Grimm Garden Street, West Borough, Lorien's Residence.
On a small dining table in the bedroom, three candles flickered beside a silver knife, a cup of clear water, and a glass of coarse salt.
Since discovering he could enter the Nation of Disorder through the ritual, Lorien had made it a habit to create a sealed spiritual environment before stepping into the pale-white mist, just in case the aura of the Sefirah leaked out and attracted Beyonders of the same or adjacent sequences.
He recited the prayer, and a black pyramid with two criss-crossed swords appeared on the back of his hand. The symbol glowed with an azure light, overtaking his vision.
Incomprehensible whispers filled his mind for a brief moment before the dizzying, maniacal roars gradually died down.
When he opened his eyes, Lorien once again found himself surrounded by an endless expanse of pale-white mist, tinged with an almost ethereal golden glow.
Like before, he closed his eyes and demanded to be in front of the throne.
The pale white-gold mist swirled and dissipated instantly. The next second, he was standing right in the middle of the royal court.
He looked up at the enormous throne atop the Nine Stone Steps. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he walked closer. If his theory was correct, then the more he advanced in sequence, the more steps he would be able to climb.
He stepped onto the ninth step, inhaled deeply, and prepared himself. Lifting his leg to the next step, he paused, waiting for his spirituality to send a warning... but nothing happened.
He took the eighth step. The space around him shuddered for a moment. The unintelligible murmuring rang in his mind again. His body trembled as if thousands of needles were piercing every part of him.
The sudden shock caused him to lose his balance, he nearly fell from the steps. Catching himself just in time, he sat down on the eighth step, holding his breath, waiting for the murmurs to grow louder. But after a few seconds, they faded away.
As the shuddering ceased, he noticed a change, the blurry pale-white mist shaping the pillars, seats, and domes had solidified slightly. It still looked misty, but this time, it no longer seemed like a mere wisp that could be blown away by the weakest gust of wind.
While sitting on the step, he started to think...
My mind feels a little stronger… and clearer. It's like some kind of weakness has left me. What that is, I can't tell… But I also feel full of energy, as if I could do Saitama's training routine without difficulty.
In his previous life, he had a chuunibyou phase. After learning what Saitama did to become stronger, he once tried to do the same. He couldn't even last a week before he had to be sent to the hospital.
Surprisingly, I also seem to have unlocked two new active abilities - ones that a normal Barbarian wouldn't get.
Which is good. It means that, at the same sequence, I'd at least have an advantage in a fight.
One is "Bellow" - a roar that could momentarily shake an opponent's mind, even knocking out the faint-hearted.
The other is "Berserk" - which massively boosted all abilities but weakened instincts and mental resistance.
He stood up and walked to the middle of the court. Entering cogitation, he calmed his soul. As a Sequence 8, he could feel that he could enter cogitation even faster and easier than before.
After settling his mind for a while, he took a step back and let out a bellow.
"Roar!"
An invisible shockwave tore through the pale mist drifting around him, forcing it to scatter.
Seeing the remaining mist instantly cleared away, Lorien was quite satisfied.
He now finally had a Beyonder ability suitable for direct confrontation. If he unleashed this on an ordinary person, it wasn't impossible for them to be reduced to a babbling idiot on the spot.
Cracking his neck, Lorien let out another deep roar. His muscles swelled instantly, veins bulging across his exposed skin, especially those on his neck, which throbbed in sync with his heartbeat like writhing worms. His skin flushed red from the rush of blood, and his eyes turned bloodshot.
However, despite the expected state of uncontrollable rage and impulsivity that came with berserk transformation, Lorien remained eerily calm.
He glanced down at his once-loose morning gown, now stretched tight across his bulging form. If not for its high-quality fabric, he might have ended up half-naked.
After becoming a Barbarian and taking the Eighth step, Lorien naturally gained an understanding of his newfound abilities. He knew that going berserk would usually mean losing part of his rationality, making him vulnerable to mental attacks and dulling his instincts.
Yet now, his mind was still normal.
Is it because I entered this state in my spirit body, or is it another feature of the Nation of Disorder?
"Roar!"
Another furious bellow ripped through the mist, but aside from expanding its range, he couldn't determine if the attack had increased in potency. After all, mist was still mist no matter how much it was torn apart.
About two minutes later, fatigue began to creep in. His swollen muscles and protruding veins gradually receded, the redness in his skin and eyes fading away.
Finally, weakness washed over him, and the berserk state fully subsided. Lorien estimated that he could maintain this state for roughly five minutes at full stamina. Once it ended, his body would enter a weakened state. It's not very energy efficient. However, if he could end it voluntarily, his condition should be much better. Throughout the entire process, his mental state had remained unnervingly placid, only feeling exhaustion at the end.
But this was merely an experiment within here. The real test would come later that night when he took a trip to the East Borough to find some gangsters for practice.
Exiting the Sefirah, Lorien tidied up the candles, silver knife, and other items on the table before stowing them away in his desk drawer.
…
At noon, after finishing his meal, Lorien watched as his butler, August, walked into the dining hall.
"Well? Did you get him released?"
August bowed slightly.
"No. The police are being very firm. They consider Mr. Damon's crime a serious offense and refuses to grant bail."
Lorien furrowed his brow but wasn't surprised. He hadn't placed too much hope in securing Damon's release. It was worth a try, but he hadn't expected success.
"Did Mr. Jurgen get to see him?"
"No."
"Hmm?"
Lorien let out a questioning sound before suddenly chuckling.
