59: Bullet brings hope

New Village, Madison, Fifth Avenue.

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting geometric patterns of light on the floor of Luigi Mangioni's high-rise mansion. He stood on the terrace, his fingers mechanically swiping his tablet, the cold light of the screen reflecting on his increasingly gaunt face. A week of insomnia had left dark shadows under the 32-year-old Engineer's eyes.

The headline of the Golden Snake Street Daily stung his retina: 'Healthcare Giant CEO's Annual Salary Breaks 20 Million eagle dollars, Setting a New Industry High.' The accompanying photo showed Richard Anderson toasting on a yacht in St. Barth, with a private island worth 100 million eagle dollars in the background.

"Beast!" Luigi's fingertips trembled uncontrollably, and he swiped to the next news story: 'Texas Elderly Couple Forced to Sell Century-Old Family Farm to Pay for Nanotherapy.' In the photo, the Johnson couple stood by a 'For Sale' sign, the old woman still holding the headscarf her granddaughter wore during chemotherapy.

A video call request suddenly popped up on the tablet. Luigi took a deep breath before answering, and his sister Maria's swollen, red eyes appeared on the screen.

"Brother, Kate's condition has worsened," Maria's voice was raspy, "The insurance company just denied coverage for nanotherapy, calling it an 'experimental treatment.'"

Luigi's fist slammed against the balcony railing, blood seeping from his knuckles, but he didn't notice. From the other end of the video, his three-year-old niece's faint cough could be heard, a sound that scraped at his heart like a dull knife.

"Don't worry, Maria, I'll pay Kate's bills. Father is just unhappy that you got married without telling him, he hasn't abandoned you. He's already sent me the money. When Kate recovers, go back and see Father..." He gently comforted his sister, finally ending the call with a somewhat complex tone, "Don't worry, Maria, I will handle it."

After hanging up, Luigi staggered towards his study. In the family photo on the wall, his grandfather, Nicholas Mangioni, the Seven Hills Federation immigrant who ventured into the Nova United States with ten eagle dollars in 1948, watched him with eyes from the black and white photograph.

Beneath the frame, his grandfather's motto was engraved: "Money is merely a low-level tool; integrity is the family heirloom."

For three months, Luigi's large apartment in the Madison Center had been transformed into a temporary investigation room. The walls were covered with documents, photos, and relationship diagrams, centered around the logo of the healthcare giant, "All-Rome Health."

Scattered across the desk were all the materials he had collected over the past three months: All-Rome Health Insurance Company internal memos (anonymous source), rejected nanotherapy reimbursement applications from the Department of Veterans Affairs (22,702 copies), and audio recordings of former FAD officials exposing pharmaceutical lobbying.

Luigi's finger traced a file marked "Casey Claire." This 26-year-old Marine had committed suicide with bandages at a Veterans Hospital because her insurance company denied coverage for nanotherapy. Her suicide note read: "I don't want to drain my mother's retirement fund."

"Is this what you defended with your lives? Can I still believe?" Luigi questioned the empty air, his voice hoarse and unfamiliar.

He opened his encrypted email, which contained data secretly sent by an old medical school classmate: nanodrug purchase price 1000 eagle dollars/unit, selling price 6000 eagle dollars/unit, insurance pricing 8,000/unit, denial rate 63%, 719 deaths during waiting period (last week alone).

Luigi's gaze lingered on the last document, an internal memo from the Department of Veterans Affairs: "Given cost considerations, it is recommended that nanotherapy be classified as an 'experimental treatment' and not reimbursed. — R. Anderson."

The numbers twisted into faces before his eyes: Kate's pale smile, the Johnson couple's cracked hands, Casey Claire's stiff corpse.

Luigi suddenly rushed into the bathroom and dry-heaved, only bringing up bile. The man in the mirror had bloodshot eyes, a stark contrast to the genius who, six months ago, was thrilled to have broken the record for the fastest promotion to Level 2 Engineer.

