Chapter 54 - 53: The Twelve
"State your name for the record."
The courthouse stretched before Leon, a stone cathedral built for judgment itself. Massive granite walls rose thirty feet overhead. Ancient laws were carved into every surface in scripts that predated modern civilisation. Names of legendary S-rank hunters decorated the walls in gold lettering—heroes whose power had shaped continents.
Natural light filtered through stained glass windows. Each panel depicted scenes from hunter history. The First Dimensional War. The Great Purge. The Continental Accords. Light cast colored shadows across carved inscriptions that spoke of absolute authority.
Leon walked forward. Manna-dampening cuffs circled his wrists like metal shackles. Each step echoed against stone that had witnessed three centuries of trials. His movement felt restricted but his spine stayed straight.
His eyes swept the courtroom with tactical precision. Gallery seats packed with spectators stretched behind him. Citizens pressed against enchanted barriers. News crystals recorded everything. Some faces showed curiosity. Others displayed hunger for blood.
Twelve chairs dominated the front of the courtroom. The jury that would decide his fate.
Leon’s gaze settled on each face. Analyzed expressions. Cataloged potential allies and certain enemies.
Director Maedlin Voskar sat in the first chair. A-rank hunter. Association board member. Scarred hands gripped the armrests. Cold eyes studied Leon like a threat to be eliminated. No mercy would come from this direction.
Archivist Renneth Solde occupied the second seat. B-rank hunter who looked uncomfortable in courtroom settings, Thick glasses reflected light as he shuffled throughout legal documents. Books were his preference over bloodshed. Potentially neutral.
Vice-Chairman Pyra Eltyos filled the third position. Stern face carved from granite. Association leadership but old-school military background. His eyes measured Leon’s posture. Combat experience recognized combat achievement. Maybe favorable.
Lord Kevran DeNire represented noble interests in seat four. Public supporter of House Virell. Political influence stretched across three continents. His expression showed disgust barely concealed behind aristocratic manners. Definite opposition.