Another World Mall

Clovis took a peek outside, wondering if the enemy was still around.

But as he expected, people thought that he had teleported back, so no one would suspect a thing.

The reason he did it in front of the Sword Saint’s eyes was to make him believe teleportation was a thing. He wouldn’t suspect that Clovis just disappeared for a bit.

Of course, before coming out, Clovis and the two girls had eaten to boost their power in case they were still surrounded. But Clovis had double-checked everything, including the new travel service. He made sure the map didn’t show any danger.

"Well, it looks like no one is here. Let’s go home." Clovis smiled.

...

While they were on their way home, the enemy had made the first move.

They stole a painting and an artifact from Clovis’ ally and examined them.

The Spear Saint couldn’t help but frown after receiving a report. "Did he really use his blood?"

"Yes, sir. We’ve confirmed that there’s blood in it. Unfortunately, we can’t find a match."

"..." The Spear Saint fell silent. "Clovis Hacfield’s blood?"

"We don’t have his blood stored anywhere, so we can’t confirm. There is no data even in the Essence Bank."

"I see." The Spear Saint was more convinced that this was indeed Clovis’ blood. He thought, ’This confirms his power. His blood must have an enhancing power or something along those lines. He can turn a normal item into an artifact, a normal painting into a magical painting... and normal blood into something related to teleportation...’

The Spear Saint immediately informed the others about his finding.

Since they had gotten some proof but couldn’t confront Clovis with that proof, they spread the rumor instead.

"What? So, Clovis Hacfield used his own blood to create them?"

"It might not be just normal blood. People can donate a lot of blood every week."

"Still, doesn’t this mean Clovis’ blood is extremely special?"

"It’s like they’re taking a part of his body to get all those things."

"Is Clovis Hacfield sacrificing himself for the greater good?"

"If he is, he should have shared a portion of his blood with the others."

"Are you saying he should let his enemy get a share of his blood so that they can kill him?"

"I’m saying he should be more generous."

The debate turned into a war of words. One side wanted Clovis to spread his blood around. The other side showed its hypocrisy and defended Clovis.

There was one thing for sure. The people who had been chosen as Clovis’s brides were extremely lucky.

They didn’t stop anyone from having children. That was why polygamy was allowed, no matter if you were a man or a woman. Even as a woman, as long as it improved the desire to give birth to a child, people would allow her to marry many men.

Jay looked at the rumor on the Skynet while listening to Erwin complain, "We should just roast them right now. Call the press!"

Angelia shook her head helplessly. "It won’t help. They’re not saying anything this time, so we can’t blame their sides. In addition, confronting the rumor will just confirm it. The best action is to remain silent."

Melody added, "Clovis has expected something like this. Let it cool down for a bit and use the information we’ve received from the tower to change the topics. To do that, I will need to compile the data we’ve got first."

"This is a big problem." Kanaria frowned. "Another topic is trending."

"Hmm?" Melody raised her eyebrows. She checked what was going on, only to be annoyed. "They’re really doing their best to portray us as the bad guys."

There was news about the destruction they had caused. They lined up the bodies of the soldiers and their families.

They used the image in such a way that people would believe that Clovis was an evil being that liked to kill people.

"Whoa?" Erwin shook his head helplessly. "This guy is definitely good with their propaganda. Should we also show our cards?"

Melody crossed her arms. "In a situation like this, I really hope Clovis would make the decision."

Angelia rose from her seat. "In that case, I will at least slow them down with another issue."

"Hmm? Wait." Melody suddenly stopped her and took out her phone. She immediately picked up the call. "Clovis?"

"I’m going back right now. Sorry, it takes me a bit more time to wait for them to leave and sneak outside the country. But for now, I’m already outside the country, so I’ll be there in two days since we have to go on foot."

"Wait, Clovis. Is it possible to talk to you for a few minutes?"

"Yes? I don’t mind."

"There is a problem. They’re portraying you like some sort of evil being who loves to slaughter people with the destruction we’ve caused in that base. Also, the rumors about you using your blood to create those items have spread. They’re using rumors, so we can’t fight back. Clarifying this rumor will only make people even more suspicious.

"On the other hand, we believe that we should address the issue regarding the first case. How about releasing a statement?"

"Well, we’ll be releasing your file." Clovis paused for a moment. "Don’t be too hasty. We might end up making an unnecessary mistake. Set a press conference. Let’s see... How about we hold it 5 days later?

"For now, calm the situation with the government. If necessary, ask the president for a private meeting and explain the situation regarding Lucente.

"Let the government slow them down. Then we will reveal everything a few days later."

Melody let out a sigh of relief. She had made plenty of decisions, but she usually let Clovis make the big ones, especially those that could harm the group.

"I understand. Let’s go with that."

"Okay, but are you fine with the schedule? Can you compile their information within a few days?"

"It should be fine. It’s my code anyway, so I understand everything about it."

"Very well."

As soon as Melody hung up, she stood up and smiled. "Okay. This is the plan..."