THE FOOL-Chapter 39: Perspectives

Within just a few days, the video had spread like wildfire—an unstoppable epidemic sweeping across every corner of the Philippines.

"Purge Before the Election"—that's what most people were calling the shocking footage that went viral.

For many ordinary citizens—those with no power, no money, and no access to true justice—the figure known only as The Fool had become a symbol, almost a hero.

Despite the brutality of what he had done—executing everyone present in the secret gathering—countless people viewed it as a necessary evil.

Because what The Fool had exposed was a harsh, painful truth: a hidden reality that occurred in the shadows of every election season. And for once, the powerless felt seen. For once, justice seemed real—even if it came in blood.

"Murderer. Heartless. A man with no right to take the law into his own hands."

Those were the cries of the people who opposed The Fool for what he had done.

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Especially loud were the voices of the families of those he had killed—now grieving over the sudden loss of their loved ones.

To them, no matter how cruel or monstrous the sins of their family members may have been, it still wasn't reason enough for them to be executed like animals.

But... if The Fool hadn't taken action—if he had simply trusted the law to bring judgment upon those vile beings—do you honestly believe justice would have been served?

Of course not.

With a single wave of their thick stacks of money, those criminals could silence the law.

No matter how high-ranking the officer, no matter how firm the position—one slap of cash across their face and they'd be drooling like wild dogs, ready to obey every command from the powerful.

Damon finally set down his phone—something he had been glued to all day, scrolling endlessly through social media.

There were countless opinions—some in favor, others against—but what mattered most to Damon was that the world now knew about The Fool—a being determined to eliminate those who preyed on the weak.

After placing the phone down, he turned his gaze toward Lara, still peacefully asleep.

They were currently staying at Phoebe's residence, the safest place for now. It was also the best environment for Lara's recovery, thanks to the personal doctor Phoebe had provided who was now carefully tending to her.

Not long after, Phoebe arrived and peeked into the room where Damon sat quietly beside Lara, still keeping watch.

"How is she?" Phoebe asked. "Looks like you've been here all day, Damon. If you keep this up, you might be the one who needs rest next."

Damon simply smiled and replied, "It's nothing. Just the least I could do for a friend who's been through so much."

Phoebe gave a soft look, a hint of jealousy flickering in her eyes, though she was genuinely happy to see the two of them close. Curiously, she asked, "What's your relationship with Lara, anyway? You're being... more than just a concerned friend."

Damon chuckled lightly but didn't deny it. "We're coworkers... and we've grown to be friends."

Phoebe playfully teased, "If that's how you treat all your 'friends,' I might start getting jealous."

But Damon's expression suddenly turned serious—his smile faded, replaced by a look of regret and heaviness.

"The truth is... I'm partly to blame for what happened to her."

Phoebe's smile disappeared as well, replaced by concern. "What do you mean? What happened?"

Damon finally opened up and recounted the incident—how he was responsible for the death of Red Scaver, the son of their primary target, Senator Julius Scaver. He thought everything went smoothly that day... until he realized that someone else had paid the price.

Someone who never should have been involved: Lara's father.

It was Damon's ability that caused it. He had unknowingly used her father as the vessel to carry out the hit while he himself escaped from the station.

Phoebe suddenly connected the dots—realizing that the news story she'd seen, about the police officer who shot Red Scaver, was in fact about Lara's father. That officer had been painted as the scapegoat to cover up an incident no one could explain at the time.

Now, she fully understood the burden Damon was carrying, and why he was so deeply concerned for Lara.

"Don't worry, Damon," Phoebe said softly. "I'll help you."

Damon shook his head. "You don't have to. This is my fault. I'm the one responsible."

But Phoebe gently reminded him, "From the moment we met, I told you—I'm ready to carry your burdens with you. All of them. Even if we succeed in bringing down Senator Julius, I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay with you... and I'll help you finish what you started—to cleanse this world of its monsters."

While Damon and Phoebe were talking, they didn't notice that Lara had slowly begun to open her eyes.

As her vision adjusted, the first thing she saw was Damon sitting beside her. Confused, she glanced around the unfamiliar room and then at the woman speaking with Damon. She didn't recognize the place or understand how she ended up there.

"Damon?" was the first word that escaped Lara's lips in a weak, groggy voice.

Damon immediately heard her and rushed to her side.

"Lara! You're awake!" he said, a mix of relief and urgency in his tone. "How are you feeling? Is anything hurting? Can you move?"

Lara slowly sat up, trying to make sense of her surroundings. "I... I think I'm okay," she replied softly. "But... where am I? What is this place? And... who is she?" she added, glancing at Phoebe.

Damon gently explained to Lara that she was currently at Phoebe's residence—the woman who brought her there to receive proper care and treatment. He introduced Phoebe as someone very important to him.

"This is Phoebe," he said warmly. "She's the one who brought you here. She's also a very close friend of mine."

Phoebe smiled softly and took a step closer. "It's nice to finally meet you, Lara," she said. "I'm just happy I could help in any way."

Lara gave a faint but sincere smile in return. Though she didn't know Phoebe well, the way she looked at her reflected nothing but gratitude. It was clear from the room, her condition, and Damon's presence that she had been cared for with genuine concern. Despite the lingering confusion, she felt safe.