Joseph was startled by Zeke's glare. However, since he possessed the Imperial Decree from the previous presidents, he uttered, “Great Marshal, I'm sure you're aware the ministry is in charge of all the spiritual objects in the nation. Since Summerbank is still within Eurasia's borders, that means it's also under our jurisdiction. You're not trying to tell me Summerbank isn't a part of the nation, are you?”
Zeke sneered and asked in return, “I'm impressed! I guess it's true those affiliated with the Ministry of Celestial Affairs are preachers of great eloquence, huh?”
“Great Marshall, you're not being sarcastic, are you? Are you indicating I've misrepresented the facts when I've been telling the truth?”
“Haven't you misrepresented the facts? Well, why don't you answer the questions of this humble one? What has the ministry contributed toward the welfare of the nation? Weren't any of you aware of the presence of Summerbank ahead of us? Why have you shown up out of nowhere only after we've gained ownership over it?”
Joseph flushed in embarrassment when he heard Zeke. He stuttered his reply, “A-Actually, we discovered Summerbank long ago!”
“If that's the case, why hadn't the ministry done anything to secure the perimeter from foes from neighboring countries? Isn't it too much of a coincidence for you to show up immediately after our battle? Is this an attempt to abuse your authority over us? Were you afraid of defending this territory from the nation's foes?”
“I-I...” Joseph was at a loss for words.
“Where were you and your men when my men were dying? What makes you think you're in a position to gain ownership over this mountain when we were the ones sacrificing our lives for it? How am I supposed to justify this to our fallen brothers?”
Joseph went quiet since he couldn't find the words to defend himself and the ministry.
Zeke turned around and ordered, “Kindly do me a favor and see yourself out! I don't want to see any of you within five hundred meters of this mountain in the future!”
“Hold on a second, Great Marshal!” Joseph mustered his courage and stopped Zeke. “I'm afraid what you want is impossible. No matter what, I'm taking over this mountain today.”
“Have you a death wish or something?”
Zeke's murderous intent was written all over his face. Having an Ultimate Class warrior like him staring at them like that was incredibly terrifying.
Regardless, Joseph showed Zeke the Imperial Decree he brought along and yelled, “This is the Imperial Decree, signed by the previous presidents. They've ordered us to be in charge of all the spiritual objects in the nation and to distribute them as we see fit. We're merely following orders. By refusing, are you trying to challenge their authority?”
“The current president is the only one I'll listen to! Has he signed the Imperial Decree just like the previous presidents?”
Joseph shook his head and announced, “Since the current president has just stepped up to the plate recently, we haven't had the chance to request an audience with him.”
“If that's the case, return to me only after you've gotten the current president's signature!”
“Great Marshall, are you trying to challenge the authority of the previous presidents when they were the ones behind the country's current achievements? Not even the current leader has the guts to challenge them since they still reign over the nation.”
“You know what? I hate it whenever others try to threaten me or force me into submission! All those who have ever tried to threaten me are no longer alive. Since you have a death wish, I'll do you a favor and send you to hell!”
The faces of the officials from the Ministry of Celestial Affairs turned pale since they knew Zeke was serious.
As Zeke marched in their direction, they inched away from him.
Right as a fight was about to break out, a commotion coming from the direction of the summit took them by surprise.
They turned around and looked at the summit as an explosion caught their attention. Debris rolled down the mountain before raining on them.
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