Chapter 62: The Debate of Divine Decrees
đď¸ Act I: A Tournament Announced
Ne Job was reorganizing miracle scrolls when a trumpet blast echoed through the Bureau.
A scroll unfurled from the ceiling, shimmering with golden ink:
> Notice to All Interns:
> The Divine Debate Tournament begins tomorrow.
> Topic: "Should Miracles Be Regulated?"
> Winner earns a week's access to the Miracle Prototype Vault.
Ao Bing gasped. "The Vault? That's where they keep the experimental miracles!"
Taiyi Zhenren adjusted his monocle. "I once saw a scroll that made clouds taste like strawberries."
Ne Job blinked. "We're debating⌠miracle law?"
Lord Xian appeared, arms crossed. "Each intern must prepare a speech, defend their stance, and respond to rebuttals. Judges will include retired deities, senior auditors, and one very opinionated sprite."
Ne Job gulped. "Right. Time to prepare."
---
đ Act II: Research and Rivals
Ne Job spent the evening in the Bureau Library, surrounded by scrolls on miracle ethics, divine law, and historical incidents involving rogue blessings.
Twinkle hovered nearby, humming softly.
Ao Bing chose the "No Regulation" stance. "Miracles should be free! Let the clouds dance!"
Taiyi Zhenren chose "Strict Regulation." "Without order, chaos reigns."
Ne Job chose a middle path: "Miracles should be guided by kindness."
He scribbled notes:
- Case study: The Tickle Sneeze Incident.
- Example: Miracle Bingo and its unintended joy.
- Quote: "Kindness is the compass of divine intent."
Pippa the sprite popped in. "You're up against Intern Vex from the Department of Divine Logic. She once debated a thunderstorm into silence."
Ne Job blinked. "Oh dear."
---
đ¤ Act III: The Tournament Begins
The Divine Debate Hall was packed.
Lanterns floated overhead. Scrolls hovered, ready to record every word. The judges sat in a semicircle, sipping tea and looking stern.
First up: Ao Bing.
He argued passionately for miracle freedom, citing cloud creativity and the joy of spontaneous blessings. The judges nodded, amused.
Next: Taiyi Zhenren.
He presented a meticulous case for regulation, citing miracle misfires, scroll misalignment, and the dangers of unlicensed laughter.
Then came Intern Vex.
She spoke with precision, logic, and a voice like polished marble.
"Miracles must be regulated," she said. "Emotion is unreliable. Only structure ensures safety."
The judges murmured approval.
Finally: Ne Job.
He stepped forward, scroll in hand, heart pounding.
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đĄ Act IV: Ne Job's Argument
Ne Job cleared his throat.
"Miracles," he began, "are not just tools. They're stories. They're moments of kindness, surprise, and hope."
He told the tale of the flower that bloomed in winter. The scroll that sang compliments. The miracle orb that hummed when someone was sad.
"Regulation matters," he said. "But kindness must guide it. Not fear. Not control. Just⌠care."
He paused.
"Because when miracles are shaped by kindness, they don't just work. They heal."
Twinkle glowed softly.
The judges leaned in.
Intern Vex frowned. "Kindness is subjective."
Ne Job smiled. "So is joy. But we still chase it."
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đ Act V: The Verdict
The judges conferred.
Lord Xian stood.
"All arguments were compelling. But one intern reminded us that miracles are more than mechanisms."
He turned to Ne Job.
"You win."
The hall erupted in applause.
Ne Job blinked. "I⌠I do?"
Taiyi Zhenren clapped. "Well done."
Ao Bing tossed confetti. "Vault time!"
Intern Vex approached. "Your argument was⌠unconventional. But effective."
Ne Job smiled. "Thank you."
---
đ Epilogue: The Vault
The next morning, Ne Job entered the Miracle Prototype Vault.
Inside: scrolls that shimmered with possibility. Miracles that hadn't yet been approved â a teacup that refilled with memories, a lantern that whispered encouragement, a robe that adjusted to mood.
Ne Job chose one: a scroll labeled "Kindness Echo."
He tested it. It worked.
And somewhere in the Bureau, a grumpy auditor smiled for no reason at all.
Twinkle hummed.