DARIGEG+N Chapter 14 The Shadow Of Suspicion

The aroma of sizzling spices and the lively chatter of patrons filled Siddharth's restaurant. It was the lunch rush, a chaotic ballet of orders, deliveries, and satisfied customers. Siddharth, his sleeves rolled up, moved through the bustling room with practiced ease, his mind focused on the rhythm of his work. He tried to push the lingering unease from his mind, the memory of the dungeon and the chilling voice of Mrit a haunting echo in the back of his thoughts.

Suddenly, the cheerful atmosphere was disrupted by the entrance of a soldier. He was clad in the full regalia of the Grandmaster's guard, his polished armor gleaming under the restaurant's warm lights. His presence commanded attention, his demeanor radiating authority.The soldier's eyes scanned the room, his gaze sweeping over the crowded tables. "Is Siddharth here?" he called out firmly, his voice cutting through the noise.A wave of apprehension washed over Siddharth. His heart pounded against his ribs. He knew, deep down, that this was about that night, about the dungeon, about Mrit. He had tried to bury the memories, to convince himself it was all a bad dream, but the soldier's presence brought it all crashing back.He forced himself to remain calm, to project an air of normalcy. He stepped forward, his movements measured. "I'm Siddharth," he said cautiously, his voice betraying none of the fear that gripped him.The soldier's expression remained impassive. "The Grandmasters have summoned you," he stated. "Come immediately."Siddharth's mind raced. He knew resistance was futile. The Grandmasters held all the power in the city. Refusal was not an option. He nodded slowly, trying to project an air of cooperation. "Of course," he replied, his voice carefully neutral.He glanced at his staff, offering a reassuring smile. "I'll be back soon," he said. "Keep things running smoothly."He followed the soldier out of the restaurant, his steps heavy with dread.The grand palace loomed before him, ancient and imposing. Its towering walls and ornate architecture spoke of power and authority, a symbol of the Grandmasters' rule. Siddharth felt small and insignificant in its shadow.He was escorted through the palace gates, past silent guards and sprawling courtyards, until he reached a grand hall. The hall was vast and majestic, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings, its floors covered in rich carpets. At the far end of the hall, seated on a raised dais, were the seven Grandmasters. They were robed in their ceremonial attire, their faces grim and solemn. Their presence radiated authority and suspicion, making Siddharth's heart pound even harder.Grandmaster Kurogami's voice cut through the tense atmosphere, his words sharp and direct. "Siddharth," he said, his gaze piercing. "Tell us everything about that night. We know you were there."Siddharth's mind raced. He had anticipated this. He knew they would question him. He had to be careful. He couldn't reveal the truth about Mrit. It would mean certain death, not only for him but possibly for his family as well."I… I got lost in the chaos," he stammered, his voice trembling slightly. "There was an explosion… I don't remember much after that."The Grandmasters exchanged glances, their doubt evident. They didn't believe him. They could feel it in their bones. Something was being hidden.Grandmaster Ayaka Tenjou stepped forward, her expression unreadable. She raised her hands, and they began to glow with an ethereal energy. "Hold still," she commanded, her voice soft but firm.Siddharth tensed, his muscles tightening. He knew what she was doing. She was scanning him, searching for any trace of Mrit's influence. He tried to remain outwardly calm, to project an air of innocence, but inside, his heart was pounding like a drum.The scan seemed to take an eternity. Ayaka's glowing hands moved over his body, her gaze fixed on him. Siddharth held his breath, waiting for the inevitable.Finally, Ayaka lowered her hands, her brow furrowed. "Nothing…" she said, her voice laced with surprise. "I sense nothing unusual."The Grandmasters were perplexed. They had expected to find some sign of Mrit's presence, some residue of his dark power. But there was nothing. Siddharth appeared to be… normal.Siddharth was dismissed, but the Grandmasters convened a private meeting. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with suspicion."We have no proof linking him to Mrit or any dark influence," Kurogami admitted reluctantly. "His story is… plausible, albeit vague.""But something doesn't sit right," Tenjou added, her voice thoughtful. "I felt it that night. The surge of power… it was unlike anything I've ever experienced. And Daltrin's disappearance… it's all connected.""We can't apprehend him without justification," another Grandmaster pointed out. "We need evidence."After a heated discussion, the council reached a decision. They couldn't ignore their suspicions, but they couldn't act without proof."We will monitor Siddharth discreetly," Kurogami declared. "We will assign agents to observe his actions, to track his movements. We will increase security throughout the city. We must be vigilant for any signs of Mrit's influence.""And we will keep the investigation open," Tenjou added. "We will continue to gather information, to search for any clue that might link Siddharth to Mrit. But we must do so discreetly. We cannot afford to alarm the populace."The Grandmasters nodded in agreement. They knew they were walking a tightrope. They had to protect the world from Mrit, but they couldn't incite panic or create unnecessary fear. The shadow of suspicion hung over Siddharth, a dark cloud that threatened to engulf him. The game had begun.

Chapter 14 - The Shadow of Suspicion

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