Simultaneously with the incident, highly efficient information control was rapidly implemented.
Almost immediately after the DEM statement was released, official news channels, from Amamiya City up to the national level, began issuing emergency announcements.
A solemn-faced news spokesperson appeared on television and online live streams:
"...It is reported that during today's Spatial Quake, a terrorist organization exploited the electromagnetic pulse effect caused by the disaster and the public's panic to briefly illegally intrude upon and interfere with public frequency bands in certain areas, disseminating a large amount of false noise and confusing information. The content of this information is preposterous and aims to disrupt social stability..."
"...Regarding the illegal intrusion into certain shelter broadcast systems and the dissemination of false information during today's Spatial Quake alert, officials have confirmed this to be an extremely malicious hacker terrorist attack."
The television station invited so-called experts for interpretation. The invited "security expert" spoke eloquently on television, explaining how terrorists exploited disaster vulnerabilities, emphasizing that the Spatial Quake is a scientifically proven natural phenomenon, and urging the public not to believe or spread rumors.
"The claims such as'Spirits questioning the cause of the Spatial Quake' or 'the origin of the Realizer devices' are purely malicious fabrications, intended to exploit the public's anxiety during the disaster, spread panic, disrupt social stability, and ultimately weaken humanity's will and unity in combating the disaster."
"Currently, there is no evidence whatsoever that this abnormal signal is linked to the so-called'Spirits' or other untrue legends. All statements regarding'Spirits' are groundless nonsense and part of the rumors. Citizens are urged not to believe them... Relevant departments are working tirelessly to trace the source of the hackers and strengthen security protection for all public systems. We ask the general public to remain calm, refrain from believing or spreading these false rumors, and rely only on official announcements for all information."
Regarding online control, any posts, videos, or comments attempting to discuss the "specific content of the broadcast" were quickly deleted or had their traffic restricted. In their place were unanimous condemnations of the "hackers/terrorists" and praise for the efficiency of the official disaster relief efforts.
This statement, which was highly consistent with the "technical explanations" and "background analysis" provided by DEM behind the scenes, quickly dominated public opinion.
A large number of online commentators were mobilized, labeling any discussion of the broadcast content as "foolish," "easily incited," or even "sympathizing with terrorism."
Meanwhile, within the AST and DEM, strict gag orders were issued; any discussion of Welt's statements would be considered a disciplinary violation.
It was emphasized that his speech was a tactic meant to confuse minds, and all members must firmly believe in the organization's goals and the correctness of its information... Origami walked home, watching the official statements broadcast on television screens throughout the streets.
The focus of passersby's conversation centered on the "vile hackers" and the "terrifying Spatial Quake," as if the broadcast, which had been potent enough to overturn their understanding, and their subsequent discussions had never happened.
(Terrorist attack... signal interference...)
She recalled the massive torrent of mecha constructed by the Spirit; that was certainly not simple hacking technology.
She recalled the sense of power in his words that pierced the heart, and his demeanor, which suggested he knew everything.
(Was it truly... just interference and rumors?)
The powerful, unquestionable official narrative created a profound sense of cognitive dissonance with the facts she had witnessed and heard firsthand.
Her identity as an AST soldier prevented her from questioning, but once the seed of doubt was sown, it began to grow quietly in silence.
She could not seek answers externally; all her questions could only be turned inward: a scrutiny of the AST's mission and the equipment provided by DEM.