CHAPTER 845: CHAPTER 845: AN IMMENSE STRENGTH IS TAKING SHAPE!

West Sail Port Harbor area Court.

The marble walls are engraved with the scales symbolizing justice, and under the lofty dome, circles of seats are arranged.

On the judgment seat, five judges are seated, all around fifty to sixty years old, their faces filled with wrinkles exuding solemnity, looking dignified and respectable.

The wide jury seats are also fully occupied.

Among them, a small portion are officers from the Southern Legion, while the majority are local Weilante people citizens of West Sail Port, or Weilante merchants passing through the area.

The people held great enthusiasm for this trial, with some even traveling from Evernight Harbor or other colonies, not for the business opportunities the "upcoming three hundred thousand troops" would bring, but for a firsthand look at the courtroom.

Their interest was not only due to the defendant’s identity but because the charges in this trial involved three acts of betrayal—betraying the Weilante people, betraying the legion, and betraying the Marshal.

Such serious accusations against one person are extremely rare in the history of the legion.

Especially since the defendant was an "Honorable Weilante" promoted through military achievements.

The people on the jury seats were even more curious!

It’s said the court made a good sum just from selling jury seat tickets!

Seeing the person brought to court, Penny on the jury seats couldn’t help but clench her fists, sweat seeping from her palms.

And in the corner of the opposite jury seats, a man wearing an officer’s hat also sat in the audience position.

He looked young, with a hooked nose and stern, cold eyes, watching Pangolin brought to the defendant’s seat like an eagle looking down on prey.

This person was Guryang, the chief commander in the Poluo Province combat area, and a three-star Ten Thousand Leader of the Southern Legion!

Before coming to West Sail Port, he had heard many heroic deeds about this man called Pangolin.

For example, single-handedly delaying the Alliance’s attacking forces for a full month, killing over a thousand alliances.

For example, hunting down the Mother of Dead Claw in the River Valley Province alone and beheading it.

And such records in Haiya Province.

Now this fellow appeared again in Poluo Province, doing something earth-shattering before Guryang’s arrival.

Guryang couldn’t help but be curious.

This person who acts like a praying mantis blocking a chariot, what plan does he have to escape this time?

As he was watching the man called Pangolin with interest, someone walked over to Guryang’s side.

The person pulled out a chair and sat beside him, casually placing the officer’s hat on the table.

Guryang glanced slightly to the side and saw a well-known face, a playful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"General McCullen? A rare guest, what wind blows the ’Chief Instructor’ of Poluo Province here?"

Due to the West Winds Empire’s laughable performance in military, economic, diplomatic, and other fields, McCullen being an instructor in Poluo Province also affected his reputation in the military.

After all, those in the Everflow River swimming by name were McCullen’s students.

Even though their swimming skills have nothing to do with McCullen, mainly taught by the civil officials in Triumph City, they still bear McCullen’s mark.

Indifferent to Guryang’s teasing, McCullen merely smiled lightly.

"You resemble a...friend of mine. Like him, you are talented, graceful, and full of ability and charisma...I see many shades of him in you. I always debated with him, but never won once."

Feeling a bit embarrassed by the compliment, Guryang laughed lightly, modestly saying.

"Thank you for your praise."

Crossing his leg over his knee, McCullen smiled faintly.

"You’re welcome... But, aren’t you curious about who he is."

Guryang kindly asked.

"Then may I inquire this friend’s name, and please introduce me next time you return to Triumph City."

McCullen equally warmly said.

"His name is Griffin, just like you, also a three-star Ten Thousand Leader."

Hearing Griffin’s name, Guryang’s expression instantly turned visibly colder, eyes narrowing dangerously.

"What do you mean? Comparing me to a dead man?"

"Dead man?" McCullen turned slightly, looking at him with slight surprise, "General Griffin was a hero given a national funeral, are you expressing disdain for him?"

Guryang’s expression stiffened momentarily, words stuck in his mouth, eventually squeezing out a half-chilly laugh.

"...Heh, the Eastern Legion fights wars with words, it seems I was naive."

He knew about Griffin, reportedly dying suddenly of a stroke when the Eastern Legion’s expeditionary army had the upper hand.

