บท 153: What the box hides

"Crack!"

Jacob took a step forward; his intelligent assistant had entered but did not find the source of the sound. So, he and the others slowly entered the justice building.

"[Master, I couldn't analyze the substances in the air, so I'm not entirely sure if the place is free of dangers.]"

"Free of dangers in the air?" Jacob thought after signaling for everyone to stop.

"What's happening, Jacob?" Brutus asked after he stopped.

"We need to put on gas masks. I'm not sure, but we could be facing that kind of danger." Jacob didn't know if the air was filled with any toxicity, but when he heard his intelligent assistant's message, he knew he shouldn't take any risks.

Due to this warning, everyone put on gas masks that they carried in their combat suits provided by District 13 and continued forward, searching each room.

Jacob couldn't tell them that he had already investigated every corner of this place, but regardless of how he had done it, his intelligent assistant found nothing. So, what was the reason for entering this place? It's simple: to find out if there's any hidden message prepared for him.

President Snow is quite curious; he likes prepared scenarios and drama, of course. But Jacob didn't care. If they had truly abandoned District 10, it was much better for him and his people.

Just as they were inspecting this place, a creak was heard from a room that caught everyone's attention. The weapons, the cannons of all the alert individuals, were aimed at that room.

Jacob didn't wait for someone to enter the room. Instead, he looked at his people and took a step forward of his own accord.

"There's no one!" Jacob said as he looked around.

But when he noticed the direction from where that creak came, he knew it was a television that didn't really resemble a conventional television that everyone was familiar with.

"[Incoming signal from an unknown location!]" warned his intelligent assistant.

At that moment, a voice came out of the television that wasn't broadcasting anything.

"Dear rebels, I address you in this moment of turbulence and chaos. You have shown your disdain for the authority and stability of Panem, and you have blindly followed a ruthless leader. But remember, rebellion will only bring more pain and suffering to our districts."

"Let me address you specifically, Jacob Barber. Your determination and skills on the battlefield are admirable, but you must face the consequences of your actions. You have unleashed a chain of events that will lead to the future destruction of District 10. You are responsible for the loss of lives and the devastation you have left in your wake."

"Do not be mistaken, Jacob. If you continue with your insurgency, you will not only pay for your crimes, but you will also drag your followers into the same destruction. I am willing to completely eliminate District 10 if that means burying Jacob Barber and all those who dare to defy the Capitol."

"It is time for us to reflect on the true meaning of love and peace. Violence and destruction only lead us further away from those ideals. I urge you to reconsider your stance and put an end to this senseless struggle. There are no winners in war, only loss and suffering."

"I conclude this transmission with the hope that you reflect on the consequences of your actions. The door to peace is still open, but it is up to you whether you decide to take it. May wisdom and sanity guide your future decisions."

President Snow's message ended, and the transmission abruptly cut off, leaving a feeling of unease and challenge in the air. The rebels listened to every word attentively, aware of the implicit threats and warnings within them. Jacob, in particular, simply smiled indifferently at these threats.

The challenge was set, and it was time to make difficult decisions. Jacob and his followers would have to face the threats from the Capitol and decide how to move forward in their fight for freedom. Amidst the uncertainty, love and peace remained the values they clung to, guiding them in their quest for a better future for all inhabitants of Panem.

"What was that?" Brutus was confused.

"They are desperate." Enobaria said with a smile filled with happiness.

"[Radar indicates something approaching at maximum speed, observing route and identifying time of arrival!]"

"[Error! Initiating countermeasures, using airships to intercept the enemy attack!]"

Jacob looked towards the sky, then around him, and a shiver ran through his body. "The Capitol is attacking District 10 with missiles..."

"What?"

"Get outside!" Jacob ran towards the exit and quickly arrived at the main square of District 10.

"Can you stop it?"

"[Master, this is a missile that can be stopped if the impact route is detected. The airships have an incredibly superior speed if used at full power!]"

"Tell me the damage it would cause in this place..."

"[The shockwave could cause problems. I recommend that everyone take cover in safe places!]"

"Everyone, take cover now!"

Jacob's sudden shout alerted everyone. In no time, they all ran through the streets, warning everyone to take cover in places where they could protect themselves from the shockwave of the explosion.

At that moment, just as Jacob looked around, he saw a bright light a few kilometers away. That light was incredibly bright, to the point where everything seemed slightly unlimited.

Boom!

And the sound came, followed by a strong gust of wind that kicked up dust and sent rocks flying everywhere. Unexpectedly, the Capitol launched a missile attack that was intercepted by the artificial intelligence with the help of the airships.

Jacob, who had run to a corner, hid from everything that was happening. The ground shook, and the wind even managed to collapse some walls of the houses in District 10.

"Is everyone okay?"

"Cough! The Capitol is completely insane!"