One can only say that the outbreak abroad was indeed somewhat unexpected.
Even though it was bound to happen sooner or later, it coincided with the discovery of Blood Demons within the country, and the outbreak was too violent all at once.
Many things were too late to prepare for.
If it weren't for the "Star Jump" incident putting the country in a state of emergency, it would have taken more than a day just to get the troops ready.
However, things had come to this point, and all they could do was try their best to deal with this unprecedented crisis in human history.
Shen Hao was ready to discern just how many Blood Demons there were among these people.
Just then, Dong Gong suddenly received a message and asked aloud, "Team leader, the higher-ups have asked me to consult your opinion—do you wish to stay behind the scenes, or are you willing to step into the public eye?"
Shen Hao was taken aback.
In an instant, he understood the meaning of the question.
To stay behind the scenes, concealed identity, means greater safety, not becoming a target of all, whereas stepping forward, into the public eye, one needs to face all the dangers head-on, which might come from Blood Demons, or even, possibly from humans themselves.
"It's essentially a choice between a backstage guardian and a front-stage hero," Dong Gong continued, "There's disagreement among the higher-ups as well; some believe that people need a hero, they need confidence, while others believe that your safety is of utmost importance, that too much attention could lead to unnecessary trouble. However, the final decision still lies in your hands."
As he said this, he was also observing Shen Hao's expression.
But, he could discern nothing at all.
This left him unsure how Shen Hao would choose, as it seemed either option was possible.
And at this point, Shen Hao spoke up.
He said softly, "The Talent I've received doesn't actually help me eliminate fear, anxiety, or unease. Like you, I worry about the safety of my family, the fate of civilization, the uncertainty of my own future."
Even though he spoke quietly, those Chosen Ones standing beside Shen Hao could hear him clearly.
They turned their heads to look at their team leader who was immensely powerful from the start and on whom many people pinned their hopes.
"However—this Talent helps me control these emotions!" Shen Hao's tone suddenly changed, becoming more resolute, more powerful, "It allows me to understand clearly what I'm doing and what I'm after. So, just as I've said before, you can always trust me because I will never be lost, falter, or fear, nor will I be knocked down by any danger or despair!"
Indeed, the Sovereign Talent gave Shen Hao more than just power.
More importantly, it gave him will.
He knew what he wanted, he had emotions but was not controlled by them; he was able to face everything firmly without the slightest wavering.
Even without emanating the Dominator Pressure at this moment, these words alone were enough to touch the hearts of the group of Chosen Ones around him.
This quality was especially important and precious in times of great crisis and war.
Because they themselves could not do it.
So the one who could do it stood directly in front of everyone, inspiring admiration.
"A backstage guardian, a front-stage hero, neither of these choices is what I want," Shen Hao walked towards the crowd that was in a state of panic and unrest.
He left only one last sentence for the few behind him.
"What I want to be is the 'Savior'!"
Yes, this was what Shen Hao had understood the moment he obtained the Talent of the Sovereign.
All that he cared about was in this civilization, this world.
To ensure that this civilization did not follow in the footsteps of those great civilizations that had fallen and perished in the face of the Civilization Trial, there was only one choice—
—Savior!
As long as it could save the world, guardian or hero?
Either would do!
Even if he was a demon, a Sovereign, or a Demon God, Shen Hao would still do it.
If the Civilization Trial was truly endless, then he would keep winning endlessly!
"Silence!"
Shen Hao's voice, amplified by telekinesis, boomed across the plaza like thunder.
The crowd in the midst of the disturbance fell suddenly silent.
Clearly taken aback.
And when they turned to look toward the source of the voice, they couldn't tear their eyes away.
Because a man, a man whose eyes shone with the light of stars, stood on the platform emanating an awe-inspiring presence, naturally commandeering everyone's attention.
At this moment, Shen Hao had not fully unleashed his pressure, because what he wanted was not submission.
He merely maintained a degree that made people watch and revere, but not enough to induce fear, as he gazed at everyone and said firmly, "Indeed, a monster has mingled among us, but there's no need to panic. We are not the prey of monsters, but the other way around!"
At this moment, many eyes and even cameras were trained on him.
Whether it was the starlight in his eyes or the indescribable power he held, it confirmed his identity.
— The Chosen One!
"But people have died! Many have died!" a voice suddenly shouted, "If the monster is really that weak, why have so many died? What else are you hiding from us!?"
This statement seemed to stir up the sentiments of many once again, as some had witnessed the monster rampaging through crowds the night before.
They even saw friends fall before them.
But just as the disturbance looked to start up again.
— Swish!
A chilling streak of light flashed before everyone's eyes; the person who had spoken clutched his throat, an expression of disbelief on his face, as blood spurted from the edges unceasingly.
Suddenly, the crowd screamed loudly, and countless people retreated in horror.
"Look carefully."
Shen Hao's voice exploded once again, this time with an additional layer of dominance, irrationally suppressing the disturbance and making his voice crystal clear to every listener:
"This is the Blood Demon; the enemy we face in this war. They dare only skulk among us just as you saw earlier, because they know—exposure means death!"
The Blood Demon that now lay dead on the ground was having its blood rapidly evaporate, its entire body quickly withering.
Those who had seen something the previous night, even if still fearful, couldn't help but shout:
"It's really a monster!"
"That's what those monsters from yesterday looked like when they died!"
"Damn, nearly got fooled!"
"Can't tell at all!"
"..."
As more and more people saw the mummified corpse and more voices joined in, and countless cameras pointed at the dry corpse, many faces whitened with fear, yet they found some comfort.
Because the one who died was truly a monster.
And online, there was an uproar.
Even Dong Gong and others did not expect that Shen Hao would take such a direct and brutal approach in front of the masses.
However, looking at that awe-inspiring figure who seemed capable of dominating everything just by being there, they had to admit.
For him, it should indeed be that simple! That brutal!