That morning, Nana woke up quite te. After Rulu and C.C. finished breakfast, they sat in the basement living room as usual, watching the television news to keep up with the outside world. The news anchor on TV could be heard saying:

  "Attention, we now bring you a special news bulletin. We now bring you a special news bulletin. The newly appointed Governor, His Imperial Highness Prince Suwen, has recently issued a special procmation, delivering an important statement regarding the recent military operation to suppress the Rebels. The detailed contents of this special procmation will now be broadcast. Viewers, please take note——"

  The television screen cut to a middle-aged man dressed in a purple-gold robe, seated at a desk in a room. The man wore a grim expression, a fierce glint flickering in his eyes. Looking down at the document on the desk, he spoke into the microphone in a coarse, emotionless voice:

  "I am the 536th Imperial Prince of the Sanctuary. I came here embracing the principle of peaceful coexistence with the citizens of Blue Sea City and all residents beyond its borders, to assume the position of Governor of Blue Sea City. However, before I had even formally taken office, I was subjected to an assassination attempt by unidentified individuals. I find this deeply shocking and regrettable.

  For the sake of my own safety, and for the safety of all residents of Blue Sea City, it was only after repeated consultations with General Feihu that I was compelled to unch the rge-scale military operation of recent days. The sole purpose was to protect myself and the citizens of Blue Sea City, while also seeking to identify the true culprit behind that assassination attempt.

  Unfortunately, to this day, the identity of that despicable true culprit remains unknown. Not a single Rebel organization has cimed responsibility for pnning that assassination. The true culprit remains at rge, having yet to face due punishment.

  I now decre, in my capacity as the newly appointed Governor of Blue Sea City, that five days from now, more than five hundred captives will be collectively executed at Blue Sea City's central square. These captives are all members of Rebel organizations apprehended outside Blue Sea City.

  As I have only just assumed the position of Governor, I have no wish to cause excessive bloodshed. Therefore, I am granting the remnant Rebel forces a special opportunity: as long as you are willing to hand over that despicable true culprit, I may exercise leniency outside the w and grant these captives a special pardon, releasing all five hundred-plus captives without charge.

  Furthermore, I wish to say to that despicable assassin: everything that has happened these past days was caused by your own hand. Those who died were killed because of you. You are the true murderer. If you have even a shred of conscience, you should come forward and turn yourself in. As long as you are willing to confess and surrender, all of these people will be saved.

  Of course, you may continue to hide — to be a coward. However, if you do, these five hundred-plus people will die without question. After they are executed, we will proceed to the next phase of military operations, unching even harsher strikes against the outlying areas of Blue Sea City. Attacks on ordinary civilians cannot be ruled out. The casualties at that time will far exceed those of before.

  Assassin — you alone can save countless innocent lives. Will you continue to be a coward, or will you save these countless innocent people? Think carefully……"

  After Prince Suwen finished speaking, he looked into the camera with a cold, sinister smile. Seeing that repulsive smile on Prince Suwen's face, Rulu trembled with rage throughout his entire body. He fixed his gaze on the television screen and said in a low, heavy voice: "Suwen, you despicable wretch — so this is your move. Fine. If this is how you want to py it, I'll py it out with you to the end."

  Saying this, Rulu stood up and walked toward the basement exit. C.C., sensing something was off with Rulu, hurried to say: "Rulu, what are you pnning to do? You wouldn't actually fall for his trap, would you? He's obviously trying to use these people to threaten you and force you out."

  Rulu stopped and looked at C.C., saying coldly: "I know that, of course. But if I don't come out, won't that make it look like I'm afraid of him? He's nothing but a useless prince — I could kill him any time I wanted."

  C.C. said: "Rulu, calm down. Things probably aren't that simple. If he dares to openly provoke you like this, he must have taken precautions. If you actually go to assassinate him, you'll be walking right into his trap."

  "So what? With Spiritual-power like mine, even if he's prepared, I can still kill him." Rulu wore an expression of pure arrogance, seemingly not taking Prince Suwen seriously in the slightest.

  "No. This is far too risky. Even if you won't think of yourself, think of Nana. If something happens to you, who will look after Nana?"

  "Nana?!" Rulu was taken aback, and his heated mind cooled slightly. He said with great reluctance: "That man is using such despicable tactics against me — are we really just going to let him continue acting so brazenly?"

  "Think it over more carefully. You're so clever — you'll find a way."

  "A way?" Something suddenly came to Rulu's mind. He rushed over, grabbed C.C.'s hand, and pulled C.C. into his bedroom, shutting the door.

  Rulu looked at C.C. with great urgency and said: "C.C., since you're able to give me this kind of Spiritual-power, you must be able to use other Psionic powers as well. Perhaps you could help me deal with Prince Suwen."

  However, C.C.'s reply left Rulu deeply disappointed: "Then you've guessed wrong. I'm sorry to say that, aside from giving you Spiritual-power, I have virtually no other Psionic powers. Apart from being unable to die, I am no different from an ordinary person."

  "Is that so. Well, never mind……" Rulu continued, "I remember that Prince Suwen said you know many of the Sanctuary's secrets. If you told me those secrets, I might be able to find a way to deal with the Sanctuary — and that would give me a way to deal with Prince Suwen."

  "Why are you bringing this up again?" C.C. turned her face away, somewhat displeased, and said: "Haven't I said before that I don't want to talk about anything reted to the Sanctuary?"

  "Not even a little?" Rulu said, studying C.C.'s face.

  "Stop asking. I won't say anything."

  "Why?" Rulu suddenly grew agitated. He pressed both hands on C.C.'s shoulders and said loudly: "Why won't you tell me these things? Why are you keeping secrets for that Emperor? Whose side are you actually on?!"

  "I'm not on anyone's side," C.C. said, her expression ice-cold. "I neither help you nor will I help that Emperor. I have no interest whatsoever in the grievances between you. The reason I'm staying by your side is because I need you to do something for me. Beyond that, nothing concerns me."

  "Are you really so heartless — you can watch me be framed by Prince Suwen without so much as a flicker of feeling?" Rulu said, his face dark, forcing down the anger raging inside him.

  "Yes. My decision will not change."

  Rulu fell silent. He stared wordlessly at C.C.'s face without saying a thing. C.C. cast her eyes downward, avoiding Rulu's gaze, and said nothing either. Neither of them could tell how much time passed.

  "Fine, then, C.C. — keep your neutrality." Having completely lost faith in C.C., Rulu took one long look at her, then opened the bedroom door and strode quickly toward the basement exit.

  "Where are you going, Rulu?!" C.C. chased after him, calling out to him in a panic.

  "Didn't you say nothing concerns you? Then why are you asking now?!" Without so much as turning his head, Rulu swiftly left the basement, leaving C.C. standing there, speechless, in his wake.