Chapter 53 - 52: The Tribunal
"Execute him now before this spreads."
Director Voss slammed his fist against polished mahogany. The Hunter Association’s meeting room buzzed with tension. Board members filled leather chairs around the massive table. Regional directors clutched classified reports. Guild liaisons whispered into communication crystals. War veterans sat stone-faced, their scars telling stories of battles that shaped continents.
"Public execution sends the wrong message," Regional Director Kane shot back. His weathered hands gripped the table edge. "Virell was corrupt. Everyone knows it."
"Irrelevant." Guild Liaison Crest’s voice cut through the argument. "We don’t solve problems with vigilante murder."
The marble walls echoed with clashing voices. Politics mixed with fear. Old alliances cracked under pressure. New ones formed in whispered corners.
Archivist Solde adjusted his glasses. "The records are clear. Tobias Virell violated hunter codes seventeen times in five years. Civilian casualties. Unauthorized executions. The Attack on Leon’s mother was documented aggression."
"Documentation doesn’t matter," Director Voss snapped. "Perception matters. Seven guild leaders want blood. The public thinks we’re weak."
"The public thinks we ignored a monster until someone else cleaned up our mess," Kane replied.
Arguments bounced between factions. Some demanded immediate execution to restore order. Others pushed for investigation into systemic corruption. A few suggested exile to neutral territories.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
Heavy doors opened with mechanical precision. Every voice died. Every head turned.