His emaciated form, with faint lines of his bones showing through his clothes, only heightened the intensity of his accusation.
"You are the cause of our problems! Why should we trust you?" shouted a young woman clutching her child tightly, rage etched across her face.
As the voices of disapproval rose, others joined in, their distrust and anger boiling to the surface.
However, amid all this, Orion remained calm. He waited until they had finished voicing their complaints before raising his right hand, signalling for silence. The crowd slowly quieted down.
They knew they didn't have the strength to confront the individual before them directly, especially with the presence of the gods' chosens beside him. Reluctantly, they swallowed back their words and listened to what he had to say.
"I understand your doubts and know that trust is not given easily, so I will not ask for it lightly. However, you must understand this: the Sleeping Fox Runaway City intruded upon Paradise's territory uninvited, daring to covet those under our protection. You can all still stand here today because of our mercy and patience. Had we chosen to act without restraint, you would have been wiped away from existence!" Orion announced.
Hearing Orion's words, the crowd immediately grew pale. Those who had spoken took steps backwards, attempting to flee, fearing they had brought unquenchable wrath upon themselves. However, his following words caused them to halt.
"However, that is not the path we choose to take. Instead, we offer you a chance at a better life, not because we have to, but because I believe in the potential of every soul present. We can transform the Sleeping Fox Runaway City into something far greater than its present state, but only if you stand with us!" Orion declared.
"In two days, Paradise will replenish the resources of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, and you will see that my words are not empty promises. However, if you still do not accept my offer with open arms, the resources given to you will be wasted. Should that happen, the next time you see me, it will be with a sword in my hand."
After finishing his speech, Orion turned and walked toward the prostrating men. He picked up the slab of meat and looked at the man who had stolen it."Raise your head," Orion ordered. He had no doubt that his actions would help Paradise's representatives settle into the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, so he was determined to see it through.
Sensing that the mysterious masked figure was speaking to him, the man slowly lifted his trembling form from the ground, his ears drooping low, as he raised his head toward the formidable individual before him. To his surprise, the slab of meat was tossed his way. Instinctively, he caught it and looked upwards with a stunned expression.
"You live in hardship, fear, and uncertainty throughout your life. If you can abandon your worries and everything else and believe in Paradise. I promise you that this is nothing but a speck of dust compared to the abundance of glory that awaits you ahead," Orion said, his voice firm.
Though the man could not see through Orion's mask, his words left him rooted in his position. His hands unconsciously let go of the slab of meat as he stared wide-eyed at Orion.
Bang!
He immediately smashed his head against the rough metallic ground. "If everything you've said is true, I want to follow Paradise! Please, Supreme Leader of Paradise, I no longer want this life!" the man pleaded, his voice filled with emotion.
Witnessing the man's actions, Orion responded, "Are you willing to pledge your heart, soul, and body to Paradise and work for its good?"
"Yes! I am willing!" the man responded, frantically nodding his head.
"Alright," Orion said before shifting his attention toward Lakul and gesturing for him to come forward.
With his mind racing over why the Supreme Leader had called out to him, Lakul gritted his teeth and walked forward.
"I want this man to be put in charge of the distribution of the resources provided by Paradise when they arrive in two days," Orion said, his attention on Lakul, who had arrived beside him.
Upon hearing his words, Lakul, Seth, and the others accompanying them couldn't help but look at Orion, stunned. This was a delicate matter concerning Paradise and the Sleeping Fox Runaway City, yet he had just handed it over to a nobody like that!
However, the kneeling man was most stunned, his expression filled with disbelief.
Lakul opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it, realizing the implications of his actions. He nodded his head in response. "I'll do as you've commanded, Supreme Leader," Lakul responded, his head lowered in respect.
Orion shifted his attention back to the kneeling man. "What do you think? Though you will receive some assistance to handle this overwhelming task, do you believe you can manage it?" he asked.
Initially stunned by what he had just heard, the man quickly regained his composure and focused on the masked figure before him. "Yes, I will. Supreme Leader of Paradise, thank you!" he responded, pressing his forehead against the rough metallic surface again.
As the scene unfolded, from the bustling streets to the stalls and the towering buildings behind them, an eerie silence enveloped the surroundings. The crowd was filled with stunned silence, envy, and a bewildering blend of emotions.
Before their eyes, they had just witnessed a street thief ascend to a position of remarkable authority, a level they could scarcely dream of simply because he had pledged himself to
Paradise.
What kind of trade was that? It was absolutely astounding!
However, none had the will or courage to voice their dissent. Instead, the scene quickly escalated:
"I'm willing to pledge my body, soul, and mind to Paradise!" a voice rang out from the top of
a building. The speaker leapt down, landing before Orion and immediately prostrating. "Please, Supreme Leader of Paradise, accept my allegiance!"
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