QT: Against My Will-Chapter 551 - 8.68 - Activists - Monster Heist

A few days later...

A group of passionate activists surrounded Shina’s luxurious bus, their faces determined and their voices unwavering as they refused to let it pass. They held up signs and banners, displaying powerful messages.

"Enough is enough! The beasts deserve to live in peace and harmony, just like everyone else!" one activist proclaimed passionately. "The LADs and the military must be held accountable for the destruction they are causing!"

Another activist added, "You’ve been brainwashed to see these creatures as monsters, but we know the truth – they’re just trying to defend themselves from human greed!"

Interestingly, many of these activists were off-duty betas from the military (everyone in this world was part of the military since age 21, except for omegas), who wanted to break away from the harsh military system. They were unwilling to engage in combat for the sake of gaining more territory or combat experience.

The LADs were determined not to resort to suppression. Skipping military training could result in imprisonment (where prisoners would have to train even more), but expressing one’s opinion wasn’t forbidden.

Frankly, it didn’t bother them; they saw it as a matter of entitled citizens voicing their views.

"The LADs have been plundering for profit under a facade of keeping us safe! Just look at their riches! Their greed enraged nature which almost broke our barrier!"

Inside the bus, Laura couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at the accusations thrown their way. "Thanks to these guys, I was under the impression that becoming a LAD was a surefire way to get fabulously wealthy in no time! It’s a shame they didn’t mention how a fucking tree could play with my head like a cat with a ball of yarn."

If leaving nature and the beasts on their own was all that was needed for peace, there would be no need for the barrier... or barriers.

Beyond the EMP area, there was an additional barrier, acting as a secondary line of defense.

Despite the LAD’s efforts to maintain its strength, this secondary barrier was slowly showing signs of weakening.

Occasionally, it would allow some powerful beasts to breach its defenses and create havoc.

Aria’s quiet voice tinged with exasperation, "Whoever thought stopping Shina’s bus would accomplish something is just plain stupid. They’re just setting themselves up for embarrassment."

Laura couldn’t help but interject with a smirk, "If they think I’ll suddenly have a change of heart because of a few demonstrations, they are in for a disappointment. It takes more to tame the wild and persuade the LADs to stop their raids."

Liam’s home was just a few blocks away, but because the bus couldn’t pass through, they could either continue by foot or chase away the activists.

Ru Quan watched Bing Shi with the tenderness of a poet, his gaze like a brush upon a canvas, capturing every nuance of her presence.

Bing Shi parted the curtain, contemplating the situation with a measured gaze. Continuing by foot might be seen as a sign of retreat while trying to chase away the activists could escalate tensions further.

As if realizing the intensity of his own emotions, Ru Quan blinked his eyes a few times, careful not to let anyone notice the enchantment he felt.

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With a self-righteous smirk, Liam haughtily stepped out of the bus, his presence exuding an overwhelming air of superiority that made a few bystanders cringe, "You think standing here with your signs will change anything? You’re all just a bunch of deluded fools. Scram before I burn your banners down!"

Bing Shi followed after Liam, who was getting more and more cocky.

"You think we’re scared of your threats?" the activist retorted, knowing how fighting against people would give LADs a bad image, "We will defend our views at any cost, even if it means risking our lives!"

Shina’s presence exuded a solemn intensity as she emerged from behind Liam, "Our wealth reflects our resilience and determination, a symbol of our ability to protect and provide for our own. It deserves respect, not dismissal."

Shina spoke up in defense of the LADs, highlighting their dedication and resourcefulness.

"Violence begets violence!" The activists were not swayed by her words and weren’t about to back down, "Your wealth may speak of your strength, but it doesn’t excuse the destruction and suffering you’ve caused!"

She increased her voice to overpower their booing, "I urge you to compile your concerns into reports based on your facts and research, and present them to me. I assure you, I will take them seriously and respond to them with transparency." Her stance continued to be strong and commanding, "Your voices will be heard, and your concerns will not fall on deaf ears."

