James was so hungry that his head was spinning. Upon hearing the voice, he unconsciously turned his head. Although the underground prison was pitch-black, the corridor was dimly illuminated. James could see that a man was standing in the prison cell right next to his. The man’s hair was disheveled, and he was dressed in rags. Though James could not discern the man’s appearance, he knew that he was acquainted with the man upon hearing his voice. “Wh-Who are you…?” His voice was frail. “Why don’t you take a good look?” The bearded man approached James and revealed his face. James watched the man’s face intently. After a while, he finally knew who he was. “Blake Davis.” The man was none other than Blake Davis, the founder of the Dark Castle, whom James had captured alongside many other highly skilled fighters. His battle with Blake a few years ago was forever etched in James’ mind. “That’s right. It’s me.” Blake burst into a peal of laughter. “Do you kno
James glanced at the Emperor and spoke in a frail voice, “Thank you for your concern. I’m doing well, for now.” The Emperor smiled. “You’ll be on public trial tomorrow. All of your crimes will be listed. Say… Do you think you’ll be executed?” James looked at the Emperor and said nothing. Even though he was furious, he remained composed. After all, he did not wish to waste his strength. The Emperor continued, “You’ll be on trial in another eight hours. Since your position is simply too high, considering that you’re the commander-in-chief of the Southern Plains and the Dragon King, your trial will be judged by the remaining four commanders-in-chief, the General-Secretary, and the Chief Executive. Do you wish to die or spend the remainder of your life in this dark and damp cell?” James took a deep breath and asked, “I have never crossed you or the big shots in the Capital. I’m just minding my own business in the Southern Plains. Why are you so fixated on removing me?” James wa
After shutting his eyes, James fell asleep unknowingly. However, he was soon awakened by hunger. He would then fall asleep again. This repeated multiple times. Finally, he could hear the sound of footsteps. Fully-armed men from the Red Flame army dragged James out of his cell. James could finally see the sunlight. Basking in its warmth, James relished the short-lived experience. Many convoys were at the prison gates. The Emperor, dressed in his Red Flame robe, got off one of the convoys and approached James. Seeing the pathetic state James was in, the Emperor gloated, “Did you not have a good night’s sleep last night?” James glanced at the Emperor. He wanted to speak. However, he did not have the strength to do so. He would surely collapse to the ground if not for the men supporting him. “Bring him to the courthouse.” “Understood.” James was shoved into the convoy. The courthouse was a place of trial for high-ranking officials of Sol. It was mostly deserte
“The trial will now begin.” With that, the long-awaited trial began. The vast courthouse was silent. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on James. Some pitied him, although most were apathetic. “C-Can I have something to eat?” James opened his eyes with great difficulty. The glaring lights blinded him. Though his voice was frail, it reverberated throughout the silent courthouse. Seeing this, many wept, especially Quincy. She knew that James served the people wholeheartedly. Though he had resigned, he chose to return to the battlefield without the slightest bit of hesitation. In the end, however, this was how he was treated. She stood up and voiced her dissatisfaction tearfully. “Although James is guilty, you have no right to torture him under Solean law. Is this how you treat a man who performed great meritorious service for the country?” Quincy’s voice boomed. The Emperor stood up and hurriedly explained, “I apologize for the neglect of our prisoner’s condition. We were so
All the cameras were pointed at James. He was filthy and unwashed all over. “I do,” James said in a feeble voice. Although the witnesses had exaggerated, it was undeniable that he killed them. “Good.” The Emperor stood up and cried out, “Since you plead guilty, what do you think your punishment will be in accordance with criminal law?” “Execution.” James looked the Emperor in the eye. His eyes were devoid of fear. Although he was enfeebled, his stare was as menacing as always. The Emperor was discomposed. Feeling as if he was being targeted by a ferocious beast, he unconsciously took a few steps back. Immediately, however, he put on his facade. The panic which was written on his face disappeared. Scanning his surroundings, he announced, “James should be executed for his crimes in accordance with the law. Members of the jury, please discuss amongst yourselves.” Hearing this, they exchanged their opinions in whispers. Outside the courthouse… A convoy stopped in fron
“He’s wearing a black robe… He’s a general of the Southern Plains! What is he trying to accomplish by appearing with the Blade of Justice at James’ trial? Is he trying to exonerate James with the sword?” The crowd was heatedly in a discussion. Meanwhile, James sat at the defendant’s stand and smiled. Seeing the Blade of Justice, the Emperor’s face darkened. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Henry announced, “Though Sol is a country with a rule of law, many are able to escape justice by finding loopholes. The Blade of Justice serves to execute these wicked criminals and give them what they deserve.” Henry said with great confidence, “The Black Dragon, commander-in-chief of the Black Dragon army, has upheld Solean law by executing all those who escaped justice. The former heads of the Great Four of Cansington were executed due to a massacre ten years ago. “Ten years ago, the Cadens, the most powerful and influential family in Cansington, were burned alive. The mastermind
Under everyone’s gaze, James pulled out the Blade of Justice.He looked at the Blade of Justice and pointed it at the Emperor.“What?”The masses were shocked by his actions.The Emperor was stunned. His heart palpitated as cold sweat beaded his forehead.After a few seconds, he calmed down and shouted, “What is the meaning of this, James? You’re pointing your weapon at me. Are you implying that you want to kill me?”James smiled. “Emperor, you’re overthinking this. I was just casually waving it around.”He was holding up the Blade of Justice, which weighed more than five kilograms. His arm had gone weak, and his face gradually turned pale as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Wielding the Blade of Justice took all his strength.He reluctantly put it down.Many sighed in relief.Henry looked at everyone again. “I’ve said everything I needed to.”After speaking, he walked to an empty seat below and sat down.The jurors in the higher seats began to debate.“What should w
No one expected him to be a national hero who sympathized with the poor and dedicated his life to protecting the nation. A person like him ended up with such a miserable fate.Thousands of people gathered outside the courthouse. All of them lowered their heads in silence. Many women secretly wept for him.“James…”A voice came from behind him. James turned around and saw Henry chasing after him.Henry approached him and asked, “Where are you going, James?”James raised his hand weakly and patted Henry’s shoulder, saying, “I appreciate you. You don’t need to worry about my affairs anymore. Go back to the Southern Plains. Someone needs to be there to manage the hundred and fifty cities. Don’t let the Southern Plains fall into chaos.”“But, you…”James waved his hand and interrupted Henry. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ll take this opportunity to have a really good rest. I’m exhausted. Incredibly exhausted.”James reassured him and turned to leave.The people at the entrance