22 The True Culpri (1/2)
The investigation team was formed of three people. One was the woman who had supported Tom. Another was a random man from the crowd. The last was Dupe! The three investigated each of the murder scenes as the day went on.
The next morning. Ed stood atop the stage once more. His hands were held behind his back as he eyed the crowd with a slight smile. 'It feels rather good being the center of attention. I've never experienced this before.' Gunther stood next to him while wearing handcuffs. A large crowd of people had already gathered below the stage. The investigative team showed up and the trial began.
”I am here today to judge the innocence of Gunther as the primary murder suspect of the guards. I will judge solely based on evidence provided to me during today's trial.” Ed turned towards the investigative team. ”Please begin.”
”Yes!” The woman stepped forward. ”I would like to call our 1st witness to the stand.”
A man stepped out of the crowd and walked onto the stage. He was chubby and covered in sweat. He pointed at Gunther as he trembled, ”I saw him standing with a spear covered in blood outside the apartments of the guards! He was the only one there and he was breathing heavily as if he was exhausted!”
Ed nodded. ”Gunther, does this man speak the truth?”
”He does.” Gunther nodded. ”I was in the hallway as he described. I was chasing after the esper that left my weapon covered in blood in my apartment. As I explained yesterday, he left by making a hole in the wall which closed behind him.”
'Somehow, this doesn't really feel like a real trial… Perhaps I should study up on law when I get some spare time in the future.' He turned towards the investigation team and spoke, ”Please provide your next piece of evidence. A single witness isn't enough to convict him.”
”Right.” The man in the team stood forward. ”I have both of Gunther's weapons here. The spear is covered in blood as the witness described. We also found a bullet in Tom's body which we believe to have come from Gunther's steam rifle.”
”I see.” Ed looked towards Gunther. ”Do you have any evidence of the esper? Surely there must be some trace left behind if things are as you say.”
”I don't.” Gunther ground his teeth as sweat covered his forehead.
”I present the final piece of evidence.” Dupe stood forward. He revealed a shark tooth necklace. ”Tom was clutching this as he died. We've confirmed this necklace belongs to Gunther. Many in the audience have seen him wearing it previously. None of the other guard's weapons had been fired nor did their spears have any blood. Therefore, it is clear who the murderer is.”
”Have you figured out his motive?” Ed questioned.
The woman screamed, ”He wanted power! With no other guards to oppose him, then he could easily take over the base and receive a high position when Sinless HQ arrives!”
”Nonsense!” Gunther yelled. ”If I wanted power then why would I commit the crime in such a stupid method?! All evidence points to me. How could I possibly take power in those circumstances?!”
”Easy.” Dupe smiled. ”You didn't think anyone would challenge you for the position. You would be the last remaining guard and the people would want some form of order. They'd suck up to you for a higher position and a new guard position. Unfortunately, you severely underestimated us.”
”Mm. All evidence points to you Gunther.” Ed frowned. ”I truly wish to believe you. If you can provide me with even a little evidence of an esper then I'll investigate it fully. Please think carefully back on that night's events.”
Tears began to appear in his eyes. He spoke in a hoarse voice, ”I have no evidence your honor. Only my word and my pride.”
”I see.” Ed sighed while shaking his head. He rose a hand in the air, ”This trial is hereby concluded. It pains me to say it, but I find the defendant guilty of all charges.”
”WAIT!!!” A loud voice echoed from the audience. A man wearing a brown cloak that covered his entire body stepped forward. ”I can vouch that it was an esper that killed those guards.”
”What?!” Ed's eyes widened in shock. Surprised shouts sounded from much of the audience as well. 'How could he know it was me? Is he an esper that can track other espers? Or maybe Dupe sold me out?' He frowned, ”Please do tell us the evidence. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to remove your hood when doing so.”
”No need for that, haha.” The man chuckled. ”I have definite proof. After all, I am the esper that murdered those guards!”
The crowd of people began to scream and panic as they tried to get away from the man. Some stood still while staring stupidly at him. 'What kind of game is this guy playing?' Ed ground his teeth in frustration. ”Is that so? I'm relieved you've let us know the truth before we made a horrible mistake. I imagine you're not here just to confess, right?”
”Indeed.” He nodded. ”I am here simply to pass a message. Who is the highest-ranking member of Sinless here at the moment?”
The crowd looked back and forth between Ed and Gunther with confusion in their eyes. Ed was just a temporary judge, but some believed he would be the next leader. On the other hand, Gunther was now cleared of his crimes. Logically, he was the highest in command at the moment.
Dupe stepped forward, ”The temporary leader is the man on stage in the handcuffs. You can hand the message to me and I'll pass it to him.”
”Sure.” The man stepped forward and passed a note to him. Nick took the note and stepped back from the mysterious esper.
”DAMN ESPER!” The woman on stage grabbed the steam rifle the man in the investigation team was holding. She aimed towards the esper and squeezed the trigger. *Bang!* A loud sound rang out as the esper's head exploded. Black muck flew in every direction.
”GAHHH!!!” Several people rolled on the floor in pain as the muck landed on them. Their bodies quickly melted into black puddles with nothing left behind. Black smoke slowly lifted in the air from each puddle. The people near the puddles breathed in the smoke and grasped their throats tightly. Their veins protruded from their necks and faces as they desperately gasped for air. They soon fell to the floor dead.
The crowd screamed in panic as they ran from the puddles and the esper. Some were injured in the stampede. The esper that had been shot slowly regrew his head. He quickly covered it with his hood and turned to leave. No one dared to stop him.
…