"What laws?" Ethan asked calmly, his voice steady and unhurried.
The moment those words fell, the atmosphere in the Administration Hall shifted once again.
"You people are simply making things up as you go," Ethan continued without raising his voice. "Who here doesn't know the truth? Officials with authority commit crimes, twist facts, and frame common people like us as culprits—even when we are completely innocent."
His words struck like invisible blades.
Several people in the crowd stiffened. Some lowered their heads instinctively. Others clenched their fists.
"You—!" The leader of the Justice Department troops was visibly angered. His expression darkened, veins faintly bulging at his temples.
But Ethan did not stop.
"Whatever so-called rules you claim to follow," Ethan said evenly, "don't even exist in the way you're using them. You're not enforcing Union law. You're abusing authority. You're framing people for crimes they didn't commit—simply because you can."
A heavy silence followed.
Then—
"Oh yeah?"
Young Master Sirius stepped forward.
This time, there was no lazy arrogance in his expression. His eyes were sharp, cold, and probing.
"So what you're saying," he asked slowly, "is that you understand the law and order of the Union better than the highly accomplished officials standing here?"
"Yes," Ethan replied instantly.
No hesitation.
No fear.
No attempt to soften his tone.
That single word landed like thunder.
For a brief moment, Young Master Sirius froze.
He had expected many possible responses—denial, backtracking, flattery, even begging. He had expected Ethan to retreat, to realize his place, to apologize.
But this?
This was completely outside his expectations.
Not just Young Master Sirius—everyone present was stunned.
No one dared speak to Young Master Sirius like this.
Not merchants.
Not cultivators.
Not even minor nobles.
To openly say yes to such a question was equivalent to declaring war against authority itself.
Whispers erupted in the hall.
"Is he insane?"
"He's done for…"
"How can he speak like that?"
All eyes shifted toward Young Master Sirius.
Sure enough, the faint smile that once rested on his face was gone.
In its place—
Pure anger.
His jaw tightened. His gaze hardened.
He did not shout. He did not explode.
That made it even more terrifying.
"Good," the leader of the Justice Department troops said slowly, his lips twisting. "Good. Very good."
He stepped forward, towering over Ethan.
"So you claim you understand Union law better than us?" the man continued coldly. "Then enlighten us."
His voice dripped with mockery.
"We would very much like to hear how we are twisting the truth. Please—educate us."
Several officials smirked.
They believed Ethan had dug his own grave.
"You sure you want me to speak?" Ethan asked calmly. "Once I begin, don't blame me for what follows. When the truth comes out, certain so-called 'Young Masters' won't escape consequences."
The leader laughed harshly.
"Speak," he ordered. "I'm very curious."
Ethan smiled.
Not outwardly—only within.
This was exactly the situation he wanted.
"Then listen carefully," Ethan said.
His voice carried clearly across the hall.
"Union Article 115, Section 21."
The leader's expression flickered.
"No authority has the right to arrest or detain a citizen without concrete evidence. Suspects may be monitored, but they cannot be restrained, threatened, or forcefully taken into custody without proof."
Ethan paused, then continued.
"If any official misuses their authority, they are immediately suspended pending investigation."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Ethan did not stop.
"Union Article 335, Section 54."
Now several officials shifted uncomfortably.
"The descendants of Union authorities are strictly forbidden from interfering in Union affairs. If a descendant uses familial power for personal gain, it is classified as severe abuse of authority."
His gaze flicked briefly toward Young Master Sirius.
"Both the authority-holder and the descendant will be detained. If found guilty—public execution."
A sharp intake of breath rippled through the hall.
Even Derek's face paled slightly.
Ethan continued, his voice unwavering.
"Union Article 555, Section 121—Common People Protection Act."
The crowd stirred.
"Any citizen wrongfully harmed by officials or their descendants has the right to demand a full investigation. If abuse is confirmed, punishment may extend up to execution."
More whispers.
Some faces in the crowd began to change.
Hope.
Anger.
Shock.
"Union Article 442, Section 43…"
"Union Article 298, Section 99…"
Ethan continued.
One article after another.
One clause after another.
He spoke clearly, precisely, without stumbling even once.
The hall grew dead silent.
Not a single official interrupted him.
Not because they couldn't.
But because they dared not.
As Ethan spoke, the expressions of the common people changed dramatically.
At first, disbelief.
Then confusion.
Then—
Excitement.
Meanwhile, Young Master Sirius's followers grew restless.
Manager Philip's forehead was drenched in sweat.
Derek clenched his fists, his face turning pale.
Ethan finally stopped.
"I can continue," he said calmly. "But I believe I've made my point."
The hall remained silent.
So silent that one could hear breathing.
Finally, a trembling voice broke the silence.
"Brother…" a man from the crowd asked hesitantly, "is what you said… really true?"
Ethan turned toward him and smiled gently.
"I can stake my life on it," he said. "If you doubt me—verify it yourself. The Union Library is open to all."
The man's eyes reddened.
"I came from Winterpool City," he said hoarsely. "My brother was framed and executed. Everyone knew the real criminal was the son of a Union elder. But no one dared to speak."
His fists trembled.
"I fled here because I couldn't bear it anymore."
He bowed deeply toward Ethan.
"Thank you… for showing us a path."
Ethan nodded.
"Go," he said. "Seek the truth."
Then he added calmly:
"Where I come from, we believe one thing—Knowledge is Divine."
He looked around the hall.
"People believe power is absolute. But power itself is a form of knowledge."
"And knowledge," Ethan concluded, "is the sharpest weapon of all."