As the commanders exited the garrison building, silence fell immediately.

Everyone present remembered what happened the last time they defied the commanders and had no desire to repeat it.

A few meters from the gate, the group came to a stop.

For a moment, all was quiet.

Then Feratu raised his voice.

“We have reached a verdict.

A verdict for those responsible for this incident.

First, we have Makon!

The commander of the 17th Unit and head of this garrison!

For his crimes—failing to oppose the direct threat to his city and allowing that danger to escape—the verdict is as follows:

He will be stripped of his position as garrison leader and his title of commander!

Furthermore, he is sentenced to death!

However, the execution will not take place immediately. He will be transferred to the capital, where the Council of the Eternal Flame will review his case one last time.

Until then, he will be imprisoned in Kal Kakei, where he will await his final judgment.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

But it is highly likely the sentence will remain death.”

At the mention of Kal Kakei, the crowd collectively held its breath.

It wasn’t the death sentence itself that struck fear into them—it was the name of the prison to which he was being sent.

Kal Kakei.

Also known as the “Island of Burning Death,” it is the most secure and heavily guarded prison in Kasaka.

The prison lies on a volcanic island north of the capital.

A small island within the volcano is entirely surrounded by magma. Through a complex system of tunnels and conduits, the lava flow is carefully controlled and used to ensure the prison’s security.

Only the most dangerous enemies of the state are sent there, never to see daylight again.

Feratu took a deep breath.

“And as for Fetu!” he continued.

“He will be released by direct order of the emperor!”

Immediately, the crowd erupted in shocked and confused murmurs.

“Why His Majesty made this decision, I do not know.

However, about an hour ago, we received a flame messenger with this very order.

For now, Fetu is to remain within the garrison until further instructions are given.”

It was clear from Feratu’s reddening face that he was seething with rage.

“But rest assured!

I will see to it that he pays for his crimes in due time!” he declared, glaring at Fetu with a look of pure hatred.

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Without another word, the commanders departed the scene.

Before they reentered the building, they unlocked Fetu’s chains, leaving him free.

Once the commanders were inside, the crowd outside began buzzing with loud conversations about what they had just witnessed.

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Later that day, Pinoir and Rando left the city with their respective units.

Pinoir had already received his orders the previous day but had decided to stay and see the verdict for Fetu.

After all, the two were, in some strange way, friends—though Pinoir was embarrassed to admit it.

Rando had also waited for the verdict but only received her orders that morning.

The two passed through the city gates together, with Rando teasing Pinoir relentlessly about his relationship with Fetu, clearly enjoying herself.