"Looks like Nozick made his move!"
Refusing bail was one thing. Even if he took the matter to the Commissioner of Police or the Prime Minister, the police had the law on their side.
But refusing a lawyer's visit? That was pushing it too far.
Damon was a discharged, disabled veteran. His crime was simply injuring someone with a firearm. A serious offense, yes, but in this era and this world, incidents like that were common.
In the East Borough, the docks, and the industrial areas, gangs with illegal firearms would pull out guns over the slightest dispute. It happens all the time.
"What did the heads of the Association and the Club say?"
"Both protested, but the senior superintendent handling the case was very firm. He insisted that no legal counsel would be allowed until the full investigation was completed."
By then, it would be too late. Damon might not even be alive to see his lawyer.
The police system had only been in place for a little over a decade. Officers were only slightly better than the corrupt sheriffs who had once colluded with criminals. But just slightly.
Under pressure from Martin and the wealthy backers of Hillston Borough, these officers might not hesitate to use some particularly "persuasive" methods on Damon.
The protest by the Disabled Soldiers Aid Association probably wouldn't have much effect on the Hillston Police Department, but the East Balam Military Veterans Mess would be slightly more effective. Though not entirely legitimate, it was enough to put pressure on Hillston's Police Department.
Retired Veterans didn't hold military power, but they had significant influence. Some were even nobles, and many active-duty officers frequented the club.
Lorien tapped his index finger on the table and looked at August:
"What about the newspapers and reporters?"
"The 'Backlund Daily Tribune' will publish the news about Lance Nozick this afternoon. The other newspapers have agreed to print it tomorrow morning. As for the major press reporters, they've already gone to interview Lance Nozick and Martin Nozick."
"Good."
Lorien was confident in this aspect. The wealthy elite in Hillston were still fixated on finance and mining, paying little attention to the media. They wouldn't expect anyone to stand up for the solitary Wit Damon.
But now, with the Disabled Soldiers Aid Association and the East Balam Military Veterans Mess protesting together, Hillston's police would have no choice but to contact the wealthy patrons backing them - otherwise, they wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure from the retired officers.
However, Martin Nozick was under scrutiny by the press, making it difficult for him to contact Hillston's authorities. And to maintain his position, he had to "remain impartial."
Once the Conservative Party caught wind of this, they would never miss a chance to suppress the momentum of the New Party. At that point, Martin's situation would only get worse.
So, Lorien had only one objective - "delay." As long as he could ensure Mr. Damon's safety, shifting the focus from Hillston's corrupt police department to Nozick would be easy.
The problem was one thing - his Barbarian acting method... As far as he understood, a Barbarian should be direct and act decisively. This method of delaying made him feel uncomfortable.
But no matter. He needed to try speaking first; if that didn't work, then he would have to resort to being direct and decisive.
Lorien then broke out of his reverie. "Where are the heads of the association and the club?"
Butler August thought for a moment before hesitating. "They should have already returned."
Lorien didn't hesitate. "Send someone - no, go yourself. Contact them and have them file a complaint with Judge Dewell alongside Mr. Jurgen Cooper. Quickly!"
Judge Dewell was a magistrate appointed directly by King George III. However, he wasn't a traditional magistrate who presided over cases. Instead, he was responsible for police oversight, having the authority to issue orders to the police and monitor them for dereliction of duty or abuse of power.
"Understood."
"If they want to wait until tomorrow, tell them that if they delay, Damon might meet a grim fate. Inform Judge Dewell as well."
"Understood, I'll go immediately."
Lorien's decision involved some guesswork. The heads of the association and club might not necessarily act as he hoped.
That's why he sent his butler personally. It would be best if he could go himself, but to successfully take control of this case without giving Nozick an opening, he had to minimize his presence before the case reached judgment.
Lorien exhaled deeply. Despite the unclear circumstances of the case, based on his understanding of Damon and Hillston's police force's aggressive stance, he was certain that the case wasn't as simple as the reports suggested.
He stood up and turned to his valet, Morris.
"Morris, I'm going to take a nap. Wake me up as soon as August returns."
He didn't usually nap, but he had stayed up all night, sleeping only two or three hours. After he had taken the Barbarian potion, its stimulating effects faded and the exhaustion crept in.
He wasn't a Sleepless. He couldn't function on just three to four hours of rest per day. He needed sleep - especially since he had to visit the East Borough that night to test his abilities.
"Understood, sir."
...
Empress Borough, in a luxurious villa's study.
Earl Wolf puffed on a cigar. The rising smoke shrouded his face in a hazy veil. What little of his expression could be seen was clouded with worry. His furrowed brows and creased forehead deepened the tension, and even his carefully groomed mustache took on a sinister edge.
"Should we sell more land?"
Seated across from him was a graceful woman. Though her makeup was meticulously applied, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes betrayed her age - she was Earl Wolf's wife, Jaria.
"No."
Earl Wolf removed the cigar from his mouth, revealing his long, oval-shaped face, his receding hairline matching that of most Loenese men.
"How much land have we sold? 84,000 acres! And how much did we get for it? 29,000 pounds!"
"But if we don't keep selling land, what will we do?"
"You could host fewer balls!"
Earl Wolf shot his wife an annoyed look. She threw extravagant parties every week, and money vanished in the clinking of glasses and the twirling of gowns.
The countess turned away in embarrassment, refusing to look at him.
Earl Wolf sighed and took another puff of his cigar. For now, 29,000 pounds could sustain them for a year or two.
But what about after that?
