Court 2

Cold chains bound Belial's wrists and ankles, their metal links biting into his flesh. He lay on the rough, cold floor of a dark cell, the only illumination a small beam of light filtering through a tiny window high above. Belial winced as he shifted slightly, the pain from his injuries intensifying.

'I'm bleeding... why did I do that...'

[Talent: Tenacity activated (weakened)]

'Oracle...?'

[Yes?]

'Ha... I would've thought they ate you already,' Belial jested weakly.

[Conclusion: That is not possible.]

'Get a sense of humor, won't you?' Belial chuckled, wincing at the effort. 'So, where are we? And... why can't I use my Hax?'

[Answer: You are in an underground jail cell beneath the Holy Order's facility. They have tortured you for information, but because the talent "The Oracle" does not require ether, I was able to keep you unconscious using the Talent "Tenacity."]

'Thanks, Oracle... should've listened to Cole. These guys are crazy.'

'Wait, did they find out?'

[Answer: No. The Holy Order is unaware of your true nature and mission. They believe you are merely a rogue thief .]

Belial let out a sigh of relief. Despite his dire circumstances, knowing that his true purpose remained hidden provided a small measure of comfort. 'Good... that's something, at least. Any ideas on how to get out of here?'

[Scanning... the cell is heavily fortified, with anti-ether measures in place. No there is not.]

Two guards entered the dimly lit room, their heavy boots echoing ominously against the stone floor. Without a word, one of them grabbed Belial roughly by the arm, while the other swiftly placed a blindfold over his eyes, plunging him into darkness. Belial's hands were trembling slightly, but he remained silent as the guards secured an extra pair of cuffs on his wrists and removed the ones connecting him to the walls. The cold metal bit into his skin, a stark reminder of his helplessness.

"Damned thief!" one of the guards snarled before delivering a brutal punch to Belial's face. 

After what felt like an eternity of stumbling through corridors, Belial was thrown into a vehicle. The engine roared to life, and they set off on a long, bumpy ride. The blindfold only heightened his other senses, and he could hear the murmur of the guards' conversation, though he couldn't make out their words. The journey seemed interminable, every jolt and turn only adding to his disorientation.

Finally, the vehicle came to a stop. The guards yanked him out and guided him roughly to a seat. As the blindfold was removed, Belial blinked against the sudden influx of light, his eyes adjusting to the grandeur of the room around him. He was in a vast courtroom, its vaulted ceiling and imposing columns designed to intimidate and overawe.

Belial's gaze swept over the familiar layout of the court, recognizing the positions of the judges, the jury, and the audience. He had been at a place like this before, many times, as an observer. 

Belial was familiar with the layout of the court, so he could tell who was who. But the person in the central position surprised him.

The defendant as belial of course, the defense lawyer Natalie, the witness is was xin, the probation officer was a knight the Prosecutor was a middle-aged man with a horrible glare the judge was older woman the jury was seated, captain Adrien carter was the barrister, another night was the prosecution Junior barrister A lady that he was sure worked at the front desk of the guild was the defense barrister

(Hard scene break)

Back at the guild, before the trial began, Cole gathered a group of trusted guildmates in the main hall. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on everyone's shoulders.

Emily, Leah, and Natalie stood around Cole, waiting for him to speak. He quickly briefed Natalie and Emily on what had happened, detailing Belial's capture and the impending trial.

"You know what that means, Cole," Natalie said, her tone serious.

Cole sighed. "I'll double it."

Natalie closed her eyes and shook her head. "Triple."

"Fine," Cole muttered, rubbing his temples. "Five times the amount."

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Luckily, he's a guildmate. If it was someone else, it would've been much more."

Aside from being the first secretary in the guild, Natalie was also an experienced defense lawyer. She had chosen to work with the guild because it was mostly filled with individuals seeking redemption—criminals, outcasts, and those who wanted a second chance.

They began gathering evidence, questioning Xin thoroughly about Belial. Each piece of information was crucial. During their investigation, they received a luminescent bird message indicating that Belial had asked for a lawyer.

'He's so young..' Emily thought as she prepared the rest to meet with him.

