards" to govern similar cases in the future.
Words like:
"Common safety..."
"Cross-border bioethical regulation..."
"Prevention of potential escalation of anomalous forces..."
...were repeatedly heard, each wrapped in neat-and suffocating-formal language.
Amidst it all, Luca remained silent. His hands were folded, his head slightly bowed, but his eyes were alert. He knew: this conference had shifted from a confession... to a veiled declaration of war.
And Liam? He just sat there.
Obscured by the stage lights, by the black cloth over his eyes, by the script he's changed, and by a fate that is no longer his own.
As the room began to boil with shouts, cameras, and microphones scrambling for direction, the organizers finally intervened.
A large man with a security badge and the official conference logo on his coat pocket stood in the center of the room and raised his hands in the air.
"Please calm down!" his voice echoed through a spare speaker. "If this situation cannot be controlled, we will end the press conference right now."
Some journalists immediately stepped back. Microphones were lowered, cameras were re-stabilized. The atmosphere slowly calmed down, though the tension remained, like a thin wire pulled tight but not yet broken.
Among them, attention is drawn to the one person now standing in the middle row-Soraya El-Fadilah, CEO of the Global Human Rights Organization. She is dressed in simple formal attire, but her aura is strong, assertive, and cannot be ignored.
Soraya raises her hand slightly, asking for permission to speak. Luca gives a slight nod. The microphone is pointed at him.
"I stand here, not to contradict anyone," he said. His voice is calm yet resonant. "I stand to remind us all, that no matter how extraordinary a power a person may possess, or how incomprehensible their biological condition may be... the right to life is non-negotiable."
"Neither human... nor Anomaly."
Soraya turned her head towards Liam, even though Liam could not see her.
"We, the World Human Rights Organization, will not remain silent if this legal process deviates from justice."
Several media representatives took quick note of the words. The camera flashes are back on-but no longer in search of scandal. This time, it was to capture history.
In his seat, Liam gripped the sides of his pants tighter. He didn't know if he had just been rescued... or pulled deeper into a vortex he couldn't escape. But one thing was certain:
This identity war... has now officially begun.
Luca raised his head slowly. His eyes scanned the room-sweeping through the delegates, the media, and the spectators who had turned from listeners into unofficial judges ready to judge by snippets of sentences and expressions.
He stood up. His body was erect, neutral. But the pressure around his shoulders showed that he knew: the situation was almost out of control.
"Thank you for all the statements," he said flatly, almost coldly.
"On behalf of NEXARIS, I would like to emphasize that we appreciate every point of view from the WHO, the UN, the Regional Union, and international human rights organizations."
He paused. Staring blankly at the now restless crowd, the endlessly flashing cameras, and the microphones hungry for shocking statements.
"But," he continued, "I must also state that this conference is not a forum for trial, nor is it a place for sentiment."
"Our goal today is only one: to communicate that this case will be processed through official channels. Through legal, scientific, and... controlled mechanisms."
Instantly, voices began to rise again. Some reporters exclaimed:
"Does this mean William Louren could be sentenced to death?"
"What's your response to all the opinions, Mr. Moren?"
"Is there a possibility that Alpha-1 is not the only one who has been born outside of surveillance?"
The guards began to move - gently pushing back some of the reporters who had begun to push forward.
Luca held up a hand, trying to keep quiet. But in vain.
"Please!" the organizers said over the loudspeaker. "To all media parties, this conference will not continue if you can't calm down!"
But the room became even noisier. The relentless sound of cameras rolling, heated whispers between representatives, and even a little shouting at the back of the room began to form an uncontrollable atmosphere.
Luca knew they couldn't delay any longer.
He spoke again-this time, short and forceful:
"This press conference is declared over."
His heavy, firm voice cut through the noise like a court gavel. "The next conference will take place... after the decisive hearing."
And with that, the microphone in front of him was switched off. The security guards moved quickly, clearing a path through the crowd.
Two guards walked first, clearing a path. Liam stood up from his chair-his steps were slow, heavy, yet firm. Beside him, Luca walked alongside without saying a word. Like two sides of a coin: one as the pawn, the other as the moving hand.
Eren and Thiago followed behind, their faces covered in shadow. Eren's expression was sharp and alert, while Thiago's was calmer, but his eyes continued to watch the surroundings.
Behind them, additional guards moved to form a soft barricade-not to protect, but to deter.
A few reporters tried to slip a final question in between steps:
"William! Were you forced to say that?"
"Do you still feel human?"
"What do you think of Mr. Soraya's statement?!"
But there was no answer.
Their footsteps were the only consistent sound as they exited the main stage-toward the hallway at the back of the Aurelius Hall that was now filled with extra security.
And as the final door closed behind them, cutting off contact with the outside world, Liam finally let out a long breath... and let his knees go a little limp-the weight of the words, the betrayal of the script, and the entire world's spotlight now on him... finally felt real.