Chapter 365 Public Trial
Larry closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
But he was soon awakened by hunger, only to fall asleep again.
This cycle repeated many times.
Finally, footsteps echoed through the dungeon.
A group of heavily armed soldiers from the Legion of Flame Surge entered and escorted Larry out of the dungeon.
As he stepped outside, Larry squinted against the bright sunlight. It was warm but blinding.
Several military vehicles were parked at the dungeon entrance.
One of the car doors opened, and Alistair, dressed in his Flame Surge battle armor, stepped out.
Seeing Larry's pale face and disheveled appearance, Alistair smiled brightly. "Larry, looks like you didn't get much rest last night, huh?"
Larry glanced at Alistair.
He wanted to say something, but he was too weak.
If he hadn't been supported, he would have collapsed to the ground.
"Take him to the judgment hall."
"Yes, sir." Larry was loaded into the vehicle.
Aurora Citadel, Judgment Hall.
This was where high-profile figures were tried.
It was rarely used, maybe once a year.
But today, citizens from all over the country, and even some international media, had gathered outside the hall.
Among the crowd were familiar faces: Chloe, Abigail, Helen, Trinity, and Esmeralda.
Everyone connected to Larry was there.
Military vehicles arrived.
All cameras focused on the approaching cars.
"Good morning, viewers. It's 8 AM, and we're at Aurora Citadel's Judgment Hall. Today, Black Dragon Larry, a high-ranking figure, will be tried here."
National TV stations were covering the event.
The military vehicles stopped at the hall entrance.
Heavily armed soldiers from the Legion of Flame Surge quickly cleared a path.
The car door opened.
Larry was pulled out.
Cameras flashed continuously.
Larry looked pale, dirty, and unkempt, with a beard covering his chin. He was a far cry from the imposing Black Dragon.
"What a shame."
"The mighty war hero of Summer Nation, reduced to this for his selfish deeds."
"Disgraceful. A national hero? More like a national disgrace."
People watching TV cursed.
Some in the crowd threw trash at Larry.
He was pelted with filthy, smelly garbage.
Seeing this, Alistair's lips curled into a faint smile.
In the crowd, Chloe cried hysterically.
She wanted to rush forward, but soldiers maintained order.
Others couldn't bear to watch and turned away.
Amidst the insults, Larry was led into the judgment hall.
Inside the hall, key figures took their places.
Secretary Erik, Administrator Logan.
Alistair, Free, and the Four Great Marshals were all present.
Many high-ranking officials were there too.
Journalists from across the country filled the hall.
Larry was brought to the defendant's seat.
He sat down, but he was so weak he could barely keep his eyes open.
At the head of the hall, the Secretary stood up, addressing the media:
"Today, we publicly try Black Dragon Larry. All his crimes will be listed, and he will face the appropriate punishment. This serves as a reminder to all officials to serve the people wholeheartedly, not to use their power for personal gain."
"Now, I declare the trial open."
With Erik's announcement, the highly anticipated trial began.
The large hall fell silent.
All eyes were on Larry, with mixed feelings of sympathy, pity, and disdain.
"I'm really hungry. Can I get some food?" Larry weakly opened his eyes.
The lights were blinding, and he couldn't see clearly.
His voice was faint.
But the hall was so quiet that even his weak voice was heard by many.
Seeing Larry's condition, many cried, especially Abigail.
She knew Larry had always been dedicated to the people.
He had already retired, but when the country needed him, he rushed to the Southwild battlefield without hesitation.
Yet, this was his fate.
She stood up, tearfully questioning:
"Officers, even if Larry is a criminal, Summer Nation's laws prohibit mistreatment of prisoners. Is this how you treat someone who has done so much for the country?"
Abigail's voice echoed through the hall.
Alistair stood up to explain, "I apologize. This was indeed our oversight. We've been busy gathering evidence and forgot to feed Larry. I'll arrange for food immediately, and we'll resume the trial once he's eaten."
After Alistair's apology, food was quickly prepared.
Larry turned slightly, seeing familiar faces in the jury seats.
He wanted to say something, but couldn't. He leaned back, waiting for the food.
The food was ready in about ten minutes.
Under the watchful eyes of the nation, Larry ate.
After eating, he felt a bit stronger, though still weak. Speaking was less difficult.
"Alright, let's get this trial started."
Logan stood up, holding prepared documents, and began listing Larry's crimes.
It took ten minutes to read through them.
Next, witnesses took the stand.
The first was Tate Hall from one of Sunset City's Four Great Families.
"Hello, I'm Tate Hall from the Hall family. I'm here to expose Larry for killing my family."
Tate was young, barely a teenager.
He described Larry's actions against the Hall family in exaggerated detail, inciting public anger.
The hall erupted in curses.
"Kill him! Kill him!"
"He deserves the death penalty!"
"Order, order..."
The hall quieted down.
Tate cried, "My grandfather, my father, my entire family died because of him!"
He pointed at Larry, "Because of him, my family was destroyed. The Hall family has always been afraid to speak out because he's the Black Dragon, the commander of the Southwild Black Dragon army. I'm grateful to the officers for giving me this chance to reveal Larry's actions."
Tate stood and bowed deeply.
Next, a member of the Johnson family from Sunset City took the stand.
Witnesses continued to testify against Larry.
Finally, Justin from the Carter family was brought in.
He tearfully recounted, "Larry is a monster. I saw him kill my father and cripple me. He didn't just take my legs; he took my manhood."
Justin's cries echoed through the hall.
The nation was furious.
"Larry's a bastard, doing such heinous things."
"Death penalty! Death penalty!"
"Why even have a trial? Just execute him."
After the witnesses finished, Alistair asked, "Larry, do you admit to these charges?"
All eyes turned to Larry.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
