Chapter 33 : Speech

----GATHERING OF MEMBERS IN THE GROUND-----

SAM'S POV

I stood among the crowd, looking at the faces of people Dad had once called friends, comrades, and allies.

The atmosphere was a mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and fear for the future. There were whispers and hushed conversations, the air heavy with the unspoken understanding that this gathering was about to change their lives.

After all, Archer's only interaction with them was as a breeder. 

I caught Jon's eye, who stood beside me, and he nodded. We both knew what was about to happen.

Archer, dressed in his usual composed manner, stood at the front. His presence commanded attention, and the crowd gradually fell into a respectful silence. He spoke, his voice carrying through the space," Thank you all for being here today."

Archer stood in front of the crowd, thanking everyone for coming together. He spoke," Dregen was a great man. There is no doubt about that. I can never be him."

The crowd looked as he said, " But some politicians see him as a criminal."

The truth hurts but it is the truth. The crowd felt the same, but they almost exploded as Archer said, "It is the truth."

Just as I was afraid there might be a stampede, Archer continued saying, "He is the criminal to his rules and morals. He is a great man who became a criminal by putting his values aside and fighting for what's right. He didn't like violence, but he fought. He didn't like killing, but he did. He hated insults but he endured them. He killed himself pursuing the betterment of society but never regretted a single thing in this fight, even on death."

Archer was roaring at this point as he said, "Dregen is a Great man. I am sure if any politician says otherwise, the government will fall overnight."

CLAP

The initial claps I could see were from Gerad and a few others in the crowd, whose task from Archer is to function as the initiators for cheers. They did, but soon, it spread to everyone in the crowd who truly agreed with Archer. 

CLAP

CLAP

"Yeah, Which fucker dares that?"

"I Will butcher the @##"

"Dregen is the greatest."

"Long he may live. "

Archer smiled at the cheers showing the love of people for Dad, I wonder if the politicians will smear Dad. But, Archer believes that they will and this part of the speech is his warning for them.

As the cheers come down, Archer pointed towards various photos of Dad with injuries, over the years. He with burns across his body, a hole in his stomach, a photo of him cradling mom's dead body, and finally the most famous one of his images- Surrounded by multiple Police officers, but dad is still swinging his sword to cut the head of the mom's murderer, his decapacitated torso sprouting a fountain of blood, 

"He fought for you. didn't he?"

"YES"

"He cried for you, didn't he?"

"YES"

"He died for you."

""YESSS""""

I saw that Archer had somehow guided their hurt feelings into anger and from there into cheers, Now, everyone was involved in the speech. I know how much he worked hard for this. I saw as Archer earnestly said,

"Dregen's dying wish was to ensure all of you are safe and settled in your life. In honour of that wish, we are using his wealth and my ideas to set up an electronics factory. It will be prestigious, creating the first man-made evolution item. Additionally, there will be a security company for those who want to contribute to making a positive change, continuing Dregen's path."

His words carried a promise of a new beginning, a chance for everyone for a safe and stable job. The crowd listened, and a sense of hope started to bloom.

He then went on to say, "Well, people, I am not satisfied with just that. Many of you know I am a participant in the Kanto circuit."

The crowd murmured in approval, acknowledging Archer as the young participant who brought fame to their hometown by appearing on TV. "The factory and security company were Dregen's dream, but mine is something different."

Rotomdex flew in and used projection devices set beforehand, to display a video.

It started from the familiar hills north of Berrytown, showcasing people filled with laughter, well-maintained roads, and our village. However, this was not just any village. It featured people wearing security uniforms, a black suit similar to Archer patrolling wide roads, a factory providing employment, and various visitors at the research lab.

The final scene almost sparked a riot of excitement among the crowd. A 500-foot-wide road from the coast to the nearby wild island displayed a massive floating circular orb with various rings. The structure was easily identified by the badge etched on it—a red extension of the Pokeball symbol.

[Author's note: Imagine a Pokemon Go gym.]

"I give you my promise: a gym will be opened here, and with its protection, a primary school will be established for kids under 10 and a hospital as well."

