Chapter 318 Downfall
While the storm was brewing in the headquarters of the Harrett Family, back in the Iron Sentinel, the trio was completely stunned by Theobold's retaliation.
"Hey, Mary... this is just a suspicion of mine, but do you think he knew about your spyware a long time ago?" Shi Tian asked in an uncertain tone.
Having just witnessed how Theobold managed to reverse the situation against Damon with such ease, Shi Tian can't help but believe they might have severely underestimated Theobold's capability.
And as confident as her with her ability, Mary was also self-doubting.
"If he did notice, but remained ignorant. Then I can only say he's one dangerous foe we're facing against." Mary rubbed her chin and muttered softly, unable to imagine the consequences.
Nodding his head in agreement, Shi Tian kept his eyes on the screen, watching the situation unfold.
Currently, in the camping area, Damon was completely trapped, without a way to retreat or advance forward.
What else could he say?
With Theobold proclaiming that it was military intel, along with a stamp of approval, attempting to pursue further would be seen as him trying to threaten the lives of Gearits City instead.
Damon also noticed that some of his soldiers were beginning to waver, clearly confused as to what to do.
They came here, expecting to arrest Theobold, but now it was pretty clear that the person being arrested might be Damon, their very own commander.
Luckily, Damon got another trump card. "If you say this is military intel, then can you please explain why you split some of your platoon to another area. It can't be that you wanted to search for the dense area as well, right?"
The atmosphere seemed to have changed the tide, with tension shifting back to Theobold upon Damon's questioning.
His question made sense to the spectators as well.
After all, what could be more important than suppressing the monster wave?
It can't be that Theobold had some selfish goal as well and wished to search for the dense area filled with strange energy, right?
Damon smirked coldly when he managed to keep his ground and didn't falter despite being initially surprised.
'Heh, let's see how you're going to make an excuse for this. Even if you got the stamp of approval, I doubt you would dare to use that excuse as well.' He exclaimed inwardly.
If Theobold truly attempted to use the same excuse, then he was essentially dragging the Hill Family down, indirectly accusing them of having nefarious intentions.
Once that happens, the Hill Family themselves would be forced to announce that it was all Theobold's selfish goal and not theirs, unless they want to be dragged down and be blamed.
Suddenly, Theobold laughed merrily as he shook his head. "Oh, Damon, have you not seen the video posted on the Darknet? I have found traces of the White Syndicate and intended to stop them from causing troubles in Gearits City."
Theobold then turned his attention to the crowd and held a pitiful expression.
"Is it wrong for me to want the citizens in Gearits City to remain safe? I've even sent my elite soldiers in the hope of stopping them, but as everyone can see, my soldiers suffered heavy casualties. We don't ask for gratitude for our actions because we swore to protect Gearits City, but can you not undermine our goodwill as nefarious?" He placed his hand on his chest and asked sorrowly.
And this single speech of his caused the spectators to be ashamed of themselves.
Indeed, how could they point their finger at a commander known for his honor and principle to protect their livelihoods?
"Commander Theobold is correct. Damn, I've felt like swallowing a mouthful of flies when I realized I was misled by Commander Damon."
"I agreed! Commander Theobold has always been serving us wholeheartedly, but what did Commander Damon do?"
"Hmph, other than hiding in Gearits City, we have barely even seen his face. And the first thing he came out to do was to accuse our heroic commander. Does he have any shame?"
As the gossiping among the spectators gradually became louder, Damon was shocked by the shamelessness of Theobold.
What kind of speech was that?
Tracing the White Syndicate?
Bull Crap!
Damon was positive that Theobold knew that the enemy was not from the White Syndicate and merely impersonated one just based on the enemy's skill alone.
However, even if he wanted to deny it and use it as an excuse, no one would believe him. They would only believe what their eyes are seeing.
And right now, Theobold had all of his injured soldiers, with one of them even losing his right eye to stand behind him pitifully.
The scenery alone made others sympathize with their situation and caused them to be embarrassed at their judging critics earlier.
Could their injuries be fake? n//o)-V-.e--l)(b./1/.n
Theobold had brilliantly played his cards. His appeal to the citizens' emotions, coupled with the sight of his injured soldiers, had successfully turned the crowd against Damon.
Damon's accusations were now ringing hollow, and his actions appeared questionable at best.
Damon clenched his fists, his frustration and anger simmering just beneath the surface. The situation had spiraled out of his control faster than he could have imagined. He hadn't anticipated Theobold's masterful manipulation of public sentiment.
'So he was prepared to act shameless and even utilized the impersonification of the enemy to his advantage.' Damon cursed silently, gnashing his teeth.
Meanwhile, in the hidden room beneath the Hill Family's manor, a man was sitting in his chair with meticulous movement.
The man was Jonas Hill, who watched the live feed intently, with a calculating smile on his face. Theobold's speech had been a masterstroke, and the citizens of Gearits City were once again rallying behind their commander.
"Theobold is quite the orator and actor," Jonas Hill remarked, his tone laced with admiration. "He may prove to be a valuable ally in the days to come."
Behind him were a few advisors, who nodded their heads in agreement, understanding the complex web of alliances and enmities that Jonas was weaving.
