In Jonne City, at the Constantine Star Armor Academy, a group of teenagers strolled leisurely through the tranquil campus, discussing the hottest recent event on campus.
"That scumbag Orvis is finally locked up. The campus is so peaceful now. We can walk around without fearing a beating," a frail-looking boy said with heartfelt relief.
"Locked up? Hah! It's just temporary detention. He'll be out in no time," a young man scoffed disdainfully, frustration evident on his face.
"Well, what do you expect? He's a formal member of the Douglas family. Anyone who crosses him usually has no choice but to swallow their grievances. If this mess hadn't been so huge, the academy and the government would've definitely swept it under the rug again."
"Exactly! If it weren't for his status, trash like him would've been in prison ages ago."
"That's the real headache—his identity. Without it, there's no way he could have gotten away with everything he's done."
As the group of teens discussed this hot topic, a commotion arose in the distance. Approaching the scene, they saw a group of students handing out flyers.
"Hey, want to take a look?" a serious-looking boy offered them a flyer.
"What's this?" a girl took the flyer, surprised to see it was a call for a protest demonstration.
"We're planning to gather outside the city government offices this afternoon to protest the government's inaction and demand justice for Orvis' victims. We want to make sure this demon is sent to prison," the boy explained.
"It won't work. His status ensures that as long as the Douglas family doesn't intervene, the government won't dare prosecute him," a female student shook her head pessimistically. Living in this nation, she had a clear understanding of the entrenched class hierarchy—true equality was a fantasy.
"Whether it works or not, we need to take a stand. Our school and city don't welcome people like him. Plus, it's not just us students participating in today's protest. Local residents will join too. If you're willing, you're welcome to come along. If you're afraid of offending a powerful family, we won't blame you," the boy said firmly.
"Exactly! We need to protest the government's negligence and its blatant favoritism toward the elite. Sure, the Four Great Families are powerful, but no law grants them the right to bully others or kill innocent citizens," a mature-looking young man added passionately.
"I'll be at the front of tonight's protest. If you join, you can wear a mask. If anyone gets arrested, it'll only be me and the other organizers. Even if the Douglas family targets us, you'll be safe," the young man declared boldly.
"President!" A fellow student handing out flyers looked moved. "I'll stand beside you then—I won't wear a mask either!"
"Justice for Orvis' Victims!"
"Orvis Must Die!"
Outside the Jonne City government office, over a thousand protesters had gathered. Students and local residents alike stood together, most wearing masks. A small minority boldly revealed their faces, allowing reporters to capture their images.
As their chants echoed through the air, a spacecraft bearing the Douglas family crest appeared in the distant sky. It descended onto the government building's landing pad.
At the sight of the spacecraft, the noisy protest fell silent. Cameras shifted their focus from the protesters to the descending vessel.
All eyes were on the craft as its ramp lowered, revealing an elderly man flanked by four men in black suits. The elder exuded an air of authority as he strode down the ramp, surveying the protesters and their signs with a slight frown.
Inside the government building, a self-assured official hurried out to greet the elder. His obsequious demeanor was painfully obvious, irritating many of the protesters. The stark contrast in how the government treated them versus the Douglas family stung deeply.
"And you are?" the official asked.
"I am Pais, a steward of the Douglas family," the elder replied with a polite but firm smile, fully aware of the influence his family wielded in the Federation.
"Mr. Pais, welcome," the official said nervously, bowing slightly despite Pais' humble title. Anyone familiar with the Douglas family's hierarchy knew that stewards held significant authority.
"Shall I disperse these protesters for you?" the official asked tentatively, hoping to curry favor.
"No need. Let them stay and bear witness," Pais replied, declining the offer.
"Where is Orvis? I need to see him," Pais asked, his tone calm but commanding.
"He's in the detention center. I can have him brought here immediately," the official offered eagerly.
"Do that," Pais ordered, noticing the protesters' growing anger. However, the Douglas family's reputation kept them from acting rashly.
Within ten minutes, a riot vehicle arrived. Orvis, shackled hand and foot, was escorted out by armed soldiers.
"Hah! I told you this was pointless. I'll be out in no time," Orvis sneered as he caught sight of the Douglas family's emblem on the spacecraft. His smug laughter grated on the nerves of the soldiers and protesters alike.
"Unshackle him," Pais instructed calmly, gesturing toward Orvis.
Under the watchful eyes of the protesters, the defiant young man was freed from his restraints.
"I am Steward Pais, here on orders from the family head," Pais introduced himself.
"The new family head? Haha, so he knows who I am! I must really matter!" Orvis laughed even harder. "Since you've come all this way, let me host you properly. We'll eat, drink, and have some fun!"
"Your hospitality won't be necessary. I haven't completed the task assigned by the family head," Pais said flatly. He motioned to the black-suited men, who retrieved four metal poles crackling with electricity and positioned them around Orvis.
"Put on your Star Armor," Pais instructed.
"What are you doing?" Orvis asked nervously, realizing something was wrong. He stepped back, only to find the men blocking his escape.
"Executing the family head's orders," Pais replied. The poles activated, binding Orvis in energy restraints and suspending him mid-air in a spread-eagle position.
"What orders?" Panic filled Orvis' voice. For the first time, fear took hold—something he hadn't felt even in detention. In the custody of the Douglas family, there would be no saving him.
"By the family head's command, you are to be whipped. The number and severity of lashes are at my discretion," Pais said impassively, producing a three-meter metal whip lined with barbs and spikes.
"Put on your armor. It'd be a shame if you died too quickly," Pais added casually. His calm demeanor sent shivers down Orvis' spine.
"You wouldn't dare!" Orvis yelled, his voice trembling as he struggled against the restraints.
"Why wouldn't I?" Pais smirked, raising the whip.
CRACK!
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+100 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]