And so they waited as the jury left the courtroom to go make their assessment of the case.

Soren leaned in to ask a couple of times. But Devon stated again and again that they lost.

This was something that Soren couldn't simply wrap his head around.

After all, the prosecutor won the first round, but only the first round.

By the third—the entire courtroom had entered into a state of chaos.

Also, this was chaos that benefitted them.

So how was it that they lost?

Or was Devon just pulling his legs?

From the smile on Devon's face, Soren could not tell if he was serious or just pulling a prank.

Either way, Soren could not help but rest his head against the table.

His fingers, dancing on each other, were sweaty with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

Of course, he was not afraid of dying. But repeating this entire courtroom drama again was just going to be a hassle.

Or maybe he would have to plan an escape.

The only problem with that idea is that he would become a wanted fugitive of the state.

It is true he had gotten stronger. But not as strong as a Soul Mecha pilot.

If they decided to hunt him down, he would lose miserably.

The thoughts in his head only made him more nervous. However, he steeled his mind.

He had already come this far.

Whatever happens next could not possibly be worse than what he had faced so far, or could it?

Soren comforted himself as best as he could.

Meanwhile, when he took a peek at Devon, the man's smile only weakened his morale.

Soren did not even want to look behind at Boyed, Captain Scarvguard, and Lema.

Especially Lema. Soren did not think she liked him much.

After what felt like ages, the jury finally came back into the courtroom.

They took their seat, and one of them stepped forward with a paper in hand. It was a light-skinned bald man with rectangular glasses that shook anytime he moved his head.

Seeing the beads of sweat on his forehead, Soren wondered whether the courtroom where they were was hot.

But then he saw the man's slightly shaky fingers and got an idea of what was happening.

Devon patted his thighs. "Here it comes."

The paper was opened, and the bald man began, his voice a bit unsteady.

"In the case of Cadet Soren piloting a Soul Mecha without licensing, we find the accused acted out of ignorance and acted under emergency to save lives... Not Guilty."

Soren almost jumped from his seat. A wash of relief ran through him. He literally felt his nerves ease up on the tension.

However, Devon leaned in, "It's not over."

Only now did Soren notice that the bald man still had more to say.

But more surprising was the fact that there was no reaction from the audience.

Did they also anticipate such a thing happening?

"In the case of Cadet Soren assaulting an instructor of the Imperial Soulforge Academy and influencing other cadets to participate in mutiny—we find the accused acted on reason of ignorance and acted under emergency to save lives... Not Guilty."

Again, Soren felt relieved. But no one in the courtroom even made a sound.

Soren was starting to think that he was the only person truly worried about the outcome.

From Devon's calm, controlled expression, the man also expected this outcome.

But the bald man did not sit.

There is more?

Soren thought to himself.

"In the case of Cadet Soren ending the life of Instructor Ivory, we find the accused, based on the account of defending the state and national interest, as...not guilty."

Still no reaction. Now, Soren was absolutely sure of it. There was a catch.

There was definitely a catch.

"However..." the bald man began.

Oh shit!

"...In the case of Soren ending the life of a noble of the Almace empire, we find the accused... guilty and deserving of the full punishment according to the law of the land."

When he was done, the bald man looked Soren's way and whispered. "Sorry."

Soren frowned. "Assholes." He muttered lowly.

This time around, Soren could hear the little muttering here and there.

But he could also hear the joy in their voices.

It was just as he had suspected. He was being used as a sacrificial lamb—an example.

There was no doubt that the nobles would come after the council members for an explanation about the events that Drvon revealed.

However, for now, they needed a method to relieve themselves.

And the Council of the Soulforge Academy was more than willing to throw him into the fire—just so that his flesh may please the wild dogs.

However, something caught Soren's attention.

It was Devon. The man could not hold himself back and was chuckling lightly.

"What's so funny? We lost." Soren was really holding back the urge to smack Devon in the face.

"I promised you your freedom, Soren. You should have a little more faith in me, you know." Devon smirked.

"Order! Order!!" The council head beat the gavel again and again.

"Since Cadet Soren had been found guilty, he will receive the maximum punishment, which is the death penalty."

The council head turned to Soren. "Cadet Soren, you will be fed a dissolver to permanently destroy your bond with your shade and be hanged accordingly."

"What!" Soren's gaze bulged. This one, he was not expecting.

He had assumed they were simply going to hang him.

But a Dissolver?

As if on cue, Captain Scarvguard walked to the front of the courtroom with a tray in hand. His expression was stern, but he looked at Soren with obvious pity in his eyes.

On it was his Glassheart, and by the side was a purple vial that swarmed with a continuous purple glowing light.

The energy that came from it felt... familiar.

It was only now Soren realized what it was. It was the Crowned Jewel he had died so many times to recover.

The Irony.

(Author's note: What do you guys think will happen next? This is so juicy, even I can't wait. Please send Golden Tickets. We are pitifully low on those.)

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