Ch. 711..720
Chapter 711
Everyone remained silent.
Though the newly appointed Elite Eight may not be familiar with James’ character, the opposite is true for Henry and Levi.
They had followed James for many years. They knew James had never harmed a single innocent man.
Now, he was being set up by someone.
“What’s with your expressions?” James looked at them and said calmly, “This is no big deal. It’s all
my fault. I shouldn’t have accepted the bribes or misappropriated the funds. I violated the law knowingly, and this is the consequence of it.”
Eyes brimming with tears, Henry asked, “What should we do now, James?”
Everyone was worried, especially the Elite Eight.
So many things happened at once before they were familiar with their roles yet.
James said calmly, “The higher-ups will investigate the matter thoroughly. If I’m lucky, I might simply be demoted or removed from my position. On the contrary, I might face imprisonment or even get executed…”
“James…”
James lightly waved a hand and interrupted Henry.
“Don’t worry, I will shoulder the blame. You’ll be fine. I’ll be leaving the Southern Plains in your care…”
James looked at them and gave them instructions.
He knew he would surely be removed from his position. This time, he would not be doing it voluntarily.
However, he was concerned about the Southern Plains.
The 140 newly-annexed cities were resource-rich. If the higher-ups sent an administrator here, it was possible he would run amok. That was why James had to give a clear account while it was still possible.
He looked at the Elite Eight, “You answer only to the Dragon King. After I’m removed from my position, watch the new administrator closely. Don’t let him cross the line. Of course, you’re allowed to reject some of his unreasonable demands.”
James sounded as if he would be leaving the place forever.
He uttered every word with great difficulty.
Even a single sentence was enough to make him perspire.
Seeing the state James was in, Henry was worried. “James, are you alright?”
James waved again. “It’s no big deal. I won’t be dying anytime soon. Alright now, you’re dismissed. Leave me alone for now.”
“Understood.”
They nodded.
“Wait…”
James stopped them from leaving.
They stopped and looked at James.
James said feebly, “If I don’t survive, do whatever you can to help Thea. Like me, there’s Gu poison inside her body. Although she’s currently fine, the Gu will eventually grow. By then, she will be doomed. If I die, go find the Emperor and ask him to let Thea go.”
After giving his instructions, James leaned against the sofa and gestured at them.
“Go…”
They left the place tearfully.
Only James remained in the foyer of the spacious villa. The silence was deafening.
James was not afraid to die.
From the moment he became a soldier, he had long left life and death out of his consideration.
However, there were things he still needed to do.
He did not wish to die just yet.
However, this was fate. He had no other options.
Closing his eyes, he slowly drifted to sleep.
Time passed.
Suddenly, he opened his eyes wide.
“Who’s there?”
His expression darkened.
Though he intended to strike preemptively, his body was limp. The moment he stood up from the sofa, he immediately collapsed.
Leaning against the sofa, he glared at the man before him.
It was a man in black robes.
As it was nighttime, the lights were switched off. As such, he could not see the man’s appearance. He could only ambiguously discern his silhouette.
“What’s wrong with your body?”
A hoarse voice came from the dark. The man was shocked and puzzled.
Chapter 712
James grabbed the controller beside him and pressed a button.
The pitch-black room was immediately illuminated.
Finally, he could see the man’s appearance.
It was a man around forty years old. He had a round face and thick eyebrows. Standing before James, the man seemed like a ferocious tiger.
He had a menacing look in his eyes.
James could feel he was no ordinary man. He rarely, if ever, had this feeling. Only when faced with true power would he have such a feeling.
That meant that the man before him possessed true power.
Besides, the man was able to infiltrate the Black Dragon Palace without alerting the Black Dragon army guards. James said feebly, “Something happened.”
“Aren’t you Asclepius? Can’t you save yourself?” The middle-aged man seemed doubtful.
James did not answer his question.
After all, he did not know who the man before him was.
However, he could roughly guess.
Only the King of Sol’s subordinates would be here at such a time, after all.
Allegations against him had led to public outrage. The King had no choice but to announce the formation of a special task force. However, James was crucial to the revolution. The King would never abandon him. He would definitely send his men to James.
“Speak. What is it?”
James was extraordinarily calm.
The man before him was Gloom, the personal bodyguard of the King of Sol, the Supreme Commander of the nation.
He possessed a power that surpassed even James.
