Ozeroth shrugged grandly. "Because the mindless cannot appreciate supremacy. The Verge granted them sentience so they could understand what stands before them. A commendable choice."
The citizens behaved like actual humans. Which meant he couldn’t treat them however he pleased. Which explained the current scene.
"So..." Anorah said, glancing at the civilians battering the dome.
"They hate you because they consider you an incompetent lord. Right?"
"That’s right," Atticus nodded.
"Oh, they didn’t even give you a chance. My man’s a great ruler."
Atticus cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed as the group turned to him. Anorah had always been bold enough to say whatever she wanted.
"But really, this level of disrespect? Hmph." Ozerra flicked her hair. "They should be grateful the great Ozerra graces their miserable land. Instead they scream like fools. They’re probably acting up because your lesser self is present."
Ozeroth instantly erupted.
"Lesser—!? You arrogant flea—!"
"From what you explained, the civilians are assigned based on territory size. You probably have this many because you absorbed so many territories."
Atticus nodded in understanding.
"So there was a downside."
Whisker shrugged. "Nothing’s perfect. Just deal with it."
Atticus fixed his eyes on the people outside hammering the dome. The ones in front had turned to a bloody mush, being pushed from behind.
"So... how do we deal with this?"
The group fell silent, contemplating. Then, as though they had agreed, they turned toward Anorah in unison.
"What?" Anorah frowned.
Atticus exchanged glances with the others before clearing his throat.
"You have more... experience than us."
"What do you mean?"
’I’m going to get hit for this.’
He suddenly raised his arms like he was holding a sword.
"Remember... for the resistance...?"
Whisker exploded into laughter. "You’re brutal, my star actor!"
Anorah turned beet red, glaring at Atticus with murderous eyes.
Atticus raised his hands defensively. "Why are you all looking at me!? You were all thinking it!"
"No," Magnus said calmly.
"I would never betray you like that," Ozeroth added dramatically.
"Coward," Ozerra muttered.
Atticus’ eyes widened.
"You guys—!"
He felt Anorah’s piercing stare and quickly waved his arms.
"They’re all lying!"
Anorah folded her arms with a sharp hmph. Even Noctis shook his little head at Atticus.
As his laughter subsided, Whisker patted Atticus’ shoulder. "Take it easy on him. He still has a lot to learn about women."
Eventually, after much persuasion, Anorah agreed to be the group’s voice. Atticus manipulated the dome to float upward, leaving the raging civilians below.
Anorah hovered forward, and her body emitted a golden light that washed over the crowd. The roars slowly subsided.
"People of..." she turned back and Whisker whispered something ridiculously fast.
Anorah narrowed her eyes at him. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚
Whisker nodded solemnly, as if giving the most sacred advice.
She sighed.
"People of... Fartonia!"
Her voice carried across the millions.

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