Chapter 543 The Whys and Wherefores

Chapter 543 The Whys and Wherefores

Before the panic and fearmongering could spread further, a notification was pushed to every device on the planet, imperial or otherwise. The emperor would shortly be making a speech explaining the whys and wherefores of the disintegrations.

The notification was enough to bring everything in the world to a screeching halt, as, other than those who were asleep and thus missed it or those doing important jobs, everyone sat and stared at their screens, upon which was displayed the imperial seal. Everyone was worried that the disintegration would be affecting them, their families, or their close friends, and they wanted to know what exactly was going on.

And whether they were imperial citizens or not, Aron had an excellent reputation, so his words bore the most authority.

As usual, Aron appeared behind a podium against a neutral blue backdrop, the seal of the empire proudly displayed on the front of the podium.

“Greetings to everyone around the world,” he began in a neutral tone.

“Earlier this year, the world suffered an unprecedented wave of terror attacks that took the lives of millions of people. And at that time, We swore a solemn vow to all of you. And today, We come before you to announce that We have kept Our promise and the cult of the progenitors has been eliminated to the very last man.”

He paused to let the news sink in as the screen behind him played a clip from his previous speech where he swore to end the terrorist threat immediately after the attacks took place.

“In addition to that, We have information on the wave of disintegrations and premature aging sweeping through the world. It’s the last gasp of the cult in its dying throes,” he said, dropping another bomb as if he was a B-52 during World War II.

“Through that power, he was able to gather information from malcontents in the empire, as well as assume direct control of those who believed in him. Another aspect of it was that he was able to force people who otherwise wouldn’t obey him into obedience and compliance with his demands.”

Aron’s gaze grew stern as he continued, “Before he died, he was working on another attack that would’ve taken place during the New Year celebration. The plan Our investigators uncovered was that he would control thousands of blessed people to wreak havoc and cause massive casualties, then frame it as an imperial attack on noncitizens.

“Thankfully, Our people were able to discover his plans before they could be carried out, and in a coordinated strike, eliminated all of the brainwashed and reprogrammed blessed that he had gathered in Amarillo, Texas.”

He paused to let people consider the potential consequences of an attack like that, then changed the subject. “During the operation to eliminate the clear and present danger to humanity, Mr. Ashley was also eliminated. And as a result of his elimination, those who were voluntarily connected to him suffered the same fate as him: disintegration.

“But that wasn’t all. Only those who were willing believers in the cult’s anti-human rhetoric were turned to dust. Those who were forced to believe are also slowly dying and Our researchers are currently searching for a cure to the phenomenon.

“Right now, Our imperial doctors are able to place the victims in suspended animation, putting a temporary halt to the disintegration process, but that is only a temporary solution. And it’s one that We are willing to extend to noncitizens as a courtesy and to alleviate the suffering of the innocent victims who were pulled into the cult leader’s schemes.

“So if you or anyone you know has been affected by the fallout of the cult’s demise, please contact your nearest imperial embassy or consulate and ask to speak with the outreach specialist.”

Aron grabbed the sides of the podium as he brought his speech to a close. “We founded the Terran Empire with the idea that humanity needs to stand united as one in order to face the inevitability of a hostile universe. Even if the visitors that are currently on their way to Our solar system are friendly, who can guarantee that the next visitors will also be friendly? Or the one after that?

“So even if you chose to decline the offer of imperial citizenship at the empire’s founding, Our doors will always remain open to you, and Our goal is not to make you suffer, but to allow you the freedom to choose your path. And as such, We will definitely not let you suffer the consequences of an attack on Us. Not now, and not ever.”