Chapter 118: The Trial of Ne Job
⚖️ Act I: A Summons for the Intern
Ne Job was preparing scrolls when Twinkle buzzed nervously.
A parchment appeared, stamped with the seal of scales, heavier than before.
Ao Bing frowned. "That's not for a miracle. That's for you."
Taiyi Zhenren muttered, "Unprofessional."
Lord Xian appeared, grave.
> "Intern Ne Job, the Celestial Courts have summoned you. The Mask of Misrule has accused you of bias. You must stand trial."
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🧠 Act II: The Villains' Accusation
The Bureau of Misrule had whispered into the Courts.
Their claim: Ne Job himself was corrupt, favoring certain miracles, twisting truth, and hiding flaws.
- Courage accused of recklessness.
- Patience accused of stagnation.
- Joy accused of cruelty.
Ao Bing clenched his fists. "They're twisting everything!"
Taiyi Zhenren footnoted the accusations.
Ne Job whispered, "We must prove truth."
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 stand accused. If you fail, the Bureau itself will fall."
Ao Bing gulped.
Taiyi Zhenren adjusted his notes.
Ne Job bowed.
Twinkle hummed faintly.
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🧵 Act IV: The Trial of Ne Job
The Mask of Misrule appeared as prosecutor.
His cracked mask shimmered with cruel laughter.
He hissed:
> "Ne Job is flawed. He hides corruption, favors miracles, and deceives the Bureau. He must be erased."
The judges listened.
Scrolls trembled.
Mortals' hopes flickered.
Ao Bing laughed kindly, showing Ne Job's fairness.
Taiyi Zhenren annotated Ne Job's devotion.
Glimmer giggled, showing Ne Job's kindness.
Ne Job unrolled Miracle #470-J — the Trial of Joy.
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 yourself 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 yourself 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 #480-N: The Trial of Ne Job
> Status: Defended, affirmed, unresolved.
> Effect: Teaches that truth withstands accusation. Activated through courage and fairness.
Ne Job added a note:
> "Some miracles are accused of corruption. But truth always proves itself true."
Twinkle hummed.
And somewhere in the Celestial Courts, shadows lingered — but the interns were ready.