With Matters Settled, Homeward with Family

Over the course of a single day and night, the Shannan Province garrison underwent a sudden, drastic upheaval. Several senior officers, including commanders in key posts, were removed from office and subjected to rigorous investigation.

Among the middle- and lower-ranking officers, more than half were also dismissed and investigated for their involvement in reselling military weapons and supplies. The case implicated a large number of other people as well.

The Defense Department established a special Investigation Team and, under emergency regulations, temporarily promoted a group of garrison officers who had held to their principles. It also transferred officers from the Convergence Zone garrison to take over command for the time being, swiftly stabilizing the troops.

The garrison's affairs were, after all, internal military matters. Even if the officers had ties to other interest groups, once the military had secured evidence and handled the matter properly and according to regulations, outside forces had no room left to intervene or interfere. The matter was therefore settled quickly.

But another related incident had a far greater impact on certain groups within Central City.

Municipal Advisor White Aunt, implicated in the case and suspected of obstructing the investigation, had been severely injured by another fighter and taken into custody.

For Shannan Province Central City, this news was nothing short of a massive earthquake.

She had been there since Shannan Province Central City was first established. She had immense seniority, numerous students and younger relatives, and, thanks to her excellent public image, a considerable number of admirers among the city's upper ranks.

In particular, among Shannan Province's fighters, quite a few elite students and teachers at the advanced Fighting Halls and Wu Yi Academy regarded her as both an inspiration and an ideal to strive toward.

Now, hearing that she had been easily defeated—and by