Ru Quan’s analytical gaze swept over the protest signs, taking in the messages displayed on the boards, "If you succeed in getting Shina Night on board with your vision for coexistence, I will be willing to reconsider joining your cause."

Laura lunged at his back in protest, "Really! Just when I was starting to warm up to you, you had to throw this curveball?"

Ru Quan turned around and caught Laura by the shoulders, taken aback by her impulsive lunge. His movements were smooth, almost balletic as his fingers curled into positions of controlled pressure. If pushed further, his grip would have dislocated her joints with ease, "What’s this? You wouldn’t join if Shina did?"

Laura’s eyes narrowed slightly before one eyebrow arched upwards, her skeptical gaze piercing through the calm facade of Ru Quan, "Don’t get too cocky. Just because she married you doesn’t mean you’ve got us all figured out," she hissed silently, mirroring his defensive stance, "Of course, I would join Shina Night."

Ru Quan softened his grip, gently patting her shoulder before stepping back, "Easy here, Laura. I’m just trying to keep up."

Douglas, who had been observing the conversation, nodded in agreement with Ru Quan’s stance, "If Shina is on board with this coexistence vision, then consider me in as well."

"..." Laura used her knuckle to knock Douglas’ arm, "You are intentionally acting dumb to provoke us, right?"

People stepped back, creating a pathway for Shina to pass through, almost as if they instinctively recognized her authority and importance.

Victor’s unexpected laughter broke the tension in the air, being the last one to step out of the bus with Alain and Juliet, "Are we entrusting the vision of coexistence to Shina now? I guess hell must have finally frozen over."

"Don’t get me wrong," Shina gave Victor a quick glance while responding the activists, "I admire your passion, but I’d rather see people face beasts in battle together than fight amongst themselves. Our kind’s strength lies in unity, and this common enemy keeps us united."

If the alliance between alpha clans were to dissolve, it would likely result in a power vacuum. Betas might start competing for territories and resources when they were no longer in life-threatening danger. This could lead to heightened tensions and potentially escalate into violent conflicts.

The people in this world found it hard to fathom this scenario. Their shared history of working together and the advantages of cooperation have deeply rooted the idea of unity in their beliefs. The idea that this unity could fall apart and lead to problems was something they simply couldn’t imagine.

As the activists started forming a loose ring around Shina, Juliet, and Henry casually moved to flank her. The way they stood there by her side, relaxed yet alert, looked like they were ready to step in if the situation required.

Victor’s smirk persisted as he strolled alongside Ru Quan, "Taking over her devoted followers might prove to be quite the challenge, huh?"

In tacit agreement with Victor’s words, Ru Quan silently observed as Laura defiantly winked in his direction before skipping along playfully behind Shina, "How is your legendary charm not working its magic on any of them?"

Victor’s magnetic aura could easily attract people. Some would try to suck up to him, seeking favor or advantages, drawn by his charm and influential reputation. Others felt a sense of intimidation, fearing his strong presence and confident demeanor — just like some of the activists that began to disperse when he unleashed his inner Alpha.

Alain’s gaze lingered on Victor, as if observing a clown putting on a show.

"..." Victor maintained his aura of confidence, but when he saw Aria’s fed-up expression that said — Not yet another Liam — he cleared his throat, "..."

Liam’s disdainful gaze swept across Aria, "Aria, when will you learn to show some respect towards stronger Alphas?" he commented before approaching Victor, "Victor, since you’re new here, let me show you the way around," he said, almost attempting to impress Victor.

Victor raised a brow but complied nonetheless. It was the only member of Shina’s team that gave him some face.

During their walk, Liam continued to boast about his mansion, highlighting its luxurious features and impressive amenities. He tried to subtly demonstrate his wealth and status, seemingly trying to gain favor with Victor by showing him around (like the first group Victor just mentioned).

When they reached Liam’s mansion, Liam’s face darkened into a scowl when he looked up at the brick fence that separated his family’s grand mansion from the outside world. The vibrant colors and harsh messages painted on these walls were a stark reminder of the downfall his family had experienced because of Riley.