The loss of the commander forced the expeditionary army to accept the ceasefire agreement proposed by the Alliance and corporations, leading to a regrettable ceasefire just as the war was about to escalate.

The Triumph Newspaper announced the Eastern Legion expeditionary army’s victory, and ultimately Griffin accepted a glorious national funeral as a general.

No matter how he evaluates Griffin personally, that honor is not something he could mock.

The only disgraceful one would be himself if the words got out.

Seeing Guryang slightly frustrated, McCullen smiled lightly and said.

"...Please don’t misunderstand, General Guryang, I have no intention of arguing with you."

Guryang let out a laugh, casting his gaze far towards the defendant’s seat.

"I heard Pangolin was promoted by you personally?"

McCullen nodded slightly.

"That’s right, during the Falling Leaves War period, his direct superior was Coleway, both considered my subordinates."

Hearing this, Guryang immediately seemed to seize an opportunity, clicking his tongue lightly.

"Tsk tsk, such a pity... But I’m not surprised at all, it only says what kind of boss brings what kind of subordinate, the civil official group didn’t teach him well."

The sarcasm in his words was evident.

However, McCullen wasn’t angry but instead smiled generously, letting out a laugh and said.

"I thought so too, the civil officials couldn’t teach him much, following them indeed wasted his talent... However, that said, I’m quite proud of myself for bringing out such excellent subordinates, he did not let my expectations of him down."

Excellent?

Guryang raised his eyebrows slightly, glancing sideways at McCullen with interest, and asked.

"Do you think he still has a chance to turn the tables?"

"Turn the tables?" McCullen also glanced at him, smiling as he said, "General Guryang, at least say that after you’ve won."

Guryang disdainfully curled his lips, moving his gaze away from this stubborn fellow.

Saying that after winning?

What a joke!

The entire courtroom is filled with his people, what can a person who isn’t even a Weilante win with!

Seeing Guryang no longer speak, McCullen also stayed silent, simply smiling while watching the court not far away.

Pairs of eyes focused on the center of the courtroom, awaiting the solemn trial to formally commence.

The opening ceremony, not too lengthy, concluded with the light sound of a gavel, the prosecution representative standing at the plaintiff’s seat stacked up the documents on the desk, and declared in a passionate tone.

"Captain Pangolin! I am representing the Southern Legion and all Weilante people to file a lawsuit against you!"

"The West Sail Port massacre is still vivid, even on these stones beneath my feet, the blood of the Weilante people is stained here... Three thousand people! More than three thousand people massacred by thugs! And these murderers are still at large! Even having the audacity to flaunt themselves on thrones that rightfully belong to our allies!"

"""

"And you! What did you, who were granted the honor of the Weilante people, do?"

The prosecutor glanced at the judge, looked at the crowded jury behind, and then turned to the pangolin standing in the dock, speaking righteously.

"When we were fighting for the fate of the Weilante people, you, on your own, represented the Weilante people of Triumph City and acknowledged the legitimate status of a brutal, filthy, and massacring illegal regime!"

"This is not only a betrayal of Triumph City but also a betrayal of the Army, all Weilante people, and even the Marshal himself!"

"This is an unforgivable crime! Thank the law’s mercy, we spared you the death penalty! However, in exchange, we will strip you of your honor, honorable status, and military rank, and sentence you to indefinite imprisonment."

"You will repent in a windowless cell, watching the evil consequences of your appeasement turn to ashes in the flames of justice, spending your remaining years in remorse in the dark... this will be your best punishment."

After speaking, the representative of the prosecution raised his eyebrows provocatively at this "Honorable Weilante person."

However, the Battlefield Atmosphere Group did not look at him, just looked at the judge standing in the courtroom, waiting for their turn.

The judge did not look at him, nor at the plaintiff, just tapped the gavel lightly.

"Order in the court! It is my responsibility to determine the sentence; the plaintiff only needs to state the defendant’s criminal facts."

Seemingly aware of his slip-up, the prosecutor standing at the plaintiff’s stand smiled and explained.

"Sorry, I was too emotional... Please understand my anger as a Weilante person towards traitors."

"Then please understand the solemnity of the court."

Although the trial’s outcome was as good as decided, the presiding judge still said this and then looked at the man called Pangolin, proceeding procedurally.

