Three Sides Make Their Move

Everything happened far too quickly.

So quickly that the people of Baterilla Island waiting around the Council Hall had no time to react.

A moment ago, they had been relieved that they could finally send some food inside to their wives, mothers, and daughters. Then a beam of light appeared in the sky, with Fiss's figure in it, leaving them bewildered.

But their confusion lasted only seconds. Flames seemed to spring from thin air and swept across the Council Hall. In an instant, the enormous building was engulfed.

Truthfully, it all happened so fast that many people could not process it.

Only when the flames had swallowed the entire Council Hall did they come to their senses. Their eyes reddening, they rushed forward without a thought for themselves. But the World Government personnel stationed nearby met them with rifle butts, smashing them in the face and drawing blood.

"What do you think you're doing? Are you trying to storm a World Government workplace?"

As if oblivious to the flames behind him, a guard at the entrance roared at the civilians, his face twisted with cruelty.

The man he had knocked down ignored his pain and the blood streaming from his face. He scrambled up and pleaded,

"Sir, there's a fire! My wife and children are inside!"

The guard replied without a hint of concern.

"Nonsense. Of course I can see that. But it doesn't give you the right to storm a World Government workplace. Are you trying to rebel?"

The man froze. Staring at the raging fire, all he could do was beg.

"Please, put it out! My wife and children are in there!"

"Hmph! You think I need you to tell me that?"

The guard turned to the others beside him.

"You two, go put out the fire!"

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