With the repeal of the Grain Act, land was no longer valuable, grain was no longer valuable, and farmers were being driven into factories to become workers. The economic foundation of House Wolf had been all but obliterated.
This year, they could sell land. Next year, what would they sell? And if they sold all their land, what would happen to their noble title?
It seemed they had to shift their economic focus elsewhere.
Knock, knock, knock!
Suddenly, a rapid knocking broke the tense atmosphere. Already in a foul mood, Earl Wolf let out a frustrated sigh:
"Come in!"
The study door swung open, revealing a young man who bore a strong resemblance to Earl Wolf.
"Father, Mother, good afternoon."
Upon seeing his least responsible son, Todd, Earl Wolf's irritation grew.
"Todd, don't you know your mother and I are discussing important matters? What has your etiquette tutor been teaching you?"
Todd Wolf, the youngest son of Earl Wolf, was fifteen - an age where irresponsibility was second nature.
"Todd, do you have something important to say?" Countess Jaria's face soften. Though she doted on Todd, her husband was already in a bad mood. She had to rein their son in.
Not that she expected anything truly important. She knew her son too well. The more excited he was, the less significant the matter. Often, he rushed in to share the most absurd gossip.
"Lance Nozick, the son of Martin Nozick, was involved in a shooting."
"What!?"
Earl Wolf and Countess Jaria responded at the same time.
The Countess frowned and gestured for their younger son to come forward.
"Where did you hear that?"
Todd's statement was direct. Nozick was her husband's political opponent, but if the Earl's youngest son spread false rumors, it would reflect poorly on the Wolf family.
Todd held up a newspaper and smiled. "It's in the papers."
"Which paper? Let me see."
Earl Wolf extended his hand. He had reviewed several newspapers that morning, and if Nozick's son had indeed been involved in a shooting, it would have been widely reported.
"The Tussock Times."
Seeing his father's serious expression, Todd's enthusiasm faded. He quickly handed over the newspaper.
"The Tussock Times?"
Earl Wolf furrowed his brow as he took the paper. He had already read it earlier - had he overlooked something?
"Retired Soldier Loses Control, Shoots in Revenge."
He remembered seeing this article. At the time, it had seemed like just another incident involving a veteran. Many former soldiers faced psychological struggles after their service. Additionally, the article did not mention any fatalities.
Earl Wolf folded the newspaper sharply. "Where is Lance Nozick's name mentioned?"
Countess Jaria glanced at her youngest son with concern. She couldn't intervene this time.
Todd lowered his head. "The person who was shot was Lance Nozick."
Earl Wolf reopened the newspaper, scanning the article before setting it down again. "The report doesn't specify who was injured. How do you know?"
Todd's voice grew quieter. "Someone told me."
"Which friend told you this time?" The Countess was frustrated by her son's choice of company.
"Lorien Ashford's butler."
"Who?" The Countess did not recognize the name.
Earl Wolf motioned for silence. He knew of Lorien Ashford - the youngest barrister in Backlund. Recently, Ashford had been active in supporting disabled veterans, aided by the former Viscount Barton's butler, August. Even Viscount Conrad had spoken favorably of him.
Lorien Ashford was not someone who would spread false information without reason. This news had likely been sent with intent.
If true, it could be damaging for Nozick.
But why would he involve himself in this? As a barrister, he had no apparent reason to engage in political maneuvers of this nature.
"Did they mention anything else?"
Todd hesitated before recalling more details. "They said the heads of the Disabled Soldiers Aid Association and the East Balam Military Veterans Mess took a lawyer to see Wit Damon, but the Hillston Police refused access. So they went to Judge Dewell."
Casting a sharp glance at his son, Earl Wolf left the study.
If the Hillston Police were blocking access to Wit Damon despite pressure, there was more to the situation than met the eye.
Martin Nozick, even if you are not involved, this will not end well for you.
…
Backlund Police Department Headquarters, Sivellaus Street, Empress Borough
The headquarters of the Backlund Police Department was located on Sivellaus Street. It managed all police Departments in Backlund, except for Hillston, making it a significant administrative center with a constant stream of activity.
Mister Claude, representing the East Balam Military Veterans Mess, was a tall man in his thirties.
Madam Hilda, from the Disabled Soldiers Aid Association, was a composed forty-year-old woman. She was known for her firm but fair approach when dealing with veterans, earning their respect.
Now, Hilda's expression was stern as she faced a senior inspector. Beside her, Claude maintained a calm demeanor while addressing the officer.
"This matter is urgent."
"That may be, but you didn't file a prior request. You can't meet Judge Dewell without an appointment."
The senior inspector with thick brows remained firm. Many sought Judge Dewell to report issues with the police, but complaints required either a scheduled appointment or a written submission for the judge to review.
Butler August approached Jurgen Cooper. "They're refusing entry?"
August had earlier delivered the newspaper and message to Todd Wolf.
That morning, while disseminating the information, he had only contacted minor noblemen aligned with the Conservative Party. He had not initially informed the Wolf family, as they were outside Lorien's usual circle. At that time, the only confirmed detail was that Lance Nozick had been injured, which did not seem significant enough to warrant the Earl's attention.
However, as more details emerged and the Hillston Police's resistance became apparent, August realized that bringing a more influential figure into the situation was necessary.
After coordinating with the association and club leaders to approach Judge Dewell, he had then reached out to Todd Wolf, ensuring that Earl Wolf would receive the information.