“The King sent me here to guide you. You still have a shot at surviving this.”
James gently nodded, “I know. I can use the Blade of Justice to save my own skin.”
“Yes.”
Gloom nodded.
“Since you possess the Blade of Justice, you have the power to enforce the law. Every person you’ve killed were those who escaped justice. The King will send his men to investigate and collect evidence of their crimes. Meanwhile, all the bribes and misappropriated funds that entered your pockets will be confiscated. Though you’ve committed a criminal offense, you don’t deserve the death penalty. After all, you have performed great meritorious service for Sol. You’ll most likely be removed from your position and become an ordinary civilian.”
James listened to Gloom intently.
He had thought of his way out.
From the moment James received news of the allegations against him, he had been waiting for the King’s men.
He wanted to know what the King would do.
Moreover, he wanted to know what role he would play in the revolution and purge.
“However, there’s another path…”
Gloom approached James and whispered in his ear.
Then, Gloom continued, “These are the King’s words. Once the revolution is over and the enemy forces are purged, the King will step back from his position once the situation. stabilizes. After the new King takes his place, he will personally pardon your crimes. You’ll still be the Dragon King, and the 140 cities will still be yours.”
“Mhm.”
James nodded and said, “Got it.”
“Be on your guard.”
After reminding James, Gloom turned to leave.
Meanwhile, James lit a cigarette.
Smoke swirled around his face.
After smoking the cigarette, he stood up with great difficulty. Supporting himself against the wall, he headed toward the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.
Then, he returned to the sofa and tried to open the bottle lid.
However, he could not exert any strength.
He could not open the lid no matter how hard he tried.
He laughed at himself.
“Oh, James… Though you claim to be Asclepius, you can’t even deal with your own body. I hope I can live to see the revolution and the coronation of the new King. I will have no regrets if peace prevails.”
James tossed the bottle of water aside.
As he no longer had any strength to return to his room, he simply slept on the sofa.
Chapter 713
After the matter. press conference, the Emperor hurriedly headed to Cansington to investigate the
He had been watching James’ every action.
He knew of James’ misconduct in Cansington.
He immediately went to find The Great Four, the Five Provinces Business Alliance, Infinite Commerce, and the others.
With their testimony, it would be more than enough to convict James of his crimes.
Before the sun had even risen, the Emperor had finished compiling the evidence. He immediately headed toward the Southern Plains with the Red Flame army.
It was morning.
James woke up.
Although he slept for a whole night, he felt even more lethargic than ever before.
He called Henry and gave him a few instructions.
Henry then called for his men to prepare breakfast for James.
Soon, breakfast was ready.
The two feasted.
However, the atmosphere was tense.
Clack! Clack! Clack!
The sound of boots could be heard.
Henry turned his head.
A middle-aged man walked in with a bunch of men in black suits.
The man was none other than the Emperor, the commander-in-chief of the Red Flame and the head of the Five Commanders of Sol.
The Emperor walked over to them and waved. The men behind him stopped in their tracks. With a mischievous grin on his face, the Emperor then took a seat on the sofa and said, Enjoying yourself, James?”
James was enjoying his meal without a care in the world.
Upon hearing the Emperor’s voice, he lifted his head and asked, “You must be tired after burning the midnight oil. Would you like to have some?”
The Emperor handed James a cigarette and said smilingly, “I know you love smoking. Here, have a cigarette. I’m afraid you won’t have a chance to do so anymore in the future.”
James put down his cutlery and accepted the cigarette.
Henry pulled out a lighter and lit it.
Leaning against the sofa, James smoked the cigarette. Smoke swirled around his face. It was a blissful moment for him.
Henry, on the other hand, was glaring daggers at the Emperor. Clenching his fists, his bloodshot eyes were burning with hatred for the man who set Jarnes up. “I don’t mind if you target me. I have no complaints. This a power struggle, after all. But how could you get the innocent involved? Thea is unrelated to this. After I’m imprisoned, please give her the antidote.”
It sounded both like an order and a plea.
“What are you talking about, James? I don’t quite understand. Are you done?” He pulled out an arrest warrant. “This is an arrest warrant issued by the King. You’re suspected of abusing your position for personal gains while you were in your position. After investigating the matter, we have found concrete evidence of your crimes. Please cooperate with our investigation.”
A few men in black suits walked over to James.
They were the Red Flame army of the Capital.
