Breaking Boundaries in Literature: The Nobel Prize and Korea's Untold Stories

Chapter 4.2 The Dawn of Civil War

As the phone connected, her voice surged through like a storm, its intensity deafening. "See, I was right, wasn't I? This flame wasn't small, after all. Now, will you admit that freedom must be limited to some extent?!"

I sighed, my voice calm. "Haha... You're going to make me deaf. Don't be too upset. It was just the worst-case scenario. But we can't yet judge if this is a true division or a balance. Besides... this is a simulated world. We can't know how things will change based on our choices—it's not real."

But her response was cold. "Maybe. But it feels like reality now. The line between the two blurred long ago."

"I agree. It's hard to tell them apart anymore."

Her voice sharpened. "So, what's your solution, Choi Jun?"

I paused, considering my options. "Let's go in a direction those 5th-universe guys didn't want. In other words, let's break this simulation. Whatever path they planned, we'll go the opposite way. I think they're pulling the strings, but we can ruin the scenario."

She fell silent for a moment. "So, how exactly do you plan to go against it?"

I answered calmly. "I actually like the balance between East and West Korea. But if the game is about division, let's force unification. What do you think?"

Her tone shifted slightly, with a hint of intrigue. "I like it. I was more inclined toward each region having its own union, but pushing for unification sounds fun. How do you plan to do it?"

"First, we'll persuade the bureaucrats, then prepare a referendum. If we spread the message that unification will lead to better prosperity, uninformed citizens will follow. We'll use misinformation to our advantage."

She hesitated. "Isn't that immoral? Still, it's worth a try. Let's not call it 'misinformation,' though. We should frame it as giving people three options to 'choose' from. We'll need to show some sincerity."

"Agreed. Let's draft a new unification manual. Something innovative, beyond freedom or equality. I'll write the framework, and you can review it."

"Alright, I'll check it over. Then we'll guide the people toward their choice."

"Let's meet to discuss the specifics next time. Not just here, but out there as well."

She chuckled lightly. "We'll meet out there, for sure. Until then."

The line went dead. "Chief of Staff! Are you here? Can we get world news from this place?"

He returned and nodded. "Yes, sir. Our security team receives real-time updates, and I will keep you informed. If you want to listen to the public media, there's a TV over there."

"I see. Please summon the key officials; I'm calling an emergency meeting."

The Unification Manual: Three Choices for Reconstruction

1. Freedom Alliance Unification

Concept: Prioritize individual liberty while aiming for national unity through cooperation. Regional autonomy is guaranteed, balanced by social welfare.

Message: "Freedom in equality, equality in freedom" – basic human rights must be protected, but unity fosters true freedom.

2. Equality-Focused Unification

Concept: A model where all citizens have equal opportunities and resources are evenly distributed. Personal freedom is balanced with social responsibility.

Message: "Without equality, there is no true freedom" – fairness in opportunity and social equity outweigh individual liberties.

3. Balanced or Transcendental Unification

Concept: Transcend both freedom and equality, proposing 'harmony.' Break the human-imposed frames of these concepts, creating a truly unified state beyond ideological boundaries.

Message: "Words are illusions made by the human mind. True peace lies in harmony beyond these illusions." This system proposes a society attuned to the natural flow of the universe, creating a community beyond human-imposed divides.

Ballot (National Referendum in Three Months)

In Favor of Unification ( )

Option 1 □ Option 2 □ Option 3 □

Against Unification ( )

Neutral ( )

This vote is established based on the principle of majority rule.

Balanced Unification: Comments Section

(Please express the values you wish to pursue.)

Three months later, the ballots were ready. As the results loomed, anticipation and anxiety filled the air. My palms grew sweaty, as I anxiously awaited the outcome, a mix of hope and dread swirling within. The Chief of Staff gave me frequent updates on the world's realignment. "South America's Freedom Alliance still leads in their civil war. Europe and Africa are under the Equality Coalition's victory. North America, Japan, and China have formed a new economic bloc. The speed and impact are much greater than anticipated."

With each passing hour, the weight of the world's shifting fate pressed heavier.