The Martial Unity

The Martial World and the political sphere had been looking forward to Rui's trial. After all, it would undoubtedly serve as an opportunity to legally obtain the method of the Kandrian Empire's mass Apprentice breakthroughs.

It didn't matter if the Panamic Martial Federation was staunchly against forcing Martial Artists to divulge their secrets. The same powers that had played a role in instating these principles looked forward to them being broken.

That was how precious being able to manufacture Martial Artists was.

Principles would not be able to protect them from the Kandrian Empire if it fully exploited the potential of this miraculous power.

There was no such thing as unconditional principles in the world of Martial Art. Everything had a limit.

That was why not a single one of them was able to maintain their composure when they heard of the outcome of what was supposed to be a slam dunk case.

"Exile…?"

In the presidential headquarters of the Republic of Gorteau, President Raymond gritted his teeth as he read through a copy of the case files of Rui's criminal lawsuit.

"EXILE?!" he bellowed with rage. "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!"

He slammed his fist down on the wooden table before him as his eyes swept across his presidential administration.

"How did this happen?" He snarled. "I thought I told you to tip the attending Sage Kole generously. I don't care if we spend a hundred billion. I need that mass breakthrough method!"

His chief of staff grew more grave at his rage. "We did, Mr. President. We transferred the amount to Sage Kole's account the day we learned that she had been chosen to judge the Dawnbringer. However, it appears that she does not care."

"Did you make sure you used the institutions of the Panamic Martial Federation to pressure her?" President Raymond narrowed his eyes.

"The judiciary is not beholden to the legislative and the executive branches of the Panamic Martial Federation, Mr. President." She shook her head. "These were the arrangements that were put in place to ensure that the judiciary would be able to perform its role without political impediment. On top of that, Sage Kole is notorious for being highly reclusive. When not performing her duties as a judge, she leads an isolated lifestyle. There is simply nothing that we could do to influence her."

"That traitorous cripple of a Sage!" He snarled. "How dare she betray the Panamic Martial Federation? File a claim of treachery against her!"

"I'm afraid that'll accomplish nothing, Mr. President." His advisor shook his head. "High Judges are not obligated to act in the interests of the Panamic Martial Federation. They only have one duty and one oath: to pass judgment and sentences in adherence to the Federation bylaws. Even if it comes at the cost of the interests of the Panamic Martial Federation."

The Panamic Martial Federation was a deeply decentralized organization for the sake of ensuring that its institutions were never captured in the power plays of human civilization. Even if every Martial power desired for Rui to be subjected to the harshest of penalties, such as lifelong Martial bondage, it was a judge's duty to pass a sentence that was proportional to the crimes of the defendant and nothing else.

"Even still, exile?!" President Raymond gritted his teeth in frustration. "Couldn't she have given him anything that could be used as leverage to extract his secrets?"

"Unfortunately, she has adhered to the protocols of the penal code to the T. We do not have anything against her."

Martial law worked differently from that of human law.

Martial Artists were too precious to be locked up and have their potential sabotaged. It was harmful to Martial Art as a whole, as the very nature of Martial Art was the art of violence, which was inherently illegal in most jurisdictions. Therefore, variables such as the probability of re-offending, awareness, and intent played a greater role in reducing criminal liability.

In that regard, her judgment and sentencing were spotless and could not be used as grounds to challenge her competence as a judge and have the ruling thrown out. "Damn it all…!" President Raymond grew more frustrated at his inability to get his hands on the secret of the mass Apprentice breakthroughs. "Forget it. How are the investigations into the breakthroughs going?"

"…Not well, Mr. President." The director of the Federal Bureau of Intelligence grew grim. "I have deployed our greatest resources. We have yet to find what we are seeking. However, our very latest reports show that we have thirteen promising leads."

President Raymond grew surprised at that revelation. "Thirteen? Isn't that too much?"

"It is unusual," the director admitted. "However, we have no choice but to pursue all of them to the very end."

"How long will that take?" President Raymond narrowed his eyes.

"No more than three months, at the very maximum," the director reassured him. "Three months it is then." President Raymond's gaze shifted to a missive beside him. "Any longer and I will have no choice but to wage war."

The missive bore the crest of the Britannian Empire.

Within it was a letter stamped with the imperial seal of the Prime Minister.

In the past month or so, Prime Minister Edward Gel Dermont had written to him many times, pointing out that war was the only outcome—the secret of the mass Apprentice breakthroughs would not be discoverable without invading Kandria, and that all their efforts were useless.

President Raymond had scoffed at him in the beginning, but he could not help but slowly come to the realization that the man's words were increasingly proven to be true.

He came to the realization that perhaps war truly was inevitable.

If that was the case, they would only be harming themselves with each day they delayed it, giving the Emperor of Harmony more time to prepare.

President Raymond had half a mind to do away with this investigative effort. However, he needed to see it to the end, considering how much had been invested in it.

"You better bring me results soon."

"Yes, Mr. President."

-

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