From that point on, I never really visited Wilharrow. I spent all of my time training with Master without sleep, which is weird because I'm a Spirit and he's not.
("Is he even human?") [Solace]
During this time, I also made time to guide my disciples or had my Master help too.
("They're growing quickly.") [Solace]
In any case, I think I got the technique down, but it's pretty complicated. Maybe even abstract. It'd be pretty hard to explain. Anyway, it didn't take long for Fina's trial to be announced.
("It will be held in two days, huh.") [Solace]
"Will you be attending, Master?" [Solace]
Master shook his head.
"I believe you are enough." [Vincent]
Hearing that made me feel pride well up in my chest. Even though Master always puts me in troublesome situations, his words still hold power.
"Will you be attending in human form or spirit form?" [Vincent]
"Spirit form? What's that?" [Tyrnius]
My disciples overheard our conversation, causing them to approach with the usual curiosity a child bears.
"Hm… How should I explain it?" [Vincent]
Master turned to me, expecting me to speak.
("Should I tell them that I'm actually a spirit?") [Solace]
It was a troubling situation. Personally, I didn't mind if the children found out about my true form. However, it felt weird letting them know when even my comrades aren't aware of my identity.
("Well, they're just kids.") [Solace]
"This is what a spirit is." [Solace]
I switched to spirit form, revealing my small yellow humanoid body.
"Master became… small?" [Tyrnius]
"I think that's the first time I've seen you like that." [Nakros]
"Woah~. You're so cool Master!" [Misa]
"I usually pretend to be human, but this is what I really am." [Solace]
I then returned to human form.
"Remember kids, keep this a secret." [Solace]
"Yes, Master." [Tyrnius]
"Why? You look so cool!" [Misa]
"Ah… A lot of bad things will happen if people find out." [Solace]
"...Bad things?" [Misa]
Her expression darkened as if she recalled the time she and Tyrnius were captured.
"N-Nevermind that, Misa. Uncle Nakros has a surprise for you." [Solace]
"I do?" [Nakros]
I decided to dump Misa off on Nakros.
"I-I mean I do! Misa, I've got a cool toy from another uncle~." [Nakros]
As Nakros drew her away, Tyrnius followed even though he seemed a little curious about what Master and I were talking about.
"I think I'll attend the trial in spirit form, Master." [Solace]
Master nodded in agreement.
"A sensible choice. You can remain by Fina's side while invisible." [Vincent]
As expected of Master.
"Wait, how did you know I could go invisible?" [Solace]
"Every spirit does that." [Vincent]
"Oh." [Solace]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I waited for the trial anxiously. I returned to Fina's side back at her cell early in the day to ensure her protection just in case. I found her laying in bed still asleep, that is until one of the female guards banged against the cell with an iron rod.
"Wake up! It's time for your trial!" [Rude Guard]
She then tossed in some clothes for Fina.
"Ugh…" [Fina]
Fina rubbed her eyes drowsily, picking herself out of bed slowly.
"Hurry up! We don't have time for this!" [Rude Guard]
She struck the cell bars again, but Fina only yawned in response.
"Thinking light of me are you?" [Rude Guard]
Unlocking the cell door, the guard raised the rod to strike her. However, she froze upon meeting Fina's eyes.
"You don't have to keep yelling. I'll be out in a moment." [Fina]
Staring at Fina, the guard slowly retracted the rod before exiting the cell.
"Hmph." [Rude Guard]
Fina washed up and changed into the trial clothes provided. She wore something simple. A long sleeved shirt and pants that were pure white.
("At least they gave her clean clothes.") [Solace]
I followed them out to find that there were eight guards escorting Fina. They marched towards the east of the campus, later entering a very crowded area. A path was opened for Fina, but the people glared at her with intense hatred.
("Wait, this place… looks familiar?") [Solace]
We were headed towards the colosseum, a place I've only visited once since getting summoned.
"Die, you witch!" [Crowd Member]
A fruit was thrown at Fina, striking the back of her head.
"You have no right to be here!" [Crowd Member]
Another fruit was thrown, staining her white clothes.
("...I get it now. The clothes made people want to stain it.") [Solace]
The tactics of nobles were disgusting. They knew human nature would make the people want to ruin the whole outfit, meaning the fruits wouldn't stop until every inch of Fina was struck.
("Hold yourself back, Solace. You can't afford to show yourself.") [Solace]
The weirdest part was that I was sure Fina could dodge it, but she didn't.
