Another day of bright sunshine.

The mornings in the Royal Capital always awaken under the warmest sunlight.

But this morning was destined not to be peaceful.

Because there was a newspaper, or rather, a person who shattered the beauty of the morning.

That person was, of course, Ethan.

Just this morning, when the sky was still barely light, many people inexplicably received the same newspaper.

Kingdom Deep Observation Report.

The recipients of the newspaper were all baffled because they had never heard of it before and didn't know where this tabloid came from.

Just as they were about to throw the newspaper into the trash, their attention was seized by the large headline on the front page.

Ethan Polleta In-Depth Interview...

Ethan's name had some influence in the Royal Capital recently, so many people were curious and continued to read the ensuing text.

The text that followed was the truly explosive part—

Art is bullshit, no one should pretend!

(It is assumed here that people in this alternate world understand what pretending means)

These words were rather crude, completely unlike something an artist would say, especially since he directly attacked the notion that art is bullshit.

As a newly emergent artistic genius, these words were far too outrageous, even those normally not interested in art began to take an interest.

A purely spectator mentality.

Then, as they read on, people discovered that Ethan actually named the renowned painter, Master Rubins, saying he fundamentally didn't understand art, and that his paintings were crap, with no holds barred.

Reaching this point, everyone thought the newspaper must be some kind of tabloid, deliberately writing nonsense to grab attention.

The article, however, didn't just stop at scolding Rubins; it went on to provide a detailed theoretical explanation.

Ethan's arguments thoroughly dismantled Rubins's artistic hierarchy theory, and he concluded by proposing that everyone is an artist, and anyone can be an artist.

This made most people who had a superficial understanding of art feel extremely pleased.

Then, the newspaper spread widely, and eventually, people began passing it around, asking where they could buy it, finally making the name Kingdom Deep Observation Report well-known in the Royal Capital for the first time.

At about the same time, the phone at Ethan's house rang.

It was Hughes calling.

After Ethan moved, he had specifically called Hughes to inform him.

Now Hughes was calling to demand an explanation.

"What's going on with the newspaper? Did you really say this?!"

Hughes sounded anxious, and a little angry.

"I did say it, teacher."

Ethan had anticipated Hughes calling, and he was prepared.

"How could you say such things? Do you know, by doing this, you're making enemies with everyone? Do you still want to paint in the future? You're still so young, and your future is promising, you..."

The more Hughes spoke, the more agitated he became, almost on the brink of passing out.

"Teacher, didn't you finish reading..."

"Huh? Uh, I...well, wait a second."

Hughes suddenly went silent, put down the phone, and returned after a while.

"...Although what you said afterward was fine, why choose such a headline? It's too easily misunderstood, was it the newspaper's decision?"

Of course, Ethan had no intention of truly opposing the art world; he was just engaging in sensationalism, and aside from attacking Rubins, the content was quite moderate.

"No, I chose it myself."

Hughes fell silent again.

"You rascal..."

"Teacher, I admit I have my own motives, but I truly believe that art is due for a revolution."

Ethan said this with a great sense of mission, and even he felt empowered by it.

"Forget it, anyway... I'm your teacher, if you're going to be scolded, scold me too."

Hughes sighed and hung up the phone.

Ethan thought for a moment, realizing he had indeed caused the old man quite a bit of trouble and worry, and decided he ought to send him a gift of some sort to make up for it.

He'd send him a grand gift then.

Art matters will remain within the realm of art.

Ethan's personal exhibition was set to begin in about half a month, and Jackson was handling the preparations, so he didn't need to worry about it and could focus on his own affairs now.

Such as...

The Royal Capital Mafia.

He had now confirmed that the person praying in his ear that night was definitely a member of the Royal Capital Mafia.

Because the Dark Savior was the deity secretly worshipped by the Royal Capital Mafia.

This was indeed a flawless entry point.

But Ethan was still not completely sure.

He planned to conduct a deep exploration tonight.

He stayed at home until about seven o'clock in the evening, just after dinner, enjoying some post-meal tea. Stretching his body, he began to prepare for a change of clothes.

He certainly couldn't go investigate the night dressed in a suit and tie, even if he was confident he wouldn't be detected, certain precautions were necessary.

Ethan put on a large black trench coat that completely covered his body, and then wrapped his face with an alchemical mask.

This, of course, was also a product of Huoyan, a level two alchemical item, one characteristic being its durability, and the other its malleability.

Ethan asked Anya to help sculpt his face.

Because Anya had learned some disguising skills.

She eventually crafted a completely featureless middle-aged man's face for Ethan.

Absolutely no distinctive features.

Ethan nodded approvingly, satisfied.

"Young master, I'm coming with you."

Anya said subsequently.

"Two people make too conspicuous a target. Besides, it's not easy to capture me as I am now."

Ethan held Anya's hand, which she hadn't yet retracted, and spoke softly.

"Wait for me to come back, I still want to have a late snack."

"Okay."

Under the night sky, in the flickering lights, Ethan headed toward the South District.

And at the same time, in the South District.

Vasini was watching the faces of this group of young people in front of him under the night, observing the distant lights casting shadows on their faces.

He took a deep breath.

"You are the bravest warriors of the family, the blood and spirits of the ancestors will watch over you."

"For the glory of Martino!"

"For the glory of Martino!"

The young people responded enthusiastically in low voices.

Vasini felt his blood boiling, yet also a sense of desolation.

They were the bravest and most fearless members of the family.

But they were ultimately too young, not strong enough.

What they were going to do tonight, was it really anything other than pure suicide?

After tonight, how many would live to return?

Vasini looked at each face for a long time before hardening his heart.

No more sitting idly by, they had to make a move.

"Come, let's make one final prayer, the Great Lord will guide us on our journey."

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