When Natalie met with Belial in the cold, dimly lit cell, something seemed off. Belial appeared dazed, and there was a peculiar glint in his eyes. The existence of Oracle was a well-kept secret, so Natalie was unaware that she was actually speaking to Oracle, who was controlling Belial while he remained unconscious.

[Are you going to act as my defendant?] Oracle's voice echoed in the stillness, using Belial's vocal cords.

"Yes, I am," Natalie responded firmly. "And you are in a whole lot of trouble. You messed with the Order, and now we're in deep shit. They're going to pull strings, so you are to be quiet and not say anything if I'm not around. Understand?"

[I understand,] Oracle replied. [Is it possible to...]

…

"Thats a good idea..You are one lucky kid," Natalie chuckled, interrupting.

She sat down across from Belial, a stack of papers in her hand. "Here's the plan. We need to establish your character and prove that you had no malicious intent. We'll also highlight your contributions to the guild and any extenuating circumstances."

[Understood,] Oracle responded.

Natalie spent the next hour going over details, ensuring Oracle understood the legal strategy. She explained the intricacies of the trial process and the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor. Throughout the conversation, Oracle's responses were measured and precise, further convincing Natalie that Belial was exceptionally intelligent for his age.

Back at the guild, Cole and the others were anxiously awaiting news. Emily paced back and forth, her worry evident. Leah sat nearby, deep in thought.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Leah asked softly.

Cole nodded, though his expression remained serious. "Natalie's the best. If anyone can get him out of this mess, it's her."

As the trial date approached, the guild rallied together. They gathered testimonials, character references, and any evidence that could help Belial's case. Xin provided a detailed account of their mission, emphasizing Belial's bravery and loyalty.

The day of the trial arrived. The courtroom was a grand, imposing structure, filled with the murmurs of spectators and the stern gazes of the Holy Order's representatives. Belial, now awake and no longer under Oracle's control, sat at the defense table beside Natalie. The previous night's preparations echoed in his mind as Oracle's calm, methodical words told him him on everything they had discussed while he was unconscious.

'What, really?? You're the best, Oracle!' Belial thought, grateful for the unwavering support of his internal companion.

The trial commenced, the formalities heightening the tension in the air. The judge called the court to order, and the prosecuting attorney, a stern-looking young man with sharp features, stood to present the case.

"Your Honor, members of the court, we are here today to determine the guilt of the defendant, Belial, in the matter of attempted robbery of private property. The evidence will show that Belial infiltrated a secure facility with the intent to steal valuable information and technology."

Belial stole a glance at the prosecutor's table. Adrien, a high-ranking member of the Holy Order, sat still, his eyes fixed on Belial. He appeared disinterested, letting his junior prosecutor handle the proceedings.

Natalie leaned over and whispered, "Remember, stay calm and answer truthfully. We've got this."

Belial nodded, trying to calm the storm of anxiety swirling within him. He took a deep breath, focusing on the plan they had meticulously crafted.

The junior prosecutor began calling witnesses, starting with the knights who had apprehended Belial. Their testimonies were concise, detailing how they had found Belial and Xin in the restricted area and how Belial had resisted arrest. The evidence presented included surveillance footage showing Belial's presence in the facility.

When it was Natalie's turn, she stood gracefully and approached the stand. "Your Honor, we do not dispute that my client was in the facility. However, the circumstances surrounding his presence there are not as nefarious as the prosecution suggests."

She called Xin to the stand. He looked nervous but determined as he took the oath and sat down. Natalie began her questioning.

"Xin, can you please tell the court why you and Belial were at the facility?"

Xin swallowed hard and nodded. "We were investigating the disappearance of a mutual friend, Jia. We had reason to believe that the facility held clues to her whereabouts. Belial was only trying to help."

Natalie nodded. "And did Belial at any point attempt to steal anything from the facility?"

"No," Xin replied firmly. "He was there to find information, not to steal. We were caught off guard and didn't expect such heavy security."