Henry clenched his fists. A vein popped out in his neck.
James stood up with great difficulty and extended his arms.
Crack!
He was instantly handcuffed.
Then, he was promptly escorted out of the Black Dragon Palace.
Many people gathered outside the palace.
There were civilians as well as reporters.
The Black Dragon Palace was always full of visitors.
Back then, however, the place was crowded with muckraking journalists and admirers of the Black Dragon.
Now, it was full of people who were here to witness and laugh at the Black Dragon’s downfall.
Seeing that James was escorted out of the palace in handcuffs, many clapped. “Finally!”
“One less corrupt figure in Sol!”
“He must be one of the most corrupt figures in Sol!”
The crowd was in an uproar.
Meanwhile, the reporters were busy taking pictures.
“Breaking news! James has finally met his downfall!” “The Emperor, the commander-in-chief of the Red Flame army, hurried over to the Southern Plains from the Capital to arrest him.”
Chapter 714
“The most corrupt figure in Sol has met his downfall!”
“Breaking news! It’s now confirmed that James had been the behind-the-scenes owner of Transgenerational Group in Cansington. The company has now dissolved, and all of James’ assets have been confiscated.”
“Based on our calculations, he misappropriated funds amounting to 10 trillion dollars.”
News of James’ arrest spread like wildfire. It stunned the entire nation.
James was brought onto the Red Flame army’s private plane.
On the plane, James leaned against his seat, unable to exert a single ounce of strength.
“You win,” he croaked.
“What do you mean, James? As one of the five commanders-in-chief and the Dragon King, you should know better than to violate the law knowingly. As the commander-in-chief of the Red Flame army and the head of the Five Commanders, arresting you is merely performing my duty. Please do not blame me for this.”
A mischievous grin crept up on the Emperor’s face.
“Let Thea go… Give her the antidote… She’s innocent.”
James pleaded.
However, the Emperor closed his eyes and rested.
James was enraged.
He had long left life and death out of his consideration. The only thing he was concerned about was Thea’s safety.
James was brought to the Capital and imprisoned in an underground prison.
This was a prison specifically for high-profile prisoners.
With James’ arrest, the dynamics in Cansington changed drastically.
The Transgenerational Group was dissolved.
The Five Provinces Business Alliance bought back Transgenerational New City with 500 billion dollars, which entered the National Treasury.
In the underground prison of the Capital…
As the prison was underground, it was dark and damp. Moreover, it did not have a single bed. James’ room was a wreck, and an awful smell permeated the air.
James sat on the ground and leaned against the wall.
He was extremely fatigued.
Even leaning against the wall was not an easy feat for him. And so, he chose to sleep on the ground instead.
Meanwhile, the Emperor was still busy collecting evidence.
In just a day, everything was complete.
On the night James was arrested, the Emperor held another press conference.
He spoke with confidence, “Sol will never allow corruption to run rampant. After receiving the allegations against James, we immediately set up a special task force to investigate the matter. In just a single day, we managed to obtain concrete evidence of his crimes.”
“He will be prosecuted in an open and public trial the next morning. All of his crimes shall be revealed to the public.”
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The Emperor received a round of applause.
“That’s all for the press conference.”
After holding the press conference, the Emperor immediately returned to his mansion. Leaning against his sofa, he was wearing a satisfied look.
Now that James had met his downfall, he could finally be at ease.
At the same time, in the underground prison…
James had woken up from hunger.
As the Gus within his body had been absorbing his nutrients, he was very easily fatigued. Now that he had not eaten in a day, the feeling was unbearable.
His stomach kept growling.
With all his strength, he got up and leaned against the wall.
At that moment, sweat beaded on his forehead.
“S-Someone… Please give me something to eat,” he yelled.
However, his voice was frail.
A man was standing in the prison right next to James’. Through the iron door, he watched James intently.
“Hahaha… I never expected to see you here, Black Dragon.”
Chapter 715
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 know my biggest wish, James?” James asked, “What is it?” “To kill you!”
Blake roared. He went berserk and charged at James. However, he could not move further than an inch no matter how hard he tried.
Only then did James notice that Blake’s limbs were chained.
Nevertheless, Blake was relentless.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you! All these years, I’ve dreamt of killing you. Back then, when you captured me, you were still a little-known general. Now, you’re one of the five commanders-in-chief and the Dragon King…”
Blake roared.