Earl Wolf had incurred financial setbacks after the repeal of the Grain Act. Just the day before, he had sold 84,000 acres of land, reportedly for less than 29,000 pounds. This loss had deepened his resentment toward the New Party, particularly its leader, who had quietly supported the act's repeal.
"Yes," Jurgen confirmed.
Despite the heat, the young solicitor remained composed in a three-piece suit, reflecting the professionalism expected in his position.
If his career continued as expected, he would soon attend one of the Four Great Law Colleges. After completing his studies, he would qualify as a barrister - a necessary step in transitioning from solicitor to barrister.
Hilda turned to Butler August. "Mr. August, is Mr. Ashford not coming?"
August removed his hat and bowed. "Good afternoon, ma'am. My employer has entrusted me with handling this matter."
Hilda nodded, indicating for him to proceed.
"Then we will leave it to you."
"Understood."
August turned to the senior inspector. "Inspector, we are here to formally report the Hillston Police for abuse of power to Judge Dewell."
The thick-browed senior inspector was momentarily stunned before he asked in confusion, "Hillston Police Department?"
August nodded. "Yes."
The senior inspector hesitated for a moment. "Wait here. I'll go ask Judge Dewell."
Claude gave August a bitter smile, while the icy expression on Hilda's face melted into a smile once more.
"I really didn't expect the relationship between Hillston Police Department and the Sivellaus Yard to have deteriorated this much."
Claude hadn't explicitly mentioned the Hillston Police Department earlier. As he walked toward August, there was a noticeable limp in his step, even with the aid of his cane.
"You've been fighting along the East Balam Coast against the Feysac Empire. These matters aren't something you should concern yourself with."
August's praise for Claude was not insincere. Claude had performed exceptionally well in battles against the Feysac Empire. Otherwise, even with his leg injury, he wouldn't have become one of the key figures in the Veterans' Club.
After all, the Veterans' Club was frequented by individuals of considerable power and status. If its leader were a cripple, he would either have to possess an exceptional background or have significant military achievements. Claude clearly fell into the latter category.
"The Hillston Police Department is in Backlund, yet it doesn't fall under the jurisdiction of Sivellaus Yard. Conflict was inevitable."
Before retiring due to his injuries, Claude had been a lieutenant commander in the Loen Royal Navy. With his understanding of such matters, the situation made perfect sense to him.
"It's not just Sivellaus Yard that has problems with Hillston Police Department. The four magistrates overseeing Backlund's police force have long been displeased with them. They've just been waiting for an opportunity."
As a butler who had spent years in Backlund, August had a deeper understanding of the power struggles at play.
In recent years, especially during the implementation of the Grain Act, the Conservative Party had almost completely stifled the New Party. However, the New Party had persistently tried to undermine the Conservatives' hold on power.
When the police system was established over a decade ago, the Backlund Police Headquarters was naturally expected to oversee law enforcement across all of Backlund. But the New Party fiercely opposed this.
New Party members insisted that, as the kingdom's economic center, Hillston Borough needed heightened security measures, leading to the establishment of an independent Hillston Police Department.
This move greatly displeased the four magistrates overseeing Backlund's police force. While Hillston Police Department still technically fell under their jurisdiction, its backing from the New Party and Hillston Borough made it difficult for them to exert control.
This time, Hillston Police Department's illegal actions had clashed with the long-held grievances of the magistrates. Coupled with the significant losses suffered by Conservative Party supporters, Hillston Police Department was about to face serious consequences.
"Would Representative Nozick really act against Mr. Damon?"
Hilda was somewhat doubtful. She didn't entirely understand Lorien's suggestion, but she had come for Damon's safety regardless.
Yet, they were being kept outside, Lorien was nowhere to be seen, and August, who had brought the message, had also vanished - leaving only a junior solicitor in their place.
"It's just a suspicion, as Mr. Lorien said. Just like Emperor Roselle once put it: 'It's not the one-in-a-million chance you fear; it's the one in ten thousand.' If Hillston Police Department had simply allowed a lawyer to see Mr. Damon, we wouldn't be thinking this way or taking such actions."
"Mr. Ashford's suspicion was correct. We can't rule out the possibility. The police don't exactly have the best reputation."
Claude lowered his voice at the last sentence. This was the Backlund Police Headquarters - saying such things too loudly would be unwise.
Of course, as a former navy lieutenant commander, he had every reason to look down on the police of this era.
The full title of the navy was the Loen Kingdom Royal Navy, one of the nobility's reserved domains. Every noble family sought to have at least one member serve in the navy. For instance, the Earl Rieveldt's two younger brothers - one was the Admiral of the Central Sonia Sea, and the other was the governor of Oravi, a former navy captain.
But the most famous figure was undoubtedly Duke Negan. In formal settings, he always wore his immaculate blue admiral's uniform, proudly displaying his medals of honor as a testament to his illustrious naval career.
"I heard the kingdom's first ironclad warship was commissioned today. I apologize for keeping you here."
August didn't respond to the topic directly. There were matters beyond his position to comment on - speaking out could cause trouble for his master. So, he shifted the conversation to the newly commissioned ironclad warship.
Claude's face instantly flushed with excitement, his eyes full of longing. "Its name is the 'Pritz,' personally christened by His Majesty."
Hilda joined the conversation. "With ironclad warships, the Royal Navy should finally be able to defeat those pirate generals and pirate kings, right?"
She had encountered Vice Admiral Dusk, Bulatov Ioan, when retrieving wounded soldiers. Without an escort fleet, she might not have survived the encounter.
