The shockwave of Captain Adrien Carter's declaration—"Belial Noctis is a demon"—rippled through the courtroom like a seismic tremor. Belial felt as if the floor had fallen out from beneath him, the words echoing in his mind.
'...What?!' Belial's thoughts were a chaotic whirl, disbelief and fear battling for dominance.
Gasps and murmurs spread among the spectators, the atmosphere thick with tension and disbelief.
Cassidy, sitting among the guild members, muttered under his breath, "What is going on..."
Natalie, standing at the defense table, was momentarily speechless. The accusation was so unexpected, so far beyond what she had anticipated, that she struggled to regain her composure.
Cole, ever the picture of calm, was a storm of conflicting thoughts beneath his stoic exterior. 'What the hell?? How did he—' His mind raced, trying to grasp the implications of Adrien's words and what it meant for Belial and the guild.
Adrien, sensing the room's upheaval, pressed on with his statement. "Your Honor, as you already know, Elven technology is the most advanced in the market, far surpassing every other race when it comes to scientific advancements."
Belial's pulse quickened. He glanced at Natalie, who was regaining her footing and preparing to counter the new information.
Adrien continued, his voice steady and authoritative. "We have gained assistance from Dr. Omar Khalid Al-Farsi, one of the head scientists in the Elven realm who specializes in DNA testing. Dr. Al-Farsi has confirmed our findings."
The courtroom doors swung open, and a tall, distinguished figure stepped inside. Dr. Omar Khalid Al-Farsi, with his flowing Elven robes and a calm, assured demeanor, moved to the front of the room. He carried a briefcase, which he set down on the table before him.
The judge nodded, acknowledging the esteemed scientist. "Dr. Al-Farsi, you may present your findings."
Dr. Al-Farsi opened the briefcase, pulling out a series of documents and a small, sleek device. "Thank you, Your Honor. The device I have here is an Elven DNA sequencer, capable of analyzing genetic material with unparalleled precision."
Belial watched in growing dread as Dr. Al-Farsi activated the device. The screen lit up, displaying intricate data patterns that were incomprehensible to most in the room.
Dr. Al-Farsi began his explanation. "We took the blood samples provided by Captain Carter and ran them through our sequencer. The results were cross-referenced with our extensive genetic database, which includes samples from all known races and species."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "What we found was a distinct anomaly. The genetic markers in the blood samples did not match any known human profiles. Instead, they exhibited characteristics that are consistent with demonic entities."
A collective gasp echoed through the room. Belial felt as though he were shrinking under the weight of a thousand eyes. Natalie, though still shaken, quickly stood to challenge the claim.
"Your Honor," she began, her voice strong and clear, "while the technology and expertise of Dr. Al-Farsi are not in question, we must consider the possibility of contamination or error. We request a thorough, independent review of these findings."
Adrien, unyielding, responded, "We have taken every precaution to ensure the integrity of these samples. The results are conclusive. Belial Noctis possesses demonic DNA."
"Your Honor," Natalie began, her voice steady and confident, "these accusations are based on an assumption rather than solid evidence. They never cross-referenced with Belial's actual blood. Our guild's doctor has treated him numerous times, and there have been no anomalies."
Adrien frowned, clearly displeased with the challenge. "The evidence presented by Dr. Al-Farsi is based on thorough analysis and expertise. It is not an assumption but a scientific conclusion."
"Your Honor," Natalie pressed on, "I request that we bring in our guild doctor, Leah. She can provide firsthand testimony about Belial's medical history and any tests that have been conducted on him."
The judge nodded, considering the request. "Very well. We will hear from the guild's doctor. Bring her in."
Leah, the guild's doctor, was swiftly escorted into the courtroom. She walked with confidence, her white coat fluttering slightly as she approached the witness stand. After being sworn in, she took a seat, her calm demeanor contrasting with the tension in the room.
"Natalie," the judge said, "you may proceed."
Natalie nodded and approached Leah. "Dr. Leah, can you please state your full name and your position within the guild?"
"Leah Thompson, and I am the chief medical officer of the guild," Leah replied firmly.
"Dr. Thompson, how long have you been treating Belial Noctis?"
"I've been treating Belial since he joined the guild, which has been for two months now," Leah answered.
"During your time treating him, have you ever encountered any anomalies in his blood work or any indications that he might be of demonic origin?" Natalie asked.