James said coldly, “I didn’t expect you to be this well-informed in the prison. It has only been
a few days since I was made the Dragon King. How did you get your hands on the information?”
“Haha…”
Blake’s laughter reverberated throughout the prison.
“I never thought I’d see the almighty Dragon King imprisoned in this underground prison. This must be retribution!”
James could feel his energy sapping away after saying just a few words. So, he shut his mouth and stopped entertaining Blake.
Being imprisoned in the underground prison deprived James of the ability to tell time. He did not know how long he had been in here. He only knew he was famished.
He shook his head in an attempt to remain awake.
Clack! Clack! Clack!
At that moment, James could hear the sound of boots.
A middle-aged man in a red military uniform approached his cell.
A ball of flames was carved on the military uniform.
It was the Red Flame robe.
Upon seeing this, James knew that it was the Emperor, the commander-in-chief of the Red Flame army.
“Open it.”
The Emperor ordered.
Creak!
The iron door was unlocked.
The Emperor entered James’ cell.
Upon entering the cell, he covered his nose on instinct. The stench was unbearable. Looking at James, who was leaning against the wall, he laughed in delight.
“I’m here to pay you a visit, James. How are things going?”
Chapter 716
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 was curious to know.
“Is that so?”
The Emperor smiled coldly and ordered, “Bring me a chair.”
Soon, the chair was here.
The Emperor sat and lit a cigarette. Then, he looked at James and said smilingly, “It’s precisely because you’re the commander-in-chief of the Black Dragon army. Do you know how your predecessor died thirty years ago?”
James stared at the Emperor.
The Emperor continued, “That’s because the commander-in-chief of the Black Dragon army had veto power during the great reformation thirty years ago. The National Election is around the corner. If anyone obtains a higher approval rating than the previous King, then he will be the new King. However, if the Black Dragon General chooses to exercise his veto power, the new King won’t be able to assume his position.
“The current King was able to assume his position only because the previous Black Dragon died.”
James asked calmly, “Are you saying that the previous Black Dragon died in a power struggle?”
“You could say that.”
“But I’ve resigned from my position. I’m no longer the Black Dragon or the Black Dragon army’s commander-in-chief. Why are you still after me?” James looked at the Emperor.
He knew that the Emperor must have a hidden agenda. If he could make him spill the beans, it would be advantageous for his plans.
The Emperor stood up.
“I’m afraid there’s no use telling a dead man.” Having said that, he turned to leave.
Slam! The iron door was slammed shut.
James’ expression darkened.
He knew that the power struggle in Sol was terrifying. However, he was not expecting it to be of such a magnitude.
Just because the commander-in-chief of the Black Dragon army had veto power, he died in a plot. He knew that the veto power referred to the Blade of Justice. That was because the possessor of the Blade of Justice had the right to do so. Still, what was the Emperor up to? Did he wish to become the King? However, there was an unwritten rule that the military was not allowed to participate in elections.
‘What is he up to?’
James was deep in contemplation. “James…”
A voice came.
James glanced sideways and saw Blake staring at him. He asked in a low voice, “Is there anything?”
“You look ill. Did something happen to your body? Could it be a Gu?”
James looked Blake in the eye. “Very knowledgeable of you. How do you even know of this? That’s right. There are Gus inside my body.” “I have a way of treating you, but I have one condition. If you promise me, I can help you out with your illness.”
Jarnes was not hasty. He asked, “What condition? Tell me.”
“I know that you must have some sort of backup plan. My condition is simple. If you manage to leave this place alive, I want you to save me too. I’ll tell you how to remove the Gus from your body.”
Blake told James of his condition.
James’ face lit up.
If Blake really had a way of treating him, getting him out of here was not too difficult a task.
However, he did not accept Blake’s proposal immediately. He said, “Noted. If I survive this, I’ll make a deal with you.”
Then, James closed his eyes and rested
Chapter 717
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 deserted all year long.
However, there was currently a crowd outside the courthouse. Soleans from all over the country were gathered here. Even foreign reporters were present.
There were also many familiar figures present. Thea, Quincy, Xara, Tiara, and Cynthia were all there. Some who were acquainted with James were also there.
A convoy approached the courthouse, and all cameras were directed toward the approaching vehicle.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it‘s currently eight in the morning. This is the courthouse in the Capital. We‘re here today to witness the trial of James, the Black Dragon, one of the most powerful figures in the nation.”
