Countries around the world still maintain their armies, and the massive surge of Earth’s energy didn’t disrupt the previous civilization.
Steven, who should have retired, experienced a rapid increase in strength after taking a pill given by William. He now holds the position of President of the Rejuvenation Council, with the authority to mobilize troops in New York and the Galactic Special Forces.
His duty is to use New York as a hub to eliminate mutated monsters, reclaim lost territories, and rebuild peace on Earth.
“Let’s do everything according to Mr. Johnson’s instructions,” Steven was well aware that in this era, the old laws were largely ineffective.
Although fighting within the inner city was officially prohibited, brawls and fatalities were daily occurrences.
Even with the massive outburst of Earth’s energy, there weren’t many Soulmancers. Instead, there were more individuals who gained special abilities through mutations.
These mutants couldn’t survive without food and water like higher-level Soulmancers. Food was scarce, and resources were even scarcer.
In this post-apocalyptic world, the darker side of humanity was fully exposed.
Steven had to turn a blind eye to many atrocities.
The ordinary people living in the underground cities, who hadn’t awakened any special abilities or possessed significant combat power, struggled to maintain basic living standards. They relied on Soulmancers and mutants to scavenge for supplies outside.
This situation further accentuated the class divisions.
The ordinary, hungry populace could only look up to these Soulmancers and mutants.
Originally, Steven hadn’t planned to execute Oscar, but following William’s directive, he decided to proceed as instructed.
In Steven’s view, in these chaotic times, if William was willing to intervene, things would be much better.
“What Mr. Johnson? Damn it, you think I don’t know?” Oscar, hearing that Steven was preparing to execute him, shouted loudly, “Isn’t he just a pretty boy? He’s involved with Zoey and the president of the Emerald Lion Guild, just a novice Soulmancer, a nobody. Mr. Garcia, do you think people will accept this?”
“I’ve saved so many people these days, earned so many merits, and you think you can just kill me like that?” Oscar continued to rant, surrounded by a group of his followers who cheered him on.
In these chaotic times, various groups formed their own factions. Returning from the Doors of Terror, Oscar had reached A-level strength. Coupled with his X-Vanguard Armor, he could even contend with Demi-God level Soulmancers, naturally attracting a following of his own.
Hearing Oscar’s words, William said, “I was just speaking my mind. I’m an outsider, so don’t mind me. You guys handle this however you want.”
He no longer had any interest in getting involved, especially since he wasn’t even sure what the laws were like in this post-apocalyptic world.
If it were according to the rules of the Divine Realm game, it would be survival of the fittest.
If Walker and Oscar fought and bystanders died because of it, it would just be seen as them being too weak—nothing more to say about it.
Steven also picked up on the subtext in William’s words,he didn’t want to deal with the chaos.
“Shut the hell up! How dare someone who hides behind women judge right from wrong?” Oscar glared at William, sneering, “If you’re so tough, fight me. If you win, I won’t need them to do anything—I’ll kill myself.”
William raised an eyebrow slightly. This guy was a bit too much.
But having just killed a Cosmic Entity not long ago, he really wasn’t interested in dealing with this small fry. He preferred to remain a silent observer.
“I can’t beat you,” William said with a dismissive glance.
“If you can’t beat me, then shut up! In these times, might makes right!” Oscar sneered repeatedly, then turned to Steven, “Mr. Garcia, if you really want to deal with me, then I’ll take my guys and leave the city. We’ll go somewhere else and build a new fortress. Let’s not bother each other.”
Oscar had wanted to say this for a while. Who wouldn’t want to rule in these chaotic times?
He had come out of the Doors of Terror. With his own crew, once the world was peaceful, he could establish a small kingdom and be a king.
Even if the world remained chaotic, he could still protect himself, find a fortress, save a bunch of ordinary people, and lead them. He’d have everything he wanted, unregulated and free to live as he pleased. Wouldn’t that be great?
“Go somewhere else and build a new fortress!” A chill flashed in Steven’s eyes. He would never allow such a thing to happen.
He knew exactly what Oscar was thinking.
Even within the inner city of New York, there were plenty of mutant Soulmancers who oppressed and abused ordinary people. 𝘳𝑎.𝗇t
Oscar had previously used his power to abuse some female celebrities.
If Oscar and his group were allowed to leave, they might save some ordinary people, but given Oscar’s character, wouldn’t those he saved be merely jumping out of the frying pan into the fire?
They would become bandits, no different from the mutated monsters, bringing disaster to the area and harming the world!
“Right! Guys, who wants to come with me out of the city! I guarantee you won’t worry about food or drink, and there’ll be endless women for our pleasure!” Oscar shouted, and his followers behind him cheered enthusiastically.
“Damn it, I’m so sick of it. Why should I risk my life scavenging for food only to share it with those lowlifes in the underground city?”
“Exactly! I played with a woman in the underground city yesterday, and she even killed herself, damn bad luck! played with her was her luck!”
“Heh heh! Oscar, we’re with you!”
…
A team reflects the character of its leader, and those who follow are often of the same ilk.
People of similar dispositions tend to stick together, especially in these chaotic times. They believe that if they are powerful, they should enjoy everything, and trampling on the law is thrilling.
Murder, rape, what’s the big deal?
If it weren’t for them, those lowlifes hiding in the underground city would have been dead long ago.
“William! Want to come with us?” Oscar sneered at William, not noticing that Steven had already harbored a murderous intent towards them.
And those Shapeshifter lords…
This fool repeatedly disrespected Mr. Johnson?
Was he tired of living?
But since William hadn’t spoken yet, they all wanted to wait a bit longer, just in case William decided to be merciful and let them go.
They didn’t want to go against William’s wishes.
After all, a super-strong being like William might not stoop to Oscar’s petty level.
“Take me?” William asked, “Take me for what?”
Oscar laughed heartily, “You look pretty clean-cut, aren’t you into men? I’ve got a few guys in my group who are just your type, guaranteed to satisfy you.”
Hmm, William thought this guy must be sick in the head.
Although somewhat capable, and then the malice in him seemed to grow stronger.
“I heard about a place called the Doors of Terror. How about you guys come with me for a trip?” William hadn’t used his divine sense to probe the so-called Doors of Terror, but he could guess that it was probably a “dungeon world” created by Dolly.
Such places didn’t exist on Earth before.
“Doors of Terror? You’re going into the Doors of Terror with us? ” Oscar smiled at his followers, “Guys, since we’re leaving anyway, there’s an entrance to the Doors of Terror here in New York. This kid wants to go in, so let’s accompany him for some fun.”
When Oscar said “for some fun,” his tone was sleazy.
Steven and Seraphina understood, and William, not too pleased, wanted to personally deal with these idiots.
“Everyone disperse, go about your business!” Seraphina gave William a deep look, then waved her hand to dismiss the group of Shapeshifter lords. She had stayed by Amy’s side over the years to repay her for the daily care she provided while Seraphina was reconstructing her body, and even the sea god Poseidon had given her some guidance.
As for the other Shapeshifter lords, many thought Seraphina was William’s lover, so they treated her with considerable respect.
If William was going to take action himself, then there really was nothing for them to do.
The Shapeshifter lords then knelt abruptly towards William, bowed their heads in unison, and then dispersed.
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