93: Finally, I have an announcement to make.

He paused, his eyes becoming incredibly sharp.

"Any stubborn elements who refuse to surrender and attempt to continue creating chaos will be regarded as enemies of the state and thoroughly eradicated!"

He emphasized the words "thoroughly eradicated."

An undisguised murderous aura instantly enveloped the entire conference hall.

The ambassadors and reporters who had just been whispering immediately fell silent, cold sweat even seeping from their backs.

After making this important announcement, Oliver's gaze turned towards the representatives of the embassy district.

"Additionally, I need to remind all ambassadors."

"For the safety of your citizens, and to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings."

"Please be sure to notify and strictly control your nationals in Bolivia to reduce unnecessary outings before the end of wartime control."

He gently tapped his finger on the table, meaningfully adding,

"Especially, do not attempt to approach any military control zones."

"My soldiers are excellent shots, but their eyesight isn't the best. Sometimes, they can't tell the difference between a reporter and a spy."

These words sent a chill down everyone's spine.

The Eagleland Ambassador's mouth twitched, as if he wanted to retort.

But when he met Oliver's cold gaze, he swallowed his words.

The John Bull Ambassador beside him buried his head even lower, afraid of attracting attention.

What kind of joke is this?

Didn't they see the real weapons in the plaza outside?

Arguing with these murderous military leaders now would just be asking for trouble, wouldn't it?

A wise man submits to circumstances.

Seeing that his deterrence had taken effect, Oliver's expression softened slightly.

"Finally, I have an announcement to make."

"Effective immediately, the designation 'Bolivian Free Army' is officially revoked, and the entire army will be renamed 'Bolivian National Defense Force'."

"We are the sole legitimate armed force in this country."

With that, he turned and nodded to an officer behind him.

"The upcoming Q&A session for reporters will be handled by my press spokesperson, Colonel Jacinto."

After speaking, Oliver turned and left the venue under everyone's gaze.

He had already said the most important and toughest words.

The rest was for the professionals to handle the professional public relations issues.

Jacinto, formerly the Chief of Staff of the 3rd Regiment, was now the spokesperson for the National Defense Force.

He walked to the front of the stage, a professional smile on his face.

"Reporters, you may now ask your questions."

A blonde John Bull reporter immediately stood up, seizing the first opportunity to ask a question.

"Colonel Jacinto, regarding officials of the old government..."

"Including former President Celes and those surrendered generals, how do you plan to deal with them?"

This question was quite sharp and one of the most pressing concerns for everyone.

Jacinto smiled, adjusted his glasses, and calmly replied:

"We are an organization that respects the law, not a group of thugs."

"All officials and military personnel of the old government will face public trial in a temporary court."

"For those war criminals whose hands are stained with the blood of the people and whose crimes are heinous, the law will impose the most severe sanctions."

"For those who merely performed their duties and whose culpability is lighter, we will handle them appropriately based on the specific circumstances."

"As for those proven innocent, they will regain their freedom."

His answer was well-reasoned and airtight, demonstrating both the new regime's firm stance and its adherence to legal principles.

This caused many reporters who had harbored doubts to secretly nod.

Less than half an hour after the press conference ended, the front pages of major world news outlets...

Were dominated by the unfamiliar name "Bolivian National Defense Force."

BBC: "Dramatic Change in the Heart of South America!"

"An armed force named the 'Bolivian National Defense Force' announces its takeover of power; former government officials will face trial."

CNN: "Gunshots and Declarations in La Paz: US Government Faces New Diplomatic Challenges."

"White House has not yet made a clear statement on the legitimacy of the new regime."

AFP: "European countries generally adopt a wait-and-see attitude."

"Awaiting Washington's final decision. An unnamed diplomat said, 'It's complicated.'"

Compared to the intense focus and extensive reporting by European and American media, the reactions from Asia and Africa were much more subdued.

For countries where various "dramas" unfold daily...

A change of president or a military government coming to power in South America is hardly big news.

It's merely a matter of everyone pulling up their stools to see what new tricks this drama has.

The one truly having a headache was US.

The Pentagon and the State Department were in a heated argument.

Some believed that this unelected military government, which came to power through force, must be immediately sanctioned.

They even considered the possibility of armed intervention to uphold the face of "democracy" and "freedom."

As well as US's absolute authority in its South American backyard.

Others were more pragmatic.

They argued that while Bolivia's geographical location is important, its national strength is weak, and its resources are not irreplaceable.

To invest huge diplomatic, economic, or even military costs for such a small country would be completely counterproductive.

Furthermore, according to fragmented information from intelligence agencies, this so-called "National Defense Force"...

Was excessively well-equipped, and its combat style was fearless, completely unlike a group of commoners.

Intervening rashly before understanding their true capabilities could lead to serious repercussions.

The two sides were at loggerheads, neither able to convince the other.

Ultimately, White House could only resort to the tactic of "delay," consistently refusing to give a clear definition of the legitimacy of Bolivia's new regime.

With US not taking a stance, its European allies naturally dared not make any moves.

Thus, a bizarre scene emerged in the international community.

A new regime that came to power through a military coup, surprisingly, did not receive any public condemnation or sanctions from any major power in its initial days.

This gave Oliver and his National Defense Force an extremely valuable breathing space.

They did not rush to expand nationwide but focused all their energy on stabilizing the areas they already controlled.

A vigorous "cleanup" campaign was launched in core cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Temporary courts were quickly established.

Batch after batch of heinous officials from the old government, notorious drug traffickers, and local gang members were brought to trial.

There were no lengthy procedures, no eloquent lawyers.

Only bloody evidence and the heart-wrenching accusations of victims' families.

For criminals with irrefutable evidence and overwhelming public outrage, there was only one verdict.

Death penalty.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Crisp gunshots echoed daily from the execution ground outside the city.

This iron-fisted approach sent shivers down the spines of Western reporters accustomed to repeatedly dancing on the edge of the law.

They described the nascent regime in their reports using terms like "brutal," "dictatorial," and "disregarding human rights."

However, to their surprise, the ordinary people of Bolivia welcomed and supported this "brutality" to the greatest extent.