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Chapter 71 - Inquiry

Mia, Bane, Sylvie, and Melody chatted quietly among themselves, trying to keep their nerves in check as they awaited the start of the inquiry. Jack stood with them, his usually calm demeanor slightly tense. The air was thick with anticipation, and the tension only increased when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hall. 

 The group turned to see the new arrival: Byron, the Guildmaster of GoldenAge. Clad in all-black martial robes and heavy leather boots, he was a commanding presence. His tan skin, spiky black hair, and the crescent moon tattoo beneath his right eye gave him an imposing air. As he drew closer, his gaze swept over the trio before settling on Melody and Jack. 

 "Guildmasters," Byron greeted with a nod, his voice carrying the weight of his position. 

 "Guildmaster," Melody and Jack replied in unison, returning the nod. The tension in the hallway was palpable, like a coiled spring ready to snap. If someone unaware of the situation had walked by, they might have thought a fight was about to break out. But despite the charged atmosphere, Byron let out a weary sigh, breaking the silence. Lately, he had been dealing with one issue after another within GoldenAge. He had learned that some of his members were being encouraged by their noble houses to defy his leadership, hoping to have him removed. The realization that years of entrenched arrogance and entitlement were festering within his guild made him despise Kane, the former Guildmaster, even more. This inquiry was just another problem on his already burdened shoulders. He had no idea what Gram had done, only that the accusations were severe—and he knew the gravity of the situation. 

 After the initial exchange of greetings, the hallway fell silent once more, tension crackling like static electricity. Sensing the unease, Byron decided to take the initiative. "Before we go in, I'd like to say, on behalf of GoldenAge, I deeply regret and am saddened by what my member may have done. I apologize in advance." 

 His words took everyone by surprise, even Jack, who placed a hand on Byron's shoulder in a rare gesture of solidarity. He understood the burden Byron carried. 

 Just as things seemed to ease slightly, a guard stepped out from the chamber. "The inquiry will begin momentarily. Please enter for the proceedings." 

 As they all entered the chamber, the door closed behind them with a heavy thud, leaving a profound silence in the hallway. 

 Inside, they saw Serena seated behind a lavish oval-shaped table, flanked by two other Vanguard members. In the center of the room stood Gram, who had just regained consciousness. Byron moved to stand beside him, his expression unreadable. When Gram's eyes locked onto Sylvie, his face twisted into a sneer, his eyes filled with undisguised malice. Serena, noticing this, let a sliver of her battle aura slip, and Gram's knees buckled under the sudden pressure. 

 "In my inquiry, you will conduct yourselves as if you have some sense. Is that understood?" Serena's voice was like a blade, sharp and unyielding. 

Everyone nodded, and Byron shook his head in disappointment. Gram still didn't grasp the severity of his situation. 

 Once everyone had taken their places, Serena formally began the proceedings. "Welcome, all. As you know, this is an official inquiry involving one member of GoldenAge, Warlord Gram, and three members from Infinite Light and OrionsHeart. Vanguard Gor, please activate the barrier." 

 Vanguard Gor, a towering figure ranked seventh among the Vanguards, clapped his hands, and a shimmering magical barrier formed along the walls, sealing the room from outside interference. 

 "As you are aware, inquiries are confidential," Serena continued, her gaze piercing as she focused on Gram. "Warlord Gram, you stand accused of dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming of a Mordell Warlord. If found guilty, the panel consisting of myself, Vanguard Gor, and Vanguard Matilda, also known as 'Mom,' will determine your punishment. The accusing party has suggested that you be stripped of your Warlord title and all associated privileges, including immediate removal from your guild. How do you plead?" 

 Byron, who had been unaware of the extent of the accusations, glanced at Melody, who was glaring daggers at Gram. His stomach churned with a mix of anger and dread. 'What the hell did you do, Gram?' he wondered. 

 Gram, however, remained defiant. He sneered, cursing Sylvie inwardly for what he perceived as her betrayal. 'If I get hammered for this, I'll make sure they all pay,' he thought darkly. 

 "Of course, I'm not guilty. This whole procedure is nonsense. Who do you think I am? If anything, they should thank me for my assistance. Who are these peasants to accuse someone like me?" Gram spat, his voice dripping with contempt. His words were laced with arrogance, and he had clearly abandoned any pretense of respect. 

 The trio could hardly believe what they were hearing. Sylvie clenched her fists, barely containing her anger. Even one of the guards by the door smirked, seemingly in agreement with Gram's attitude. 'Finally, someone speaking the truth to these lowly peasants,' the guard thought smugly. 

 Byron's expression darkened. Without waiting for Serena's approval, he stepped forward and delivered a series of brutal punches to Gram, knocking him to the ground. Both Jack and Melody nodded in approval. This was necessary—Gram had blatantly disrespected the proceedings from the moment he walked in. 

 "Mind your tongue," Byron hissed at Gram, his voice low and dangerous. "We wouldn't be here if you hadn't done something. You are embarrassing this guild." 

 

Something inside Gram snapped at that moment. He swore silently to himself that he would kill everyone involved in this farce. But for now, he fell silent, his rage simmering just beneath the surface. Byron, seeing that Gram had calmed down, nodded to Serena to continue. 

 Serena, having anticipated such an outburst, was unfazed. "We figured this might happen, which is why Matilda is here. We will now scan the memories of all three party members, as well as yours, Warlord Gram. Vanguard Matilda, please proceed." 

 Vanguard Matilda, a petite woman with an aura of immense power, extended her hands. Light and dark energies began to swirl around her as she prepared to cast her spell. 

Sylvie'sreath caught in her throat. 'That's light and dark elemental magic!' she realized with awe. The potency of Matilda's magic was so intense that even Melody felt the shift in the room's atmosphere. 'An elemental magic even rarer than my own,' Melody thought, her respect for Matilda deepening. 'I had no idea anyone could wield both.' 

 Matilda's magic enveloped the four individuals, using dark energy to scan their memories while the light energy reflected those memories to the room. It was elemental wielding on a level that left even seasoned warriors in awe. 

 As the memories played out, the tension in the room escalated. Byron's and Melody's expressions grew darker with each passing moment. Serena's grip on her chair tightened until the wood began to crack under the pressure. The memories revealed Gram's cowardice, his cruelty, and his willingness to sacrifice others to save himself. 

 When the spell concluded, the room was eerily silent. All eyes turned to Gram, who now stood exposed, his every misdeed laid bare. 

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