In the banquet hall, the trial pressed on, moving steadily forward as each charge was read aloud.
The uproar caused by the live broadcast across New Eridu's network only grew louder. Many had already dug up related documents, providing evidence that corroborated Zane's accusations.
Before the trial began, such information would have been dismissed as mere news, insufficient for conviction. But now, it reinforced Zane's words, adding weight to his judgment.
The storm online swelled larger and larger.
Although major platforms tried to ban the "violent" trial, they couldn't contain Fairy's relentless guerrilla tactics, nor could they stop people who reposted the stream—for clicks, for justice, or for both. One way or another, anyone who wanted to watch could find a way.
And while a handful watched out of morbid curiosity, the majority were indignant, outraged at the crimes of those on trial.
After all, who could guarantee that the horrors recited by the masked man wouldn't one day happen to them—and that they would be powerless to resist?
What happened inside the banquet hall dominated attention, spreading chaos online, and unsettling the real streets of New Eridu as well.
Under the neon-lit snow, people rushed to and fro, police units gathered rapidly, and even the army was mobilized.
There was no other choice. The hall contained high-ranking figures from the military, government, and business. With the uproar shaking the net as well, if it wasn't contained quickly, the city would spiral out of control.
For Shin's family, this was no less significant... They were the hosts of the banquet, and responsibility would inevitably fall on them.
...
Somewhere in New Eridu.
"How are the preparations?"
Shin, still wearing the same gown—footprint and all—faced the Falkenhayn Mercenary Troupe members secretly gathered before her.
The leader quickly confirmed readiness. Shin's eyes then swept toward a smaller squad, landing on Soldier 11, already in disguise.
"You'll be responsible for assisting the masked man around the banquet perimeter. The others will hold the line. Remember—act when the moment comes, but don't expose yourselves."
Her expression hardened.
"Alright. Move out!"
With her command, they dispersed. As the venue emptied, Shin's eyes flickered with thought.
Zane's actions had set New Eridu ablaze. There would be no shortage of trouble ahead, but also no shortage of opportunities. She had to seize them.
Her lips curved into a smile as she shook her head slightly, eyes gleaming.
"Tsk. But it's true—money is powerful, power is greater still, and above power lies strength."
"And above strength... lies violence."
She flicked open a palm-sized virtual screen, displaying the live feed from the banquet hall.
Her heart stirred with satisfaction.
She, too, wanted to see these people punished. But her identity didn't allow it, and collecting evidence of such crimes was all but impossible.
In the end, New Eridu was a city of law. The power and strength she commanded weren't truly hers—they couldn't be used recklessly.
But Zane was different. His strength belonged to him alone. He could wield violence without hesitation. Evidence? Irrelevant. If he knew your sins, or if your punishment didn't match your crimes, he would simply send you on your way.
No rule could bind him.
As another life, unworthy of sympathy, ended on the screen, Shin sighed softly.
"Humanity... is not fair. Wealth, power, strength—all unequal. But one thing is the same."
"Everyone only gets one life."
Her thoughts drifted to Titan Technology's latest invention. If consciousness could be preserved, perhaps life could be extended.
But such existence would make one nothing more than someone else's "pet," stripped of human rights, beneath even a Bangboo. Could that still be called living?
As for those condemned by Zane—they wouldn't even have the chance to become "pets." Even if some had prepared a backup plan, it only delayed the inevitable.
Those names would be logged, and with their crimes laid bare under crushing public opinion, they would be erased without mercy.
"I wonder... what kind of city New Eridu will become after this..."
Her voice was soft, tinged with anticipation.
After all... what once weighed only four ounces, when placed on the scales, could crash down like a thousand pounds.
...
Inside the pitch-black Ether crystals, a bright halo lit the sealed interior. This wasn't the banquet hall, but a space split off from it—one Zane had prepared especially for Hare's House.
"Mmff... mmff..."
"So noisy. Did the sedative wear off? Why isn't it working... Anby!"
With a sharp thwack, a hand chop landed. The gagged man slumped unconscious, finally silent.
"Tch. Wouldn't it have been better to just sleep? Now you had to get hit."
Beside her, Billy hefted another bound man over his shoulder and tossed him into the small truck like cargo.
"Meow... this one's heavy..."
Not far off, Nekomata dragged another captive. Anby hurried over to help, and together they loaded the truck.
"Nicole, how's the progress?"
Dusting off his hands after throwing in the prisoner, Billy turned toward Nicole.
Nicole's eyes glinted beneath her mask as she recalled the little black sphere's message. After a quick calculation, she replied,
"Two more left. I've confirmed their locations. One more run will finish it."
Billy stayed behind to watch the vehicle, while Nicole, Anby, and Nekomata slipped back through the gap in the Ether crystals, re-entering the shadowed banquet hall to continue the mission.
Amid the chaos and fear gripping the crowd, no one noticed as two more people vanished without a sound...
...
Soon, the trial drew to its conclusion. No one dared interfere with Zane, and the number of judged was not large.
From start to finish, the entire ordeal had lasted barely twenty minutes. Yet outside, armed helicopters and ground troops had already converged, surrounding the Ether crystals.
Searchlights blazed against the crystalline barrier, their beams gleaming coldly. Tension hung heavy.
Inside a police car nearby, a commanding officer watched the tail end of the broadcast, his expression complicated.
He knew those people deserved their fate. But the masked man—he too had to face the law.
Otherwise, if everyone acted like this, New Eridu would collapse into anarchy.
And yet... he couldn't help but wonder who hid beneath that mask.
Ether crystals—such power could not possibly belong to a human.
High above, on a distant skyscraper, Yano silently watched the crystals gleaming in his sight.