Chapter 123: This Is the Barbarian
Hobert's debate once again won applause from everyone, but the debate did not end there. Next, the defense lawyer, following old precedents which were more beneficial to Backlund's interests, argued against Hobert, who advocated for adapting to the current era's trends. They engaged in a heated argument back and forth.
After several rounds, the judge lightly tapped his gavel: "Please refrain from debating matters unrelated to the case in this court."
The debate between the two lawyers temporarily ceased.
Next, Hobert challenged again, continuing to argue about Arnold's inaction and Bob's disability causation.
However, the defense lawyer suddenly attacked Hobert and Bob from a moral standpoint, accusing Hobert of prioritizing personal gain and alleging he was here for fame, while claiming Bob was too greedy and his demands exceeded industry norms, among other criticisms.
Hobert countered, "I don't know by what standard the defense lawyer judges me to prioritize personal gain. Whatever the standard, Mr. Arnold sitting in the defendant's seat adheres more strictly to the principle of 'personal gain' than I do, otherwise, he wouldn't be wealthy. As for me, who supposedly prioritizes personal gain, I am just an ordinary lawyer till now."
"Furthermore," Hobert continued, "though the defense lawyer's words just now were carefully worded and did not constitute defamation, your method of defense is despicable, attempting to unsettle my client through moral attacks."
"Ladies and gentlemen, if we are to discuss moral judgments, is my client's remaining life worth only 150 pounds?"
"When did life become so cheap? When did human life become so cheap?"
These words plunged everyone present into a brief contemplation, except for the defense lawyer, who looked coldly at Hobert, not expecting this relatively unknown lawyer to be the strongest opponent he had faced since starting out.
The judge again struck the gavel lightly: "This is a court of law. Please refrain from moral debates."
He asked, "Defense lawyer, do you have anything else to say?"
The defense lawyer and Arnold both sensed that the judge was already leaning towards the plaintiff. If Arnold's charge of intentional injury was upheld, it would mean a victory for the plaintiff.
After careful consideration, the defense lawyer said, "Your Honor, I request a recess."
The judge was slightly taken aback, but it was within the defense lawyer's rights. "Granted, a ten-minute recess!"
After a brief conversation with Arnold, the defense lawyer and Arnold came to the plaintiff's side.
The defense lawyer first glanced at Hobert, then said, "How about 500 pounds? Let's settle this case out of court."
Supporting Bob to stand up, Hobert faced Arnold and the defense lawyer, saying, "Gentlemen, what are you so proud of? This is compensation, not your benevolent charity."
He added, "500 pounds may be acceptable, but we cannot accept the attitude of your compensation. Mr. Arnold, publicly apologize to Bob."
"Our patience has limits."
"Exactly the same words!"
Arnold suddenly said, "Young man, do you know your behavior now will ruin your life? Do you know who you are opposing?"
"You are challenging the entire upper class of Backlund. Let me tell you, I cannot lose this lawsuit! Because from today onwards, the entire upper class of Backlund will stand on my side."
"Hobert, are you really not considering your own future? Do you really want to challenge the survival rules set by the gentlemen of Backlund?"
A smile flickered across Hobert's face. "That's exactly what I'm pursuing!"
He immediately felt the clear feedback from the potion he had taken earlier. Challenging the so-called 'rules of civilization' was what a barbarian would do!
Arnold shook his head incredulously. He gestured to the defense lawyer, and both returned to the defendant's seat.
Supporting Bob to sit down, Hobert asked, "Are you not regretting the lack of reconciliation?"
Bob smiled, "Although I seem to have lost much dignity, your words just now made me suddenly realize that my remaining dignity is more valuable than 500 pounds."
Hobert nodded with a smile.
As soon as the ten minutes passed, the judge announced, "Court resumes! Please let the plaintiff's and defense's attorneys make their final statements."
As Hobert stood up, he sensed a spiritual warning. He scanned everyone and finally looked at the defense lawyer.
The defense lawyer was a true 'lawyer' who was now using his Beyonder abilities to distort Hobert's thoughts.
This indicated that Arnold was prepared to use despicable means to resolve the issue.
Hobert sneered inwardly: Trying to distort the thoughts of a 'Barbarian'?
He injected mana into the 'Psychological Spoon' hidden in his lining: "Psychological cue!"
The defense lawyer immediately stood up. "I-I-I was just using my Beyonder power to attack Hobert because I knew a secret rule of the court. As long as Beyonder powers are involved, the judgment of this court is invalid. The judge will immediately adjourn and, after sternly warning those using Beyonder abilities, schedule a new trial date."
"Regardless of success, I can achieve my goal, as long as this court does not render a final judgment, Hobert's demands will temporarily fail."
He covered his mouth with his hands in horror, but his voice was still clearly heard by everyone: "I-I-I previously used similarly despicable methods to turn the tide, including one week ago..."
"Prohibited!" The judge suddenly spoke with authority. He was a true 'judge'.
The psychological cue that Hobert hastily planted earlier immediately dissolved. Then Hobert burst into laughter suddenly, seemingly laughing at the defense lawyer's despicableness, and also at the defense lawyer for voicing his scheming thoughts.
Audrey sitting in the corner watched the 'vanguard of justice' laughing heartily, saw the stern yet somewhat helpless judge, and saw the defense lawyer in unease.
She planned to paint this scene immediately after returning, which would be extremely ironic.
Xio and Fors exchanged a glance. They were experienced Beyonders and could tell at a glance that in the recent Beyonder ability confrontation, Hobert had won decisively.
On the other side, Daly and Ikanser gradually became serious. They realized that this case might receive more attention in the future. Daly even worried whether Hobert could withstand the pressure.
In the courtroom, Hobert finally restrained his laughter.
The judge waved to the defense lawyer and Hobert separately.
As the two lawyers approached the judge's bench, he said solemnly, "Today, your performances will be recorded by me. Trust me, you have only this one chance. If you use any power outside of the law in this courtroom again, I will immediately send you to a special court!"
Hobert said, "Your Honor, as you saw just now, it was he who used Beyonder powers first. I only responded effectively."
The judge looked coldly at the defense lawyer. "He will certainly undergo some special investigation!"
The defense lawyer involuntarily took a step back. Several cases he had handled before could not withstand investigation. He was likely to be sent to a special court for trial.
While the defense lawyer was uneasy, the judge turned to Hobert again. "Your defense was brilliant."
But in the end, he sighed helplessly. "Court adjourned!"
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