But now—it was happening right in front of his eyes. And the one being punished… was Solivair! If this had happened before they came to Heaven Island, Arthur wouldn’t have believed it no matter what. But now, just outside the doors, they could clearly hear Solivair’s muffled groans of pain. He didn’t even dare cry out loud. He had a wooden stick clenched between his teeth, and the sounds he made were low and stifled. Each crack of the baton against flesh echoed not only through the banquet hall but deep into the hearts of Arthur and Ashley—and everyone else present. It made their hearts tremble. Yet not a single person dared to stop it. In fact, they all looked like they thought it was perfectly reasonable. They actually seemed to approve of the Governor’s method of punishment. This was the modern age. And this was corporal punishment. And the one being punished was Solivair—a man of status and power, a key figure in Lioran! The ones delivering the blows were trained armed personnel, moving swiftly and efficiently. But for Arthur and Ashley, those few short minutes felt like a lifetime. During that time, the banquet hall was eerily silent. No one dared utter a word. Solivair’s stifled grunts reverberated in the still air. Finally. The batons stopped. The beating was over. Solivair’s backside was a bloody, mangled mess. He was helped off the wooden bench, barely able to stand. Arthur thought they’d take him away to treat his wounds. But instead, the guards supported him as they brought him right back into the banquet hall. Then, without a word, they let go. Solivair stumbled, nearly collapsing.Luckily, he managed to catch himself on a nearby pillar. Everyone’s attention turned away from Solivair and respectfully shifted back to Mr. Drake at the head of the room. And Solivair? He made no move to treat his injuries. Blood ran freely down the back of his legs, but once he found his footing, he stood straight like the others—quiet, obedient, and reverent. There wasn’t the slightest trace of resentment, defiance, or anger in his eyes. On the contrary… he looked like he accepted the punishment willingly. Arthur could’ve sworn—he even saw a glimmer of relief in Solivair’s gaze. As if this punishment… was already merciful. What the hell! Everything happening here defied belief. Arthur and Ashley felt their worldview crumble a little more with every second. They exchanged a glance—and saw the disbelief reflected in each other’s eyes. Mr. Drake no longer looked at them. He began speaking, his deep voice commanding attention as the banquet officially commenced. Arthur and Ashley didn’t dare lose focus. They forced themselves to listen intently, hoping to pick up anything of value. But Mr. Drake wasn’t going to reveal any confidential matters in front of newcomers. This banquet’s purpose was simply to introduce everyone and let them meet each other. As for whether any of them would be allowed into Heaven’s Cult, or what rank they might achieve—that would be determined by the trials to come. Heaven’s Cult had its own rigorous selection and assessment system. But anyone who made it in… would be revered by all outside these walls. The title alone—member of Heaven’s Cult—was enough to earn respect and fear. And the Cult held real power across the continent. Whatever they wanted to do, they had the backing to do it. With such glory and influence on offer, who wouldn’t be tempted? That was why so many people were desperate to set foot on Heaven Island, to enter Heaven’s Cult.With Drake here, no one dared stir up trouble. After all, Solivair’s bloodied example was still fresh in everyone’s minds. No one would be foolish enough to step forward and court a beating. Despite his wounds, Solivair made his way to Arthur. Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, he leaned in close and growled through clenched teeth, “Arthur, you’ve got some nerve. You set me up!” Arthur raised an eyebrow, acting as if he hadn’t heard the suppressed fury in Solivair’s voice. He responded in a loud, clear voice, “Set you up? I didn’t do anything. I just told the truth.” Arthur didn’t bother to lower his voice in the slightest. He had no intention of keeping this between them. Solivair flinched in shock. He completely forgot the pain in his backside and lunged forward, trying to cover Arthur’s mouth. But it was too late—the words were already out. People nearby had started glancing over. Seeing they were drawing attention again, Solivair felt a chill run down his spine. He had just gotten flogged because of Arthur—and now they were making a scene again, in front of everyone.