"I tried..." He mumbled to his reflection, "I really tried..."

He remembered the five petitions he had organized, the more than a hundred letters he had written to congressmen, and even his impassioned speech at the shareholders' meeting. But the result had played a cruel joke on him—All-Rome Health's stock price rose 4% that day.

On the bookshelf, next to "The Federalist Papers," lay a dust-covered copy of "Civil Disobedience." Words his university professor had once spoken suddenly echoed in his ears: "When law becomes a tool of violence, justice lies outside the law."

Luigi's trembling hand opened the drawer. His grandfather's Colt M1911 gleamed coldly under the desk lamp. This gun had accompanied old Mangioni as he intimidated thugs and gangsters on construction sites, and the ivory inlay on the grip was still clear.

"Justice lives in the heart, but proves in the deed."

"Grandpa, I remember you always used to tell me before you passed..." He gently stroked the gun, as if touching a vow from another century, "Where the law cannot deliver justice, a righteous person must step forward."

"I used to just not object, but now, I finally feel the weight of this statement."

Outside, the wail of an ambulance siren pierced the air. Luigi suddenly recalled a scene he had witnessed last week at the Veterans Hospital: an old veteran, who had lost both legs, was signing a do-not-resuscitate order with trembling hands, just to leave his granddaughter college tuition.

His trembling hands became as steady as a rock in an instant; the decision to change the world had formed at that moment.

He calmly took out the bullets, loading them one by one into the magazine. The clink of metal echoed like a death knell in the study, but his heart felt no sorrow.

With each bullet loaded, a scene flashed through his mind: Kate's first wobbly steps; the golden wheat fields of the Johnson farm in autumn; Casey Claire's proud military salute upon enlistment; Richard Stone saying "Business is business" at the hearing; his sister's desperate tears; his own aspirations from university...

By the time he finished loading, the morning light had turned into the dazzling sun of midday. Placing the Colt in its holster, Luigi took out a sheet of paper, his pen scratching against it:

"Father, Mother. By the time you read this letter, I will have done what I believe to be the right thing in the worst possible way. Society will not tolerate those who break the rules, but I had no choice. This is not revenge, nor is it vigilantism, but simply the most fundamental justice I believe in, the way this world should be.

I am proud to be your son. Please tell Maria and Kate that her brother and her uncle love them more than the entire starry sky."

He carefully blew the letter dry, folded it meticulously, and placed it in an envelope, which he then set on "The Federalist Papers." His phone suddenly vibrated, an anonymous message popping up: "Anderson will be at 23 Golden Serpent Street between 12 PM and 1 PM today."

Luigi put on his grandfather's vintage suit, carefully tying his tie as if preparing for a graduation ceremony. The man in the mirror had clear and determined eyes, as if he had returned to the pure time when he wrote his first line of code.

"For James Wilson," he mouthed, practicing in front of his tie knot, "the 911 firefighter who died because you denied his claim."

"For Emma Rodriguez," his fingers smoothed the wrinkles of his suit, "the single mother who sold a kidney to pay for treatment."

..........

As he checked the magazine one last time, he suddenly remembered his grandfather's dying words: "Luigi, a real man isn't someone who isn't afraid, but someone who, when afraid, still chooses to do the right thing."

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a cross-shaped shadow on the gun. Luigi Mangioni looked around his home, filled with dreams, one last time, and gently closed the door.

23 Golden Serpent Street, in front of the All-Rome Health headquarters building.

Richard Anderson had just stepped out of the extended limousine when flashbulbs erupted like a rainstorm. He smiled at the cameras, his meticulously styled white hair gleaming in the sunlight.

"Mr. Anderson! What is your response to the public protests against the high price of nanotherapy?" a UNN reporter shouted.

"My dear, in a free market," Anderson adjusted the collar of his custom-made suit, worth 5000 eagle dollars, "quality healthcare has never been a cheap right—"

Gunshots interrupted the performance.