Observing the excited faces, I was happy about his plan, but I noticed some apprehensive ones, and according to Archer, those were the realists. Time to take note of them.

"For some, it might seem like a distant dream, after all things considered, I am just a Kid, who was just given wealth."

I saw many dip their head in silence. That much is enough proof of his words.

Archer then punched the Dias,

BANG

The sound echoed through the MC, "But let me tell you it is not. In 3 months."

A collective silence fell over everyone, as they heard the next words "In 3 months, a gym will be established here. I am going to win the Indigo conference, and as my right as a winner, I will make the gym a reality. Dregen dreamed of a happy life for you, and I am determined to make it a reality."

The crowd exploded into cheers.

============================================================================

DREGEN HOUSEHOLD

Archer continued writing in his book, the 13th one in the last few days. He looked at me and Jon, gesturing for us to come and sit with him.

Handing us papers, he instructed, "Take a look at these."

I looked through the papers, realizing they contained names, photos, and current addresses of the families of everyone mentioned in the will.

Archer spoke, "I want you to visit everyone and help them recruit the eligible ones for our factory or security company, either as administrators or employees—whichever suits them."

I nodded confidently, but my enthusiasm dwindled as Archer added, "Start with the families with criminal records. Recruit at least one or all the members of each family. Regardless of how you do it, I require that they sign papers essentially cutting ties with criminal activities."

Jon couldn't help but express, "That's almost crazy."

I knew it was bitch move, asking people to sever ties with their family members. However, I considered the potential positive impact, "Considering the lack of opportunities for a stable life, most, or speaking, all of them will accept the offer. But, they will still maintain contact or help their family."

Archer nodded in approval, stating, "Yes, but the responsibility will then be on their heads. We did our best to help them, and if they spurn it, they will face the consequences."

Jon said in a sad tone, "It essentially drives those guys away from us, especially the part about signing that cuts them off from their family."

Archer bluntly replied, "Tell me Jon, who will people believe is trying for peace on first look—an honest police officer who is strict and tough, or a biker with a knife talking about peace?"

"The police officer. Because even if the biker is trying for peace, his way always invites opposition."

"Exactly. We need to cut any connections to the underworld. I plan to be a gym leader, and it is no joke. The review members will not just check my capability to maintain peace and Pokémon-human relations but will also investigate my background. While Dregen raising me might make them frown, after some investigation, they can accept it, perhaps even see it as my drive. But if it is marred with continued association with crime, then the problem starts."

I nodded in understanding, and I started noticing that Jon couldn't understand these things. Not just him but everyone else too. It is easy to criticize a leader but being in that position is not a joke. 

Each day as I am shadowing Archer, I notice he is doing the best he can. Even Jon going is because we know them more and they are closer to us, most importantly it was our fathers who started the gang.

While we may grow close with the crowd, we are bringing the good news. Archer will take the blame for the cruel decision. Most importantly, according to Archer, this is a good opportunity to gain a reputation for me. Just in case, if something happens to him.

I guess everyone must do their role. 

Now, I must tell the people I grew up around to forsake their husbands, kids or wives for their happiness. If this is what it means to lead the development, I am starting to regret taking it lightly.

If one wants to do good, then one must be prepared to sacrifice.

"We will take care of this," With that I dragged Jon out, disregarding his protests about being cruel.

And just as I was about to leave, Archer said, "Sam and Jon, please change your clothes."

We looked at ourselves, dressed in formal shirts and pants, only now noticing that Archer was still in a suit. I was stuck seeing the little guy who used to avoid anything stifling, always preferring comfortable shorts and a T-shirt to wear the bulky suit.

An attire that was followed by him since that day. No matter the time.

"Clothes tell a lot to people. Change to suits. From now on, your wardrobe shall only have suits."

 ===================================================

Author's note: No worries guys, a gym doesn't mean he sits in it all day. He will make trips across the world for new Pokémon, or other advantages from metaknowledge. Think of an expedition of Mega stones, or for Moss rocks.