The prosecutor cross-examined Xin, attempting to undermine his credibility, but Natalie had prepared him well. Xin remained steadfast in his testimony, maintaining that their intent was to find Jia, not to commit theft.

Next, Natalie called Leah to the stand. Leah's composed demeanor and articulate responses added weight to Belial's defense. She spoke of Belial's contributions to the guild, his bravery, and his loyalty. She emphasized that he had always acted in the best interests of others.

Finally, Natalie called Cole to testify. His presence commanded respect, and the court listened intently as he vouched for Belial's character. Cole described Belial's commitment to the guild, highlighting his selflessness and dedication.

"Belial is a valued member of our guild," Cole said. "He has risked his life numerous times for the safety and well-being of others especially during the guild wars incident, when the holy order was nowhere to be seen. The idea that he would engage in theft is preposterous. I can have a fellow guild leader Ms. stephane of the silver skies guild support me in this claim"

"Ms. stephane do you agree with this statement?" the judge asked

"Yes I do"she said raising hand

With the defense's case presented, it was time for closing arguments. The junior prosecutor was surprised that Belial had connections with someone like Stephane. He quickly reiterated the evidence, maintaining that Belial's actions were suspicious and indicative of criminal intent.

Natalie, however, delivered a powerful closing argument. "Ladies and gentlemen of the court, my client is not a criminal. He is a young man driven by loyalty and the desire to protect his friends. His actions, while perhaps misguided, were not malicious. He was seeking answers, not profit. I ask you to consider his character, his motives, and the testimonies of those who know him best."

The judges retreated to deliberate, leaving the courtroom in a tense silence. Belial's heart pounded as he waited, every second stretching into an eternity.

After what felt like hours, the judges returned. The head judge, an imposing figure with a stern expression, delivered the verdict.

"Given the evidence presented and the testimonies heard, we find the defendant, Belial, not guilty of the charges brought against him. However, we urge him to exercise caution and respect for private property in the future. Case dismissed."

A wave of relief swept through the courtroom. Belial, though exhausted and still grappling with the weight of the ordeal, managed a weak smile. Natalie patted his back reassuringly.

"We did it," she whispered.

The guild members who had attended the trial erupted in cheers. Emily and Leah rushed to Belial's side, hugging him tightly. Cole gave him a firm nod, a rare expression of approval.

The courtroom, which had just been filled with relieved murmurs and the rustle of movement, suddenly stilled as Captain Adrien Carter rose to his feet. His presence commanded immediate respect, and his expression was one of grim determination.

"I have another claim for our suspect," Adrien announced, his voice cutting through the low hum of conversation like a blade. The judge, recognizing the weight carried by Adrien's reputation, allowed him to approach the bench.

"Captain Carter, you may proceed," the judge intoned, a slight frown creasing his brow.

Adrien stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Belial with an intensity that made the young man's stomach twist. Belial, still basking in the relief of the verdict, felt a sudden chill wash over him.

"During the guild wars," Adrien began, his voice steady and cold, "we knights may have arrived late, but we conducted thorough investigations of the battles that took place. Among the evidence we collected were blood samples."

The mention of blood samples made Belial's heart skip a beat. He tried to pay attention, but the surge of adrenaline from the earlier verdict still had him slightly dazed.

Adrien continued, his gaze never wavering from Belial. "We cross-referenced these samples with records we have on file. One such record pertains to a former guild member of Cole Blackburn—Alexander Drummond. Fortunately, we still have DNA samples from a hundred years ago."

Belial's eyes widened, and he snapped back to full attention, a sense of dread creeping over him. Natalie stiffened beside him, sensing the shift in the room's atmosphere.

"Mr. Carter, where are you going with this?" the judge asked, his tone cautious but curious.

Adrien didn't hesitate. "We also found fresh DNA samples that matched those of Alexander Drummond. However, we discovered something else—new DNA that matched neither Alexander's nor any known human or other races profiles."

A hush fell over the courtroom, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Belial's pulse raced as he glanced at Natalie, who had turned pale.

"We suspect and accuse that Belial Noctis of the Phoenix guild. is a demon," Adrien declared, his voice echoing through the silent room like a death knell.