Trial Part 2

The first day flew by since Vera had returned and given me a book. At this point, I'm pretty sure the entire school is spreading rumors about me. It shouldn't matter, though, since I know I didn't assault anyone; I should be fine.

Hours later, someone knocked on the door before opening it. In his hand was a small letter labeled "Sent from the Head of the Crown Corporation." He handed it to me and closed the door again. 

I opened the letter, expecting anger, but it was something much worse: it contained disownment papers. I set the papers down and just stared at the door longer than I intended. 

The door opened again, and it was Vera. "Your trial is now." He placed handcuffs on me and slowly led me to the end of a hall. When he opened the door, I heard the click of hundreds of cameras. 

The trial system was foolproof in theory. They would use a truth serum on both parties, but the only issue was that if a person genuinely believed something absurd, like the sky being green, that would be their answer. 

He sat me down and removed the handcuffs. "Do you know how these trials work?" I nodded. "Good. Then you know you need to drink this." He held out a small vial filled with a green liquid. I nodded and drank it; it tasted like mint. 

"Do you know the student named Selene?" I answered without thinking, "Yes." He continued asking questions until he reached, "Explain the events that led up to you being in Selene's room." I told them almost everything, excluding the part about me dying. 

They nodded. "Do you have any witnesses to confirm this?" I shook my head. "No." I heard a murmur go through the room. "Send him back to the holding room while we examine Selene to see if both stories match up." I was cuffed again and taken back to the same room. 

I sat in that room for another 40 minutes before I was released. When I walked out, Vera said, "I'm sorry," and bowed. I looked at him, mildly confused. "What's been said in the student populace? These rumors... well, you'll see." We didn't speak any further until I reached the door. 

"There are a lot of reporters out there. If you want, I can get them to move." I shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me; I'll get through the crowd." 

In reality, I could barely make it through. They bombarded me with questions, but I didn't respond to any of them. From their questions, it was clear that the rumors had gotten completely out of hand. 

Eventually, I made it back to my dorm, where the main cast was waiting. "Is it true?" Vesper asked. I should have answered, but out of anger, I just pushed past everyone into my room. 

"ANSWER THE QUESTION, DAMMIT!" Leon yelled as I opened the door, attempting to stop me from entering. His hand rested on my shoulder. "Fuck off." I activated Corrupter's Will. After a few seconds, Leon's body seized up. "Don't touch me either." I closed and locked the door. 

They pounded on it, but it wouldn't budge. Eventually, they gave up and started blowing up my phone. In response, I put it on Do Not Disturb; I needed my plan more than ever. 

I also needed a source of income. My only options were to either start a new company or join an existing one. I looked down at my phone and saw over 200 notifications, but only one stood out: a message from Zayne sent yesterday. 

I replied to his worries, assuring him that I was fine and that the rumors weren't true. By the time I set my phone down, I hadn't received a response, so I continued with my plans.