"Not 'should' - but definitely. The ironclad warship is incredibly powerful. It carries twenty-two cannons of varying calibers, eighteen machine guns, four torpedo tubes, and can reach speeds of sixteen knots."
Claude's voice grew fervent, but then he sighed in dejection, patting his injured right leg. "It's a shame I can't serve on it."
Had he not been injured, with his combat achievements and naval command experience, becoming the captain of the 'Pritz' would have been unlikely, but serving as its vice-captain was well within reach.
"The battlefield is never as glorious as it seems."
Hilda spoke plainly. She had seen too many wounded soldiers - brave in battle but broken in life.
"Sigh…"
August and Claude, understanding the brutality of war, sighed in unison.
Just then, the thick-browed senior inspector returned, his tone slightly excited. "Judge Dewell will see you now."
"Let's go."
Claude leaned on his cane and limped forward. Hilda watched his figure, shook her head, then followed, along with the silent Jurgen.
"You're not going in?"
The thick-browed senior inspector looked at the gray-haired August in confusion. He was grateful to the butler - if not for August pointing out the crucial details, he wouldn't have reported to Judge Dewell.
If the other officers knew, he would certainly be scolded - possibly even disciplined. That showed just how severe the conflict between Backlund Police Department and Hillston Police Department had become.
"No, I don't need to. I trust Judge Dewell will handle this fairly."
The butler waved his hand dismissively.
"Alright then."
On the other side, Claude, Hilda, and Jurgen entered Judge Dewell's office.
Dewell rose from behind his desk, his sharp eyes locking onto Claude.
"Are you the ones reporting the Hillston Police?"
Judge Dewell's gaze was sharp, his well-groomed hair and stern expression giving him an air of authority.
Claude, a former navy major who had experienced battle firsthand, remained composed. He introduced Madam Hilda of the Disabled Soldiers Aid Association, solicitor Jurgen Cooper from Ashford Law Firm, and himself as the head of the East Balam Military Veterans Mess.
Dewell's expression gradually softened. He had no intention of intimidating them - he simply needed to verify the identities of those bringing accusations against the Hillston Police.
At forty-five, Dewell was at a crucial stage in his political career. His next step could be Chief Police Secretary or Home Secretary. Unlike the other magistrates, his chances of promotion were considerably higher.
However, opportunities required achievements. Reforming the Hillston Police was an avenue to advance his career, and Claude and his associates had presented the perfect case. Nevertheless, he needed to ensure their resolve would not waver under pressure from the influential figures of Hillston Borough.
The East Balam Military Veterans Mess and the Disabled Soldiers Aid Association had strong backing from both the military and nobility, minimizing the risk of them withdrawing. As for Ashford Law Firm, Dewell was well aware of its reputation. Its owner, Lorien Ashford, was the youngest barrister in Backlund and had aligned himself with the Conservative Party. Despite recent political shifts, this allegiance had not changed.
"Please, take a seat."
Once they were seated, a constable brought them three cups of Sweet Iced Tea.
"What is the issue with the Hillston Police?"
Dewell had already received a general report but required a detailed account before taking any action.
Jurgen Cooper stood, placed a stack of documents before Judge Dewell, and spoke with his usual stern demeanor.
"My client, Mr. Wit Damon, was caught up in a shooting last night. The Hillston Police took him into custody, and we have not heard from him since. Today, I visited as his attorney to secure his bail, but my request was denied. When I asked to see my client, that request was also denied. It has now been nearly fifteen hours since he was taken into custody."
Dewell frowned upon hearing that the bail request was rejected - this was a procedural matter beyond his direct influence. However, the refusal to allow legal counsel access to a client was concerning.
"My client is a veteran who served the kingdom, losing an arm in the war against Intis. Though he was never awarded a medal, he deserves the respect of all citizens. Yet, the Hillston Police..."
A veteran, a disabled man, taken into custody for fifteen hours without legal access. A top law firm's attorney, the head of the Disabled Soldiers Aid Association, and the leader of the East Balam Military Veterans Mess. Was this an orchestrated move against the Hillston Police, or something larger? Dewell lowered his head, reviewing the documents. The other party involved in the shooting was one Lance Nozick. Nozick?
Jurgen had carefully phrased his statements, never explicitly calling Damon a suspect - only stating that he had been "caught up" in the incident.
"The other party in this case is Lance Nozick, son of Martin Nozick. I have reason to believe the Hillston Police, under pressure from Martin Nozick, are preventing me from meeting my client and may be acting against his interests."
Are they targeting Nozick? This appears to be an internal struggle within the party. Who could be behind it?
The Conservative Party currently held power, and Judge Dewell was one of its members.
Until the Civil Servant Unified Examination would be introduced, each election cycle in Loen led to widespread replacement of officials, with positions being distributed among party members and supporters. This instability often resulted in inefficiency following elections.
Lorien had long advocated for civil service reforms but lacked the necessary political connections. Meanwhile, Earl Hall, a prominent banker and the most influential parliament members in the House of Lords, was a strong supporter of the New Party. If he championed the reforms, they could gain traction swiftly.
At the next Tarot Meeting, the Civil Servant Unified Examination would undoubtedly be proposed. By then, Lorien could only hope he had solidified his position within the Conservative Party, ensuring he was well-placed to address any shortcomings in the proposed reforms.
"Regarding the misconduct of the Hillston Police…"
…
Lorien had not slept for long. As a Barbarian, he possessed significantly greater stamina than the average person. He changed into a morning robe once again.
