Chapter 975: Bird In A Cage [Pt 1]
"We at the Zenith have been preparing for this moment for some time now..." Chad smiled, taking a step forward as he looked at his ever-listening audience.
He ignored the helpless frustration of South Korea's Hunter Association and simply let his charisma overshadow their presence.
'I'm a little surprised that didn't act up more, though...'
His expectations involved the South Korean Hunter Association making the situation even worse for themselves by trying even harder to defend themselves.
Unfortunately, they didn't dig more into the hole he had prepared for them.
'No matter. This much is enough. Besides, I wonder what they'll do once I reveal this...' Widely grinning internally, Chad remained composed
"I'm sure you all know there are seven Pillars of the Zenith, and yet in this very important event, only two are present." Snapping his fingers, a holographic screen appeared right above him.
It was tall and wide, shining brightly in the auditorium. It instantly caught the attention of everyone who had eyes.
Many gasps escaped the lips of the shocked audience, and their surprise was highly justified.
What they saw on the screen was enough to prompt anyone to feel the same.
"As you can clearly see, we've surrounded the South Korean Hunter Association Headquarters. We plan on holding their assets hostage and arresting those involved in their atrocities."
As if that wasn't enough, Chad furthered his authoritative speech.
"Should we find evidence of their collaboration with the Shadows of Light, and their many other crimes, we'll permanently seize their assets and ensure they face the right punishments for their crimes."
In essence, the Zenith would have every right to control a nation's entire body... without any national interest in the country.
Something like that had never happened before!
"Our forces are also closing in on their other bases all over the country. Do not worry. None of them are going to escape."
Murmurs of uncertainty began resonating among the audience.
Worried faces of representatives began to show, though they tried to mask it by nodding in agreement and straining smiles.
None of them could hide the rising fear that was pervading the room.
They began to ask themselves one simple question.
'Could we be next?!'
South Korea was going to fall into the hands of the Zenith. No one was naive or foolish enough to believe that all of this wasn't premeditated.
The country had become a scapegoat—the first of many.
If any country crossed a line, or did something contrary to the Zenith, it was likely that they would also be swallowed up.
The worst part was they none of them could speak up against their actions. Not unless they wanted to be labeled as allies or fellow conspirators.
As such, their worries choked them as they watched the live footage of the Zenith's elite Hunters close in on the Headquarters in Seoul.
"While one of our Pillars is unavoidably ill, the remaining four are currently on the mission. You don't need to look so worried. We will definitely nab these villains and bring them to justice."
Needless to say, they weren't worried about the Zenith's success or failure. They were more concerned about their positions.
At this point, some of them began to feel sympathetic toward South Korea. Looking at the frustrated faces of the Hunter representatives, they could see hints of innocence.
It was more likely that they were innocent. Unfortunately, none of that mattered since they had come to this point.
Chad was in the absolute right.
"Now, then. Let us watch with anticipation. Let us see as the Zenith handles the threats that loom over us."
Chad's warm smile did nothing to signify the brutal cold grin he made internally.
'Hehe... I can see they're very apprehensive now, but it's inconsequential. They've all fallen into my trap.'
Like a bird in a cage, they could do nothing to escape their situation.
'Now that they're at my mercy, they'll be more obedient. South Korea will be an example, and any country that doesn't wish to follow will become more obedient.'
The illusion of control that each country's Hunter Association had would crumble, and they were all going to realize the one true leader that governed them.
'... Me!'
He had already ordered his Pillars to do the needful by framing the Hunter Association with planted evidence.
They weren't going to escape his trap once all was said and done. They could struggle as much as they wanted, but the reality remained.
He had won.
'Now, then... let us begin!'
*******
"We're being surrounded, Jared." Kuzon murmured, his gaze on the television he was currently watching.
It seemed watching TV had become his new favorite thing to do. With popcorn on one hand, and a very relaxed smile, he watched a man sling from building to building... like a spider.
"Yeah. I noticed. Gimme a sec." I was also sort of occupied at the moment.
I was playing a game on the console that was already provided for in our room.
Considering the limited time we could spend in this world, I wanted to complete as much of the stories as possible.
And I was just about to finish a really tough mission!
"In 3... 2... 1... !!!" My tongue rubbed my lips as my eyes widened in anticipation for my mission to be complete.
".... Aaaaand MISSION COMPLETE!" I grinned, jumping to my feet in an energetic stride.
"Alright! I'm ready." I leaped towards Kuzon.
"For real? This episode just started. I can't stop now... it's spectacular!"
"You can just continue after we're done with the problem."
"Why didn't you stop too?"
"Uh... um... the game couldn't be paused."
"Sureeeeee..."
"In any case, let's just get this over with. Yeah?"
Fortunately, Kuzon agreed with me without asking any further questions.
"So, what's the plan now? How do you want to handle the intruders?" He asked, looking at me with some sort of expectation on how to handle the situation.
"How else?" I smiled, cracking my stuff finger joints.
"We beat the shit out of them!"