Back on Earth

  In the heart of Japan, a massive cherry tree stood tall—so colossal that it dwarfed even the Eiffel Tower in sheer size.

  Its presence was a spectacle, a breathtaking marvel that quickly became one of Japan’s most famous tourist attractions.

  People flocked from all over the world, their heads tilted all the way back as they gazed upon the endless canopy of Sakura blossoms. Delicate petals drifted gently to the ground, carried by the wind, painting the landscape in shades of soft pink and white.

  Over time, a tradition emerged.

  Visitors began making wishes upon the fallen petals.

  Strangely, these wishes were never for greed or personal gain. Instead, they always seemed to align with something greater.

  It was as if the tree itself inspired hope beyond selfish desires.

  This unspoken sentiment only grew stronger when an organization formed around the tree, dedicated to preserving its mystery and purpose.

  The world knew it as Cherry Tree Inc.

  Cherry Tree Inc. was known as the greatest powerhouse company in history. No matter the industry they entered, they inevitably became number one, setting the standard for progress and success on a global scale.

  They led advancements in every major field—entertainment, agriculture, finance, scientific research, technology, and most notably, healthcare.

  Their contributions to medicine and biotechnology were nothing short of revolutionary. Diseases that had plagued humanity for centuries—cancer, Alzheimer’s, even genetic disorders once thought untreatable—were either eradicated or rendered completely manageable. Their breakthroughs in regenerative medicine allowed the regrowth of lost limbs and organs, fundamentally reshaping what was once thought possible in the medical world.

  Their most astonishing achievements, however, came in the realm of technology, particularly artificial intelligence.

  It wasn’t long ago that they propelled AI development so far ahead that even the greatest minds in the field were left in disbelief.

  Where others believed true self-learning, near-sentient AI was something that wouldn’t be seen for centuries, Cherry Tree Inc. made it a reality in a matter of years.

  Even the most visionary experts had once assumed such progress was something their great-grandchildren wouldn’t live to see.

  Yet, Cherry Tree Inc. made the impossible seem effortless.

  But their business success paled in comparison to their global contributions.

  For every dollar that poured into Cherry Tree Inc., just as much—if not more—flowed back out into the world.

  Their financial power wasn’t hoarded for greed or status; it was used to reshape lives.

  They funded healthcare for those in need, covering treatments and surgeries that otherwise would have been impossible. They sponsored students, giving them access to education they could have never afforded. They backed aid relief in conflict zones, ensuring food, medical supplies, and shelter reached those suffering the most.

  The list of their charitable efforts was so vast that it became an accepted fact—if Cherry Tree Inc. had the resources to solve every crisis on Earth, they wouldn’t hesitate to do it.

  But unfortunately, there were limits to what even the greatest company could achieve.

  Yet, despite those limits, millions of people across the world could personally attest to how Cherry Tree Inc. had changed their lives for the better.

  The company’s symbol—once just a corporate logo—became something more. It became a cherished emblem within Japan’s culture, a mark of hope and generosity.

  Oddly enough, the person who founded the company wasn’t even Japanese.

  He hailed from the Caribbean, a place where cherry trees didn’t naturally grow.

  Yet, when asked about the name, he insisted on it, saying it came from his lifelong fascination with Sakura blossoms.

  As Cherry Tree Inc.’s global influence grew, it wasn’t long before the leaders of the world took notice.

  Some saw their contributions as a blessing, a beacon of progress that benefited humanity as a whole.

  Others, however, saw it as a threat.

  Certain governments and political figures sought to restrict and dictate the company’s actions, attempting to limit their reach through carefully crafted laws and regulations. Bills were drafted, not out of necessity, but to hamper their independence—an effort to place Cherry Tree Inc. under governmental control.

  Some officials even pushed for direct involvement, lobbying to secure key positions within the company under the guise of corporate oversight.

  But their intentions were obvious.

  It wasn’t about regulation.

  It was about power, control, and greed.

  Other corporations, envious of Cherry Tree Inc.'s unmatched assets, innovation, and wealth, joined the effort. They saw an opportunity to weaken their greatest competitor, funnelling money into lobbying efforts so blatantly corrupt that they didn’t even bother to hide it from the public.

  Their arrogance proved to be a fatal mistake.

  Public outrage erupted on a global scale.

  The people had seen the good Cherry Tree Inc. had done. They had benefited from its actions firsthand. And when they realized that politicians and corporate executives were attempting to hinder the very company that had improved millions of lives, their fury was unstoppable.

  Protests broke out worldwide.

  Some corrupt corporations collapsed overnight, unable to withstand the boycotts and financial backlash.

  Government officials who had pushed the hardest found themselves under fire from the very citizens they claimed to represent.

  The anger ran so deep that in certain parts of the world, people even called for the execution of the executives and lawmakers responsible.

  To the public, this wasn’t just about business and regulation.

  It was about protecting a company that had become a symbol of hope.

  And they weren’t about to let greed destroy it.

