036. Presidential Inauguration
The representative from Tianhuan was Hojo Fuyu, the eldest son of the Hojo family, a young magnate with sharp eyes, who noticed the loopholes in David Lin's words.
'David Lin hasn't made any public statements, nor has he been involved in any military actions since March of the previous year. The rumors of his secret imprisonment and isolation are likely true—and after enduring such humiliation, he still chooses to uphold the image of his enemy? That's highly unusual.'
But if Frost-Plated's current instability, with internal conflicts worse than the Abyss Humanitarian Lab or the Grante Kingdom's independence issues, was the real reason, then it was understandable.
'Perhaps this is an opportunity.'
The moment of silence ended.
David Lin raised his head, picked up his speech, and continued reading slowly:
"The dead are gone, but the living must compose themselves and move forward. There's no doubt that President Mai Dewei's death is an act of provocation by terrorists against Frost-Plated. If they dare assassinate a national leader, then the safety of ordinary citizens can no longer be guaranteed. In consideration of the safety of Frost-Plated's citizens, and in accordance with Article 7 of the Frost-Plated Constitution's amendment: When the constitutional government is undermined, all armed forces of Frost-Plated must unite to uphold the constitution."
Frost-Plated's Ministry of Propaganda received orders, mobilizing all radio and media outlets, with every channel broadcasting David Lin's speech.
As David Lin took the stage to deliver his speech, Frost-Plated's military was already in motion.
"According to the law, I declare, in the name of the Minister of Defense of Frost-Plated—'David Lin,' that I shall temporarily assume the office of President of the Frost-Plated Republic."
The borders were sealed, flights were forcibly grounded, all trains were halted and subjected to inspections, and the mobile armor and tank units blocked key roads.
"At the same time, under Article 40, Section 2 of the Frost-Plated Homeland Security Act, when national sovereignty is threatened by terrorism, foreign invasion, or acts of God, the national leader may declare a state of emergency."
Frost-Plated's air force scrambled fighters, and a fleet of drones connected to the network, conducting a thorough sweep for Mai Dewei faction bureaucrats and tycoons.
Some Frost-Plated officials sensed something was wrong and tried to leave the venue, only to be blocked by Law I Agency's modified personnel.
They turned back, just in time to see David Lin placing his hand solemnly on the pale cover of the Frost-Plated Constitution, taking the oath on stage:
"Here, I solemnly swear to assume the office of President of Frost-Plated. I am determined to uphold and defend the constitution, preventing any enemies from violating our great motherland."
Bang!
"Law III! You've violated national security, execution by law!"
Law III agents kicked down the door of a Mai Dewei faction tycoon's mansion, immediately raising their guns and firing, using smart weapon recognition systems, with micro-bullets precisely targeting and killing each objective.
"I will be faithful to the constitution, steadfast and unwavering. I willingly undertake this responsibility, with no reservations and no thought of shirking. I will serve with diligence and dedication, fully committed to the duties I am about to assume."
A group of Frost-Plated bureaucrats, sensing trouble, left early, nervously making their way through the underground passage. They boarded disguised vehicles, circumvented the blockades, and entered the Outside World.
"Twin Queens protect us, we're sa—"
But before they could finish exhaling in relief, a rocket instantly blew their vehicle into the sky.
Amidst the blazing fire, the black rose flag fluttered in the wind.
"As President of Frost-Plated, I vow to defend human rights and morality. I promise to protect freedom and democracy. I am the guardian of capitalism. I will resolutely uphold the sacred inviolability of private property. I will forever prioritize gender equality as the most important mission during my term."
"Long live Frost-Plated, long live the people of Frost-Plated, long live the Frost-Plated nation."
Clap clap clap clap clap!
After finishing the lengthy and intricate oath, David Lin was met with thunderous applause. But for a moment, he felt as though the applause followed a certain rhythm.
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da!
The heavy machine guns of Frost-Plated soldiers fired continuously. Many Frost-Plated tycoons and bureaucrats were frantically storming various checkpoints. Their vehicles and private security forces clashed violently with the Frost-Plated soldiers.
They realized something was wrong, but it was too late. David Lin's soldiers had far stronger resolve than the paid security forces, and they had the advantage of initiative.
Even if some slipped through the cracks, outside the borders, the Rose Army, long active in the Outside World, had already pledged loyalty to David Lin's government. Under Demi Guercette's leadership, the guerrilla forces relentlessly hunted down these fugitives.
Their purpose was to send a message: David Lin no longer cared whether the resources and wealth of these people were transferred abroad. Each and every one of these escapees was a traitor to Frost-Plated.
No mercy—kill them all.
"From today onward, to maintain peace and democracy, I declare the establishment of the Emergency Security Council—Frost-Plated's military will take over the Twin Palaces, imposing martial law across the capital, and initiating anti-terrorism operations in select cities."
Equally fierce battles erupted in the streets of the capital. Frost-Plated's largest military conglomerate—Anari Corporation—led their mercenaries into a conflict with the Frost-Plated Army. Both sides used the same weapons, fighting in the familiar streets and alleys, with drones of the same model attacking one another.
The mobile armor units collided in close combat, smashing through an apartment building, instantly crushing the fleeing vehicles and their occupants into sardine cans beneath the shattered steel structure.
But this was only a small part.
David Lin had timed everything perfectly. As the entire country focused on his speech, he unleashed a cold and calculated reshuffling of power. Gunfire was drowned out by applause, blood was covered by flowers, and fireworks mingled with artillery blasts, yet the world remained loud and vibrant.
By the time the presidential inauguration ceremony concluded, the battles had come to an end. With the entire city under lockdown, everyone obediently stayed indoors, giving the military ample time to clean up the battlefield. If anyone asked, it was easily brushed off with a simple, "We were fighting terrorists who tried to assassinate the president."
Of the 129 fleeing Frost-Plated tycoons and oligarchs, 97 were killed along with their family members. The remaining fugitives were captured by Law III agents.
Their accounts were seized by Law II Agency, using hacker techniques to steal their assets, preserving the wealth they had accumulated before death.
Law III agents swiftly took action, spreading like wildfire, conducting violent searches nationwide under the guise of "terrorist investigations."
David Lin appointed a large number of new officials. When he entered the presidential office, the Law I Guards had already taken down Mai Dewei's portrait and replaced it with the Frost-Plated national flag, as per David Lin's request.
He gently stroked the pet dog that had moved into the Twin Palaces with him, then sank into the executive chair, showing no airs, grabbing the armrests and spinning around in place. After one spin, he commented:
"Mai Dewei probably never sat in this office a single day."
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