The first bullet accurately struck Stone's knee, and he cried out, falling to his knees. The second bullet shattered his shoulder.

The crowd screamed and scattered, but Luigi walked steadily forward. He wore his grandfather's vintage suit, as solemn as if attending a formal occasion.

The third bullet pierced the hand that had signed the "Systemic Denial Plan" document.

"For James Wilson!" Luigi's voice trembled, but the hand holding the gun was as steady as a rock. "The 911 firefighter who died because your company refused to pay!"

The fourth bullet pierced through Stone's lung.

"For Emma Rodriguez!" Luigi pressed on, security personnel already aiming their tasers at him. "The single mother who sold her kidney to pay for treatment!"

The fifth bullet hit Stone in the abdomen.

"For Johnson Greers!" Luigi had already been hit by a taser, but an unknown strength allowed him to pull the trigger precisely. "The grandparents who sold their ancestral land for a pittance for their granddaughter!"

When the security personnel finally tackled Luigi, he was pulling the trigger, aiming at Anderson's head. But the magazine was empty. He was pressed against the cold marble floor, yet a look of relief spread across his face.

He only had five bullets, but he had done all he could.

"The rest..." Luigi smiled at the camera. "Is up to you."

Anderson's blood spread before the bronze bull statue on Golden Serpent Street, and images of Luigi being escorted into a police car were broadcast globally via satellite. His final statement was made into a GIF, spreading wildly on social media.

Media outlets from both the left and right parties once again clashed.

FOXS News headline: "Scion of a Wealthy Family Commits Murder in Broad Daylight! Rule of Law in the Nova United States Challenged."

UNN Special Report: "A Gunman's Confession: Bloody Justice Under Healthcare Profiteering."

Twitter trending topics exploded: #LuigiManifesto; #HealthcareTerrorist; #HeroOrKiller.

At the New Village Stock Exchange, the share price of All-Roman Health plummeted 20% within 35 minutes, triggering the circuit breaker mechanism.

In the White House Situation Room, the President stared at the real-time public opinion monitoring, his face ashen: "Issue a statement immediately, condemning this act of terrorism!"

The Chief of Staff hesitated: "But polls show that 88% of the public believes Luigi was 'eliminating a menace for the people.'"

"Then all the more reason to say it!" The President slammed the table, roaring, "Unless you want every disgruntled person to pick up a gun!"

In the interrogation room of the New Village Police Department, Luigi's handcuffs clinked on the table. James Cole, an EBI agent across from him, handed him a cup of coffee.

"Ivy League graduate, heir to a family business, the youngest Level Two Engineer ever..." Cole flipped through the file. "I don't understand, why did you have to ruin your future?"

Luigi looked towards the one-way glass, as if he could see the world outside: "Your EBI should know those internal documents better than I do. Given your position, you should know much more than I do."

Cole was silent for a moment, then suddenly lowered his voice: "My wife... was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The doctor said there's a high probability that only a nanomedical pod can save her. Insurance refused to cover nanotherapy, calling it 'experimental.' I can't afford any more loans... She and I have two children..."

On the other side of the glass, the listening device suddenly malfunctioned. The surveillance footage turned to static.

Three minutes later, Cole straightened his tie as he walked out of the interrogation room: "The prisoner refuses to identify accomplices, is uncooperative and aggressive, and I recommend enhanced security. Twenty-four hours a day, three people must be at the door at all times."

Cole walked around the corner and leaned his forehead against the wall. In a corner unseen by anyone, tears welled from his eyes and dripped from his chin. "My job doesn't allow me to say this..." He took off his ID badge and put it in his pocket, muttering to himself: "Brother Luigi, thank you... God will forgive you, He surely will..."

As the situation escalated, an unprecedented storm gathered on the Roman continent. In New Village Times Square, crowds supporting and opposing Luigi clashed.