  And throughout all the chaos, debates, and public outrage, despite being the very center of it all, Cherry Tree Inc. continued as usual.

  They refused to let politicians, corporations, or any external force disrupt their mission.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Nothing changed.

  No speeches. No official responses. No defensive statements.

  Even the Founder, the very figure responsible for it all, remained completely silent.

  Or rather—he was nowhere to be seen.

  A lone figure moved through the heart of Cherry Tree Inc., his footsteps quiet as he passed through various security checkpoints, scanning his keycard at every door.

  After navigating through several sections of the company, he finally arrived at a seemingly unremarkable location—the cleaning facilities.

  With practiced ease, he gathered his supplies, securing everything he needed before heading out to begin his work.

  As he walked the halls, various employees greeted him as they did every day.

  "Hi, Sui Ren! How are you?" a female colleague called out with a friendly wave.

  "Same thing, different day, really. Hope you have a great one," he replied with a warm smile before continuing his rounds.

  Sui Ren—or rather, Ren Sui—was nothing more than a janitor at Cherry Tree Inc.

  At least, that’s what everyone thought.

  Cleaning the halls, maintaining the offices, ensuring everything remained spotless—this was his day-to-day job.

  But in reality, he had deliberately placed himself here.

  A man who belonged to an ancient organization, a leader who had spent his life preparing for Earth’s inevitable integration into the multiverse, now posed as nothing more than an unassuming worker.

  Cherry Tree Inc. had taken everyone by surprise.

  Even his organization, despite centuries of preparation, centuries of studying forces beyond Earth, had never predicted the rise of a company so powerful, so untouchable, that it could reshape the world in mere years.

  And yet, here it was.

  A force that not even the world’s greatest powers could fully control.

  As Ren wiped down the surface of a large mahogany desk, the accountant sitting inside glanced up from his paperwork.

  "Hey, Sui, did you hear about the recent arrests in the United States?"

  Ren paused for a brief moment, then resumed cleaning.

  "No, I haven’t. What happened?"

  "Members of Congress and different government sectors kept pushing for a forceful takeover of Cherry Tree Inc. Some wanted tighter restrictions, others outright demanded we be seized and brought under their control."

  "Hell, some even whispered about military intervention, like brute force was enough to bring us to heel."

  "But before they could even act on it—before a single plan could take shape—those same officials were arrested and stripped of their positions."

  "If that’s not a warning, I don’t know what is."

  "Cherry Tree Inc. isn’t some company you can threaten and walk away from."

  Ren barely reacted to the news as he continued methodically wiping down a desk.

  His tone was casual—just another janitor making small talk.

  "In all fairness, it’s not really a surprise," Ren replied, his voice even as he continued cleaning. "It seems like some people would rather start a war with us than let us exist in peace."

  The accountant sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, but you’d think after everything Cherry Tree Inc. has done, people would have enough sense to leave it alone."

  A scientist from the research division, passing by, scoffed before jumping into the conversation.

  "What’s even more surprising is that someone like her actually got elected into the House of Representatives."

  His tone was laced with disbelief. "Even after reading the audits about our advancements in technology, even after being warned that we are in a greater position to defend ourselves—especially with our capabilities to create warfare—she still went on and on with her nonsense."

  He shook his head, muttering under his breath. "I swear, some people don’t understand how close they are to making a mistake they can’t undo."

  The accountant chuckled dryly. "I think they assume we’ll just sit here and take it, that we’re all too charitable and kind to do anything. They really haven’t met our CEO, have they?"

  Ren smirked slightly at that.

  "Not too surprising. We could put him in broad daylight, and no one would assume he’s the CEO and founder."

  That much was true. The public image of Cherry Tree Inc. was one of progress and benevolence, and their leader? Most wouldn’t even recognize him if he walked right past them.

  But Ren knew better.

  His expression shifted, his voice taking on a more serious edge.

  "But even I have to admit—when his bottom line is crossed, even I’m scared of him. It’s like he becomes an entirely different person."

  "Anyway, guys, I’m off. More cleaning to do. Have a good day."

  Ren waved them off and continued down the hall, disappearing into one of the most secured areas of Cherry Tree Inc.

  Most people assumed this was the CEO’s office, a grand space where the company’s greatest decisions were made.

  Ren, however, entered with nothing but his cleaning supplies.

  "You’re still acting as the interim CEO, huh?" Ren quipped humorously as he stepped inside.

  Before he could take another step, a stapler came flying toward his head.

  He tilted slightly, letting it whizz past his ear and clatter against the wall.

  "Don’t make me gut you."

  The threat came from the woman behind the desk, her tone flat yet unmistakably sharp.

  Ren sighed, shaking his head. "Hey, stop making more work for me. You know I have to clean that up, right?"

  The CEO leaned back in her chair, unimpressed.

  "Sui, you really like to get on my nerves, don’t you?"

  Ren flashed a grin, completely unfazed.

  "Yes. I. Do."

  "Haven’t they heard anything about when that guy’s coming back?" she moaned, rubbing her temples in frustration.

