Chapter 409

Chapter 409: I Have Evidence

"Whoever makes the claim must provide evidence. Wencheng, you are accusing the council members, all of them. If you can’t provide proof, then… the severest punishment awaits you."

Kande’s tone was as stern as possible, exuding an intimidating aura that was not diminished in the least by his age.

"So now, where is your evidence?"

Wencheng did not look at the furious Kande but instead cast a questioning gaze toward Arthur:

"Mr. Speaker, I request to use device number ’01’. Its reverse reading function can display certain images from the user’s mind."

The question fell to Arthur, who seemed to hesitate for a moment:

"While reverse reading can achieve what you describe, the cost is that the user’s brain may suffer irreversible damage.

"You have more than a fifty percent chance of dying, and even if you survive, there will be no possibility of returning to normal."

"I know."

Wencheng said firmly, his eyes unwavering, as if death or never waking again were trivial matters to him.

"I disagree."

Council member Matthew raised his hand, joining the confrontation,

"Mr. Speaker, you may not be aware, but device number ’01’ is one of the precious legacies from the Old Era, and its remaining uses are limited. If he cannot provide evidence and insists on using such a method, what if another accuser comes forward tomorrow? Should we squander this precious opportunity on such a futile endeavor?"

His tone was uncharacteristically serious. Since Arthur took office, this longest-serving council member had been subdued, but now, his desire to express himself and assert control seemed to align with what one might expect from someone of his age.

But now, with this issue raised, he could no longer remain silent.

When dealing with an accuser, even a hint of weakness could spell the end of one’s political career. At that point, his authority would only diminish further.

Arthur, evidently not unreasonable, listened to Kande and Matthew’s words and fell into brief contemplation.

"Wencheng, I agree to process your report, but the facts mentioned by the two council members are valid. So, do you have any other evidence to provide?"

He turned his gaze to the audience:

"Others as well, if you have any evidence regarding this case, you may submit it now. We always seek the truth, and I guarantee, as Speaker, that those who submit evidence will not face any form of retaliation."

The auditorium fell silent.

It was clear that such evidence was unlikely—Hope City rarely saw individuals over fifty. Even if there were, were they present back then? What could a seven or eight-year-old, or even a three or four-year-old child possibly understand?

Thus, the Speaker’s question, while seemingly neutral, clearly leaned toward the council members, as such evidence could not reasonably exist.

"I have evidence!"

Just as everyone thought this farce was about to end, a woman’s voice suddenly rang out from somewhere in the audience.

The voice sounded like it belonged to a middle-aged woman, who, in any case, could not possibly be connected to events from over fifty years ago.

"Starfall" was momentarily stunned, then she wrapped her arms around the already standing "Infinite Scroll" and whispered in her ear:

"Sis, bro, dad! Please, I beg you, don’t get involved in their matters."

"Starfall" struggled to maintain her composure because it was clearly not the time for the first team to make their appearance.

According to the plan, there would be content regarding the forbidden experiment that had not been fully disclosed to the subjects, and that would be their moment to step in.

But now, this person beside her, who seemed to have lost all sense of reason, boldly interfered in such matters. "Starfall" felt utterly overwhelmed; she had known "Infinite Scroll" since their days in training camp, decades of friendship and partnership, and she understood the situation all too well.

Fifty years ago? Not to mention "Infinite Scroll," even her parents were probably just children.

Yet, "Infinite Scroll" remained completely unshaken. She placed her hand over "Starfall’s" arms that were embracing her:

"I’m sorry; I’ve been hiding and deceiving you all this time."

After saying this, she exerted a little force and pried "Starfall’s" hands apart, then walked to the front under everyone’s gaze, leaving "Starfall" alone in his seat, utterly bewildered:

"No, what did you deceive me about?

Damn, how can there be such a mastermind?

If "Starfall" was merely puzzled by why his friend spoke this way, the members of the longevity faction above were completely stunned. What on earth was happening?

They had thoroughly deleted all evidence, and no one should have been able to access that information. Moreover, the person who had intervened was none other than a member of the first team they had cultivated themselves, even "Infinite Scroll," known for her low profile and gentle demeanor?

When had the world become so insane?

But the madness was only just beginning.

"Infinite Scroll" arrived at the open space in the front row and stood beside Wencheng. She looked at Arthur and said:

"Honorable Mr. Speaker, I have some records to corroborate Mr. Wencheng’s accusations.

"In addition, there are some matters I need to report to you."

"Speak here."

Arthur’s expression had gradually turned serious, which made the council members feel an instinctive discomfort; this man… seemed ready to get serious.

"Understood."

"Infinite Scroll" nodded in acceptance of the order, then lifted her head again. Her movements, though natural, carried a hint of stiffness, her tone became calm, and the timbre of her voice clearly distinguished her from ordinary people:

"Mr. Speaker, the artificial intelligence from the spaceship database, [Taraxacum-03-07], sends its regards to you and wishes for the longevity of humanity."

Arthur looked at the silent assembly, feeling a sense of absurdity and surprise shared with the hundreds present and even the millions behind the cameras.

After all, he had felt the exact same surprise when he first realized this fact.

However, his soul came from another world, so that surprise was limited. But for these locals of Hope City, suddenly being told this fact, even if not directly stated, would be enough to create a huge uproar.

Yes, although "Infinite Scroll" did not state it directly, given the educational level in Hope City, everyone could easily guess the truth of not being from their home planet.

At this moment, the most surprised in the audience was "Starfall," who had been so confused just moments ago.

His mouth hung open, eyes blank, looking at his friend of several decades, suddenly recalling their conversation not long ago when he had complained about her dull personality.

So this was the meaning of "guessing half right"?