Finally, after a while, things died down, and everyone was present on the ground floor.
Jeff and the guards were spread around to keep the peace. Everyone wanted to know why they were here, but Jeff and the guards refused to answer.
"Okay, everyone should be here," Jeff said, stepping to the front.
The crowd started muttering questions.
"Why are we here?"
"Are you providing rations again?"
"Do you want to appoint new guards?"
Multiple questions were raised at once, but Jeff raised his hand.
"Everyone should relax. All your questions will be answered shortly. But first... let’s welco the new boss of the shelter," Jeff announced, stepping back.
Huh?!
Everyone froze. Jeff was announcing a new boss? What happened? What about the queen? Was she dead?
Lucien calmly stepped forward, surveying the crowd. The shock only deepened,few people had seen him before, and most could barely recognize him from the hundred forr residents of Mai’s shelter. Only the man Lucien had t earlier seed completely stunned.
Leader? He just casually t the new leader?
"Greetings, everyone," Lucien began. "I see you’re all shocked by this sudden change. Actually, your queen and I have been partners... I am her master, so I was a bit late. Well, I’m here now. And yes, I am also an awakener. Anyone is free to try if they wish... though I cannot guarantee you’ll make it back alive."
His words were direct, cold, and sharp. Everyone shivered.
"Of course, with a change in leadership cos changes in the shelter... minor changes, so don’t worry," Lucien added with a smile. Yet sohow, everyone felt sothing was off. What does he an by ’minor changes’...?
"But before my first orders," he continued, "I’ve heard of a few who’ve caused trouble. Jeff, bring them here. And take care of the other thing I asked."
Jeff bowed and, with a few guards, went to fetch the disobedient residents. They were docile for now but only for a mont. The system had been too lax.
"All right," Lucien said, addressing the crowd. "These gentlen and won disturbed our peace, attempted to overthrow guards, and tried to divide us. This isn’t too bad, right?"
So people nodded, thinking of freedom of expression and fundantal human rights.
"Well," Lucien continued, "it seems you need to open your eyes. The world has changed. Everything you once had... is gone."
Jeff brought out a huge butcher knife and set a small table in front of him.
"Now, I will show you what disobedient residents of this shelter face. Of course, if you choose to leave after this, I won’t stop you but know that you’ll be seen as a traitor. Worse... you won’t have my protection."
Everyone gulped. The change had co too suddenly, too strongly.
No, that’s not even the issue... what exactly is he going to do with the butcher knife? There are no animals in sight...
"Watch," Lucien said.
Suddenly, one of the disobedient residents was dragged to the table.
"Wait! What are you doing?!" he shouted, struggling fiercely. But the guards picked by Mai possessed physical prowess leagues above normal humans.
The man’s arms were placed on the table, fingers stretched out.
Chang...
Everyone’s eyes widened in shock. It happened too fast; no one could react.
"Raaaargh!" A loud cry of agony echoed across the ground floor as one finger was severed. Blood gushed freely, and the crowd froze in terror.
"Take him down. Next," Lucien said calmly, devoid of emotion, as another was brought forward.
"Please... please don’t! I won’t—"
Chang...
"Ahhh!" The man scread, writhing in anguish as another finger was chopped. Cold shivers ran down his back; he couldn’t think.
"Next."
"Aaah!"
One by one, the crowd watched as the criminals were punished. The shouts echoed beside them, making their skin crawl.
"Listen carefully," Lucien said, his voice now carrying the weight of a devil. "This was a light sentence for their actions. Depending on your offense, your punishnt may be this or worse. And perhaps less... but anyone attempting to divide this shelter, or undermine what we’re building, commits capital offense."
Lucien scanned the crowd. Multiple people opened their mouths to speak, but no words ca out. So even vomited. He watched coldly, unflinching.
"That aside, now the rules and system. I am the leader, but I need talented people under . I don’t care if you’re good or bad, or what your past is. I don’t care if you like or hate . As long as you do your job, I am fine. Anything else is irrelevant," he continued, his voice overwhelming. Legs went weak across the floor.
"But for now, I have already found one. Co out," Lucien said, smiling. To the crowd, the smile looked devilish but it was clear he ant the man he had t earlier.
"Introduce yourself. He will be my personal advisor and a mber of the council I am building," Lucien said. Everyone gulped.
The man’s eyes widened but he quickly regained composure. After all, he wasn’t a newbie before the world changed.
"Ha... I didn’t expect this," the man said awkwardly, chuckling. The crowd said nothing. Glancing at Lucien, he sighed. This was direct, brutal, how many could handle it?
"Well, my na is Daemon, and I am glad to be a special advisor. Together with the boss, we promise to make this shelter better. Thank you," Daemon said, bowing slightly. He didn’t return to the crowd but stayed beside Lucien.
Lucien acknowledged him with a nod and a small smile, then walked back up.
"Good, good. That will be all. Yeah, before I forget... if there are any doctors here, please look at these few," Lucien said, gesturing toward the punished residents. "Their screams... like pigs for slaughter. Thank you for your ti."
He stepped back and walked away with Jeff and Daemon.
The crowd remained stunned, feeling as if everything had been a nightmare, dismissed by the guards.
Outside, Lucien imdiately vomited.
"Fuck..." he groaned, clutching his abdon.
Daemon quickly ca forward to help him up.
"You know, boss... you didn’t have to go that far. That was... too brutal. This thod, it’s effective, yes, but unless..." Daemon hesitated, carefully choosing his words.
But Lucien only smiled faintly.
Wiping his mouth, he said, "I know it is. But for the short term, this is the best. And one of the reasons I chose you, you could see that instantly. Sa with Jeff. Ahh..." He sank onto a stone by the wall, letting out a breath.
"Boss... be careful. That scene was brutal, even for you. I can’t believe you actually did it," Jeff said, still stunned.
He had thought their boss was so gangsta or involved in organ trades, soone who could dish out punishnt without flinching. But seeing Lucien struggle changed his mind instantly. The dislike he had felt vanished. Lucien wasn’t entirely a good person, but he had a vision and he actually followed through, even when it was hard.
"Thank you," Lucien said, letting out a small laugh.
Daemon nodded. "Boss, that was comndable. I thought you were used to killing, so I expected it to be routine, but... wow. I’m impressed. I’m proud to follow you." A smile ford on his face.
Lucien chuckled softly.
Yes, killing normal zombies might have been worse, especially since he had seen Mai do it but they weren’t humans anymore in his mind. These were real humans. The act was new, strange, and uncomfortable for him.
But for the greater good of his shelter and its future, he did it.
Lucien felt satisfied. At least these two new followers seed to have developed a basic trust in him... maybe in his will, maybe in his ability.
His eyes briefly trailed downward, noticing the ability in his system.
[All Must Bow Before ] – With this ability, the Host can automatically control all creatures weaker than himself. Controlled beings possess 100% loyalty. Note: This ability may not function on special existences. Further details will be unlocked in the future.
Although he hadn’t used it yet, maybe it had a passive effect, perhaps increasing favorability.
"It’s all part of building a shelter," Lucien said, watching both nod in acknowledgnt.
This was a leader they were willing to follow.
********
User Comments
0 comments from readers