"... So, just as the prosecution has stated, do you have anything you wish to say?"

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group was originally not inclined to provide unnecessary defense.

Firstly, he knew it was useless.

The judge and the plaintiff were under General Giulion’s influence; they could rule as they wished, just a matter of flapping their lips.

Secondly, he indeed wasn’t very good at rhetoric and didn’t understand the Army’s laws; saying too much might lead to mistakes.

The best approach was to plead not guilty and then remain silent.

If he couldn’t reach the courtroom of Triumph City, saying more would be a waste of time, only inviting humiliation.

For instance, at this moment, this court hadn’t even provided him with a defense lawyer.

However, just as he was about to hastily "skip" this part of the storyline, he glimpsed a worried face on the jury seat...

Forget it.

Resurrecting Three days is rare and waiting, and letting others decide his life or death was not his style.

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group remained silent for a while and finally decided to make an effort. After brewing his emotions for a moment, he looked up at the judge and spoke in a calm tone.

"Your Honor, I have nothing to say."

The presiding judge was taken aback.

The other four judges seated on the bench exchanged surprised glances.

The jury in the distance was abuzz with whispers, seemingly not expecting him to be too lazy even to offer a defense.

Penny stared in shock, wishing she could leap over the railing and shake him awake.

General Ross squinted slightly, suddenly finding this man hard to read.

General Giulion, meanwhile, cast a victorious look at General McCullen, conveying his thoughts through his eyes.

As for McCullen, he remained indifferent, merely watching the calm-faced fellow with a smile.

This guy, who ventured solo into danger and persuaded Absek to defect, was no ordinary person.

The real show was just beginning.

When he returned with the Mother of Dead Claw’s head, he had the same expression.

The prosecutor standing at the plaintiff’s stand, like General Giulion, already wore a triumphant expression.

"It seems the defendant has nothing to say. I think we can reach a verdict."

The presiding judge steadied himself, fixing his gaze on the Battlefield Atmosphere Group standing in the dock.

"Do you mean to plead guilty?"

The Old Soldier responded with composure.

"I do not mean that."

He paused, then continued.

"I just don’t believe I have any obligation to explain anything to a group of ’people who use their compatriots’ lives as bargaining chips for their desires.’"

"Who should stand here is not me, but them!"

He didn’t name the person, but his implication was clear—he referred to those sitting on the jury seat, waiting for his explanation.

At least, some of them!

As soon as he finished speaking, an uproar broke out among the jury.

Officers of the Southern Legion angrily stood up one after another.

They were mostly Centurions or Centurions, with some officers or Soldiers too.

They were not only young but also fiery.

Faced with such blatant provocation, they unhesitatingly cursed back on the spot... and this was also one of the Weilante people’s traditions.

"What’s the meaning of that!"

"What do you mean using compatriots’ lives as chips for selfish desires!"

"Isn’t it you civil officials who disregard compatriots’ lives!"

"Lapdog of the Civil Official Group! Bah!"

"Cowardly useless scum!"

"Sentence him to death!"

"Order in the court! Order!"

The presiding judge pounded the gavel in his hand forcefully to make the jury silent.

The Old Soldier, however, stood in the dock unfazed, ignoring the prosecutor’s astonished gaze and deaf to the roaring anger behind him.

When the court finally quieted down, the presiding judge glared at the pangolin angrily and said.

"Captain Pangolin, please mind your words! This court will take the jury’s opinions into account during the trial, and all irrelevant accusations you raise in court will only aggravate your crime."

"Irrelevant accusations!"

The Old Soldier stared intently at the presiding judge, repeated his words, then turned to face the jury, his previously composed expression now strangely enraged.

"While I ventured alone into the heart of the Tianwang Army seeking the truth, what were you standing people doing? Engaging with unarmed Civilians?"

His voice echoed through the vast hall, momentarily suppressing the commotion in the room.

Everyone was silent, glaring at him.

"Two hundred people!"

The Battlefield Atmosphere Group raised two fingers, one index, and one middle.

At that moment, he seemed like a true Weilante person, proudly raising his head and nose.

