Everyone settled down, Thomas and Sophie explained everything that happened during their mission. When Sophie heard what Riot and Stuart went through, she rushed over and hugged them both. Stuart clung to her, refusing to let go. Riot stood still, stoic, emotionless. Ice watched quietly. "Riot hasn't smiled once since we rescued him" Ice thought
He took a mental note. The new recruits introduced themselves, settling into the compound's rhythm. Light stood up and cleared his throat. "Excuse me. Can I get everyone's attention?" The heroes found seats around the room couches, floor cushions, the edge of the campfire. Light looked around at them, whiskey in hand."Now that we're all caught up… what can I say? I'm honored to be in the presence of you gentlemen and my lady." Luke smirked. "You're only saying that because you're drunk."The heroes laughed.
Light shrugged."Maybe so. But I've watched humanity grow. And to be honest… I didn't think we'd still be alive. Yet every day, you prove me wrong. Unity changed my mindset."Everyone nodded, accepting the compliment. Light sighed."So… this is the hard part. I want to tell you all how all of this began." The room fell silent. None of the heroes had lived long enough to understand Light's society.
They only knew it had existed for generations unquestioned.Thomas leaned forward. "Who was the man in power before you?" Light looked directly at him. "Me." Confusion rippled through the room. Light continued, "The man before me was a puppet. A placeholder. My reign was planned for a time when the masses wouldn't question it." Ice narrowed his eyes.
"So you didn't take power earlier because you didn't want people to realize how old you really are." Light nodded. "Yes. All precautions were advised by my father." The room stiffened at the mention of Lucifer." When I became emperor, I entered a strict program to master human psychology. My father taught me 'If you win the hearts of the people, you win their loyalty.' "Light paced slowly. "The first step was confusion. War. Division. Racism. Ideology. Things you've never experienced. The old world was in constant turmoil nations fighting nations, civil wars everywhere." The heroes listened.
"That sounds… insane." Light nodded. "When the puppet rose in the polls, we promised the people what mortals desire most: peace, wealth, tranquility. They listened. They were tired of war. Tired of confusion. People hated each other for colors… for beliefs… for politics." Light looked at the floor. "My father took advantage of that confusion. People forgot their true power. They forgot the…"Luke finished the sentence " The Indomitable human spirit." Light looked up at him.
"Yes." Light continued. "My father influenced every evil deed whether you knew or not. First, he removed all religious beliefs. It brought peace between nations who had fought for centuries. Then he brought prosperity. Wealth. Comfort." Light's voice grew heavy. "And comfort made humanity forget who they truly were." The heroes listened, stunned. "You've heard stories of tyrants who starved and enslaved their people. My father used the opposite strategy "A false savior." Ice whispered,
"The people followed the false savior." Light nodded slowly. "Yes." Luke asked, "Why tell us this now? "Light looked around the room, eyes tired."Because if we succeed by some miracle I don't want humanity to make the same mistake twice. "Silence filled the compound. Everyone thought about why they fought this war… but never thought about how do we rebuild this world. Thomas finally spoke."Was there ever someone who beat Lucifer? Someone who can help us?" Light exhaled deeply. "Yes. Only one man ever defeated Lucifer." Thomas leaned forward. "Can he help us?" Light looked toward the ceiling."Maybe." Thomas asked, "Where can we find him?" Light met Thomas's eyes."He's in Paradise."