March 14, 2045

  Gamamusa pointed to Alaska on the map. "Seward’s Icebox. This territory was originally sold by Russia to the United States. This is our target." Dmitry Medvedev looked puzzled. "...I understand its strategic importance, but one thing bothers me. Is Alaska really seeking independence?" The staff at the Russian strategic planning meeting turned to Gamamusa. He smirked confidently. "It’s inevitable. With U.S.-Canada relations souring, now’s the time to support independence. If we play it right, we could establish a pro-Russia satellite state."

  Medvedev stroked his chin. "...What if Canada cuts ties with us? Even if they’re at odds with the U.S., they’re still our adversary." Gamamusa slapped the table. "Exactly, Your Excellency! Canada is our adversary now, but in the future, it’ll be the U.S.’s adversary. Their territories are adjacent, and Canada’s population has already surpassed 80 million. It’s only a matter of time before they match the U.S. in power. If we propose an alliance and offer support now, Canada will back Alaska’s independence with troops." Medvedev glanced at his staff, then back at Gamamusa. "...Alright, if that’s your plan, go to Canada as a special envoy. You have my approval."

  ...

  June 27, 2040

  Jung Min-ju and Kim Min-seok exchanged glances before turning back to Director Laurie Kenneth. "...This is hard to grasp. As far as we know, neither Gamamusa nor his ‘Pilgrims’ mercenary group has conducted espionage in Canada. The most they’ve done is Renya Group setting up factories here," Jung Min-ju said. Laurie Kenneth clasped her hands under her chin, her expression grave. "...That’s the issue. Recently, Renya Group expanded into the taiga forests, cultivating them. They’re using digestion engines to turn wood into human-edible food. Since 2035, the taiga’s population has grown from under 4 million to over 10 million. Canada’s population jumped from 48 million to 65 million, and factories and cities have multiplied."

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Jung Min-ju and Kim Min-seok looked confused. "...Director, isn’t that a good thing? It strengthens Canada’s national power," Kim Min-seok said. Laurie Kenneth sighed, picked up a globe from the table, and drew a red line along the U.S. western border. They watched curiously. "This line marks the former boundary between the Mexican Empire and the U.S. It now covers nearly the entire U.S. West," she said, pointing to Mexico. "Before the 1850s, the Mexican Empire was a great power, equal to the U.S. They could fight on par. But after the U.S. annexed the West, Mexico shrank and stopped challenging them."

  (Mexican empire was similar to America)

  She drew a red line along the Russia-China border. "As you know, the Soviet Union and China had tensions since the 1960s. The Soviets were stronger but wary of China’s rise. From the Korean War to China’s nuclear development, their relations were strained. By 1964, their power was equal, leading to border disputes. After the Soviet collapse in 1991 and China’s reforms, a weakened Russia followed China’s lead. Nations with equal power tend to fight." Kim Min-seok slapped his hand in realization. "...I see. If Canada grows stronger, it’ll rival the U.S. and they’ll fight." Laurie Kenneth nodded, pointing to the U.S. and Canada.

  (The Sino-Soviet split)

  "...I don’t know if Gamamusa planned this, but Canada and the U.S. have similar-sized territories. Since Renya Group’s major expansion into Canada in 2035, the U.S. has pushed for international sanctions against the Russian company. Even now, they demand Renya Group’s expulsion. Lately, border and immigration issues have flared up between the U.S. and Canada." Jung Min-ju and Kim Min-seok exchanged looks. "...Team Leader, it feels like we can’t stop this, can we?" Kim Min-seok said in Korean, so the Canadians wouldn’t understand. Jung Min-ju frowned. "...What can we do? The Canadian intelligence agency called us, so we have to do something." She turned to Director Kenneth. "For now, we can’t let Renya Group run rampant in Canada. Let’s gather evidence of espionage and expel them."

  (Canada is similar to America in size)

  https://m.novel.naver.com/challenge/detail?novelId=1180586&volumeNo=93#nafullscreen

  https://ko.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%ED%8C%8C%EC%9D%BC:First_Mexican_Empire_(orthographic_projection).svg

  https://ko.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%ED%8C%8C%EC%9D%BC:Sino-Soviet_split_%281980%29.png

  https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CAN_orthographic.svg#mw-jump-to-license