Knowledge is Divine!
When those words left Ethan's mouth, the entire Administration Hall fell into a strange, suffocating silence.
At first, no one reacted.
It wasn't because they didn't understand the words. Rather, it was because they felt that those words carried a meaning far deeper than what was spoken on the surface. The phrase echoed repeatedly in the minds of everyone present, like a bell struck in a dark cave, its reverberations growing louder instead of fading away.
Knowledge is Divine.
Some frowned instinctively, others lowered their heads, and a few unconsciously clenched their fists. Every single person in that hall—cultivators, merchants, doctors, guards, officials—felt something stir deep inside their hearts.
At that moment, Ethan continued speaking, his tone calm yet resolute.
"These good-for-nothing Young Masters use the power of their family elders as if they own the city itself," he said evenly, his gaze sweeping across Young Master Sirius, Derek, and Manager Philip without fear. "They believe authority gives them the right to trample others at will. But if you possess knowledge—true knowledge—of the Union's laws, then you can stand against them face to face."
His words were sharp, but they carried undeniable logic.
"Once you understand the laws, these so-called Young Masters will tremble in fear before you," Ethan continued. "And that is precisely why I memorized every clause, every article, and every section of the Union's laws. Today, you have all witnessed the result. I can stand here, in front of people with authority, without bowing my head or trembling in fear."
His voice remained steady.
"You could do the same—if you possessed the same knowledge."
The man from Winterpool City, whose eyes were still red with suppressed emotion, nodded slowly. Hope, something he thought he had lost long ago, flickered in his eyes.
"You are right," the man said with a trembling voice. "You are absolutely right."
He clasped his fists tightly, bowed deeply toward Ethan, and then turned to leave. His steps were hurried, as if he could no longer contain the fire that had been lit within him.
"I will go back," he muttered, almost to himself. "I will read the laws. I will fight for justice."
Soon, his figure disappeared from the Administration Hall, leaving behind a trail of stunned gazes.
But his departure was only the beginning.
A subtle shift occurred within the crowd.
People who had lived their entire lives under suppression—people who had endured humiliation, injustice, and silent suffering—suddenly saw a crack in the seemingly invincible wall of authority.
"But if you had the knowledge regarding the Union's laws, then you could stand against them face to face."
These words replayed again and again in their minds.
Some subconsciously clenched their fists.
Others felt an overwhelming urge to head straight to the Union Library.
For the first time in years—perhaps decades—hope bloomed among the common people.
Meanwhile, Derek, Manager Philip, Young Master Sirius, and the troops from the Justice Department stood frozen, their expressions blank.
For several breaths, it was as if they had forgotten their own existence.
They suddenly remembered Ethan's earlier warning.
If I open my mouth, disasters will follow.
At the time, they had dismissed it as arrogance. Now, they understood its weight.
If knowledge spread…
If common people truly understood the laws…
If authority could no longer hide behind ignorance…
Then the descendants of noble families would no longer be untouchable.
Their privileges would become shackles.
Ethan glanced at Young Master Sirius and the others, his expression unreadable.
"I've said what needed to be said," he stated calmly. "I can continue if you wish. But I believe my point is already clear."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"You can use your authority to arrest me if you want. But remember this—you are not the only ones who can manipulate the Union's laws. If things spiral out of control, don't blame me for what follows."
The faces of Young Master Sirius and Manager Philip turned visibly ugly.
They stared at Ethan with cold, murderous gazes—but none of them dared to act.
After a long pause, the leader of the Justice Department guards finally spoke, his voice stiff with restrained fury.
"We are leaving."
Without another word, he turned around and strode out of the hall. His subordinates followed closely behind, none of them daring to question the order.
Derek's expression twisted with humiliation and rage.
He had come here seeking revenge.
Instead, he was leaving with yet another scar—one carved deeply into his pride.
But no matter how furious he was, Derek knew better than to act rashly in front of Young Master Sirius. His grandfather's authority meant nothing compared to the power held by a Deputy Patriarch's son.
Young Master Sirius, on the other hand, maintained a faint smile.
To outsiders, he still appeared calm and elegant.
But those who knew him well—especially Derek—understood the truth.
Young Master Sirius was furious.
Utterly furious.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" Sirius said softly, his smile never reaching his eyes. "This time, you won. But remember this—clever people tend to fall faster than others."
The hall seemed to grow colder.
Everyone understood the hidden meaning behind his words.
Those who oppose us will die.
This was not merely a warning to Ethan—it was a warning to everyone present.
Stay beneath our feet.
Don't challenge authority.
Or face the consequences.
All eyes turned toward Ethan.
They wanted to know—what would he say?
Ethan simply smiled.
A calm, fearless smile.
"Clever people," he replied casually, "are also capable of eliminating annoying bastards who misuse their own authority—or their family's authority—to harm innocents."
His voice remained steady.
"And because they are clever," he added, "they often walk away unharmed."
The hall erupted internally.
Though no one spoke, everyone understood the implication.
Ethan had just issued an indirect threat.
A deadly one.
Young Master Sirius's smile finally cracked.
His face darkened instantly.
"Sherlock, was it?" Sirius said coldly. "We will meet again."
He turned to leave.
Derek followed reluctantly, his eyes filled with venom.
Just before exiting, Young Master Sirius paused and turned back once more.
"You wanted to open a clinic, didn't you?" he said lightly. "All the best. I hope your life as a doctor is peaceful. I truly hope… there are no mishaps."
With that, he left.
The meaning behind those seemingly kind words was crystal clear to everyone present.
Ethan didn't respond.
He turned toward Manager Philip instead.
"The unwanted individuals have left," Ethan said calmly. "I have proven my innocence. According to Union rules, I am eligible to open a clinic. Shall we continue?"
Manager Philip blinked, finally snapping out of his daze.
After a moment, he nodded stiffly.
"Yes."
Soon after, Ethan officially registered under the name Sherlock Holmes. He received his license, selected a location for his clinic, and paid the required 50 Gold Coins.
Once all procedures were completed, Ethan left the Administration Building and headed toward the location designated for his clinic.
As for the crowd…
They remained silent long after he departed.
Too much had happened.
Too many beliefs had been shaken.
And by the time the city fully processed what had occurred inside the Administration Hall, the news had already begun spreading like wildfire—sending shockwaves throughout the entire Phoenix Feather City.