All the TV stations were broadcasting the news.
The convoy stopped in front of the courthouse‘s gates.
A column of fully–armed Red Flame army swiftly cleared a path for the convoy,
The door opened and James was dragged out of the convoy.
Click! Click! Click!
The cameras snapped photos non-stop.
fames’ face was pale, and his hair was disheveled. He was in a sorry state. At that moment, he was completely unlike the majestic and commanding Black Dragon.
“What a shame.” “The guardian of Sol committed such crimes all for his personal gain.”
“National hero my *ss! He‘s the disgrace of Sol!”
The people cursed him. Some spat on him and even threw rotten eggs.
James was struck all over his body.
Seeing this, a grin crept up on the Emperor‘s face. Meanwhile, Thea burst into tears. She wanted to make her way over to James, but she was stopped by the Red Flame army who were maintaining order. The others looked away, unwilling to witness such a scene. Abused and insulted, James was hauled into the courthouse. In the courthouse hall, many high–ranking officials gradually arrived. Hendrix Hudson, the Secretary–General, Leroy Tucker, the Chief Executive, the Emperor, the Blithe king, the Centurion, and the Barbarian King were all present. There were also some mid – ranking officials. Reporters from all over Sol and around the world gathered.
James was dragged to the defendant‘s table.
He then took his seat. Leaning against the chair, his eyes were on the verge of shutting.
The General Secretary stood up and read out loud, “Today, James, the Black Dragon will be tried in court. All crimes he committed will be listed. He will receive the punishment he deserves. At the same time, this should serve as a reminder for all public servants that your duty is to serve the people, not to abuse your position for your personal gain.”
Chapter 718
“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 busy collecting evidence that we forgot to feed him. Don‘t worry, I will arrange for my men to prepare some food for him. The trial will only begin after he has finished eating,”
After apologizing, the Emperor ordered his men to prepare food.
James turned to look at the jury box. He was acquainted with some of the jurors.
He wanted to say something but chose to remain silent. Leaning against the chair, he waited for his meal to arrive.
Soon, his meal was served. It had generous portions. Under the watchful gaze of the nation, he finished his meal.
James could feel that he had regained some of his strength. Although he was still weak, speaking was not such an arduous task anymore.
“Let us begin the trial.”
Leroy stood up with the material he had prepared. He began narrating the crimes James had committed it took him ten minutes.
Next were the witnesses,
The first was a Xavier, one of the Great Four of Cansington,
“Hi, my name is Dobby Xavier. I‘m a member of the Xavier family in Cansington. I‘m standing here today to expose the wicked deeds of James. He killed my family.”
Dobby was young. He looked at most fifteen years of age.
He started narrating how James killed his family members and exaggerated some parts of his story to spice things up. His words enraged the crowd.
“Kill him!”
“He should be executed!”
“Order... Order!”
The crowd quieted down.
Dobby sniffled, “My grandpa, my father, and my uncles all died in his hands...”
Tearfully, he pointed at James. “It‘s all because of him that my family was torn apart. All this while, we did not dare to speak up all because he‘s the Black Dragon, the commander–in–chief of the Black Dragon army in the Southern Plains. I would like to thank everyone here for allowing me to expose James’ crimes.
Dobby stood up and bowed.
The next witness was a Frasier...
Many more got on the witness stand to accuse James of his crimes. Lastly, even Zavier Watson was lifted to the stand. Tearfully, he cried out, “James is a b*stard! I saw him kill my father with my own eyes. He even crippled my limbs and my private parts!”
Zavier burst into tears.
At that moment, the crowd was enraged. “How dare he do such a horrible thing?!”
“Execute him!”
“What‘s the point of this trial? Just kill him!”
After the witnesses had given their testimony, the Emperor asked, “James, do you plead guilty?”
Hearing this, everyone turned to look at James.
Chapter 719
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 front of the courthouse‘s gates. The door opened, and a general in a black robe with a one–star badge on his shoulder walked out.
Around thirty years of age, his skin was tanned, and his expression was grim.
In his hands was the Blade of Justice. It was a sword passed down thousands of years ago.
Since antiquity, it represented the highest authority of the state. It gave the wielder the right to kill tyrant kings and treacherous courtiers.
The sword was preserved with the establishment of Sol.
Ever since then, it had been wielded by the commander–in–chief of the Black Dragon army.