Standing in his bedroom, he mimicked the boxing techniques he had seen in his past life, throwing left hooks, right hooks, uppercuts, and lower cuts at random. The loose robe flared with his movements, slicing through the air with a whoosh.
Even in this loose robe, his movements felt somewhat restricted. If he were to wear a full suit, he would likely end up tearing through it after only a few punches. It seemed he needed to prepare some looser clothing. However, Barbarians were not known for their attire - he recalled games from his past life where such characters often wore minimal armor, covering only essential areas.
The thought of a refined barrister resorting to physical combat was somewhat frustrating. It would be more fitting to commission an ironwood cane - elegant in appearance but effective in a fight.
Tonight, he planned to visit the docks and ask 'Uncle' Kane to find him a proper heavy weapon. An ironwood cane, weighing only four or five pounds, was sufficient for daily use, but for his nighttime persona, he required something more substantial.
Though his heart yearned for the Threaded Cane, if he could commission a Beyonder to make it - even if it would practically bankrupt him - he would be satisfied. But it was impossible at the moment.
Playing the role of a Barbarian was challenging. As a barrister, Lorien regularly interacted with nobles and the wealthy elite, making it impossible to act the part in his daily life. His only option was to embrace the role at night, venturing into the less orderly areas of the East Borough and the docks, where a Barbarian could operate more freely.
In truth, the Lawyer pathway was not suited for direct combat. Its offensive capabilities were limited, especially before reaching demi-godhood, but it excelled in support abilities such as "Exploit," "Distortion," "Bestowment," and "Distortion of Rules and Actions." The pathway primarily relied on weakening opponents over time, rather than overpowering them directly.
As Lorien stepped out of his bedroom, his personal valet, Morris, was waiting outside.
"Has August returned yet?"
Morris bowed slightly and replied, "Not yet, sir."
Lorien frowned slightly as his eyes glazed over in thought.
"Sir?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Have Miranda tailor a few loose-fitting outfits for me, along with some hunting attire."
Miranda was Lorien's housekeeper, a 36-year-old woman responsible for managing the maids and household finances. She always carried a set of keys on her belt, a mark of her authority. In Backlund, a skilled housekeeper could command an entire staff with just the jingle of her keys.
However, Miranda had never let those keys make a sound in Lorien's presence, making him wonder if they were enchanted somehow.
As for the clothes, they were meant for his Berserk form.
"Yes, sir."
Lorien headed to the second parlor, settling into a rocking chair by the fireplace. In Backlund's June weather, there was no need for a fire.
The moment of distraction earlier, when Morris spoke, had been caused by a sudden surge of excitement. As a lawyer for two years, Lorien had despised the unpredictable and the unknown. A lawyer must fully understand their opponents to prepare accordingly.
But now, facing the unknown excited him. He recalled that Barbarians in past-life games loved adventure and combat. Perhaps it was a natural inclination toward facing danger.
Click, click, click - footsteps approached.
Lorien turned toward the sound. His butler, August, had returned.
"Good afternoon, sir."
"What did Judge Dewell say?"
"Judge Dewell assigned an Assistant Commissioner to accompany Mr. Claude and his team to the Hillston Police Department. I returned first in case you were anxious."
In the Kingdom of Loen, the police hierarchy was as follows: at the top were the Home Secretary and the Chief Police Secretary, followed by each borough's Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioners. The middle ranks consisted of Superintendents and Inspectors, while the lowest levels comprised Sergeants and Constables. Sending an Assistant Commissioner signified that Judge Dewell was taking the matter seriously.
Lorien had expected Dewell to get involved, but deploying an Assistant Commissioner was unexpected. That rank was only slightly lower than the Chief of the Hillston Police Department.
Rubbing his chin, Lorien mused. It seemed Dewell was aiming for a promotion in next year's elections.
Next year was an election year when Members of Parliament in the lower house would be re-elected, and the majority party's leader would become Prime Minister. The original narrative didn't specify whether the Conservative Party or the New Party won, but given Loen's later developments, the Conservatives likely retained power.
Certainly, the repeal of the Grain Act had significantly weakened the Conservative Party, reducing the number of aristocratic landowners in Parliament. The death of Duke Negan had left the nobility fractured, but their foundations remained.
"His" attempt to assassinate Duke Negan was meant to provoke a power struggle, weakening Loen and luring the Faysac Empire into action - ultimately using the God of Combat's death as a stepping stone to divinity.
The weakened Conservatives sought self-preservation, while the ambitious New Party aimed for greater influence. Their rivalry played right into "His" plans.
"Did you inform Jurgen Cooper?"
After a moment of thought, Lorien looked up at August.
The butler lowered his head and replied in a deep voice, "Solicitor Jurgen met with Mr. Damon and, after reviewing the case, will report here."
Lorien suddenly asked, "What do you think of Mr. Jurgen?"
August flattered, "I haven't worked with him long, but according to Mr. Claude, Mr. Jurgen is quite outstanding. If he weren't, you wouldn't have chosen him, would you, sir?"
"Mr. Jurgen is the youngest and most exceptional solicitor in the firm, so he's certainly outstanding. But I think you might be even better."
Lorien wanted to test the suddenly proactive August.
August hesitated before responding, "Sir, my track record as a transactional lawyer was quite poor."
"You might have struggled with transactions, but that doesn't mean you wouldn't excel as a barrister!"
August asked in confusion, "But to become a barrister, one must first study at one of the four major colleges, right?"
Lorien stared at August for a moment before suddenly laughing. "What do you think about merging the four Law Colleges?"
