<h4>Chapter 442: The First Wave of Attacks</h4>


    Adam plunged his bandages into the ground to prevent himself from being sucked into the ck hole.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    The nature of Makenna''s work allowed him to wield the massive power and influence of the media, and he could elevate someone''s reputation to the heavens, but could also just as easily plunge them into the depths of hell.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    For those who were targeted by the manufactured smear campaigns, the immense pressureing from all directions really could feel like a bottomless ck vortex, and once one became swept up in the vortex, there was virtually no chance for escape or redemption.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    All of a sudden, the monstrous tree waved its aerial roots through the air before piercing them viciously toward Angel.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Those roots were enveloped by countless different faces, each of which represented a person''s psychic imprint. Each psychic imprint only contained a tiny amount of power, but when stacked together, it presented an extremely formidable force.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Even though Adam knew it was all fake, he still couldn''t help but feel furious at this disgusting sight.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Not only had this bastard assisted the human trafficking organization in destroying the lives of countless people, he was now using those very same people to protect himself.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    It was just like in many criminal cases, where some defensewyers tantly used the information about the victim that the defendant was privy to in order to get them a lighter sentence or acquit them altogether, and they were sessful in many cases.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Simrly, this seed had used Makenna''s memories as its own ability to tantly provoke Adam, challenging him to see if he could bear the prospect of destroying the final imprints left behind by the unfortunate victims.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    However, she had misjudged Adam.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    After visiting so many retirement homes and seeing the pain and suffering those elderly residents had to endure, his heart was already as hard as a rock, and he could no longer be shaken by these illusions.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Even if these were real psychic imprints, the best course of action would be to put them out of their misery.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Hence, Angel began to pass down its judgment. It waved its staff gently through the air, destroying all of the faces on the aerial roots and transforming them into countless feathers that were absorbed into its enormous wings.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    "I will bear their pain and exact vengeance in their stead. I will uphold justice for them and pass judgment on all those who have wronged them!"<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    This was the most earnest conviction that Angel was conveying to Adam.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    The monstrous tree clearly hadn''t anticipated something like this, and it was rooted to the spot.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Immediately thereafter, Angel''s morningstar mace came crashing down, and it was as if a bolt of ck lightning had exploded in the air as the giant mace almost shattered the monstrous tree into countless pieces. <button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Angel''s unique power of judgment infiltrated the monstrous tree, causing it to lose its vibrant green coloration, and it quickly turned rotten and gray before vanishing altogether.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    The monstrous tree reverted back into its octopus form, and it was only around a meter tall at this point, having been reduced to an extremely feeble state where it was unable to put up any further resistance.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    "You thought you were a big shot, but in the eyes of those above you, you''re nothing more than a pawn that could be sacrificed at any time."<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Adam knew that the power in the seed imnted in Makenna''s psychic body was very weak, significantly weaker than the power imbued in Herman''s seed, so it was clear that Makenna hadn''t been taken seriously at all. Otherwise, even with Angel''s powers, there was no way it would''ve won so easily.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    After leaving the psychic world and returning to the real world, Adam discovered that Makenna looked as if he had had the soul sucked out of him. He was staring directly forward with a nk look in his eyes, and his entire body was slumped in his chair like a pile of mud.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    At this point, Makenna had realized what had happened to him, and the realization that he had been nothing more than a dispensable pawn all along hadpletely crushed his will.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Adam waved a hand gesturing for Makenna to be taken away, and a sense of relief welled up in Tanner''s heart as he observed the soulless Makenna in secret from outside.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    <i>He''spletely dead inside, I''m sure they won''t be able to interrogate anything out of him. </i><button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    As long as the shady dealings of the Kim Group weren''t exposed, he wouldn''te under any fire. As for whether Makenna lived or died, he couldn''t care less.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    The convoy set off once again, and all of the major media outlets had a new story to report on.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Before the dust had even settled from the earlier attack, Adam had immediatelymenced his quest for vengeance, and his first target had been the vastly renowned Kim Group.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    This type of directness and decisiveness was like a breath of fresh air in the political sphere, and many people were regarding him as a true hero and role model, resulting in another small spike of praise and support.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Inside the office of the election center, Toshiyuki Matsumara was holding a cup of coffee as he watched the constantly climbing figures with a faint smile on his face.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    "We only just agreed yesterday not to give the general public too many shocks in session, yet you''ve already changed your mind. Young people really are unpredictable. Fortunately, the oue seems to be pretty good."<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    As long as he could assist Adam in running a sessful campaign, he would be able to add another feather to his cap.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    However, a hint of concern then appeared in his eyes. Given the frequency and brutality of Adam''s operations, it was surely only a matter of time before he was met with forceful retaliation from the opposition.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Otherwise, it would''ve been far too boring if Adam were just allowed free rein to do whatever he wanted with no bacsh.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Sure enough, it didn''t take long before a statement was made by the other candidate, Clyde, but instead of condemning Adam''s actions, he was full of praise for Adam''s heroism.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    "Personally, I deeply admire Mr. Adam for his work. The world needs a brighter future, one that is fairer and more orderly, and any actions taken against criminals should be supported anduded."<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    This statement was met with much opposition from his own campaign team, but Clyde was determined to remain true to himself and refused to retract his statement.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Adam''s team finally returned to the election center, much to the relief of the crisis group that was observing him from the shadows.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    They weren''t concerned that he would arrest more people or stir up more controversy, they simply didn''t want to deal with all the trouble that came from his actions.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Furthermore, they were finding it more and more difficult to predict Adam''s next move.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    <i>Could it be that he doesn''t even have a long-term n and is just simplyshing out at whoever he feels like?</i><button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    This was a thought that was beginning to ur to many people in the crisis group, and it did match the profile that they had on him.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    He was a nk te who had only been "alive" for a very short time, so how mature could he possibly be? Would he have had enough time to form aplete set of values and ethics?<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    It didn''t seem possible.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    As a result, the notion that Adam was simply carrying out his operations at random quickly became the more widely epted theory, but there were also some who disagreed and were of the opinion that further observation was required to formte an educated conclusion.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Adam certainly wasn''t going to allow them any respite. From the moment that he set things into motion, he had already decided that he was going to make consecutive strikes without giving the enemy any chance to recuperate or catch their breath.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    He didn''t know how much longer he had left to live, so he had to make the most of every single day. By the time he returned to the election center, it was still before nighttime, and under normal circumstances, he would''ve taken some time to organize what he was going to do the next day, but instead, he immediately called for another press conference.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    Many disgruntled journalists were forced to flock to the election center, but Shivani had gotten there ahead of all of them, having apanied Adam back to the election center. The press conference was held right before nightfall, and Adam cast a tall and unyielding figure under the lights.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>


    He raised the remote in his hand, and a series of images that appeared as if they had been captured from a ughterhouse were projected. However, instead of animals, the pictures depicted living human beings who were having their organs extracted.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button">0</button>