Chapter 117: The Trial of Joy
⚖️ Act I: A Summons for Joy
Ne Job was preparing scrolls when Twinkle buzzed nervously.
A parchment appeared, stamped with the seal of scales.
Ao Bing frowned. "Another trial?"
Taiyi Zhenren muttered, "Unprofessional."
Lord Xian appeared, grave.
> "Interns, the Celestial Courts have summoned the miracle of Joy. They claim it is flawed. You must defend it."
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🧠 Act II: The Villains' Accusation
The Bureau of Misrule had whispered into the Courts again.
Their claim: Joy was dangerous, turning into cruelty and mockery.
- Laughter accused of hurting feelings.
- Celebration accused of excluding others.
- Cheer accused of masking sorrow.
Ao Bing clenched his fists. "They're twisting Joy!"
Taiyi Zhenren footnoted the accusations.
Ne Job whispered, "We must prove Joy true."
Twinkle pulsed softly.
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🎭 Act III: The Courtroom
The interns entered the Celestial Courts.
Marble pillars rose high, scales glowed, and judges sat in solemn silence.
The Chief Judge spoke:
> "Intern Ne Job, you must defend Joy. If you fail, it will be annulled."
Ao Bing gulped.
Taiyi Zhenren adjusted his notes.
Ne Job bowed.
Twinkle hummed faintly.
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🧵 Act IV: The Trial of Joy
The Mask of Misrule appeared as prosecutor.
His cracked mask shimmered with cruel laughter.
He hissed:
> "Joy is flawed. It mocks, excludes, and deceives. It must be erased."
The judges listened.
Scrolls trembled.
Mortals' hopes flickered.
Ao Bing laughed kindly, showing Joy's warmth.
Taiyi Zhenren annotated Joy's fairness.
Glimmer giggled, showing Joy's kindness.
Ne Job unrolled Miracle #460-T — the Trial of the Celestial Courts.
The scroll pulsed.
Fairness resonated.
The judges leaned forward.
The Mask faltered.
His disguise cracked further.
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🌈 Act V: The Verdict
The Chief Judge raised the scales.
They glowed with balance.
> "Intern Ne Job, you have proven Joy true. The Bureau stands."
Ao Bing tossed confetti.
Taiyi Zhenren footnoted the verdict.
Glimmer hugged Ne Job.
Twinkle hummed triumphantly.
The Mask fled into the shadows.
His voice echoed:
> "You may win today. But masks always return."
Lord Xian nodded.
> "Intern Ne Job, you have defended Joy in the Celestial Courts. Well done."
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📜 Epilogue: A New Registry Entry
The next morning, a new entry appeared in the Miracle Registry:
> Miracle #470-J: The Trial of Joy
> Status: Defended, affirmed, unresolved.
> Effect: Teaches that Joy is true when shared kindly. Activated through courage and fairness.
Ne Job added a note:
> "Some miracles are accused of cruelty. But Joy always proves itself true."
Twinkle hummed.
And somewhere in the Celestial Courts, shadows lingered — but the interns were ready.