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

Chapter 5. The Duet of Creation and Destruction

Beep—

April 30, 2008. On the day the Liberty Coalition first participated in the world government, the Oceania conference hall had transformed drastically from its former self. Within this simulation, I was still the president, even as time passed. Occasionally, I would glance at old photos of former presidents on my phone, and each time, my own image was conspicuously absent. As the newly elected president and dictator—an irony I bore simultaneously—I knew precisely what the people of Universe 5 coveted most: supreme power. Hence, Elsa and I frequently attended the G17 meetings that symbolized that very power.

"We've arrived, Mr. President."

"Oh, thank you."

My secretary changed with each entry into the simulation, yet her face was strangely familiar. I opened the conference room door and took my seat, curious about the presidents of the Liberty Coalition I was about to meet for the first time. Looking around, I noticed familiar faces already seated around the long table. When Elsa entered, I smiled at her and whispered in her ear, "This place has become another battlefield."

Seventeen presidents took their seats. Before the moderator could utter a word, I opened my mouth. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's good to see so many familiar faces! Do you not remember me? Aren't you all part of the same experimental virtual simulation? Here we have the two professors I met in the Seventh Universe, three officials from the German state government, the rest of the research team, and of course, Elsa, who stands in for Maya. It seems we're all acquainted! Ha ha ha!"

"Oh, Mr. President, you certainly have a knack for jokes! What kind of experiment are we undergoing? Are you referring to the hypothesis of the cosmic simulation? I don't believe in that nonsense. This is reality, not some virtual façade! If it were fake, then give me some cash items, developer!"

As the president of the African Peace Alliance's quip echoed in the conference room, the atmosphere shifted abruptly. The seated presidents broke the momentary silence and erupted into laughter. "Hahaha! Right! Right!" One president, clutching his belly, laughed so hard it spread to the others. Soon, the once-quiet meeting room was alive with a symphony of laughter. "Hahaha! Cash items, indeed!"

Hmm, what's going on here? Elsa definitely recognizes me, but why don't these people know us? They don't even realize we're in a simulation? What on earth is happening in this virtual world...?

Amidst the jovial atmosphere, the G17, composed of nine members from the Freedom Alliance and eight from the Equality Coalition, gathered for their first joint meeting. Naturally, the discussions quickly turned into a tense debate as both factions stood firmly by their respective ideals. The president of the South American Alliance, who had once moderated the discussions, had vanished, and now the voice of the newly participating U.S. president rang loud and clear, matched only by the commanding presence of the Chinese president.

"There can be no fair distribution without economic growth. We must form a new economic bloc to thrive through the power of the free market," the representative of the Freedom Alliance declared emphatically.

In response, the Equality Coalition's representative countered firmly, "But embedded within the very concept of growth is inequality. Pursuing freedom without equitable resource distribution will only exacerbate imbalance, ultimately allowing only a select few to enjoy prosperity."

"So, what are you proposing?" an individual from the Freedom Alliance shot back. "How can we expect innovation without granting freedom to entrepreneurs?"

"We seek coexistence, not innovation," retorted the Equality Coalition representative without hesitation. "A society where everyone has equal opportunities—surely that is our true objective?"

"Coexistence is commendable, but excessive equality stifles individual motivation and creativity," the Freedom Alliance argued, shaking their heads. "The freedoms we advocate can benefit everyone."

As the clash of visions intensified, the space for compromise dwindled. The room grew hotter with tension, and both sides continued their relentless confrontation. They said we would meet in the spirit of unity, yet here we are, battling from the outset. I shot a glance at Elsa, sitting beside me, and couldn't help but smile.

"True innovation is impossible without individual freedom. We must open markets and compete based on our respective abilities. A self-regulated economic bloc is just the beginning."

"The 'freedom' you speak of is only for the privileged few. The majority will not reap its benefits. Without equitable resource distribution, they are bound to fall behind."

"And how do you propose we achieve that? If we simply distribute resources, how can a nation ever advance?" The tone of the Freedom Alliance member was sharp, almost mocking. "Innovation and creativity arise from personal desire and effort. Only with less regulation and the freedom to compete can we truly grow and prosper."

The Equality Coalition pushed back resolutely. "The term 'growth' benefits only a select few. The rich become richer, and the wealth gap widens. We believe everyone should start on an equal footing. Without that, what is the point? If all citizens cannot access basic resources, your notion of freedom is nothing but an empty shell."

Believing that equality will solve everything is a dangerous fallacy. Under the guise of offering opportunities without discrimination, you suppress individual capabilities. Is that really what fairness looks like?

"Suppress? That's your twisted interpretation!" the Equality Coalition member replied, restraining their emotions. "We strive to ensure no one is left behind. We simply desire a world where everyone has equal opportunities and can live basic lives. No matter how talented someone is, they cannot succeed without society. We must progress together."

The representative from the Freedom Alliance surveyed the room, a mocking smile plastered across their face. "You chase ideals. Reality doesn't work that way. Resources are not infinite, and the only way to allocate them efficiently is through competition. In this zero-sum game, the victor claims more, and through this process, everyone can progress. This is an instinctive law. Suppressing that motivation through equality will only stagnate society."

The Equality Coalition members could no longer hold back, their voices rising in protest. "Do you even understand how many are crushed by your 'competition'? When they fall behind, no one is there to catch them. A world ruled by capital is one where only the strong survive."

Their words spiraled into increasing extremism, and the likelihood of consensus dwindled. Compromise faded, and the G17 conference room grew cold with tension.