"First, after defeating the Raptures at the power plant, you concealed the unauthorized modifications made to the facility and the private use of its energy output for growing crops and raising livestock. This resulted in significant losses to Ark resources."
"Second, during your encounter with the Tyrant-class Rapture, Chatterbox, you failed to report the incident promptly, attempted to cover it up, and acted without authorization, leading to damage to weapons, excessive ammunition consumption, and wasted resources."
"Third, you engaged in a conflict with the Missilis forces led by Syuen, causing unnecessary personnel injuries, weapon damage, and ammunition losses, resulting in irreparable resource wastage that could have been used against the Raptures."
"Fourth, you spread rumors, incited dissatisfaction, and encouraged Nikkes to challenge the existing rules and systems, fostering unrealistic expectations of equality with humans. This fueled discontent toward the Ark."
"Fifth, without permission..."
As Ingrid listed the charges one by one, Mo Chen remained expressionless, observing calmly.
However, he was slightly surprised by how much the Ark seemed to know about him. Some of the details mentioned were secrets he hadn't even shared with Anis and the others.
Suddenly, Mo Chen recalled the possibility of a snitch nearby and turned to glance at Syuen.
Feeling Mo Chen's gaze, Syuen flinched and quickly lowered her head, but she was secretly delighted.
Each accusation was severe enough to warrant the death penalty.
"In light of these charges, and after reviewing past cases, no similar precedents were found. Based on the independent judgment of the Ark's AI,Enikk, the following verdict is issued."
"Mo Chen is sentenced to death, to be carried out immediately."
Mo Chen remained indifferent, as if it had nothing to do with him.
He leisurely sipped his tea.
Ingrid glanced at Mo Chen, who showed no signs of panic and continued drinking tea as if nothing had happened. She couldn't help but feel a bit impressed by his composure.
Such calmness under pressure was rare.
Death penalty?
Syuen froze, unable to believe her ears.
Even though she had imagined this outcome, hearing it announced still felt surreal.
Haha, you're dead!
Syuen was ecstatic, feeling a surge of triumph.
Finally, the suffering she endured would be avenged—
Wait.
Suddenly, she remembered.
The virus Mo Chen had implanted in her: if he died, wouldn't she die too?
Syuen's smug expression stiffened, and her excitement turned to panic.
Meanwhile, Mo Chen remained unfazed.
Not to mention whether anyone would even dare carry out the sentence, it would at least require reinforcements.
And given the size of Ingrid's group, it was clear she hadn't come to enforce the verdict.
Halfway through reading the judgment, Ingrid suddenly shifted gears.
"However, considering the following circumstances, the sentence has been revised."
"First, you defeated the Raptures and secured the power plant, significantly contributing to the Ark's energy supply."
"Second, you heavily damaged Chatterbox and safeguarded a critical outpost base, ensuring safety within a hundred-kilometer radius for several months."
"Third, your conflict with Missilis Industry CEO Syuen was deemed self-defense. Your actions avoided any fatalities and prevented further losses of valuable assets, such as Nikkes."
"In light of these circumstances, after reviewing similar cases and with the judgment of the Ark's AI, Enikk, the final ruling is as follows."
"You are absolved of the death penalty and are instead promoted by three ranks, with immediate effect."
Not only was Ingrid surprised by the outcome, but even Mo Chen was momentarily stunned.
Promoted? This wasn't what he expected at all.
Given the earlier accusations and the Ark's corrupt legal system, he had already prepared himself to rebel, storm the Ark, and seize control.
But instead of punishment, he got a promotion?
Syuen's jaw dropped, her mouth forming an "O" shape.
Her brain couldn't process what had just happened.
How was this even possible? What were those idiots in the Ark thinking?!
Ingrid turned her gaze to the other side, where Syuen was seated, and cleared her throat.
"The judgment for Missilis CEO Syuen is as follows."
Syuen froze.
Why was she included? There must be a mistake!
"Wait…"
She was just about to speak when Mo Chen's eyes fell on her. She immediately shut her mouth, trembling.
"First, in pursuit of Missilis Industry's interests, she has used suppression, threats, and coercion over the years, forcing more than fifty commanders into service. This has damaged the reputation and rights of commanders, while also resulting in casualties—over ten commanders and more than twenty Nikkes were killed or injured."
"Second, to facilitate research into Raptures, she unauthorizedly deployed Nikke units to attack the outpost base, causing injuries and damages to several Nikkes, and resulting in significant losses in manpower and material resources for the Ark."
"In summary, the following judgment has been made."
"Missilis CEO Syuen will be transformed into a Nikke. After becoming a Nikke, she will be stripped of her position as CEO and reassigned to the Counters Squad under special operations."
Transformed into a Nikke?!
Syuen stood there, as if struck by lightning.
She then suddenly jumped up from the chair.
"No, no way! This can't be happening!"
Panicked, she rushed toward Ingrid, shouting desperately.
"Ingrid, this is a mistake, right? Enikk can't possibly be turning me into a Nikke!"
Not only would she be turned into a Nikke, but she'd also be assigned under Mo Chen's command!
Imagining the miserable fate that awaited her, she completely broke down.
She lunged behind the sofa and pulled out a handgun, trembling as she pointed it at the two of them.
"If that's how it is, then we can all go down together! I can't live like this, not even for one more day!"
Syuen sobbed uncontrollably, her words barely coherent.
The gun was one Mo Chen had casually thrown her earlier. She must have hidden it behind the sofa afterward.
At that moment, the Nikkes stationed outside burst into the room, aiming their weapons at Syuen.
The atmosphere turned tense.
"Everyone, step out," Mo Chen said, waving them off.
Not that he even needed to dodge with his evasion implants, but given the short distance, he could easily disarm her without moving.
Still, Mo Chen was more curious about what Mihara and Yuni had done to drive Syuen to the point of pulling a gun.
Ingrid remained calm despite the weapon aimed at her, speaking evenly.
"Syuen, put down the gun. Don't do something you'll regret. Also, I haven't finished reading the judgment."
"In recognition of Syuen's contributions to the Ark and her role in promoting technological advancement for humanity, the penalty has been reduced. Syuen is sentenced to ten years of imprisonment, effective immediately."
Mo Chen: "…"
Couldn't she have said that earlier?
Syuen froze.
The tension that had gripped her suddenly released, and her legs gave out.
She collapsed onto the floor.