This morning, Nana woke up very late. After Rulu and C.C. had breakfast, they sat in the basement living room watching the TV news as usual to understand the situation outside. They heard the news anchor on the television say:
"Attention, we are now broadcasting a special news report. The newly appointed governor, Prince Suwen, has recently issued a special announcement regarding the military operation to eliminate the rebel forces. He will deliver an important speech on this matter. Please pay attention to the details of this special announcement—"
The television screen switched, revealing a middle-aged man dressed in a purple and gold robe sitting at a desk in a room. The man had a gloomy expression, and a fierce light flickered in his eyes as he looked at the documents on the table. With a hoarse and emotionless voice, he spoke into the microphone:
"I am the 536th Prince of the Sanctuary. I have come here to serve as the governor of Blue Sea City with the principle of coexisting peacefully with the citizens of Blue Sea City and all residents outside of it. However, upon my arrival, before I even officially took office, I was unexpectedly attacked by unidentified assailants. I am deeply shocked and regretful about this.
For my own safety and for the safety of all residents of Blue Sea City, I was compelled to launch a large-scale military operation after repeated discussions with General Feihu. The purpose was solely to protect my safety and that of the citizens of Blue Sea City, while also seeking to identify the true culprit behind the assassination attempt.
Unfortunately, to this day, the identity of that despicable culprit remains unknown. No rebel organization has claimed responsibility for that assassination, and the true culprit is still at large, unpunished.
Now, in my capacity as the newly appointed governor of Blue Sea City, I announce that in five days, we will publicly execute over five hundred prisoners in the central square of Blue Sea City. These prisoners are all members of the rebel organizations captured from outside Blue Sea City.
Since I have just taken office as governor, I do not wish to create more bloodshed. Therefore, I am giving the remaining rebel forces a chance. If you are willing to hand over that despicable true culprit, I will grant amnesty and release these prisoners without charges.
Additionally, I want to tell that vile assassin that everything that has happened in recent days is your doing. Those who have died are victims of your actions, and you are the true murderer. If you have even a shred of conscience, you should stand up and confess to us. If you are willing to admit your guilt and surrender, all these people will be saved.
Of course, you can continue to hide like a turtle. But if you do, those over five hundred will undoubtedly die. After executing these five hundred, we will take further military action and launch a more brutal attack on the areas surrounding Blue Sea City. It is not ruled out that we will also target ordinary civilians, and the casualties will be even worse than before.
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You can save countless innocent lives on your own. Will you continue to hide, or will you save these innocent people? Think carefully..."
After Prince Suwen finished speaking, he looked at the camera with a cold smile. Rulu, seeing that disgusting smile on Suwen's face, trembled with anger. He stared at the TV screen and said in a low voice, "You despicable guy, Suwen, how dare you play this game? Fine, since you want to play, I will accompany you to the end."
As Rulu said this, he stood up and walked towards the exit of the basement. C.C. noticed that Rulu seemed off and quickly said, "Rulu, what are you planning to do? You won't fall for his tricks, will you? He clearly wants to use these people to threaten you and force you out."
Rulu stopped and looked at C.C., coldly saying, "Of course I know, but if I don't come out, won't that mean I'm afraid of him? That useless prince, I can kill him anytime."
C.C. replied, "Rulu, calm down. Things shouldn't be this simple. Since he dares to openly provoke you, he must be on guard. If you really go to assassinate him, then you are falling into his trap."
"So what? I have this Spiritual-power. Even if he is on guard, I can still kill him." Rulu said with pride, seemingly not taking Prince Suwen seriously.
"No, this is too risky. You should think about Nana too. If something happens to you, who will take care of her?"
"Nana?!" Rulu was taken aback, his heated mind cooled slightly. Reluctantly, he said, "That guy is using such despicable means against me. Am I just going to let him act so arrogantly?"
"Think it over. You're smart; you'll find a way."
"A way?" Rulu suddenly thought of something. He rushed over, grabbed C.C.'s hand, and pulled her into his bedroom, closing the door.
Rulu looked at C.C. with urgency, saying, "C.C., since you can give me this Spiritual-power, you should be able to use other Ultras as well. Perhaps you can help me deal with that Prince Suwen."
However, C.C.'s response disappointed Rulu greatly: "You guessed wrong. Unfortunately, aside from giving you Spiritual-power, I have no other Ultras. Except for not dying, I am no different from an ordinary person."
"I see, but it’s okay..." Rulu said, "I remember that Prince Suwen mentioned that you know many secrets of the Sanctuary. If you tell me these secrets, I might find a way to deal with the Sanctuary, and then I can handle that Prince Suwen."
"Why are you bringing this up again?" C.C. turned her face away, displeased, and said, "Didn't I say before that I don’t want to talk about anything related to the Sanctuary?"
"Can't you tell me anything at all?" Rulu stared at C.C.'s face.
"Don't ask. I won't say anything."
"Why?" Rulu suddenly became agitated, pressing his hands on C.C.'s shoulders, and shouted, "Why won’t you tell me these things? Why are you keeping secrets for that emperor? Which side are you on?!"
"I’m not on any side." C.C. said coldly, "I neither help you nor assist that emperor. I have no interest in your grievances. The only reason I stay by your side is that I need you to do something for me. Beyond that, nothing else concerns me."
"Are you really that heartless? Can you just watch me get framed by that Prince Suwen without caring?" Rulu said with a gloomy face, struggling to suppress his inner fury.
"Yes, my decision will not change."
Rulu fell silent. He wordlessly stared at C.C.'s face, not saying a word. C.C. lowered her eyelids, avoiding Rulu's gaze, and remained silent. He didn't know how long it had been.
"Fine, C.C., you can keep your neutrality." Rulu completely lost confidence in C.C. After giving her a deep look, he opened the door and quickly walked toward the basement exit.
"Where are you going, Rulu?!" C.C. chased after him, anxiously calling out.
"You said everything has nothing to do with you, so why ask now?!" Rulu left the basement without looking back, leaving C.C. standing there speechless.