  "Unfortunately, no." Ren leaned against the wall, watching her with mild amusement. "Seems like our CEO was one of those people who disappeared."

  She let out an exaggerated groan, slumping forward onto her desk. "Ughhh, why me? Why do I—"

  Ren, never one to let her finish a complaint, cut in smoothly. "Guess fate doesn’t like you. Which, honestly, makes sense."

  He flashed her a grin, completely unapologetic.

  A second later, something heavy flew past his head, barely missing him.

  Outside the office, employees walked by as the sounds of an all-out war echoed through the walls. The crashing of objects, the sharp exchange of insults, and the occasional thud of what could only be furniture colliding with something solid had become a daily occurrence.

  At this point, no one even bothered reacting.

  In fact, the cleaning budget had been permanently increased to account for the sheer amount of damage that took place in this one room alone.

  And the reason?

  Those two.

  "Huff… Huff… Huff…"

  Taking deep breaths, Lia collapsed onto the floor, arms sprawled out as she tried to catch her breath.

  Ren stood over her, shaking his head with an amused chuckle.

  "I keep telling you to take care of your body. Look at you—already exhausted. Kinda sad, to be honest, Lia."

  She barely had the energy to glare at him.

  "I’m too tired to even try killing you for that," she muttered, still resting on the floor.

  Ren smirked. "Too bad Jin isn’t here. I’m sure he’d whip you into shape in no time. Then again, he disappeared along with everyone else."

  Lia sighed, taking a long sip of water before giving him a curious look.

  "Why are you so adamant about training? Always pushing fitness, mental sharpness… Not to talk down on you for being a janitor, but you’ve proven you’re way too smart and capable for this job. You could land any high-level position here in any department. Do you know something we don’t?"

  Ren shrugged, his expression unreadable.

  "I don’t know about that. I just like being low-key. And honestly? This job pays really well, so I don’t mind it."

  Lia grinned, a sense of pride evident in her expression. "That’s Cherry Tree for you. Making sure its own people never have to worry about anything before looking after the rest of the world."

  She said it with genuine admiration, as if she truly believed in the company’s mission.

  Ren grinned. "Well, for us to keep being that way, you better make sure you don’t ruin us. Don’t make me homeless, lady."

  Before she could process his words, he burst out laughing and bolted for the door.

  Lia barely hesitated before launching a half-empty water bottle at his retreating figure.

  Staring at the lone umbrella resting in the corner of the room, Lia sighed.

  Her thoughts drifted to the CEO, wondering when—or if—he would return.

  Wherever he was, she just hoped he was okay.

  She ran a hand through her hair before groaning. "Ughhh, even the secretary is gone too?"

  Another complaint added to the ever-growing list.

  After a few minutes of grumbling to herself, she finally composed herself, cleaning up and straightening her posture.

  The tired, frustrated woman from moments ago disappeared.

  By the time she stepped out, she carried herself with the poise and authority of Cherry Tree’s interim leader.

  As she passed Ren, he leaned lazily against the wall, flashing her an easygoing grin.

  "Go get 'em, tiger."

  Lia raised an eyebrow, her confidence returning in full force as she smirked at him.

  Without breaking stride, she tossed him a pastry from the meeting room.

  "You know I will, Lion."

  Ren caught it effortlessly, shaking his head.

  "God, you’re so corny."

  Back to the Expanse

  In a quiet corner of the settlement, Kei sat mindlessly carving his branch staff, the soft rhythm of his blade against the wood filling the air.

  His Aether had already etched intricate designs into the surface, and now he was carefully accentuating them by hand, ensuring every detail stood out.

  Happily working away with his woodcrafting tools, he barely noticed the gentle breeze carrying a familiar scent toward him.

  "Hey, guys," he greeted cheerfully, not even looking up as he continued his carving.

  "You’re a woodcrafter too?" Reese asked, stepping closer, clearly amazed by the intricate patterns forming along Kei’s staff.

  "Yeah," Kei responded casually. "I got bored back on Earth. Used to model designs for engineering with wood before finishing them on computers."

  He still hadn't lifted his eyes from his work, completely absorbed in his task.

  "Ignoring the fact that there seems to be nothing you can’t do," Talia cut in with an amused scoff, "I’m sure you’ve heard about the plans to tackle the Apex Boss. Are you joining?"

  Kei blinked, finally looking up.

  "Apex Boss? Haven’t heard about it." His brows furrowed in genuine confusion before a sudden realization hit him. "Oh… I forgot there are other Apex Bosses besides the blue mon—"

  He froze mid-sentence.

  As if realizing he’d just said something he absolutely shouldn’t have, Kei’s carving knife hovered in place.

  Slowly, he looked up and found himself met with four wide-eyed stares.

  "You’re saying you defeated one of the two Apex Bosses?" Kai muttered in shock.

  Kei hesitated for a long moment.

  Then, with a completely straight face—

  "Ummmm… I plead the Fifth."