The court instantly became silent.

Devon could tell. His work was done.

He let his words sit with them as he went back to his seat.

At the same time, Boyed came down the stand.

He gave Soren a look and then went back to his seat.

The bald man—a part of the jury—turned to look at his colleagues.

A few of them shook their heads at him. And he instantly understood, similarly returning.

Within the Almace empire, education was free. But the quality received differs in accordance with class.

While those of the lower class received just enough to ensure their continuous loyalty and submission to the empire, the noble class and those that worked for them were educated more.

Of course, a fierce foundation of education was history.

History, the prime enforcer of pride, lineage, status, and, well enough... fear.

Soren did not know who the Waterfells were. Apart from that day Machos died, and he heard it in the dying whisper of the old man, he had never thought too much about it.

It was not like it affected his life in any way.

But now.

Now, it was different.

Soren knew fear when he saw it. Too many battles, too many deaths, too much suffering.

He knew it.

Right now, it permeated the air, invisible but thick.

A name.

It had only been a name, and all the hyenas surrounding the cub halted in their steps, their tails tugged in between their legs, fangs hidden, and claws retracted.

Just a name.

It was unbelievable.

What kind of power did one family without a physical presence for over ten years have to make such powerful people quiver?

And if they were really so powerful, then why did he have to suffer all this time?

Why did he have to scavenge for rat meat in winter, dig up roots for broth, or endure ceaseless humiliation?

No, why was he even born?

Soren's fingers tightened into a fist.

"Hey, you have something at your lips there." Devon suddenly interrupted his train of thought.

Soren wiped the corner of his lips. It was blood. He had been filled with so much rage that he did not notice he had bitten his tongue so hard it bled.

"Thank you," he replied, avoiding Devon's gaze.

"Hmmm..." Devon nodded. He knew he did have to say more.

The older generation always had a way of leaving trauma behind for the younger generation.

"So, what's going to happen now?" Soren asked.

"We wait for it."

The council members whispered amongst themselves.

They had a range of emotions expressed on their faces, but the most prominent remained fear.

"Cough... Due to the new evidence that has been brought to light, this court has come to the conclusion that it does not have the power nor jurisdiction to settle disputes amongst noble families.

As a result, we cannot punish Cadet Soren Waterfell for the crime of killing another noble."

Devon smiled. "Yes."

"But your honor," the prosecutor stood up in protest. "What if it's all... all a lie?"

The head council member turned to her. "And if it is true, do you think your Ivory family can manage the consequences?"

The prosecutor wanted to say something, but she froze.

Soren did not know this, but right now, various legends of the Waterfell family held the Prosecutor's tongue from talking anymore.

"If that will be all, then this case shall be dismissed." The council head beat the gavel.

Bang bang...

The council members stood up to leave.

"Uh... your honor," Devon called, stopping the council members that were about to rise.

"Yes?" The council head responded, giving Devon an angry look.

However, Devon gave a light smile back, totally ignoring their terrible mood.

Instead, he hurried forward to their high seats.

He leaned in to whisper. "Concerning my client's admission into the Imperial Soulforge Academy. I mean, it would be a waste of such raw talent."

The council head raised his head to Soren and then Devon.

Devon continued. "You wouldn't want the Academy to be accused of turning away a Waterfell, would you?"

The council head thought about it for a second. "As long as he is willing to continue his education in the academy, our doors are open to receive him."

"Thank you so much, your honor." Devon gave a light, polite bow.

However, the head council member paused. "It would seem you are doing far better in this field than your father assumed you would." He remarked, and then, without waiting for a reply, he turned and left.

Devon's smile froze for a bit. But only a bit.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor walked over to Soren, heels clacking in obvious irritation of her loss.

She stopped before him. "An Ivory always remembers debts."

Then she turned and headed off. Soren only raised a brow at those words. But did not mind.

Devon turned back to Soren. As he approached, Soren stood to his feet. "Thank you," he said, sincerely.

Devon patted him on the shoulder. "Oh, don't worry. All you have to do is get more sponsors to fill my pocket."

He gave a hearty laugh as the holographic projection in the room went off.

Devon packed his documents into his briefcase. "Oh, that reminds me. Major Boyed would like for you to contact him later. That is if you decide to continue pursuing your dream of becoming a Soul Mecha Pilot."

Soren nodded, avoiding the lawyer's gaze.

Devon could tell instantly.

"You are having doubts. That is good. Big decisions that decide our future should not be rushed.

Just make sure that for whatever reason you make them, you do not regret it."

With those words, he turned and left the room, only giving a complimentary wave at Scarvguard and Lema.

Soren stood there. A mix of emotions. He was happy that it was finally over.

But at the same time, the revelation of his origins hit hard.

He had a lot of questions in his head. But no one to ask.

No explanations.

Scarvguard approached him. "Because of the favor you did for this prison, I am going to be straightforward with you.

If you do decide to go back to the academy, just know that all eyes will be on you.

They will not be kind, and some of them will try to make you... a Waterfell, disappear."

(Author's Note: So, we are getting closer to the end of the first volume. But not quite yet. Especially because certain mysteries still remain unsolved. Some, you guys have forgotten about. Wait for it...)

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