Uprising (Part 2)

Just like Zent said, the high-ranking officials who were previously silent have started to take action to find a way out. Many of them have been successfully captured and forced to speak. However, fear of the Vulture has managed to silence them, and they choose to suffer in torment rather than face the wrath of the terrifying group.

Unfortunately, only two councils have been captured so far, and the rest remain a question mark. These councils are directly under the queen's rule, but they also have the power to replace the queen if the people feel dissatisfied.

Out of the twelve councils, two have already been found among the protester's underground jail, which is a considerable number for a council's level of power. It remains a mystery whether the other ten are also among them.

However, the reason I stand here is because the protesters are starting to lose control. They have even resorted to threatening the families of the council members to force them to speak. Some have found safety within heavily guarded private mansions. However, most are ambushed on the way and taken to underground jail.

For now, they are not being tortured, but we never know when they will reach their limit of patience.

The kingdom that was once peaceful has now turned into a battlefield. Smoke rises high, and flying ships shoot bullets, with some of them crashing down. The charred remains of the ships still burn, illuminating the dark night sky. Ashes scatter, carried by the direction of the wind, forcing the residents to tie cloth around their noses and mouths to protect their breathing.

The place that was once beautiful has now changed.

It's a nightmare that has become a reality. Thankfully, no crimes have been committed yet. But it's only a matter of time before a great war breaks out among the people.

Food supplies are rapidly diminishing, and there's no one replenishing them. Everyone chooses to stay inside their homes, fearing the consequences of the war and becoming victims. Although, in reality, that might not happen. I have provided them with protection, just like the protesters.

I sit atop a building, observing the scene in front of me while holding my chest, which inexplicably feels like it's about to explode. Most likely because I have granted protection to the people of this kingdom, except for the high-ranking officials and councils, of course. I deliberately let them run, hide, and cower in the corners.

The protesters, not far below, have successfully broken in through the front door of the mansion. They cheer, destroying anything they encounter, not letting a single piece of furniture escape. Even wall decorations, gardens, clothes, everything is destroyed. They burn and watch as everything turns into ashes and charcoal.

Grins adorn their faces, satisfied at witnessing the torment of the traitors.

Then begins something quite painful to witness. They drag the council members out in front, along with his families, while holding the Rangers at gunpoint next to them.

The council member continuously screams that he don't know anything, pleading for his family to be released and to be taken away himselves. However, of course, they refuse. With a wide grin on their faces, they point their weapons.

Their family screams, begging for mercy. Tears fall. Screams are heard.

I can sense the malevolence in the air.

They pull the trigger, startled to see the bullet stop midway, only a few inches away from the council member's head.

I walk beside, placing my hand on their shoulder and picking up the bullet. "Didn't you intend to search for the Vulture? Why are you shooting indiscriminately? What if he's not part of them?" I ask while examining the bullet, imagining what would happen if I were to send it towards his head.

"Do you think we care? He could be helping them! Even if he's not, we can finally seek revenge as oppressed people! They never moved to save us in district three! They selfishly stayed in their place and enjoyed their wealth!!" He shouts, greeted by the cheers of the protesters.

"No! I have tried to propose aid for district three! My family and I have been working together for it!" the council member responds. Desperation is clearly visible in his pair of black eyes.

"Where is the proof?"

It's only through that one question that he falls silent, unable to reply.

I glance at the council member, knowing he's hiding something.

I walk closer, kneeling down and locking eyes with his persistent gaze. "What aren't you telling us? You better answer..." I approach, whispering, "For the sake of your family."

He flinches, glancing at me, then bows his head. "Her Majesty the queen never accepted such proposals."

My smile widens.

I stand up, patting his shoulder, and turn to face the confused protester, unsure of what to do. "Release them. Don't you hear where the problem lies? It's the queen who has made you suffer, not them." I leap, disappearing into the darkness of the night, leaving an impression that I hope will make them think twice before taking someone's life.

The protesters observe the figure with white hair, then turn their gaze back to the council member and his family. They question themselves whether they should follow his words or follow their hearts, which yearn to make this family suffer after what they have experienced.

"The young man was right. We'd better set them free. They are innocent. There's no point in venting our anger on a family that has even tried to help us. Let's go and bring out the queen," says an aged man with fully white hair. But his sturdy physique and demeanor are not at all affected by his age.

The protesters fall silent, exchanging glances, then nod and release the council member and his family. They then follow the old man towards the palace, which is located quite far from here. They can't simply storm the palace, especially with so many Rangers guarding it and flying ships there. They need preparation.

Now, only the family remains, still in place. They are not shocked but burst into loud laughter, especially the council member. He stares at the sky, mocking it, exclaiming, "No one can stop me! No one! Not even God!"

I, who have been observing from the rooftop, smile satisfactorily upon hearing it. I already knew that these people are part of the Vulture. It can be felt from the malevolence that continues to seep out of their bodies.

The reason I let them escape is to draw out someone behind the scenes, and I believe I have found them.

I gaze at the figure of the old man, who is now quite far with the protesters. He walks ahead, leading them all, the figure I am convinced is the Mastermind. He may not be the leader of the Vulture, but I am certain he is the brains behind their movement.

Suddenly, I sense the presence of someone so familiar that I already know who it is without needing to see. And true enough, not long after, Sarah appears in front of the family, who are currently temporarily happy because they have managed to escape the protesters.

But instead of doing as I expected, Sarah looks in my direction and walks away, leaving me wondering what she's doing. Wasn't she the one who has been slaughtering members of the two groups under the Vulture? Is it because she's worried that I wouldn't like seeing her kill people?

I snort in chuckled, standing up and raising my hand.

As I lower my hand, the mansion, along with its courtyard, merges with the ground, sinking two meters deep, and the bodies of the council member and his family become unrecognizable. Their blood can be seen pooling below, mixed with rainwater and seeping into the ground, darkening its color. Just like the Clockheart Kingdom that has now changed.

Without turning back, I chase after Sarah, who continues to flee from me. She moves so swiftly, effortlessly passing through wall after wall and suddenly emerging from other buildings beside or behind, making it slightly disorienting for me to keep pursuing her.

If this continues, I won't be able to catch her. I also can't use Glory recklessly due to the inhabitants of the buildings. All I can do is create a microphone and two large subwoofers.

I clear my throat a few times, preparing my voice, and retort, "Sarah! If you don't come back, I'll leave you forever!" which turns out to sound so loud that it makes my face feel hot.

Without even seeing it, I'm sure my face is as red as a tomato.

I don't know how many people heard that, and I hope they don't think too much about it. After all, who doesn't have a brain and shoot their shot in the midst of a war?

Certainly not me.

In less than two seconds, Sarah appears in front of me. Her face is also flushed. Our eyes meet briefly before quickly looking away, unable to contain our embarrassment.

"Sorry, that was the only way to make you come back," I say.

"Are you crazy?" she asks softly, as if people could hear us speaking ten meters below the surface like this.

"Why did you run? Did you think I would be angry because you slaughtered them?" I ask.

She nods softly without being able to look at me.

I approach, lifting her chin, and our eyes meet again. "You did the right thing, Sarah. Why should I be angry with you? They were people deserving of death. I would only be angry if you killed innocent people.

But them? I don't even care if you tortured them or not. So, don't be afraid of me anymore, okay? Whatever happens, I could never hurt you, Sarah. I promise."

Suddenly, she hugs me tightly, holding me close with a gentle smile on her face. I gently stroke her long hair, unaware that we are being watched by Kyle, who decided to come and observe the state of the kingdom.