Leah shook her head. "No, I have not. All of Belial's blood tests and medical examinations have been normal. There has been no evidence to suggest that he is anything other than human."
Adrien interjected, his tone sharp. "Dr. Thompson, are you aware of the technology used by Dr. Al-Farsi and the Elven realm? Their capabilities far exceed standard medical practices."
Leah met his gaze unflinchingly. "I am aware of the advanced technology, Captain Carter. However, I stand by my findings. Belial's medical records are extensive and thorough. If there were any anomalies, they would have been detected."
Adrien's eyes narrowed. "Is it possible that your equipment or methods are simply not advanced enough to detect these anomalies?"
Leah replied, her voice unwavering, "That is a possibility, Captain Carter. However, without direct evidence linking Belial's blood to these demonic traits, it remains speculative. I would also suggest a comparison of the original samples taken from Belial with those presented here."
The judge nodded, acknowledging the validity of Leah's points. "Captain Carter, Dr. Thompson's testimony raises important questions. We need to ensure that there is no possibility of error or assumption in such a serious accusation."
Adrien, though clearly frustrated, conceded. "We will allow a comparison of the blood samples, Your Honor. But I maintain that the evidence from Dr. Al-Farsi should not be dismissed."
The judge turned to Natalie. "You may proceed with the sample comparison, Ms. Natalie. We will reconvene once we have the results."
As the court adjourned for the day, Belial felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. Leah's testimony had provided a glimmer of hope, but the road ahead was still fraught with uncertainty. He glanced at Natalie, who gave him a reassuring nod.
"We'll get to the bottom of this, Belial," she said confidently. "We'll prove your innocence."
Belial nodded, grateful for her determination. "Thank you, Natalie. I trust you."
The next day dawned with a heavy air of anticipation and dread. The courtroom was packed again, the spectators eager to see how the dramatic turn of events would unfold. Belial, looking more composed but still visibly tense, sat next to Natalie. She leaned over to him, her voice low and urgent.
"Belial, before we start, I need to ask you something," she said, searching his eyes for any sign of deceit. "Are you really a demon?"
Belial hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "No, Natalie. I'm not."
[Prerequisite: Lie 10 times, complete]
[Yellow journalism activated]
Belial's unique talent, Yellow Journalism, was now in play. This talent allowed him to lie about one thing about himself, and that lie would become universally believable, even fooling himself. The cooldown for using this talent again was 100 hours.
The trial resumed, and the courtroom buzzed with tension. The judge called the session to order, and Natalie rose to present the results of the blood sample comparison.
"Your Honor, we have compared the original blood sample taken from Belial Noctis with the one provided by Dr. Al-Farsi. The results show that there are no anomalies. Belial's blood is human," Natalie declared confidently.
A hushed murmur spread through the courtroom. Adrien's face twisted in frustration as he reviewed the documents. The comparison indeed showed that Belial's blood was human, perfectly ordinary.
Belial sat quietly, trying to maintain his composure. Inside, he was filled with a sense of triumph mixed with fear. The talent had worked. The blood samples looked different, and his blood was indistinguishably human.
Adrien, however, was not ready to give up. He rose, a look of desperation in his eyes. "Your Honor, while the blood sample comparison shows no anomalies, I have one last request. In light of the seriousness of the charges, I ask that we employ a contract."
The judge raised an eyebrow. "A contract, Captain Carter?"
Adrien nodded firmly. "Yes, Your Honor. A contract cannot be overridden by anything else, be it a talent, Hax, or any amount of power. It compels absolute truth."
The judge considered for a moment before nodding. "Very well. We will proceed with a contract. Mr. Noctis, please come forward."
Belial's heart pounded as he stood and approached the judge. Natalie followed closely, her face a mask of concern. The judge produced a small, ancient-looking book and handed it to Adrien and Belial.
"Place your hands on the book and recite the truth contract," the judge instructed.
Belial and Adrien both placed their hands on the book, feeling its cold, worn surface under their palms.
{By this contract, I abide to say nothing but the truth,} they intoned in unison.
A faint glow surrounded the two, then dissipated. The contract was sealed. Belial felt a strange sensation, like a weight pressing down on his chest. He could no longer lie, no matter how hard he tried.
Adrien stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with a mix of triumph and desperation. "Mr. Noctis, have you ever worked with a demon?"