"Two hundred Civilians... They lived in terror on the Rebels’ Land, dared not make a sound, right under your noses! And what did you do? Avenged the three thousand dead? You clearly knew where the real perpetrators were, but you did nothing!"

The prosecutor standing beside couldn’t listen any longer, coughing to interrupt.

"Let me just say something... it’s not that the Southern Legion did nothing, but some truths were hidden by survivors of that catastrophe, we didn’t know anyone was still alive—"

"Shut your mouth!"

The Old Soldier suddenly roared, his fierce gaze causing the prosecutor to freeze, as if his feet took root, his calves trembling lightly.

That gaze was like a fierce beast, its bloodthirsty aura making him unable to utter a word.

He unconsciously swallowed, the wavering look in his eyes revealing a hint of fear.

Unlike when he’s in the courtroom, manipulating words.

This guy is a real Soldier, a ghost crawled out from the Mountains of corpses and seas of bones!

"... I didn’t let you speak, nor did the Judge allow you to interrupt, so just keep your mouth shut, it’s my time to speak now." The Old Soldier suddenly softened his voice, saying these words.

The pressure on his shoulders suddenly relaxed, and the prosecutor nodded nervously, only to soon realize that he had been led by the nose and glared at him angrily.

But the Old Soldier no longer looked at him, and once again faced the packed jury.

This time, however, he did not look at those standing soldiers and officers.

He looked at Yarman and his wife Margaret, and many others like that couple, including their Children.

"Do you see? Just like the prosecutor beside me, a Civilian who has never been on the Battlefield, just by staring at him, I can make his calves shake like a pendulum, unable to resist kneeling to me."

"I tell you, this is Strength! Even someone as insignificant as I easily possesses such Strength. And I’m merely a Thousands of leaders, at most with the identity of an Awakener."

"In the face of this uncontrollable Strength, even the most dazzling Truth can only remain silent, and I do not consider forced silence a crime... it’s more of a disgrace!"

"Moreover, it’s your disgrace!" The Battlefield Atmosphere Group pointed at those standing officers.

Some couldn’t help but sit down earlier, but there were still many standing.

"You keep claiming loyalty to the Marshal, eternal loyalty to the Army, loyalty to the Honorable Weyland people, yet you make your compatriots fear you, and more people fear your compatriots, exploiting their fear for your own benefit... Am I wrong? This is the real you!"

"Two fires were lit in West Sail Port, one by a group of self-proclaimed unorganized rioters, and another by a group of organized rioters... why did the former fire give rise to the Heavenly Army instead?"

"Where did the Heavenly Army’s weapons come from, why are there so much equipment in their hands? Who is supplying them!"

"And why! Why were those two hundred people right under your nose, and you preferred massacring Civilians locally rather than taking a step forward!"

"Yes, you didn’t know they were in Count Sharma’s manor, as the prosecutor said, but what are your legs, eyes, and hands for? Are they decorations!"

"Why can I find them? And you can’t! Apart from sending more gunpowder to West Sail Port, did you really do anything!"

"What exactly are you here for! Answer me! Look into my eyes and answer!!"

The angry voice spread like a tsunami, fearlessly crashing against the officers glaring at him.

Though the officers standing in the jury still wore expressionless faces, the people sitting nearby showed a noticeable change in their gaze.

Margaret couldn’t help but cover her mouth, her eyes glistening with tears, pressing her forehead against her husband’s shoulder.

Finally, someone spoke of the fear in her heart from that night.

And finally, someone recounted the fear her Children faced.

Before confirming their own insignificance, they dared not even come out from that manor and tell their Children that they were still alive.

And that was because of fear.

She didn’t want to die for unclear reasons, taking all the Truth to the grave.

Even though what she saw was just a blurry shadow, not even a real evidence...

Yarman placed his hand on her shoulder, holding his wife tightly, supporting the person on the defendant’s seat with a firm look to continue speaking.

One gaze after another converged into streams, and streams eventually formed rivers.

A vast Strength is forming!

That was the Strength that once supported the Honorable Weyland people, enabling them to break free from their shackles!

Penny’s eyes shone with excited tears, even couldn’t help but cheering for him.

The Honorable Weyland people have their own spine.

They are not spineless ones without their own stance.