"Murderer!" Golden Serpent Street elites in suits held up Anderson's portrait.

"Hero!" A veteran in a wheelchair shouted Luigi's name.

In front of the Los Angeles City Hall, police used tear gas to disperse protestors. Signs were scattered everywhere:

"Justice is priceless!"

"The rule of law cannot be challenged!"

"Who's next?"

On the campus of Lake Shore City University, a sociology professor played Luigi's video in class, and students divided into two factions, debating fiercely.

"This is vigilante justice!" A law student slammed the table.

"When the system fails, this is the only option!" A medical student retorted.

"Don't forget, you are also part of the beneficiaries!" The law student started smashing cups.

"We don't deny our desires, but we also took the Hippocratic Oath!" The medical student brushed dust from the chest pocket of his white coat.

.......

Pierpoint, Strategic Investment Department conference room. Jade looked at the chaotic scene in the holographic projection, deep in thought: "Public opinion is boiling..."

Aventurine juggled chips: "Should we add fuel to the fire?"

"No need." Chen Hao's voice came from the shadows. "Dry tinder soaked in gasoline only needs a spark."

Soon, under an ineffable force, the Federation's administrative system erupted with unprecedented efficiency.

New Village Federal Court, trial scene. Luigi stood in the defendant's dock, calmly listening to the prosecutor's charges: "First-degree murder, acts of terrorism, illegal possession of firearms..."

When the judge asked if he pleaded guilty, the courtroom suddenly lost power. The moment the emergency lights came on, a dozen figures stood up in the public gallery: there were veterans leaning on crutches, mothers holding sick children, and cancer patients wearing wigs.

"Your Honor!" A white-haired World War II veteran saluted. "If you convict him, please convict me first."

"We are all his accomplices, we are the masterminds." A single mother held up a list, which contained the names of 3,235 people whose claims were denied due to Anderson. In her backpack, there was also a thick stack of signed letters sent from various states across the Nova United States.

The courtroom was in an uproar. The judge's gavel pounded repeatedly until a juror suddenly stood up: "Your Honor, according to the recusal system, I cannot render a fair judgment... My brother is on the list."

Immediately following were four other jurors, saying, "Your Honor, my relatives are also on the list, we need to recuse ourselves."

.......

One week after the shooting: CEOs of the five major health insurance companies collectively resigned; Congress urgently passed the "Nanomedical Price Cap Act"; All-Roman Health announced that the nanotherapy deductible was reduced to 1500 eagle dollars; parades demanding Luigi's pardon erupted in 23 states.

.......

Reddit hot post: "I was Luigi's college classmate, he was always the most law-abiding one..."

Comment: "It's when good people are pushed to their limits that they become 'terrorists' in the mouths of Capitol Hill politicians."

4chan anonymous board: "Next target locked: Pharmaceutical company CEO schedule.pdf"

Comment: "Count me in!"

A hot search on Ratt dominated the top spot for a week: #NotAllHeroesWearCapes.

.......

In the Strategic Investment Department lounge, Aventurine whistled as he watched the medical sector of the Nova United States stock market plummet: "Now they should behave."

Jade lightly swirled her red wine glass: "No, this should only be the beginning."

Chen Hao stood before the star map, his finger lightly tapping the North Roman continent: "When the old order begins to collapse," a golden glint flashed in his eyes, "the new order will have a place to stand."

Outside the window, a meteor streaked across the night sky. And in his solitary cell in New Village prison, Luigi looked at the starlight outside his small window and slept peacefully for the first time. He did not know that his gunshot had forever changed the rules of the game in this world.

---

Pierpoint, Interstellar Peace Corporation Database, Major Event Records: Star Calendar Year Two, October Ninth, 'Luigi's Gunshot' ignited the fuse for the collapse of the decaying order. The Strategic Investment Department unanimously recognized Luigi Mangioni as qualified to become an 'Investor.' At the same time, he is also the first Starcrossed Ranger recorded by the company.