Crowned by Code - Chapter 1: The Announcement ~ (4/9) The Aftermath
- otakuguritchi
- Mar 22
- 3 min read
The silence that followed Athena’s announcement was deafening. Then, like a spark to dry tinder, murmurs spread through the crowd. Shock turned to confusion, confusion to disbelief.
Selena froze, her professional instincts kicking in as she realized the gravity of what had just happened. “Darius Kael?” she whispered to herself, her mind racing to connect the name with the image of the man who had been splashed across every headline years ago.
Around her, the crowd erupted.
“This has to be a mistake!” someone shouted.
“A criminal? Athena’s lost it!” another voice called out.
Selena’s mind raced. She knew the name. Everyone did. Darius Kael was infamous—a convicted felon whose hacking exploits had cost Erevania’s financial sector billions. His trial had been the scandal of the decade, his sentencing a moment of national catharsis. And now, Athena had chosen him to lead the nation?
The AI’s voice returned, its calmness starkly contrasting the growing chaos in the square. “I understand your concerns,” Athena said. “Darius Kael’s past actions were driven by a deep understanding of systemic flaws within our society. While his methods were unlawful, his insights have been instrumental in exposing and addressing vulnerabilities that threatened Erevania’s stability. My analysis confirms that his unique skills and perspective are vital for the challenges we face.”
Selena quickly activated her live feed, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions surrounding her. “This is Selena Veyra, reporting live from Unity Square. Athena has announced Darius Kael, a convicted criminal, as the new leader of Erevania. The reaction here is one of shock and disbelief, as citizens grapple with this unprecedented decision. The question on everyone’s mind is clear: why him?”
Meanwhile, protests began to erupt in smaller groups throughout Unity Square. Some citizens called for calm, while others demanded a review of Athena’s protocols. A tense air of uncertainty settled over the capital as questions about the nation’s future multiplied.
The auditorium's walls seemed to tremble under the weight of the stunned silence. For several seconds, the citizens of Erevania—those present in the chamber and millions watching live—could do nothing but stare at the holographic projection of Athena’s avatar, its serene face betraying no emotion. Then, the silence fractured into a cacophony of gasps, protests, and hurried whispers.
Selena Veyra’s heart pounded in her chest. Her journalist instincts wrestled with her personal feelings. She glanced around the auditorium, her keen eyes noting every reaction. Governor Alina Veyden’s face had gone pale; her carefully composed mask of neutrality was cracking under the pressure. Across the room, Viktor Sarren’s thin lips curled into a sardonic smile. He tapped his fingers against the armrest of his seat, clearly relishing the chaos.
Selena activated her wrist pad, her fingers flying across the interface. Her assistant, a virtual AI named Iris, pinged her through an earpiece.
“Selena, the network’s analytics are exploding. Public sentiment is spiking—negative trending at 84%, neutral at 12%, positive at 4%,” Iris reported in a crisp tone.
Selena’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Capture all public comments and flag potential leads. We need a full spectrum of reactions for the morning broadcast.”
Iris’s voice crackled through the earpiece, laced with dry amusement. “Oh, absolutely. Nothing thrills me more than wading through the aftermath of an ocean of outrage and bad takes. Consider it done.”
Selena’s gaze shifted back to Athena’s avatar, which remained illuminated above the dais. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Whatever Athena saw in Darius Kael, the nation was far from ready to accept it.