The echoes of the tribunal's verdict still lingered, yet the atmosphere inside the hall remained heavy. Faction representatives whispered among themselves, their eyes flicking between Ethan and the Director, undercurrents of tension rippling through the room.
Ethan stood in the center, seemingly isolated. The incongruous smile lingered at the corner of his lips, but he knew—this time, he was just one step away from being abandoned.
Just as the tribunal officer was about to announce the supplementary clauses, a clear and resolute voice rang from the back of the crowd:
"If you intend to expel him, then count me in too."
Everyone froze and turned to look.
Karl strode to the front of the dais, his gaze sharp, his voice echoing across the hall:"Ethan may have overstepped, but without him, we would have been wiped out in Nightmare Town. He fought to hold the rift, and his clues allowed us to understand the nature of the nightmare remnants. You call him dangerous—then tell me, who else could replace him?"
The tribunal officer furrowed his brow, voice stern:"Karl, this is not the place for your clever words!"
Karl didn't back down; instead, his tone grew colder:"I'm not speaking for him. I'm speaking for the Bureau's survival. You think kicking him out will cover up what you refuse to face? No. The real danger is choosing to see nothing at all."
The hall fell into a brief, suffocating silence.
Ethan stared at Karl, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. This partner, always sarcastic and aloof, the one who seemed ready to abandon him at any moment, was now the first to stand up and vouch for him.
The Director raised an eyebrow, watching coldly, saying nothing. It was clear he was observing how the internal politics would play out.
Faction representatives exchanged glances. One muttered under his breath:"Karl, you're gambling with your own position."
Karl sneered:"Then let's gamble. At least it's more honorable than scheming in the shadows like you lot."
The tension froze completely.
—Finally, the tribunal officer sighed heavily and slammed the gavel down.
"Very well. In light of this, the current verdict is suspended. Ethan Veil will remain in the Bureau but will be placed under stricter surveillance. Any further overstepping will result in immediate expulsion."
The words lifted some of the pressure weighing on Ethan's chest. A teasing smirk tugged at his lips as he tilted his head toward Karl:"Didn't expect you to testify for me in front of all these bigwigs. Did you suddenly realize that without me, your job would be impossible?"
Karl snorted coldly, expression still sharp:"Don't flatter yourself. I'm just too lazy to deal with a new partner. Managing one idiot is enough trouble—adding another is out of the question."
Though still sarcastic, anyone listening could sense a subtle, deeper meaning behind his words.
Ethan chuckled lightly, genuine warmth flickering in his eyes. He didn't press further, merely nodding.
—
Outside the tribunal hall, the night wind swept down the corridor, sharp as a blade.
Ethan and Karl walked side by side, their footsteps echoing on the stone floor. Silence hung between them until Ethan finally spoke:"Thanks."
Karl didn't turn, replying coldly:"Don't get the wrong idea. It's not for you."
"Mm." Ethan's lips curved slightly, voice soft:"But I know."
The wind howled, distant fires flickering in the night.
Their shadows stretched across the ground, intertwining—an unbroken bond that had never been severed.