Chapter 333: Unrest
The pursuit of power often involves bloodshed, and over the years, Antonio had not shied away from employing ruthless tactics. His unprecedented move to extend his term beyond the traditional three allowed terms—justified by the war effort against an external threat—faced significant opposition despite its patriotic framing.
As long as Antonio remained strong, these hidden factions posed no real threat. However, in the current climate, a single misstep could cause his carefully constructed authority to collapse.
These dissenters were well-hidden, and Antonio suspected some were even within his inner circle. The unsolved breach of the Longevity Serum laboratory years ago highlighted the existence of forces beyond his control, despite his outward dominance.
Antonio had long suspected the identities of these individuals. Their previous actions, while disruptive, were tolerable given their elevated status and utility. However, circumstances had changed—Antonio now had to identify and eliminate them.
Without these opposition forces, he would have the undisputed authority to control the narrative. Even surrender could be reframed as a strategic decision, potentially turning a burden into an advantage.
But before he could act, the opposition struck first.
News from the frontlines somehow leaked, flooding the Riken social networks overnight. The reports, laden with technical terminology, appeared highly credible but were difficult for the average citizen to understand.
No matter—an army of “experts” emerged seemingly out of nowhere, breaking down the reports into plain language for the public. Videos and commentary further amplified the message, pointing fingers squarely at the Council and Antonio himself, accusing his lust for power of leading to the current crisis.
The reports claimed the Swarm invasion was merely a defensive response, arguing that it was the Rikens who had first encroached upon Swarm territory. To support this, classified documents from the administration of Antonio’s predecessor, President Derlin, were leaked and made public.