August looked completely bewildered and muttered, "Sir, Tingen Law College is in Tingen..."
"I know, I was just joking. Go get me a cup of Felmo coffee."
As August left, Lorien frowned. August didn't seem to be lying, but he was definitely a Lawyer. Before he only had a hunch, since When they first met, August had subtly influenced his emotions with his words using Beyonder powers. But after stepping onto the eighth step in the Sefirah, Lorien's senses for Beyonders for his pathway had sharpened.
A Sequence 9 Lawyer choosing to work as another Lawyer's butler? Even if it was due to the Law of Convergence, it was still suspicious. After all, a butler's annual salary was only around 120 to 130 pounds.
This time, August, who usually fulfilled his duties quietly, was acting unusually proactive. That was why Lorien tested him casually. Yet August showed no reaction at all - either he truly didn't know anything, or his acting was impeccable. After all, every Lawyer was skilled in deception.
As for Lorien's mention of merging the four Law Colleges, it was half a joke and half serious. A merger was impossible - not only did the Church of the Lord of Storms and the Church of the Evernight Goddess have conflicts, but the Augustus family would never allow the kingdom's legal system to be monopolized by one institution.
He wanted to push for some institutional reforms among the four colleges. Right now, Loen's legal system was too similar to that of the Feysac Empire, but the key difference was that Loen's vast landmass made direct comparisons difficult.
During the Roselle era, Loen was plagued by internal turmoil. If Roselle's "Civil Code" alone could have caused Loen's legal system to collapse, then the Augustus royal family wouldn't have deserved to control the Arbiter pathway. More than anything, the pressure came from Roselle's Intis Republic.
In 1173, Roselle became the first consul of the new republic. He later waged wars across the continent, bringing backlands like Lenburg - previously independent due to the "Battle of the Violated Oath" - under his protection. Even Loen, Feynapotter, and the Feysac Empire had to bow before him.
This military pressure inevitably led to cultural infiltration. To resist this, Loen had to take drastic measures, tacitly supporting the four law colleges in monopolizing the judicial system. When Roselle forcibly made himself the Black Emperor, Loen's decision seemed foresighted.
Now, with George III secretly pursuing his own Black Emperor apotheosis ritual, Lorien saw an opportunity to push for reform.
As someone neither noble nor royal, if he wanted a voice of his own, he needed power and resources. Beyond the Tarot Club and his own ascent to a high Sequence, Lorien set his sights on the judicial authority controlled by Loen's four law colleges.
But this was a monumental challenge. The colleges weren't just about maintaining Loen's laws; they also provided non-noble heirs with prestigious careers. Becoming a barrister allowed one to enter politics or serve as a judge - one of the highest-status professions of the era.
The colleges' professors not only taught law but also nurtured strong bonds among students. They lived and studied together, forming tight-knit networks that later evolved into elite governing circles.
One of the most significant traditions in these colleges was the requirement for students to share twelve formal meals at the long table in the great hall - about once a month. Even if a student passed all exams, they couldn't graduate without completing these meals. This ritual symbolized their lifelong camaraderie.
Right now, Lorien only had a preliminary idea; whether he could execute it remained uncertain.
...
Jurgen Cooper arrived at Grimm Garden Street, dressed in a three-piece suit. Butler August welcomed him inside. Despite only having met Jurgen a few times - most of them today - August treated him with familiarity, perhaps because Jurgen was continuing a mission August had once pursued.
In the second reception room, August served two cups of marquis black tea. Jurgen rose to accept the tea with polite gratitude.
Lorien nodded in satisfaction. Although he was two years younger than Jurgen, as his employer, he enjoyed seeing his staff behave impeccably in front of outsiders.
In the original story, Jurgen was meticulous in his work and managed to escape both the Great Backlund Smog Incident and the Feysac Empire's bombing of Backlund thanks to his filial piety.
In this bizarre and twisted world, ordinary people needed a bit of luck to survive, and Jurgen was one of the lucky ones.
Lorien's plan for Jurgen was to embed him deep within Loen's legal system as his personal representative - after all, Lorien couldn't remain a barrister forever.
His idea was to send Jurgen to Tingen Law college before the Backlund Smog disaster struck. Not only would this keep him safe, but it would also benefit his career.
As for Jurgen's grandmother, Madam Doris, and her lung disease, Lorien could arrange for a more powerful Planter pathway Beyonder to treat her.
However, sending Jurgen to Tingen Law college now might expose him to the "True Creator" and 0-08, which could be disastrous.
"Did you meet with Mr. Damon? How is he?"
"Mr. Damon is in good condition and has not suffered any unjust treatment. Apart from some fatigue and anxiety, he is perfectly fine."
Jurgen spoke in a calm tone, as if unaware of the deeper implications of Damon's case.
"He's been through battlefields. This is nothing to him."
Lorien wasn't in a hurry to get to the point. As long as Wit Damon was alive and able to speak, it was enough. He had a rather sinister thought - if Damon suffered something unpleasant in prison, it might even fit into his plans better.
"Mr. Damon has already been taken to Sivellaus Yard by the Assistant Commissioner."
"Oh? The people from Hillston agreed?"
When Judge Dewell sent an Assistant Commissioner, Lorien realized that the magistrate intended to intervene in this matter. But now it was too obvious. Sending an Assistant Commissioner to question someone could still be considered standard procedure, something justifiable.
Now, directly taking the person from Hillston was a blatant declaration of distrust toward the Hillston police, completely exposing the rift between Sivellaus Yard and Hillston.
