Extra's Descent
Chapter 391: Sanctum of Trials [1]

Another day passed, and Brandon stared blankly at the ceiling, the dull ache of his body slowly fading.

The beatings had stopped, and no one had entered his cell since.

'Seems like they have their answer.'

It was plainly obvious for him to see. This was especially so, as Illya had been informing him of the outside world the whole time.

While Illya didn't have every classified information, all Brandon needed to do was to put two and two together to come to a conclusion.

All of a sudden.

Creaaaaak…..

The room's entrance creaked open, light spilling into the dim room. Your next read is at M V L

He didn't move. He waited, uninterested in whoever entered.

"Get up."

A deep voice resounded. He didn't need to look to know who it was.

"It's time."

Brandon stood up belatedly and followed Isaac.

***

Sanctum of Trials.

Filled with big–shots, important rankers, guild, and military leaders.

At its heart, the Twelve Elders sat on a raised platform, cloaked in dark robes.

No, for some reason, they were missing one seat. An absent Elder.

In any case, the Twelve Elders, previously sixteen, was composed of ex–rankers and ex–military leaders who had stood the test of time.

Each boast a past comparable to that of Lucian Frost, and other esteemed rankers, but were now past their prime.

Still, their accomplishments were still relevant to this day.

It had to be said, Astrea Academy's late Headmaster was also a member of the Elders, back when there were still sixteen of them.

If there was anyone who knew the happenings of this world, it was them.

Which had often left Bellion confused. Why hadn't they lifted a finger when Holy Britannia was under threat?

Holy Britannia was under their jurisdiction, but not just Holy Britannia, but the entire world.

They had influence with every country there was. To them, Holy Britannia and Milis' conflict was probably two children fighting.

Not even Milis had dared to lay a finger on them.

In any case, as the defendant's family, Belle had every right to be here.

Brianna insisted on going, but Belle was afraid her fragile heart might shatter.

Amelia on the other hand, as a Constantine, also had the right to be here.

But that's where it ended, they were nothing but an audience in the Supreme Court.

"How's your investigation coming along?"

Belle asked. She too had suffered sleepless nights, the two working on different aspects of the case.

While Amelia investigated the mystery behind Evelyn's murder. Belle focused on the truth behind Evelyn's sudden predicament.

The entire room buzzed with anticipation, murmurs echoing through. So it was hard to hear each other, while trying to lower their voices as best they could.

Belle leaned in closer to Amelia, her voice calm.

"How's your investigation progressing?"

Amelia, scanning the room carefully, whispered back.

"It's becoming clearer. I'm almost certain there's a third party involved. Whoever they are, they're connected to the Blood Crescent Moon massacre."

"Connected how?"

Belle raised an eyebrow.

Amelia glanced around to ensure no one was listening.

"I requested access to the surveillance footage. Certain time frames were erased, deliberately. The staff couldn't explain it, but this isn't just a coincidence. I believe whoever tampered with those recordings is the same person involved in Miss Evelyn's death."

Belle processed the information quietly.

"You're saying this third party was not only present but is trying to cover their tracks, erasing the surveillance?"

"Exactly. But it's not just about the footage being missing. It's the precision. The times when key events happened are gone. It's too clean."

And there was one more thing Amelia was certain of.

This third party….

"It's related to the woman Ben Dover was secretly seeing."

"I see."

"I dug into his patient records, but none of it leads anywhere substantial, until now. The missing footage, the sudden massacre, and Evelyn's murder—they're all pieces of the same puzzle."

Belle crossed her arms.

"It's a stretch, but I see where you're going. Clearly, the third party is connected to Blood Crescent Moon's massacre. If that's the case, they must be targeting high profile rankers."

Belle hit the mark. That was exactly what was floating in Amelia's head.

"But if they went to such lengths to delete footage, they won't stop there. We need more than theories, Amelia. We need solid evidence."

Amelia's expression tightened.

"I know. I'm just grasping at straws at this point, only using the hint Brandon gave me to spark the investigation. It's difficult to pin down who's pulling the strings."

Belle thought for a moment, then leaned closer

"Did you try accessing any other systems? Maybe records tied to the security firm or higher-level government databases? Maybe surveillance footage around the hotel?"

"I've been pulling strings, but it's delicate. We can't afford to tip them off. Whoever is behind this, they're skilled, and they're connected. If they realize we're getting close, they'll wipe everything clean. Maybe even…."

Amelia trailed off from there. She was well aware she was trudging dangerous territory.

If by any chance, she had gotten too close to unraveling the third party, there was a chance she would be the next target.

But if it were to prove Brandon's innocence in all this….

Or at least, paint the entire picture properly to the Twelve Elders, then Amelia would go through such lengths for him.

They had no idea what they were dealing with.

"Then it's my turn."

Belle briefly glanced at Bellion, who was sitting in front of them, then looked back at Amelia, leaned in close, and whispered.

"This trial…. I'm fairly certain Brandon's gonna come out innocent."

"Really? Then—"

Before Amelia could finish her sentence.

Slam—!

The massive doors of the Sanctum of Trials slammed open with a deafening thud, drawing all attention to the entrance.

Brandon emerged with two guards behind him. Mana shackles glowed faintly around his wrists.

His face bore bruises, dark shadows under his eyes, most probably from sleepless nights.

He looked entirely different. His hair was an inky black color, and his eyes bore a hollow dull color.

Amelia stared at the mana shackles.

From what she knew, this appearance Brandon took meant he was under the effects of [Elemental Assimilation].

She had seen his form revert, the first time he was shackled.

The others may not know of this, but Amelia was sure of it.

'The shackles aren't working.'

Because his [Elemental Assimilation] was active.

In any case, despite the visible damage, his expression remained unreadable, cold and indifferent, as if the beatings hadn't affected him at all.

Amelia watched him carefully, her breath hitching at the sight of him.

She could see past the bruises and injuries, past the cold expression.

She could see the weight of everything he was carrying, hidden beneath that blank stare.

But what was truly alarming was how resigned he seemed. He wasn't fighting. Not anymore.

Her heart sank at that moment.

To stand on trial for the murder of Evelyn, a person Amelia knew, he held closely in his heart—akin to that of a mentor, a sister figure, and secondary mother.

Just thinking about it crushed her soul.

And the sheer act of killing her, even when it was clear he never wanted to….

She clenched her fist, thinking about the entire situation.

Brandon was led to the center of the chamber, directly before the raised platform where the Twelve Elders sat—or rather, Eleven Elders.

The room fell into a tense silence.

Brandon had no one to defend him. It was just him, alone, to verbally exchange with the Elders.

The head of the Elders, a silver-haired woman, observed Brandon for a long moment before speaking, her voice echoing throughout the chamber.

"Brandon Locke, you stand accused of the murder of Evelyn Cessna, a respected figure within our ranks. Do you have anything to say in your defense before we proceed?"

"...."

Brandon's gaze slowly shifted up to meet hers.

His voice, when he finally spoke, was calm, devoid of emotion.

"Nothing that will change your minds."

A murmur rippled through the audience at his words. Amelia stiffened, her heart racing.

What was Brandon playing at? He couldn't just stand there and let this happen, not without a fight.

The Elder's expression remained unmoved.

"You admit to the crime?"

Brandon's lips twitched slightly, not quite a smile, but something close.

"I admit to being there. But the truth is something none of you are prepared to hear."

The silence that followed was thick with tension.

Belle leaned forward, gripping her seat tightly. Amelia felt the weight of every eye in the room on Brandon.

"Explain yourself, Locke."