The guards froze.
Nearby disciples stopped mid-step.
Even people walking in the distance turned their heads.
Neo didn't stop.
"You promised me so many things!" he continued, his voice shaking dramatically. "Were all those words lies? Are you just going to throw me away after using my body?"
The silence was suffocating.
"Th–this bastard!" one guard shouted.
"Stop it!" another yelled. "You've lost your mind!"
They rushed forward and grabbed Neo without hesitation.
He didn't resist.
They dragged him away and threw him straight into the sect prison.
The gathered crowd slowly dispersed, whispering to each other in disbelief.
Neo spent a few hours in the prison.
The next morning, Vivi bailed him out.
She stared at him in shock.
"…Dad," she said slowly. "What did you do?"
Neo coughed and looked away.
"Strategic planning."
The following day, he was back.
Right in front of Elizabeth's residence.
