A Broken Man

The people of Heavenly Court had come to demand an accounting, and Clear Origin Domain stood its ground against them. The atmosphere turned as taut as a drawn bow.

"Are you trying to rebel?"

The people of Heavenly Court were utterly fearless.

Before the Abyss, the Insect Race, Chaos, and the Alternate Universe, they bowed and scraped. But before their own people, they struck with iron fists, wiping out entire families at the slightest provocation.

"We finally made it out."

Just then, survivors from the other factions fled back, drawing everyone's attention.

"Which faction are you from? Why are you in such a sorry state?"

The people of Heavenly Court immediately stepped forward to question them, their words dripping with condescension and accusation.

"We are from Thunder Hall. We were guarding the Northeastern Defense Line..."

The survivors reported everything truthfully. Their account matched what Clear Origin Domain had said.

"Men, keep them under watch. I'll report to my superior."

A Heavenly Court official ordered his people to guard the survivors, then went to make the report himself.

He had wanted to condemn them outright, but the mention of the Insect God told him the matter was too grave for him to handle.

The people of Heavenly Court guarded them like prisoners, leaving the survivors, who had only just escaped death, seething with rage.

They had fought tooth and nail on the front line and paid a terrible price to escape with their lives. Even if they had earned no glory, they had suffered enough. To be treated like criminals was outrageous.

But Heavenly Court had held them under its oppressive power for countless years. They dared to be angry, but not to speak.

"I wonder if the ancestors managed to escape alive."

"I hope they return safely."

"Nothing can happen