Free Web NovelChapter 208: [Weekly Bonus Chapter] Checkmate (2)
As Marcus was dragged away and sedated, Shinon was tasked with explaining the situation to the people. But he instead urged the Phoenixes, basically Lova, Nova and Sable, to softly break the news to them, and he would handle the rest.
They agreed, and while Rico and a few others locked Marcus up, he stayed behind. Recalling what Marcus had said a few moments ago.
"You think you’ve won? This settlement is a powder keg waiting to explode. Without me, it will crumble..."
Marcus’s words echoed in Shinon’s ears. Shinon knew that Marcus was right to some extent. The settlement was vulnerable now, and they needed strong leadership to survive in the unforgiving world outside their walls. freēwēbnovel.com
The trust among them was fragile. The settlers were having a tough time believing what the Phoenixes had told them moments ago.
But they also know that Marcus was not the leader they needed. His betrayal had shown his true colours, and he could never be trusted again.
As the settlement’s residents gathered in the central square, a sense of uncertainty hung in the air. They had fought zombies, invaders, and even monsters like no other. But the settlement had never faced such a crisis before, and they were unsure of how to proceed and whom to believe.
The entire place was in turmoil. The revelation of Marcus’s betrayal had sent shockwaves through the tightly-knit community.
The man who had been their leader, their protector for years, had been colluding with their enemies. Nobody knew how many others were involved in the scandal. The once unwavering trust in their leadership was now shattered, leaving a void of uncertainty.
Shinon stood at the centre of it all, his expression solemn. He knew decisions had to be made, and they would be difficult. But someone had to take control of the situation before everything fell apart.
He looked around at the faces of the settlers gathered in the central square. Some were angry, their eyes blazing with fury, while others wore expressions of confusion and disbelief.
"Marcus’s betrayal has left us in a vulnerable position. But we are strong and resilient," Shinon began his speech. "We have faced countless challenges together, and we will overcome this one as well."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, but there were still doubts and questions in their eyes. They clearly wanted to know more about Marcus and what would be happening to him.
One settler spoke up, "What will happen to Marcus?"
Shinon took a deep breath. He knew this was the question that weighed on everyone’s mind, and thankfully, he and the Phoenixes already had an answer for it.
"We will hold a council meeting to decide Marcus’s fate. Justice will be served, but it will be a fair and just process."
"Council? But the Phoenixes had always been the council." Another settler chimed in. "I don’t think we trust them with-"
"Not anymore," Shinon continued. "While the Phoenixes would still be operational and hold on to their duties as usual, they will no longer make decisions without input from all of you. Hence, there’ll be a new council... a council that’s transparent and answerable to all of you!"
Shinon’s words sent rippled through the audience. Most of them were confused but were happy that they were now a part of the decision-making body.
It was Selena’s idea to do so, as it would help the settlers restore some trust in them. Thankfully, everyone seemed receptive to the idea, and so Shinon began explaining to everyone about the new council.
The settlement’s new council will consist of representatives from various sectors of their community – farmers, security personnel, healers, and more. It would be a diverse group that ensured different perspectives were considered.
The people will vote for a representative without delay, and the council will convene immediately to discuss the issue. Settlers did not waste any time, and an entire council was organised within a couple of hours.
Much to Shinon’s surprise, Kira was chosen to represent the farmers, and Rico would represent the security forces. As for Selena, she was voted to be the voice of the commoners, while a man named Shin was named the representative of the commercial district.
As the council convened to discuss Marcus’s fate, the settlement’s residents watched with bated breath. It was a difficult decision, and opinions varied widely.
Some argued for exile, believing that Marcus should never set foot in the settlement again. Others advocated for a trial to determine the extent of his crimes.
At the same time, Shin voiced his thoughts for immediate execution. Even the crowd seemed receptive to the idea, but Shinon disagreed. He didn’t give his reasons, but he was adamant that they do not kill Marcus.
***
Hours turned into days as the council deliberated. It was a tense and emotionally charged process, with accusations and defences being hurled from all sides. The settlement’s unity was being tested, but Shinon remained resolute, and soon everyone except Shin sided with Shinon.
Finally, a decision was reached. Marcus would be exiled, never to return to the settlement, just like Shinon had been exiled before. It was a compromise that allowed for justice to be served without bloodshed.
Shinon stood at the outskirts of the settlement, watching as security personnel escorted Marcus away. Marcus’s face was a mask of anger and humiliation, but Shinon felt no satisfaction in seeing his former leader brought low.
Marcus kept hurling curses at everyone that came into his sight. He blamed everyone except himself for the situation he faced.
"We will survive, with or without you," Shinon whispered to the wind, knowing that the settlement’s strength lay not in one man but in its people.
As Marcus disappeared into the distance, Shinon returned to the settlement. Much work was to be done, but he was confident they would face whatever challenges lay ahead as a united community.
The weight of justice had been served, and now it was time to rebuild and heal. But first, he had to make a call. The system might have told him to get Marcus exiled, but he had a promise to fulfil.
Taking out his radio, Shinon called a familiar number. It didn’t take long for Widow to answer the call.
"It’s done. Marcus is out of the settlement, alone," he informed her, and he could almost see her smiling.
"You really are a man of your word, darling," Widow replied. "Don’t worry, we’ll deal with the fucker. Would you like a proof or something?"
Shinon contemplated for a moment but then shook his head. "That won’t be needed. I’m content knowing I’ll never have to see his face again."
"As you wish, babe. Widow out."
Shinon placed the radio back inside his inventory. A part of his revenge was successful, and now he could focus on finding a way to return home.
