Pov: Third person
In the Government district of Azure Mountain City, there are many important buildings, like the mayor’s office and other offices. However, one building stands out from the rest. This building, reminiscent of old architectural styles in a modern era, resembles a town hall. It is the city court. The court oversees all legal matters in the city. Even after the apocalypse, society still needs a functioning judiciary, and this court ensures that it remains operational.
Soon, a bus stopped at the nearest bus stand, and many people got off. Five people stood out from the crowd: two men—one with black hair and the other older with purple hair. There were also two girls with silver and green hair. However, the one who attracted the most attention was the young man walking in front of the group. His white hair and black goggles caught the eye. He wore a white shirt, black pants, and a black overcoat, clearly indicating his role as a lawyer. Vik was currently acting as one.
Pov: Vik
After organizing a plan for today’s event, I walked toward the court in my lawyer’s suit. All my disciples, including Sherry, accompanied me. We took a bus to reach the court because I was struggling with my finances. This situation would last until my crop from the Great Fire Forest was ready for harvest.
Focusing on the current plan, I moved slowly toward the court, wearing goggles to enhance my charm. This was my first case, marking the start of my career as a lawyer. Just as I thought this, the system’s voice sounded in my ears.
System: “Host, you are a teacher. Why are you trying to become a lawyer? Don’t change your profession midway, or we will have to change the title of this book.”
Vik: “System, what title and book are you talking about?”
System: “Nothing. Don’t change the topic. You have to stick to being a teacher; don’t change your profession.”
Vik: “Don’t worry, system. I won’t stop being a teacher to my disciples. I’m just acting as a lawyer for today’s case.”
While talking, we reached the entrance of the court. After completing some paperwork, an officer guided us to our assigned courtroom. Before entering, another official checked our documents and asked about our purpose. We stated we were there for Layla’s case. As the defense lawyer, I needed to show some documents that I had forged with the system's help. I only did this once because I didn’t have time to hire another lawyer.
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After clearing everything, we entered the courtroom, which was filled with chairs for the audience and jury. In front was the judge’s chair, with witness boxes on each side. We arrived a few minutes early, which is necessary for a defense lawyer. After a short while, the prosecution lawyer arrived, but I didn’t see Lin Chen with him. Perhaps he was busy with something important.
To confirm my suspicion, I asked the system to check information about Lin Chen using the city’s surveillance system. The result was negative; the system said Lin Chen must be hiding underground or outside the city. I had suspicions about his behavior, but I stayed focused on my work and managed my paperwork.
Soon, an officer resembling court security announced that the judge was coming. An old man, clearly the judge, entered with several others who were presumably the jury. Also accompanying the judge were police officers and Layla, who was handcuffed and looked like a criminal. Seeing her, Lu Xiaoran clenched his fists, clearly agitated.
I took a deep breath; I needed to handle this case professionally. Once Layla was placed in the witness box on the right, the judge ordered the case to begin. The prosecution lawyer, a middle-aged man with glasses named Recken, started his argument. He presented existing evidence, including statements from Lin Chen and some bystanders who witnessed the conflict. He even had statements from Lu Family guards who told the police that Miss Layla ordered Lin Chen’s murder.
He had the upper hand in terms of evidence, but I was prepared. When it was my turn, I began my argument, “Your Honor, this case is nothing but a misunderstanding that led to a conflict. My client, Miss Layla, is innocent and did not intend to kill or seriously injure Lin Chen.”
Hearing my argument, Recken objected, saying, “Your Honor, he is trying to mislead the case. We have all the evidence to confirm that Miss Layla intended to take Lin Chen’s life. Does the defense have any evidence to support this claim?”
Vik: “Your Honor, I have evidence to back my argument, but first, let me explain the truth of this story.”
Vik: “This story begins when Miss Layla’s son, Lu Xiaoran, was injured in an accident. He decided to go to another city for better medical treatment. Meanwhile, his father, Layla’s husband, went missing. His last message was about seeking a cure for Lu Xiaoran.”
The judge listened carefully; I told the story with enough emotion that even the regular people and jury connected with it. I continued, “Your Honor, this situation deeply traumatized my client, Layla. Then, as the last nail in the coffin, she received news that her son, Lu Xiaoran, died due to a bandit attack on the way. This left her almost completely unhinged.”
Before I could proceed, Recken objected again, “Mister Vik, being traumatized doesn’t justify killing someone. Her tragic past doesn’t excuse criminal actions.” His argument was strong, and for a moment, the jury and the audience nodded, shifting their view of Layla from a victim to a criminal.
But I couldn’t let the case tip in his favor, so I smiled and said, “Who said she acted out due to trauma? My client, Layla, handled her tragic situation thoughtfully and did what she believed was right at that moment.”
Recken: “What does that mean? Are you suggesting the attack on Lin Chen was justified?”
Vik: “Yes, it was the right thing for her to do at that moment. But to understand this fully, we need to hear another perspective of this story, or should I say, the hidden truth.”
