After more than an hour of examination and treatment, Herowl was fine and waited in the hospital lobby to pick up his medicine. Without a phone, he anxiously watched the TV news reporting on the events of the night. Herowl hoped that the footage he captured would help uncover the truth in the news report.
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"Earlier, there was a violent conflict at the South District Station, with Plaguemad leading the attack, some civilians defending themselves, and eventually evolving into a drawn-out fight between two evenly matched camps." The evening news anchor reported, "Here is the live coverage captured by our reporter at the time, involving violent acts, please be aware."
Then the news broadcast showed Herowl's footage, all shot from his first-person perspective, with his actual voice as the narration.
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"Ladies and gentlemen, it's city TV journalist Herowl here for an emergency report! As you can see, Plaguemad has indeed appeared in the South District, leading a group to attack ordinary civilians!"
"Due to the sudden nature of the incident, it is estimated that it will take some time for the poleace to arrive, and the citizens can only defend themselves against Plaguemad!"
"Viewers can see... how violent Plaguemad is!"
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Clearly, the video had been edited to focus on Herowl's voiceover, paired with footage of thugs attacking and civilians fighting back, with everyone's faces blurred, creating a depiction of Plaguemad violently attacking civilians and both sides evenly matched. Additionally, important scenes of Herowl talking to them and having his phone knocked out were also deleted.
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Herowl was understandably upset, inwardly cursing, "We were beaten so badly, why did it turn into an even match? And we didn't do anything!"
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The news anchor continued, "When poleace arrived to investigate, the culprits had already dispersed, with a total of twelve civilians dead at the scene, seventy-four injured, including thirty in serious condition. Poleace has assisted in sending the wounded to the South District Hospital and has launched an investigation, with no arrests made yet. The mayor will hold a press conference later to explain the incident."
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Herowl was very confused and began to recall the conversation in the car just now."Could it be that what Snowily said is true? No way…"
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After returning home, Herowl sat in front of the television silently watching the news. On the screen, Mayor of Pengury gave a speech regarding the events in the south district, his tone and expression calm and composed.
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"We will not tolerate any violence. Plaguemad's lawlessness, disruption of order, and impact on citizens are unacceptable. We strongly condemn such blatant illegal attacks and will not tolerate this violence. The poleace will do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice. At the same time, we offer our condolences to the victims of this incident, hoping for the deceased to rest in peace and the injured to recover soon."
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Filled with nothing but empty words, Herowl couldn't bear to watch any longer. He turned off the television and immediately called his boss, Barnaby.
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"Boss! What's the deal with the news? Didn't you watch my video?" Herowl asked angrily.
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But Barnaby responded calmly and seriously, "Of course, you were attacked by Plaguemad, how are your injuries? I tried calling you immediately but couldn't reach you, and your home phone wasn't answering."
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"Because my phone was broken by them! They're not Plaguemad! This is a blatant attack on ordinary citizens!" Remembering the events of that night again, Herowl's mood was understandably unsettled, as he knew Barnaby was aware of who caused his phone to be destroyed, resulting in the interrupted video.
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"Don't get upset, are your injuries okay? I can approve a few days off for you, your health is important."
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Herowl didn't want a break at all, but couldn't believe that his near-death experience was being brushed off. "My injuries don't matter! Why is it now turning into Plaguemad attacking citizens? They said they were going to join forces to fight the epidemic, but now they're attacking us as if we were Plaguemad."
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"How do you know they're not Plaguemad? Plaguemad didn't admit to being Plaguemad to you." Barnaby calmly asked.
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Although the logic in this question was flawed, Herowl, in his agitation, didn't realize the loophole and continued to ask, shifting the topic to the video. "What about my video? Why wasn't it all aired?"
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"You should be thankful to me. Your video spreads hate and violence, which could cause social unrest."
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Learning that his first-hand coverage was considered as spreading hate, Herowl's emotions were now even more stirred up, because the victim was himself. But Barnaby remained unaffected, explaining calmly.48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6SesHFvR0
"It's a fact that you were attacked, but you were also inciting inappropriate behavior, affecting the city's safety and stability. Isn't that enough? Luckily, I helped you out, so you won't be punished." 48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IZ0MYVHX1
Barnaby's words were reasonable and completely turned the situation around.
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Herowl, who was used to following orders from his boss, began to realize the seriousness of the situation, softening his attitude and gradually restraining his emotions. "Is...is that so?"
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"Of course, and you're not poleace, so what gives you the right to judge? As media, we only need to report what citizens need to know, to maintain stability in the city! If everything is chaotic outside, what news can we report?"48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahZOmy2Ipm
Upon hearing Barnaby's series of outbursts, even if he spoke nonsense confidently, Herowl, whose momentum was suppressed, calmly acknowledged the mistake, thanked his boss for the help, and promised not to make the same mistake again.
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Barnaby took advantage of the situation and continued to lecture Herowl at the end. 48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5xtJjJaFh
"Understand, I hope that next time before you start filming with the drone, you will think about your professional ethics, pay attention to your words and content, broaden the frame and perspective, and strive for objectivity and comprehensiveness. Get some rest, is a three-day break enough for you?"
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Herowl accepted the vacation with a low voice, hung up the phone, lay down on the bed, feeling helpless. He clearly hadn't slept all day, but he kept tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep, closing his eyes and reflecting on what had happened that night and the words spoken by Snowily and his boss.
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Not long after, Herowl called Snowily. At this moment, Snowily had finished bandaging up and was preparing to leave the hospital.
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"Miss Snowily, are you okay?"
"I just left the hospital and am heading home. What's up, Mr. Journalist?" The last four words from Snowily's tone were full of sarcasm because she had also seen the news.
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Herowl thought that she was indeed concerned about what had just happened and continued the conversation: "Because... of the news I shot, I think I understand now. Can I join you?"
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"Am I mistaken, but... join? You might be a little confused." Snowily immediately corrected Herowl's misconception. "You're not joining any organization, but choosing the stance and beliefs that your conscience believes in. You can continue to maintain the status quo, live in your own circle, and accept what you see." 48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKlS7AT9g6
Once you experience it firsthand, the illusion will waver because lies cannot last.
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"Then, Miss Snowily, can you tell me more about things I didn't know before?" 48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVEWidMcKh
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Hearing that Herowl was willing to take the first step, Snowily sneered."Hey, how about I show you firsthand tomorrow. Get some rest early."48Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQO51eMLWs
