"Really, whether you’re a team or truly a super powerful individual, now you need to step forward and face these doubts.
"Right now, the discussion about you has consumed massive online resources. We should draw a full stop to this farce.
"Here, I solemnly appeal, requesting the Empire to withdraw the warrant against the White Ghost, or add a clear judicial interpretation to the warrant, instead of the vague wording of ’endangering public safety.’
"Law and judicial institutions should exist to maintain fairness and justice. An empire that has lasted for tens of thousands of years should not be unable to accommodate a capricious hero.
"White Ghost, I know you are also under great pressure, but silence is not the solution. My program and this studio, this relatively influential radio station, can provide you with a safe channel to speak out. And you have the skill to control the network.
"Answer me, White Ghost. If you encounter any unfair treatment, I and millions of your supporters will stand with you through thick and thin."
A proactive invitation.
This was the step with the most suspense in the plan.
If the White Ghost did not respond, then their plan would only sink without a trace, and this plan to lure the White Ghost out would also fall short.
Several hours after Hui Saka extended the invitation, the topic of discussion online had become whether the White Ghost would appear.
Under pressure, the local government of the Empire, which had previously issued the warrant for the White Ghost, deleted the warrant, which undoubtedly added heat to the topic.
The Empire’s officials had already shown good faith, and the pressure of public opinion shifted to the White Ghost.
Twelve hours after the invitation was sent, the temporary team assembled by Griss, from his superiors to the junior technicians, all felt that the plan was about to fail.
This was not some conspiracy. It was more like an open plot, leveraging the strong ego and unwilling-to-lose character the White Ghost had consistently displayed.
Griss could only encourage his subordinates and bluff his superiors. He firmly believed that the White Ghost would definitely respond.
At the sixteenth Galaxy Time after the invitation was sent, a video spanning only a few seconds suddenly began spreading on social media and then went viral, sweeping through the major portal sites of the Empire.
The White Ghost responded directly!
The familiar space background, the uniquely certified battle-damaged version of the white exoskeleton armor and tactical helmet, and that powerful network technology proficiency left no room to doubt the video’s authenticity.
"Tonight at eight o’clock, Hui Saka’s studio, if there are any traps or street blockades, I will refuse to show up. I hope this negotiation will proceed smoothly, and someone from the Empire capable of making decisions will be present."
The building where Griss’s core team resided was filled with jubilation.
The first half of the plan was successfully implemented.
Now there was no need for any internet promoters to create momentum, nor was there a need to fabricate topics to attract traffic for Hui Saka.
The White Ghost’s response quickly turned Yaha Star into a vortex of public opinion, with all parties flocking, seemingly wanting to take a share of this feast of traffic.
Yet, what Griss’s team did not know was...
A considerable part of those initial comments supporting the White Ghost also originated from internet promoters employed by the White Ghost.
Minter City, on the old street above ground.
Was the White Ghost about to appear?
Allison squinted at the intelligence information in front of him, sitting there, lost in thought.
He actually realized early on that some of the White Ghost’s actions were abnormal. If exterminating bugs was meant to protect humans, then the continuous denunciations of corrupt Empire officials seemed more like a way to maintain popularity, a method to cash in on fame.
Allison concluded at that time that the White Ghost must be seeking to establish political influence, hoping to skyrocket into the Empire’s official high ranks by capitalizing on his unique status.
Such things, Allison believed the old foxes of the Empire could also discern. The Empire’s issued warrant was a form of suppression against the White Ghost, indirectly telling the White Ghost that he must obey the Empire’s orders.
The struggle between the two sides revolved around the keywords of public opinion and prestige.
The problem is that the hot topics the public focuses on are time-sensitive.
Allison shook his head and said softly, "The White Ghost just can’t hold on any longer. Keep watching developments; there’s no need to intervene in this matter."
"Boss, is there a chance the White Ghost could become an Empire official?"
"Possible, but not very likely," Allison laughed. "The White Ghost is too conspicuous. Even if the Emperor of the Empire notices him now, it would only be to appoint him as a guard. Politics doesn’t have much to do with personal fame. Politics relies on factions and foundations, as well as the influence of small circles over big circles."
The subordinate in the passenger seat nodded slowly.
Allison closed his eyes and pondered quietly.
Recently, having dealt with the Fourth Pioneer, his mood was quite relaxed, and his thinking was sharper.
"I’m somewhat curious about what the White Ghost will say when he appears this time. It’s something I can’t quite guess."
On the Head Star of the Suri Federation, amidst the radioactive ruins of a collapsed building.
Sitting atop a crashed airship, Catherine gently swung a pair of feet, the text messages on the communicator in her hand scrolling.
"Captain," Bryant’s gentle voice wafted over from nearby, "you can’t just randomly take pictures and send them out."
Catherine hummed, just about to put away the communicator when a message with the Emperor Star mark popped up.
There was a new transfer order, and it was an urgent one.
Luofeng Empire, Ilando Star.