Belial felt the contract's power compelling him to answer truthfully. "Yes," he replied, his voice barely a whisper.
Gasps echoed through the courtroom. Natalie's face went pale. She had not expected this. The judge's expression hardened as he turned to address the courtroom.
"Under the laws of the United Realms Federation, knowingly working with a demon is a serious offense, punishable by death," the judge declared solemnly.
Belial's legs felt weak, and he swayed slightly. Natalie caught his arm, her eyes wide with shock and fear.
"We've lost," she whispered, more to herself than to Belial. "We've really lost."
Adrien stood tall, a grim satisfaction on his face. "Your Honor, in light of this confession, I request that the maximum penalty be imposed."
The judge nodded slowly. "I have no choice but to uphold the law. Belial Noctis, you are hereby sentenced to death for your association with a demon."
Belial felt a cold, numbing fear wash over him. He had been prepared for many outcomes, but not this. He looked at Natalie, who was desperately trying to think of a way to save him.
"Your Honor, I request a stay of execution," Natalie said urgently. "We need time to gather more evidence and appeal this decision."
The judge shook his head. "The law is clear, Ms. Natalie. However, given the gravity of the situation, I will grant a 24-hour stay. Use that time wisely."
The gavel came down with a resounding thud, and the courtroom erupted in a cacophony of voices. Belial was led away in chains, his mind reeling from the turn of events. Natalie followed, determined to use every minute of the 24 hours to save him.
As they exited the courtroom, Natalie turned to Belial, her eyes fierce with determination. "We're not giving up. There has to be a way to to turn this around"
Belial was led back to a highly guarded cell, his chains clinking with every step. The guards, their faces stern and wary, watched him closely. The atmosphere within the guild was tense and fraught with suspicion. News had spread quickly that one of their members had been accused of working with demons. It was a betrayal that many found hard to accept.
In the guild's main hall, Xin sat alone, his head buried in his hands. The weight of guilt pressed heavily on his shoulders. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was responsible for Belial's predicament. If only he hadn't insisted on sneaking into the archives, if only he had been more cautious...
Leah, noticing Xin's distress, approached him quietly and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Xin, it's not your fault," she said gently. "Belial made his own choices. We all did what we thought was right."
Xin looked up at her, his eyes red from crying. "But Leah, if I hadn't dragged him into this, he wouldn't be in that cell, awaiting execution. How can I not blame myself?"
Leah sighed and sat beside him. "We're a team, Xin. We take risks together, and we face the consequences together. Right now, we need to think about how to help Belial."
Natalie sat at the bar, nursing her drink, feeling the weight of her recent failure. As a defense lawyer known for her impeccable track record, losing a case was a significant blow to her reputation. She prided herself on never failing a client, making this defeat particularly hard to swallow.
Meanwhile, in his private quarters, Cole paced back and forth, his mind racing. He knew the severity of the situation and the potential fallout for the guild. The accusation of demon association was a stain that could not easily be washed away. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his frustration mounting. "This is why I'm not having kids," he muttered to himself.
Twelve hours had passed, and it was 11:30 pmthe guards patrolling Belial's cell were starting to show signs of fatigue. One by one, they were knocked out by a mysterious figure moving with deadly precision. The figure reached Belial's cell and swiftly incapacitated him with a single blow.
Belial's vision blurred, and darkness took him. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in an unfamiliar place. The first thing he saw was Xin, who was kneeling beside him, tears streaming down his face. Without a word, Xin hugged him tightly, his sobs muffled against Belial's shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, Bel," Xin choked out.
Belial, still groggy, patted Xin's back reassuringly. "It's okay, Xin. I'm just glad you're safe."
A cough interrupted their moment. Cole stood nearby, his expression a mix of relief and concern.
"We couldn't just let them kill you, Belial. But now we have a new problem. The guild will have spread information about you. If you go anywhere, you'll be spotted and killed."
"What who's that guy?"belial asked noticing a figure in the shadows
"Don't worry about him" Cole dodged the question,
Belial looked around the dimly lit room, realizing they were in some kind of hidden safehouse. "I don't know where would be a good place to take you," Cole continued. "I can't keep you here forever."
Belial reached into his pocket and felt the cool, familiar shard. For a moment, he considered using it to go home. But then, an idea popped into his head.
"What if..we escape to the Black Gate?" belial finally proposed.