___ 5 Months Later ___
Five months passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Yet within those five months, the world changed dramatically.
Just a week after Twenty consolidated control over the Black Apostle Cartel, an explosive conflict erupted between Mexico and Lebanon.
At first, many analysts dismissed it as another regional dispute that would eventually cool down through diplomacy.
But they were wrong. The conflict escalated with frightening speed. In mere weeks, missiles were exchanged, military installations were struck and economic sanctions followed.
Then, barely two months later, Mexico committed ground forces to the conflict.
From that point onward, the war stopped being a political crisis and became a genuine international concern.
As casualties mounted and alliances became involved, fears of a much larger confrontation spread throughout the global community.