This didn't align with Lorien's previous assessment of Judge Dewell. In his view, the magistrate should have used this incident as leverage to pressure the Hillston Police Department.
The issue between Sivellaus Yard and Hillston PD wasn't simply about jurisdiction. At its core, it was a party matter - a reflection of the conflict between the two major parties within the police system of Backlund.
Even if Judge Dewell escalated the situation, the Hillston Police Department wouldn't come under Sivellaus Yard's authority, because the New Party would never allow security in their territory to fall under the control of the Conservative-led Backlund Police Department.
"They agreed. The one who stepped forward this time wasn't the senior superintendent from this morning but Mr. Humphrey, the Commissioner of the Hillston Police Department. When the assistant Commissioner requested to take Mr. Damon to Sivellaus Yard, Commissioner Humphrey hesitated for just a moment before agreeing."
"Do you know Humphrey?"
As a top lawyer, Lorien actually had little experience dealing with the police and wasn't deeply familiar with Backlund's police system. He knew about Judge Dewell only because Dewell had previously served as a High Court judge before becoming the magistrate overseeing Backlund's police following the last election.
Jurgen recited Humphrey's background with an expressionless face:
"Harry Humphrey, 39 years old, graduate of Backlund University. He has two daughters and two sons. Joined the Hillston Police Department in 1331 and has been its Commissioner since 1345. Affiliated with the New Party. Has close ties with numerous nobles, the most notable being Earl Hall. It's said that they often attend services together at St. Samuel's Cathedral…"
Lorien made a halting gesture. He was finding it harder and harder to understand Humphrey's actions. To become the Commissioner of Hillston PD, Humphrey was undoubtedly a New Party loyalist. Being close to Earl Hall further cemented that status.
Earl Hall was a major supporter of the New Party, aligned against Duke Negan, the largest landowning noble of the Loen Kingdom. This was why Hvin Rambis had wanted to hypnotize Audrey to gain Earl Hall's perspective on certain issues and attempt to sow discord between the two parties.
Lorien simply couldn't comprehend why Humphrey would make such a concession. This wasn't a matter of right or wrong - it was party competition. Yet, Humphrey, as a member of the New Party, was the first to back down.
Suppressing his excitement over the unknown, Lorien temporarily set aside thoughts of Humphrey and turned his attention to Wit Damon.
"What does Mr. Damon say about the shooting?"
Jurgen's expression finally showed some change - puzzlement and astonishment mixed together.
"Mr. Damon claims that Lance came after him with a revolver and fired at him, but because he was drunk, he missed. Damon then seized the gun and shot him in the left arm."
"What?"
Lorien hadn't expected Damon to say that at all. I initially assumed Lance provoked Damon, who had been forced to retaliate, injuring Lance in the process. That alone already painted Lance as a "My dad is XXX" young master type, but this? Showing up with a gun only to be "counter-killed," and by a disabled man at that - just how stupid was Lance?
Of course, even though Lorien wasn't a Solicitor, he knew better than to fully trust a client's statement. Defendants would say anything to reduce their culpability.
Jurgen still looked incredulous.
"Moreover, Mr. Damon said that the revolver was one he regularly used at the Quelaag Club, but he had always left it there and never brought it home. Only after disarming Lance did he realize it was his own gun. As he was momentarily distracted, Lance lunged at him again, so he fired, hitting Lance's left arm."
Lorien stroked his chin. Damon's story was too bizarre. He glanced at Jurgen.
"Do you believe Mr. Damon's words?"
Jurgen pondered for a moment before answering seriously:
"I think he's telling the truth."
"Why?"
"If Mr. Damon were lying, the Hillston Police wouldn't have gone out of their way to deny him access to a lawyer. Based on the reports in the papers, Mr. Damon's situation wouldn't have changed much whether or not he had a lawyer."
Jurgen hadn't dissected Damon's words for inconsistencies. Though he had only been a Solicitor for three years, he had read enough case files and seen plenty of even more absurd cases. While Damon's account seemed too strange, the Hillston Police's actions indicated that something about this shooting was suspicious.
Lorien nodded, contemplating for a moment before saying:
"Alright, I'll leave this case to you, Mr Jurgen."
"I'll leave the subsequent trial to you."
Jurgen wasn't naive - he understood that this case was filled with hidden agendas. His employer wasn't sending him in just to drum up business for the firm.
After exchanging a few thoughts about the case with Lorien, Jurgen took his leave.
"August, find out who wrote the shooting report in the 'Tussock Times.'"
During his conversation with Jurgen, Lorien suddenly realized something was off about how the case had been reported. The Hillston PD's handling of the matter leaned toward a cover-up. Ideally, no one should have known about this incident - Damon should have disappeared without a trace. The fact that it was reported in the papers meant someone had deliberately leaked the information.
Without media coverage, even if Lorien eventually learned about Damon's conflict with the son of a New Party leader, Damon's body would have long since vanished.
Now, the shooting had been publicized, but the report was false. That begged the question - who fabricated the false report?
August was briefly stunned before responding:
"Understood, sir."
"And how did you find out Lance Nozick's name?"
The newspaper should have been delivered to Lorien's house around six in the morning, and August would have ironed it after waking up. At best, he should have known about the incident by 6:15. The Tarot meeting had ended around 8:30. That lasted two hours and fifteen minutes. Yet, while the paper hadn't disclosed Nozick's name, August had easily obtained it. That was highly suspicious.