“Halt.”
Henry was immediately stopped by the Red Flame army. Holding the Blade of Justice high, Henry yelled, “This is the Blade of Justice of Sol! Who dares stand in my way?”
“The Blade of Justice?”
Hearing this, terror overtook their faces.
“Move!”
Glaring at the Red Flame army standing in his way, Henry yelled, “Today, the Blade of Justice will be used to rid Sol of its treacherous subjects!!
The Red Flame army looked at one another. Then, they allowed Henry passage.
Henry proceeded to enter the courthouse.
The judges were in a lieated discussion. In the end, they arrived at a verdict.
The Emperor stood and faced the reporters. “After discussion, the judges have determined that James will be executed for his crimes. His execution will be...”
“Wait...!”
A voice came.
Everyone turned their heads. A one-star general walked in with a sword in his hands.
It was Henry.
Henry stood before the crowd and faced the cameras. “This is the Blade of Justice. It represents the highest authority of law and has always been wielded by the commander–in chief of the Black Dragon army. With this sword, James had purged Sol of its treacherous subjects.”
Hearing this, the crowd was stunned. Though they had heard rumors about the sword, they had never seen the real thing. “Is that true?”
“Is there really a sword in Sol that is above the law?”
Chapter 720
“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 masterminds of this fire were from the Great Four. The Black Dragon did not let a single guilty person escape. Likewise, he did not kill a single innocent man, woman, or child.”
Henry revealed some of the secrets.
The crowd was in an uproar. “I– Is that true?”
“Impossible.”
“James must have abused the Blade of Justice to kill the innocent! We can‘t let him off the hook that easily.”
Hendrix, the Secretary–General, asked, “Black Shadow General, we can‘t just take your word for it. Do you have any evidence?”
“Yes.” Henry nodded. “The evidence, please.”
James had ordered Henry to call Jay in advance. Through Jay‘s underground intelligence network, Henry managed to collect evidence and found much from Cansington‘s underworld.
They were present at the Cadens‘cemetery that fateful day. They saw with their own eyes how James executed those who were behind the destruction of the Cadens ten years ago with the Blade of Justice
“I can testify that James killed many people with the Blade of Justice that day. They were all behind the destruction of the Cadens ten years ago. They admitted to their crimes before their death.”
“One of my men recorded the moment they admitted to their crimes.”
The evidence was presented.
Allegations against James for killing the innocent were debunked.
Seeing this, the crowd was once again in a heated discussion. However, someone brought up the allegations that James accepted bribes and misappropriated the war reparations.
James did not provide an excuse for this.
After all, the allegations were indeed true.
Henry cried out, “He has fought for Sol and performed major meritorious services to the country. Even if he has accepted bribes, I think he should be acquitted.”
He continued, “They say that he misappropriated a total of 10 trillion dollars. But did you know that he captured the enemy commander–in–chief despite being pursued by the 28 nation martial art gurus and the 100 thousand–strong enemy forces at Mt. Thunder? “The Black Dragon army swept across the battlefield and annihilated the twenty–eight–nation alliance. In accordance with international law, the twenty–eight nations were supposed to pay the ransom for the prisoners of war. However, James demanded that they pay ten times the amount.
“Why? Because of the million–strong Black Dragon army. “The ransom paid was equally divided among the army. The Black Dragon army guards the Southern border of Sol. We could be killed anytime. Is it such a wrong thing to do to distribute some of the war reparations to us?
“We have families too. But with the meager salary we receive, we can‘t feed them. Though we fight against the enemies on the battlefield, our families are being neglected. Have any of you thought about this?
“Why did James establish the Transgenerational Group? He hopes for peace at the border. He hopes that everyone can lead comfortable lives. “As you may know, James married into the Callahans upon arriving at Cansington. Has he ever splurged on anything? He has the Black Dragon card. The country pays in his stead. Why then, do you think that he lacks money?”
Henry’s voice grew louder and louder.
The crowd was speechless. They could not find anything to retort.
Wielding the Blade of Justice, Henry walked over to James and knelt. He presented the sword to James and cried out, “Dragon King, please accept the Blade of Justice. Exercise its authority and rid Sol of its treacherous subjects.”
James stood up.
However, as he was enfeebled, he almost collapsed to the floor.
He lifted the blade of Justice with great difficulty.
Whish!
He pulled the sword out and examined it.