I continued chatting with Hanna for the rest of the evening, getting to know her better and sharing bits and pieces of my own life. It felt good to connect with someone on a deeper level, even if it was through a screen.
IM observed me from the other bed, a thoughtful expression on his face. "What's your next move?" he asked, breaking the silence.
I looked at him, a soft smile on my lips. "I've never been in a relationship before, but I guess I'm going to try to get closer to her. Even though..."
"She's famous, isn't she?" IM finished my sentence, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
"You're right, She's an idol in the biggest girl group in the country. Do you think I have a chance?"
"That's a tough one," IM replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Are you going to blackmail her?"
"No, no! I'm just going to try my best to win her over," I protested, shaking my head.
"Hmm... We'll see how that goes," IM said, unconvinced.
The courtroom was packed, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. Reporters jostled for position, their cameras flashing as they captured the arrival of the key players in the Asmar corruption case.
I sat with the Unveiled Family, tucked away in a corner of the gallery, our presence unnoticed by the throng of journalists and curious onlookers. We watched as Asmar, handcuffed and flanked by two burly officers, was led into the courtroom, his face a mask of defiance.
The proceedings began, the judge's voice echoing through the hushed chamber. Witness testimonies, expert opinions, and mountains of evidence were presented, painting a damning picture of Asmar's crimes.
The room buzzed with whispers as the details of his corruption and abuse of power were laid bare.
As the evidence mounted, Asmar's defense team struggled to maintain their composure. Their client's composure was equally strained, his face pale and his eyes darting nervously around the courtroom.
The prosecutor, a sharp-witted woman with a commanding presence, delivered her closing arguments with a passion that resonated throughout the room. She spoke of Hana's innocence, her dreams cut short by a man who abused his power for his own selfish desires. She spoke of the lawyer who had been silenced for daring to stand up to corruption. And she spoke of the countless others who had suffered at the hands of this monster.
The jury deliberated for hours, their faces etched with the weight of their decision. Finally, the moment of truth arrived.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asked, his voice booming through the silent courtroom.
"We have, Your Honor," the jury foreman replied, standing up.
The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I held my breath, my hands clenched tightly in my lap.
"We find the defendant, Asmar B.P.S., guilty on all charges," the foreman declared.
A wave of relief washed over me, tears welling up in my eyes. Justice had been served. Hana's killer would finally pay for his crimes.
Asmar was sentenced to life in prison, his career and reputation in ruins. He was led away in handcuffs, his head bowed in shame.
A wave of relief washed over me. Justice had been served. Hana's killer would finally pay for his crimes.
As Asmar was led away in handcuffs, his head bowed in shame, reporters swarmed him, shouting questions and snapping photos. The courtroom erupted in a frenzy, the sound of camera shutters and reporters' voices a cacophony of noise.
Meanwhile, I sat with the Unveiled Family, a quiet sense of satisfaction settling over us.
"Finally in jail, huh?" Dove whispered, a satisfied smile on her face.
We nodded, our hearts lighter knowing that justice had been done.
Suddenly, the courtroom fell silent. A strange, unsettling energy filled the air, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.
What just happened? I looked around, my eyes wide with alarm.
Everyone in the courtroom, except for my family and Asmar, had collapsed onto the floor, their bodies limp and unresponsive.
Bwooong!
A chilling sound echoed through the room, and a figure materialized in the center of the courtroom. It was the same ice demon I had fought the night before, its icy eyes glowing with malevolent intent.
The air grew cold, and a wave of fear washed over the onlookers.
"Xian!" IM's voice boomed through the courtroom, snapping me out of my shock.
Asmar, his face contorted with rage, pointed an accusing finger at me. "You! This is your fault!" he roared, his voice filled with venom.
I realized then that Asmar had seen me at the warehouse. He knew I was responsible for the blackout and the theft of his possessions. A cold dread washed over me as I understood the implications of his accusation.
"IM, take care of Asmar!" I shouted, my voice firm and resolute. "I'll handle the demon!"
IM nodded, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Asmar.
The rest of the Unveiled family sprang into action, their faces hardened with determination.
"We're with you, Xian," Dove declared, her voice unwavering.
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest.
Clank!
Yolan grabbed a metal rod from a nearby railing and transformed it into a gleaming sword, its edges shimmering with a deadly sharpness.
The courtroom descended into pandemonium. People screamed and fainted as the ice demon's chilling aura washed over them. Ordinary humans couldn't withstand the overwhelming presence of such a powerful creature.
I leapt into action, my instincts taking over. I pressed the button on my watch, and the familiar weight of the gun materialized in my hand.
Bang! Bang!
I fired two shots at the demon, the bullets ricocheting off its icy hide.
The demon roared in pain, its eyes blazing with fury.
Swoosh!
Yolan lunged forward, her sword gleaming in the dim light. With a powerful arc, she slashed at the demon's arm, leaving a deep gash in its icy flesh.
Dove, her face a mask of concentration, locked eyes with the ice demon. In a swift motion, she winked.
Twinkle!
A flash of light erupted from her eye, momentarily blinding the demon. The creature stumbled backward, its icy form flickering as it struggled to maintain its composure. It was about to collapse when it suddenly regained its senses.
Roarrr!
The demon let out a furious roar, shaking the courtroom once again. I didn't hesitate. I aimed the gun at its hands, hoping to disarm it before it could cause more damage.
< Chapter 093 > Fin.