The Sword of Truth now shines brilliantly!

She could feel the lively emotions and atmosphere at the scene, making those worms hiding in the gutters blush with shame, avoiding eye contact.

Those dirty creatures did not dare to answer these questions.

They didn’t even dare to acknowledge the existence of questions, only daring to utter fragmented words after the storm passes, or divert the topic.

The prosecutor sweating profusely at the plaintiff’s seat tried to distract himself by organizing the files in his hand.

What could he say?

This guy’s evidence is probably more shocking than the few sheets of paper he holds!

He no longer dared to face the crowd-filled jury, nor did he dare to look at his teammates sitting in the trial seat—the Judges who had prepared the verdict.

More and more gazes turned to the officers of the Southern Legion, making those still standing unable to maintain their expressions, finally sitting down.

What they couldn’t accept was that not only the Citizens, even their own subordinates hesitantly looked at them...

Why not launch an attack on the Heavenly Army, but instead vent on those defenseless Civilians!

Peter, biting a toothpick, also wanted to know, staring fixedly at his Centurion.

After the Centurion sat down, he continued to look at his boss’s boss, Ross—the General Ross rendered speechless by the Northern checkpoint.

Why?

He clutched his fist tightly, eager to pound the table.

Just say something!

Say anything!

Looking at the court completely overturned, McCullen smiled, gently clapping his hands.

"Haha, splendid."

Worthy as someone he personally promoted.

He truly has grown a lot.

McCullen could see that the guy had a moment of wanting to give up, but ultimately changed his mind.

This is the correct choice.

If he himself gave up, then those protecting him would find their efforts meaningless no matter how hard they tried.

At least at this moment, he possesses the value of living on, and more importantly, he earned it himself.

Unlike McCullen, who smiled and clapped, General Giulion who had previously looked triumphantly at him was now panicking.

He didn’t know what the high Command of the Southern Legion had conspired, but he could also guess that the "Heavenly King’s Disorder" was by no means entirely coincidental.

Or rather, behind that coincidence hides an unseen hand pushing the waves.

It could be his superior, his superior’s superior, or even the Legion Leader who granted him "the highest command in the Poluo Province combat area!"

Yet now, this idiot throws such secrets into an open trial in the court!

Is he crazy!!

Doesn’t the Civil Official Group have any backdoor actions!

Seeing the "self-destructing truck" crash forward, a drop of cold sweat slid across the corner of Giulion’s eyebrow.

His intention was to use this trial to humiliation that group of obstructive civil officials, not to be countered and make him shoot his own foot with the stone he lifted.

He extended a trembling index finger to take off his hat and threw it on the table in embarrassment.

This was the signal he had agreed upon with the judge.

He must stop this trial!

Stop that fool from continuing to speak!

The old soldier seemed to have no intention of continuing to speak; he simply watched the boiling atmosphere of the courtroom.

It hardly resembled a solemn courtroom; it looked more like a bustling marketplace.

However, he had achieved his goal.

The court could not completely ignore the opinions of the jury; the originally undisputed verdict now stirred substantial debate at this moment.

He did not have concrete evidence for many things; the Southern Legion would not leave too much evidence behind. To be the one to throw a stone to provoke a response by pointing out the suspicions was enough.

As long as the voice of doubt existed, what he did was meaningful.

Next, he would, as he said, appeal step by step to Triumph City, carrying the hope he shouldered and moving forward!

"Well said!!" Yarman was the first to stand up, just like the officers who ignored courtroom discipline and stood up, shouting at the prosecutor’s bench, "Answer his question!"

Echoing voices erupted one after another, deafeningly loud!

"That’s right! Answer his question!"

"What are you here for! Are you coming to save us, or are you preparing to invade?"

"Where were you when we needed you?"

"Why didn’t you save my mother! Also, why were so many weapons placed at the port!"

Little Ruby, who had her hands clenched around the railing, also had the fire in her heart ignited, glaring with bright eyes and shouting out.

Even though her thin voice didn’t stir the slightest ripple, easily drowned in the overwhelming noise of the crowd, she still made her voice heard.

She would not forget the fear of that day.

Otherwise, all courage would lose its meaning.

