Jashen Gonzales spoke fervently for half an hour, captivating his audience. People listened intently, nodding in agreement, their expressions filled with admiration. Though drenched in sweat and physically exhausted, seeing their reaction left Jashen deeply satisfied and invigorated.

As a minor district head in Queens, a city teeming with high-ranking officials, opportunities for grandstanding were rare. After the onset of the violet mist, he unexpectedly came across a black Nephelium and, inspired by the lightning-man video, consumed it immediately.

Initially, Jashen noticed no changes and suspected deception. However, in a subsequent argument, he was astonished to find his opponent quickly convinced by his words. At first, he was puzzled, but through numerous conversations, he realized his newfound ability: his words possessed a reality distortion field, making it extraordinarily easy for others to believe him!

Statements previously dismissed were readily accepted if he spoke them. Exploiting this ability, Jashen began giving speeches, gradually convincing all the survivors in his community, organizing them under his leadership.

He founded the New York Trump Tower Survivors Leadership Group, appointing himself as leader, and selected six of his most loyal followers as members, consolidating control over the entire building. By securing unwavering adherence to his directives, the survival rate within Trump Tower skyrocketed.

To date, over 1,000 inhabitants were still alive in the tower. Under his control, Jashen undertook renovations: consolidating all survivors into one building, centralizing resource collection, management, and distribution. They also eradicated threatening plants, reducing ecological hazards. Despite over 70 casualties during these efforts, no complaints arose.

Moreover, his devoted followers discovered three additional black Nephelium, all handed over to Jashen, who gained three additional abilities. He fantasized about scaling this—a group of 1,000 was just the start. What if he controlled 10,000 and found 30 black Nephelium?

Unfortunately, through repeated practical attempts, Jashen discovered the limitations of his power. Primarily, it was ineffective past an audience of 100. Additionally, any audience member not hearing him speak for three days gradually slipped from his control, necessitating constant engagement.

Concurrently, delivering speeches consumed significant time and energy, proving attempts to broadcast on video fruitless—it required face-to-face contact. Consequently, though it seemed his abilities bore no restrictions, they effectively peaked at influencing around 1,000 people any further was impractical.

During one of his speeches, Jabesh Russell, head of Tower security and a trusted appointee, approached urgently—an unusual disturbance in progress.

"What's the matter?" Jashen inquired with a slight change in expression.

"Chief Gonzales, a squad of soldiers has arrived! I spotted at least two ability users: a man in iron armor and a woman seemingly levitating metal!" Jabesh conveyed anxiously.

Soldiers! Jashen's eyes gleamed with excitement. The army had finally arrived!

He had long awaited the military's entrance. Given his record of safeguarding so many, he surely deserved a significant role within their ranks. This opened a path to greater influence, where his abilities could truly shine. Persuading officials yielded far greater returns than convincing survivors!

Visualizing encounters with military leadership, he saw an ascent to prominence in the violet mist era—the tedium of farming atop Trump Tower transcended altogether. "Quick! Take me to them!" he exclaimed excitedly.

Despite some concern, Jabesh followed Jashen's command unquestionably, owing to his admiration and trust. "Right away."

Edgar Hughes, Sofie Barnes, and their company stood astonished at Trump Tower's entrance—the most orderly and clean locale on their journey.

Survivors, slim yet spry, wore matching black attire and patrolled with makeshift weapons. Organized groups meticulously cleared weeds, arranged felled trees into segments for attuning the barriers.

Some cultivated farmland with strange leafy greens that appeared edible. Among the men and women, a serene demeanor set this community apart from other hostile survivor encampments, exuding untold enthusiasm and happiness.

If not for the dense violet mist, it bore no signs of the apocalypse. "Who organized this? Impressive!" Edgar Hughes's metallic exterior receded in amazement.

Even resource-rich bases lacked such harmony. However, a nagging unease tinged Sofie Barnes, compelling her inquiry: "Hello, young man. I am Major Sofie Barnes from the military. Who leads your group?"

Patrolling guards eyed Edgar's group warily, gripping weapons, showing no signs of backing down despite their concerns.

Even so, they remained silent. Hector William dismounted, delighted at the bustling agrarians. "Is that plant edible?"

Edgar quickly pulled him back from approaching too closely—and yet, the patrol made no overt threat—their motives unclear, better to remain cautious.

Still, they remained taciturn.

"It's edible!" A cheerful voice broke through the mist.

Out marched a stout man, beaming smiles, reaching out warmly: "Comrades, we've long awaited your arrival! All 1,035 of us from New York Trump Tower earnestly look forward to welcoming New York State's troops!"

Jashen Gonzales eagerly clutched Edgar Hughes' hand, shaking energetically. "I'm Jashen Gonzales, former district head of Neo-Sea, presently leading the Trump Tower Survivors Group. May I know the general's name?"

Initially wary, Edgar inexplicably found the man trustworthy, introducing himself candidly: "I'm not a general, merely a colonel. Edgar Hughes, rescuing Academician Hector William back to base, and passing through here..."

Huh?

Why did I mention our mission?

A moment of consternation passed Edgar's mind, quickly dispelled—the thought of Jashen as a reputable official seemed sure.

Inside, Sofie Barnes fumed. Edgar heedlessly revealing a covert mission—the man never spoke carelessly before! What changed?

Academician?! Jashen's eyes lit up, shaking Hector's hand warmly: "You're Academician William! I'm an ordinary man, a big admirer of intellectuals like you! Perfect timing, really—our little crop of greens could use guidance. Could you spare some advice?"

Hector immediately sensed Jashen's devotion to community welfare, admiring it—an exemplary official indeed!

Unreserved, he rolled up sleeves, "Though no agriculturer, I've some knowledge to share. Let's have a look. You're growing greens?"

"Yes!" Jashen announced triumphantly. "They're edible, but a little pungent..."

Sofie Barnes was stunned.

Edgar Hughes and Hector William's party, inexplicably escorted within, all guards down—it threw her uneasy.

Was Jashen Gonzales truly this charismatic?

As uncertainty clouded her thoughts, Sofie furrowed her brow, following while maintaining vigilance.