The Government is the Best Hoax Creator

That morning, the atmosphere at the State Palace was filled with tension. Journalists had gathered since dawn, waiting for the press conference to begin. The president, police chief, military leaders, and other high-ranking officials were preparing behind the podium. A major issue was shaking the public: the largest dock in Aratsun had long been a hub of crime—money laundering, human and organ trafficking, murder, slavery, and kidnappings. Rumors linked these crimes to the government.

"For now, public opinion will corner the government. Later, at the right moment, we will release our ultimate evidence and push the police chief and military leaders to resign. But this won't be easy," said Mr. Kein firmly. "Of course," added his secretary. "At least the photos circulating about the dock's condition that we leaked have made the government cautious, hopefully."

At the mansion, Balqis was preparing breakfast for Sera and Lily, who were still unconscious. "Are you awake, Lily?" asked Balqis, seeing Lily open her eyes and hold her still slightly dizzy head. "Where am I, Balqis? What actually happened? Is my father okay? What about that woman?" Balqis smiled gently, "Calm down, you're asking too many questions. Drink this and eat a little, at least this can restore your energy. Then I'll answer all your questions." Lily drank, her body still weak, while Sera remained unconscious in the bed next to her.

Elsewhere, at the military hospital, Navies lay weak in a hospital bed. His injuries were severe, and doctors were working hard to save his life. Outside the ER, strict security was enforced by military personnel. They ensured that no one could approach Navies without permission.

Mr. Huang stood at the State Palace with the president to hold a press conference. "I won't say much, but I represent the government and as head of state, I extend my condolences for the incident that occurred. With public support, we can surely punish the evil people behind all this," said the president. "Next, the finance ministry representative, who was on-site, will continue and explain."

Mr. Huang stepped forward. He ensured the media only received the information he wanted to share. In that morning's press conference, he appeared before the public with a sorrowful face, but with sharp and strategic words.

"We deeply mourn this incident. My son, Mada Huang, has been a victim of the kidnapping and murder by the cruelty of Navies and his group. We also didn't expect, as everyone knows, that dock was used for dirty work and crimes. They killed and kidnapped people they considered enemies. Shamelessly, they claim the government is behind all this, and my son had to sacrifice his life. We will not stop until justice is served. Navies and his group will be tried and given the appropriate punishment, and we will investigate who else is behind all this," said Mr. Huang loudly in front of the journalists.

After Mr. Huang finished, the police chief took over and explained the chronology of events, of course, the version they had planned. He described how Navies and his group allegedly committed crimes at the dock and the steps the authorities had taken to handle the situation. This explanation was intended to strengthen the narrative they had prepared and ensure the public believed their version.

The news quickly spread. Public opinion began to form according to Mr. Huang's plan. Navies was portrayed as a major criminal responsible for all the chaos, while Mada Huang was hailed as a hero who died in the line of duty.

At Navies' mansion, after the meeting, Mr. Kein gathered several key members to draft a more detailed plan. "We must act quickly. Balqis, you will lead a team to monitor the government's movements. We need to know every step they take."

With a loud crash, Balqis kicked the television in the living room, shattering it and sending glass shards across the floor.

"Balqis, calm down," Mr. Kein requested, his voice rising slightly. Balqis cried hard, her tears mixed with anger. "You need to calm down, because if you can't control yourself, you won't be able to protect him," Mr. Kein continued. Hearing Mr. Kein's words, Balqis recalled what Navies had told her. Lily, sitting near Mr. Kein, buried her face in her knees and sobbed. The mansion staff were also sad. NFC Group continued to operate as usual, as did other offices, but all the executives were deeply saddened and very angry.

That morning, the overcast weather added to the somber atmosphere. Rendra and Mike stood at the edge of the cemetery, letting the drizzle soak their bodies. In front of them, six coffins lay in a row, each adorned with white flowers. All members of the DBW (Dragon Bike Warrior) gang were present. They brought their bikes, including the bikes of their fallen friends, arranged neatly around the graves, creating a heart-wrenching scene.

Rendra and Mike, without umbrellas, let the rain hide their tears. They didn't want other gang members to see their deep sadness, to maintain the gang's morale and strength. In Rendra's mind, images of Albert, who always smiled and made people laugh, haunted him. Mike, his eyes red and swollen, struggled to hold back tears that were already flowing. Every tear mixed with rain depicted the pain of losing such valuable friends.

As the silence grew deeper, Rendra broke it with a trembling voice. "Albert always knew how to make us smile, even in the hardest times," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I don't know how we can go on without him."

Mike nodded, wiping away tears mingled with rain on his face. "We have to be strong, for them," he said softly. "They would want us to keep going."

When the ceremony began, the atmosphere grew even heavier. Farewell words were spoken one by one, reminding them how precious these six friends were. Their hearts felt shattered, but they vowed to always remember and cherish every moment they had shared together.

"I will miss your silly jokes, Albert," whispered one gang member, his voice nearly drowned out by the rain. "We will all miss you."

Rendra lifted his head, looking at all the gang members with determined eyes. "We won't let this go unpunished," he said firmly. "Those who did this will pay. Albert sacrificed himself to protect Navies and the younger members. That is the act of a hero."

Mike patted Rendra's shoulder, adding, "We will avenge them, for Albert and the others. They will not die in vain."

The bikes lined up near the graves became symbols of memories that would never fade. Rendra and Mike stood tall in the rain, as pillars of strength for their gang in the darkest times. They knew that even though their friends were gone, their spirit would continue to live in every pedal stroke and every laugh they had shared. And now, with unwavering determination, they would ensure that the sacrifice would not be in vain.

From near the mansion door, Saroon hurriedly walked in. "Have you seen the news? They're twisting the facts and putting all the blame on Master Navies."

"Yes, I know," Mr. Kein replied flatly.

"What should we do, Mr. Kein? Should we destroy the government and throw this country into crisis?"

Mr. Kein remained silent.

"Hey, Mr. Kein, give us orders! I can't stand what they've done to us," Saroon demanded, his voice full of emotion.

"Saroon, calm down," Mr. Kein's voice rose slightly. Saroon fell silent, trying to control himself.

"How is the plan to acquire several major law firms going?" Mr. Kein asked.

"Of course, Mr. Kein," Saroon replied, sitting down and taking a bottle of water to calm himself. He gulped down the water quickly, trying to ease his anxiety.

"Good. We will push for pre-trial motions before the court sessions begin. I'm sure they have plenty of evidence to incriminate us, but we just need to counter it, and public opinion is the key to everything. Make sure we exploit every legal loophole available."

"Understood," said Saroon firmly.

Navies glanced around the now silent room. "Who broke the big TV?" he asked in confusion.

Mr. Kein remained silent, raising an eyebrow and pointing subtly at Balqis. "No wonder," Saroon thought to himself, shaking his head. He understood the emotions Balqis was feeling.

Balqis was leaning against the wall, looking dejected, her eyes red from crying. Lily continued to sob beside her, while Sera remained unconscious in the bed.

Back at the hospital, Navies lay in his room, still under intensive care. Only three doctors and two nurses were allowed to enter to care for him. The atmosphere outside the ER was very tense, with strict security from military personnel. If NFC Group attempted to force their way in, it would spark a major conflict and chaos that would be unavoidable. Such a scenario would lead to numerous casualties, meaning NFC Group would have failed in their mission to protect people.

The tense silence at the mansion and the hospital reflected the gravity of the situation they faced. Everyone knew that the next steps were crucial. They had to be cautious yet decisive, using every means to sway public opinion and ensure the safety of Navies and the others. This wasn't just about saving one person, but about upholding the principles and goals they believed in.