As Magnoy's body exploded, Lucian held Robin in his right arm, while his left hand gently covered her eyes to shield her from the gruesome and inappropriate scene.
Serfina also hurriedly covered Sunday's eyes, as the scene was far too bloody and gory—it would surely frighten any children.
In the temporary plaza, everyone present wore expressions of shock and confusion—their gazes all turned toward Magnoy's former position.
However, instead of Magnoy, all that remained was a pool of blood, with drops of fresh crimson staining the faces of those around.
In the blink of an eye, a living person had died.
"AAAAAAHHH—!!!"
Someone finally reacted, letting out a high-pitched scream of terror, and those standing nearby immediately took three steps back, afraid that the next explosion might target them as well.
"I-It's him! He killed Lord Magnoy!"
A member of the Oak Family pointed at Lucian, fear written all over his face.
Lucian calmly turned his gaze toward him, and in the next second, the man exploded just like Magnoy, blood splattering once again and thoroughly drenching everyone nearby.
Seeing this scene, Mikhail was terrified, his blood draining from his face and leaving him looking pale.
Why did this young man kill people so suddenly?
And in such a cruel manner, at that?
Wasn't this a bit too much?
"I don't like being slandered..." Lucian said calmly—his expression remained cold, his words slow and deliberate. "Did you all hear me?"
Even though his voice was faint, it carried an undeniable weight, causing everyone to be stunned into silence and to listen patiently and carefully to each word he uttered.
Yet no one answered.
None dared to.
"Mm, got it."
In that moment, a soft child's voice rang out like thunder in this silent and tense atmosphere.
Robin, in Lucian's arms, her eyes covered, snuggled up in his embrace, and, looking utterly adorable, answered the question no one dared to answer.
Lucian smiled and finally understood why Robin was so beloved.
"Of course, we will re-investigate this matter and ensure no one is wronged..."
Oti forced a smile and tried to appease Lucian, intending to slip away quietly.
Unfortunately, just as Oti thought this matter would be brushed aside, Lucian suddenly changed his demeanor.
"No need."
As soon as these words left Lucian's lips, an immense pressure suddenly descended from the sky, enveloping everyone of the five great lineages.
He channeled the Path energy of the Elation, directly imposing it upon all these people.
*Thud!* *Thud!* *Thud!* *Thud!*
*Thud!* *Thud!* *Thud!* *Thud!*
In an instant, those from the five great lineages were forced to their knees, unable to move, and only those around him were spared.
Even some of the survivors he had saved, who had just returned to their respective lineages, were now similarly pinned to the ground, unable to budge.
"Wh-What kind of power is this...?"
All the members of the Bloodhound Family, known for their tenacity, tried to resist and attempted to rise, but the more they struggled and resisted, the heavier and more crushing the pressure became—some were even unable to breathe, collapsing to the ground and falling unconscious.
Bloodhound Family—this lineage had been founded by the former lineage head, Hanunue.
They were known as the combat elite, the armed force of Penacony, yet this strongest lineage was now only able to be helplessly flattened on the ground.
If even the Bloodhound Family was helplessly suppressed, the others were no better off.
However, those who didn't resist fared somewhat better.
'To think even the Hounds are easily beaten, and he didn't even lift a finger...' Oti silently pondered, feeling grave. 'He's too strong, far stronger than Hanunue, far stronger than the IPC's troops... No, this is not someone we can contend with...'
Should he choose to surrender?
No matter what he thought, at this point, it seemed that aligning with this mysterious powerhouse was the best option.
"Now, tell me, does ruling Penacony require me to play these petty games with you all?"
Lucian's cold voice shattered the silence.
"I was originally just passing through, but now I've changed my mind."
"As you all wished, I will rule Penacony, take the spoils from the War of Independence, protect you, and guide you."
"Who's for it? Who's against it?"
Hearing this, everyone fell silent, not daring to respond.
Even the members of the five great lineages, who were very furious inside, dared not voice any objection.
It was only natural for them to be furious.
Lucian's statement, 'take the spoils from the War of Independence,' was truly the greatest insult to all the members of the five great lineages, who had fought tooth and nail to regain their freedom from the IPC.
"Hmph, a bunch of worthless fools, squabbling over Penacony?"