("Maybe she has some sort of plan?") [Solace]
We continued into the colosseum, entering through a lower level much like the time I participated in a tournament. At some point the escort stopped guiding us and they just instructed us to appear when called for.
("This place is really does look like the waiting room for the tournament.") [Solace]
Other than the entrance and the exit, it was just a brick room with stone benches here and there. I could hear the roaring voices of a crowd outside, so it was safe to assume that this trial was going to be a spectacle.
"We now call upon the criminal Finea Kane to the stand!" [???]
A booming voice echoed throughout the colosseum.
("That's our cue.") [Solace]
I followed Fina as she entered the colosseum, the small brick room opening up to a massive open circular area. The walls of the arena rose high. So high I had to crane my neck to see how full the seats were. Above even the crowd was a section for nobles, where I could see the Lord of Metus and a few unfamiliar faces. In the middle of the arena was a stone podium, most likely set up with earth magic considering the magical residue I could see coming off it.
("They couldn't even bother making it by hand?") [Solace]
I admit it was probably convenient, I was just hating. Anyway, the trial started once Fina stood at the podium.
"Quiet!" [???]
An armored man standing by the lord's side made the whole colosseum fall silent.
"Finea Kane. Do you know your crimes?" [Lord of Metus]
A clear voice resounded. Considering the tone, I can only assume some sort of sound amplification skill was in play.
"No." [Fina]
The Lord of Metus motioned to the armored man next to him. The man then took out a scroll, unfurled it, and started reading aloud.
"Finea Kane, you have committed the crimes below! First! The involvement of bringing a traitor into the hero's party!" [Armored Man]
They're bullshitting, but okay.
"Second! Assisting in the murder of a |Divine| Beast!" [Armored Man]
I kind of did that one by myself.
"Third, assisting in the murder of another hero!" [Armored Man]
That was also just me.
"Fourth, attempting to steal the glory of slaying a demon lord from another hero!" [Armored Man]
That was Edwin though.
"Fifth! Claiming false innocence when already found guilty!" [Armored Man]
Okay now they're just throwing random shit out.
"Do you admit your crimes?!" [Armored Man]
Fina didn't even hesitate.
"No." [Fina]
After hearing her answer, the Lord of Metus began discussing among the others. There were four seats up there in total. One, the Lord of Metus. Two, probably that apostle Wilharrow was talking about. I'm assuming because of the white and gold robes alongside all the symbols. Third was the overseer, someone who was scribbling something on paper. They looked like a scholar. Fourth was a hooded man. Maybe he was the special guest. After some time, they settled their conversation.
"We will now vote on your punishment." [Armored Man]]
I felt anxious as the armored man paused for suspense.
"Please raise your hand if Finea Kane should be executed." [Armored Man]
Only two raised their hands. It was the overseer and the apostle.
("Maybe the Lord of Metus isn't that bad of a guy?") [Solace]
"Two for, and two against. It is a tie." [Armored Man]
The Lord of Metus nodded.
"It appears we cannot reach a consensus. Let us move on to the second trial." [Lord of Metus]
I take back my words. It was obvious the tie was scripted. They just wanted to make the second trial happen.
"The next trial is trial by combat! If Fina comes out the victor, all crimes will be rendered void!" [Armored Man]
The hooded man stood up. Taking a deep breath, he leapt from the noble's seating and dropped into the arena with a loud boom.
("He must be pretty high level with that kind of durability…") [Solace]
I was extra on guard because only people with high levels can do that, with the sole exclusion of myself. Putting that aside, Fina stepped down from the podium, causing it to crumble into sand.
("Convenient indeed.") [Solace]
The man tossed off his cloak, causing the crowd to cheer.
("That guy…!") [Solace]
A man built like an ox, wearing hardened leather only on vital points. It was someone I recognized from my earlier days.
("It's the Colosseum's Champion!") [Solace]
"Stand proud! I, Orthos, will be the executioner of the heretic Finea Kane!" [Orthos]
It was then that the eccentric announcer appeared. It wasn't hard to identify him with his striped clothing and oversized feather hat.
"I, Payne, am honored to be the announcer of today's trial! On the Hero's side, we have Orthos, our Champioooon!" [Payne]
The applause and cheers erupted at the man's introduction.
"On the heretic's side, we have Finea Kane, ally to Alt the Cruel Sinner!" [Payne]
It was amazing how fast the cheers switched to boos.
"Now, enough talking! The trial begins… Now!!!" [Payne]