Anchor – BNN:
"We return to our continuing coverage of the Clash of Brothers Punishment. Tonight, we move away from the studio and onto the ground. Our reporters have spoken with ordinary soldiers, and also members of the elite Blackwood Armed Militia—known as BAM. Their opinions show us how the judgment of the King is truly being received. Let's hear them."
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Street-Level Soldier Interviews
Private 22104 – Regular Soldier (Infantry):
"To me? The King was right. We risk our lives every day. If we start fighting each other instead of the enemy, then who protects our families? That punishment is a reminder that we are soldiers, not wild beasts. Discipline must be stronger than pride."
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Corporal 19388 – Regular Soldier:
"I no go lie, the punishment pain me. Daniel is like a hero to many of us. We watched him climb from nothing, and now he's being marked because of a clash that wasn't his fault alone. Dave provoked him too! Yet Dave fell lighter in the punishment, while Daniel was dragged harder. We dey ask ourselves, 'Is it because Daniel is rising too fast?'"
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Sergeant 15567 – Border Guard:
"Make I talk plain—the King was too harsh. You fine Soren? You demote Daniel? That's like shaking the foundation of a mountain. If outsiders hear this, they go think our chain of command is weak. A small fight become history. But for me, soldiers fight, and they learn. It didn't need to become the greatest punishment ever."
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Lieutenant 10444 – Barracks Overseer:
"I see it differently. The punishment saved lives. If the King hadn't interfered, those two teams would have slaughtered each other. BAM or regular soldier, blood spilled is still Blackwood blood. We should be grateful His Majesty stepped down from his throne to personally restore order. That shows power."
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BAM – Blackwood Armed Militia Interviews
Commander 789 – BAM Unit:
"His Majesty's judgment was absolute, and we salute it. We, the BAM, are the sharpest sword of Blackwood. If even we disobey, then the Union crumbles. Some of the regular soldiers don't understand—discipline is heavier than glory. If Daniel was punished, it was to strengthen him, not weaken him."
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Captain 554 – BAM Officer:
"Truth be told, the punishment shocked us all. For the King to fine General Soren? That shook the very halls of BAM. Soren is our iron wall, our living legend. But what the King did… it shows none of us are untouchable. It's frightening, but also inspiring. We will never forget it."
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Major 301 – BAM Tactical Leader:
"I think it was more political than military. The King wanted to send a message: no man is greater than the Blackwood Union, not even my most loyal general. That's why he punished Soren. But will that help us in battle? I doubt it. Respect is good, but fear can poison loyalty."
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Colonel 121 – BAM Commander of 15,000 troops:
"I'll speak as a soldier, not as an officer. Daniel is strong. I have seen him lead. I have seen men march under his voice as if the heavens themselves commanded it. Stripping him and dragging his name in history? Dangerous move. Because mark my words—men follow heart, not just titles. Daniel's star is not finished."
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Mixed Discussion – Soldiers vs. BAM
Reporter:
"Private, what do you say about BAM officers supporting the punishment?"
Private 19388:
"Of course they go support am! They want to keep Daniel down. If he rises too quick, he fit enter their circle. So they clap for the punishment."
Captain 554 – BAM:
"You dare question BAM loyalty? We bleed more, we train harder. If Daniel is worthy, let him endure this fire. The King does not destroy—he forges."
Sergeant 15567 – Regular Soldier:
"Forge or destroy, only time go tell. But make una remember this: soldiers like us dey look with our eyes. We saw Daniel's tears. That one no be forging. That one be breaking."
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Closing with Public Mood
Reporter – BNN:
"As you can hear, the Blackwood Armed Forces are divided. Regular soldiers lean toward sympathy for Daniel, seeing him as a rising star punished too harshly. BAM, on the other hand, supports the King's iron fist, emphasizing discipline above all.
The punishment may have restored order on the surface, but beneath, there are cracks—cracks that could either close with time or split open into something bigger.
This is BBN. We will continue to bring you the voices of the empire."
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