Lucian scoffed, looking mockingly at the kneeling members of the five great lineages.
If it had been Hanunue, he would have rushed at him and fought to the death, even knowing full well he couldn't win.
Mikhail, standing beside Lucian, also said nothing.
He could clearly see the situation and understood the current problems of these five great lineages: they lacked unity, and their goals were far too divided.
For that reason, the need for a strong leader felt necessary in his eyes.
He had originally planned to introduce The Family of the Harmony to them, but it seemed a bit too late now. He wasn't sure if Lucian was the best choice, but it certainly seemed like the only choice now.
"I... I am willing to follow you..."
At last, when no one else dared speak, Serfina was the first to do so, announcing in her melodious voice while kneeling on one knee before Lucian.
Seeing this, Lucian found himself liking her more and more.
Shortly after, the other halovians also began to declare their allegiance, taking his side, and the others who had been saved by him followed suit soon after.
Just the labels of savior and powerhouse were enough to make them decide whom to choose.
*Thud!* *Thud!* *Thud!*
One by one, the people behind Lucian, who weren't affected by his pressure, knelt on a single knee.
"Alfalfa Family, swear our allegiance..."
Oti pledged, placing his right hand over his chest.
He was an old man with elf-like ears and a small stature, but his eyes were unfortunately sharp and shrewd, giving off the impression of a black-hearted capitalist.
As an expert businessman, Oti felt certain he hadn't made a mistake—this tyrant-like young man was undoubtedly a rising star with immense potential, and aligning with him was the right move.
"Iris Family, swear allegiance."
Asna followed suit and placed her right hand over her chest.
Having seen Lucian's affectionate gaze toward the little girl in his arms, she was convinced of his character.
In her eyes, anyone who loved children couldn't be evil.
Moreover, the Iris Family, being singers and dancers, could only thrive by attaching themselves to the strong, and Lucian was undoubtedly a solid choice.
Seeing the two lineages pledge allegiance, the members of the Bloodhound Family, the Oak Family, and the Nightingale Family hesitated, but in the end, afraid of suffering a gruesome death like Magnoy, they decided to submit as well.
"Bloodhound Family, swear allegiance..."
"Oak Family, swear... swear allegiance..."
"Nightingale Family, swear allegiance..."
Who would have thought that less than half a day later, Penacony had officially changed hands?
Many couldn't help but curse Magnoy in their hearts.
It couldn't be helped.
Had it not been for his foolish actions, Lucian wouldn't have taken control of Penacony.
Thankfully, Magnoy died early, or else, after today, he would surely have been beaten to a pulp by them.
"Don't worry. I never shortchange my own people."
Lucian spoke calmly, still not releasing the pressure on them despite the five great lineages already swearing allegiance, still keeping everyone on their knees.
"Now, for the judgment phase... those who activated the Stellaron, and all those who assisted, or participated in the destruction of Penacony will die."
Right after saying this, Lucian turned his head to Serfina.
"Serfina, you're from The Family, right?"
"Yes." Serfina nodded and replied respectfully. "The other halovians and I were sent to Penacony by The Family in the Montour system to assist with Penacony's development and to spread the hymn of Harmony."
"Good. Can you and your people perform the Harmony's consecration to find those who participated in activating the Stellaron?"
And so, at Lucian's command, some halovians, who could perform the Harmony's consecration—the miraculous power of the Harmony to see truth and reveal lies beneath the illumination of Xipe's grace—began moving among the members of the five great lineages.
An hour later, all the culprits were found.
The Oak Family had 1,000 participants.
The Bloodhound Family had 400 participants.
The Nightingale Family had 108 participants.
The Alfalfa Family had 7 participants.
The Iris Family had 1 participant.
A total of 1,516 criminals.
"We should lock them—"
Mikhail was about to suggest how to handle them when he heard the sounds of explosions.
*BOOM!**BOOM!**BOOM!**BOOM!*
*BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!*
All the explosions, sounding like firecrackers, occurred in tandem, as all of the criminals exploded on the spot—1,516 explosion sounds in total.
"Who should I lock up again?"
Lucian asked nonchalantly, looking at Mikhail with a deadpan expression.
===
[A bonus chapter for every 500 Power Stones.]
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