"Maybe you never truly understood him," Debra disagreed. "He genuinely cares for Liza. He might have his reasons."


    "I hope so," Bert said tiredly. "I will do my part against the Illuminati. You young folks are more capable than us. Just promise me you''ll take care of Liza. She''s been spoiled her whole life and doesn''t know the world''s dangers."


    He paused, then continued, "But since she made friends with you, she has matured a lot. I''ve lived long enough to know that money isn''t everything. Staying alive is what matters. Please look after her. She truly values your friendship, and I believe you do too."


    Debra nodded. "I promise, I''ll take care of her."<fn0909> This update is avable on ?ovelFind</fn0909>


    "There''s nothing more I need to say," Bert said, handing Debra a badge. "Please keep this."


    The badge was different from the others they had recently seized. It had a phoenix emblem. It was the mostplete badge Debra had ever seen.


    "This belongs to the core members of the Illuminati," Bert exined. "Their goal is to create a peaceful empire. You might not believe it, but when I was young, I was baptized in their church. I thought their work was noble and meaningful."


    "What do you mean?" Debra asked, puzzled.


    "The Illuminati''s original mission was to maintain world peace and foster societal progress. In some ways, they achieved remarkable things." Bert shook his head. "But they praised the rich and exploited the poor. Take Thomas Edison, for example. Everyone knows he invented the lightbulb, but in reality, he stole the idea. Edison was a businessman, not an inventor. Yet, history remembers him as the one who brought light to the world, while the true inventors remain unknown."


    Debra began to understand the Illuminati''s true nature. The wealthy seized the world''s best resources, forcing the poor to work endlessly. The Illuminati brainwashed the rich into believing they were benefiting all of humanity.


    From the rich''s perspective, the Illuminati protected their interests and allowed them to act without consequence. A moral justification was provided, convincing them that their actions were for the greater good. They were made to feel like heroes of their time.