21 The Murder (2/2)
Gasps of shock echoed out as the public understood that Ramph Zelu's words were actually very reasonable.
\”You have to be the first one to prove its innocence!\” The disconsolate parent demanded.
Thorn unhesitatingly decided to cooperate: \”Okay.\”
As soon as that word fell, his eyes began to shine, and a connection between his soul and Ramph Zelu's materialized.
Feeling in his very soul that Thorn wouldn't be able to deceive him, Ramph Zelu sternly asked: \”Do you know who the murderer of my son is?\”
\”I have no idea. I don't even know anyone who had desires or reasons to kill him.\” Thorn answered in a way that made his innocence clear.
\”I see… Well, then, would you use your Racial Skill to help me interrogate every single attendee of this tournament?\” Ramph Zelu asked in a tone that didn't allow a 'no' for answer.
\”I'll definitely help you.\”
\”Good!\” Ramph Zelu exclaimed, satisfied with Thorn's quick response.
Thorn then moved onto the platform, and was about to start with his task; but just before he could do that, he heard Rose's whisper in his ear. At that instant, his eyes lit up; however, he quickly changed such look into a solemn one, and activated his Awakened Skill eyeing the entire western region of the hall.
\”You can all show your thumb up to say 'yes' and thumb down to say 'no'. To discern the truth, that gesture will suffice. Now, you all, allow me to touch your souls.\” Thorn explained and commanded. Afterward, he activated his Racial Skill shocking everyone. Yes, he was using his Soul Linking Gaze on tens of thousands of individuals at the same time!
\”Do you know who Resh Zelu's murderer is?\” He sharply asked.
All the persons who were connected with Thorn's soul showed their own thumb down in unison, it was quite the amazing sight.
Thorn nodded at them, and deactivated his Racial Skill. Turning around, he was now facing the entire eastern part of the hall. This time, he didn't give any explanation or command and directly activated his Racial Skill.
\”Do you know who Resh Zelu's murderer is?\” He once again asked.
And just as the other people, they also showed their own thumb down in unison.
He deactivated his Racial Skill and turned toward the south of the hall, whereupon he did the same. Finally, he turned toward the north to once again do the same.
By the time Thorn ended with the interrogations, people became restless wondering who the culprit or culprits might be.
Thorn, however, had a troubled expression as he turned to face Ramph Zelu.
Only after a long moment of silence and suspense did he inform: \”… Nobody here is the culprit…\”
\”What?! Where did the culprit go then?!\” Ramph Zelu bellowed furiously.
Thorn closed his eyes and sighed shaking his head. His posture was clear 'there's nothing I can do about this'.
Ramph Zelu felt helpless, the only possibility left was that the culprit had long since sneakily escaped.
\”Wait!\” Suddenly, Crok Alch barked, and once again closely examined Resh Zelu's corpse!
\”As I just thought! The culprit is the death grip monster!\” He exclaimed emotionally.
\”What are you talking about?\” Ramph Zelu asked in total confusion.
Crok Alch cleared his throat and began to explain like the professional he was: \”Everybody knows that there are innumerable microorganisms that cause diseases, and that there are also a group of terrific monster microorganisms that cultivate and can inflict extremely rare and dangerous diseases. Well, there is a species of monster microorganisms named death grip monsters. It's one of the rarest monster microorganisms. The important thing is that they can randomly appear practically anywhere, and each of them can only attack a single individual in its lifetime; but the individual once attacked will definitely die! Their victims will have their principal vital organs destroyed as if a griping hand were the attacker; also, some time after the victim dies, the victim's skin will turn slightly yellowish.\” He then pointed at Resh Zelu's skin, which had now a slightly unnatural yellowish tone to it. \”As you can see, Resh Zelu's corpse matches with the characteristics a victim of the death grip monster has.\”
Ramph Zelu staggered over and said with a miserable, trembling voice: \”A-are you telling me that my son's death was caused by the whims of fate…? That there is no one to blame but destiny and that I have to just accept it…?\” He fell to his knees in front of the remains of his beloved son. His pentagon shaped pitch-black smoke began to crumble, and little pieces of it started to fall down. He was crying, in spite of his status, before tens of thousands of eyes.
Yet, nobody dared to look down on Ramph Zelu's pitiful appearance, or thought he was weak; because everybody had sometime, somehow experienced by themselves how brutal destiny could be.