The officers who had stood had all sat down, partly due to the warning looks from their superiors and partly because they indeed lacked the courage to continue facing the questioning.

Peter’s eyes were filled with despair; he spat out the toothpick from his mouth, cursed "Damn coward" vehemently, and clenched his fists, unable to bear the shame.

He was not afraid of fighting a battle against the Alliance in a dignified manner.

But this shame made him unable to hold his head high.

"Silence! Silence!"

Looking at the noisy scene, the presiding judge, sweating heavily, raised the gavel in his hand, ready to knock it down yet hesitated.

He noticed the hat in front of General Giulion and the urging look.

However, precisely because of this, the gavel in his hand hovered in the air, unable to bring it down for a long time.

He was well aware of General Giulion’s hint.

But he also knew clearly what it would mean if he did so.

This was not just a controversial verdict, but outright opposition to public sentiment, leaving him at a loss for how to justify it.

Could he actually tell the people, "Although there are doubts in this case, this judge just wants to convict him"?

The bullet aimed at a hero cannot erase the hero’s halo; instead, it immortalizes him, while the one who shoots becomes pinned to a pillar of shame, becoming an eternal disgrace and clown.

The true clown dared not shoot, thus handing the trigger to him, hoping he would be the villain.

"That coward..."

You damn well are a three-star Ten Thousand Leader!

The presiding judge gritted his teeth, his eyes struggling for a long time, and finally slammed down the gavel in his hand.

However, his decision was not as General Giulion wished, even causing obvious disappointment to appear in the latter’s eyes.

"This court pronounces that due to insufficient evidence submitted by the prosecutor, it cannot be concluded that the defendant is guilty..."

"Since the prosecution has stated that Captain Pangolin betrayed the Marshal, betrayed the Army, and betrayed the Weyland people... then let the Marshal, let the court of Triumph City, and all the Weyland people judge him."

After a pause, he continued.

"The court in West Sail Port is too small, unable to handle such a big case."

"Court is adjourned!"

As his words fell, the jury erupted into enthusiastic applause instantly!

Yarman’s eyes shone with excitement, his hands clapped red.

He was not the only one.

There was also Margaret standing beside him, all other survivors, and those who had traveled all the way from distant colonies... Apart from the officers of the Southern Legion, nearly everyone present stood up and applauded!

Including General Mclen.

This was not just a victory for Captain Pangolin alone, but a victory for all of them... even if they were still far from the ultimate victory!

But at least at this moment, they did not choose silence, allowing the out-of-control forces to do evil but instead bravely stood up to defend the power in their hands!

The power to know the truth!

"Ohhh!"

Like the adults around her, Little Ruby was also cheering excitedly, and she was so excited that her whole body was hanging on the railing, her little legs swinging in the air.

She didn’t understand such difficult principles; she just thought the brother called Captain Pangolin was extremely handsome, leaving those people speechless.

Of course—

Compared to her mom and dad, he still had a long way to go!

Basking in the boiling applause, the presiding judge nodded slightly, accepting the people’s cheers with shame, and then, alongside the other four judges, left the bench.

General Giulion, silently clenching his fist, his teeth gritted tightly, producing a cracking sound.

At this moment, an annoying voice suddenly came from beside him.

"I think you should focus on the bigger picture. Let big men worry about big problems... What do you think? Getting too involved can easily lead to a sudden stroke like my friend."

General Mclen, who had stopped clapping, looked at him with a victorious smile on his face.

General Giulion glanced at him, coldly got up from his seat, picked up his hat on the table, and put it on.

"I am above stooping to the level of a Captain."

"Hmm, I figured you weren’t the type without class... Also, well played."

Mclen also picked up his hat and put it on, smiling and extending his right hand.

General Giulion did not shake his hand, not even looking at it, and walked away without turning back.

Meanwhile, the Battlefield Atmosphere Group standing amidst the cheers finally and gently released their tightly clenched fists and relaxed their taut heart.

He had never done anything so incredible in his life.

This was much harder than facing the Mother of Dead Claw, dammit!

His chest rose and fell gently, looking at those applauding survivors, and a smile of melted snow suddenly appeared on his taut face.

To be honest, this experience was quite interesting.

Not selling this game for ten thousand bucks is a huge loss!