Inquiry (2)

Afterward, Archmage Melville gave a light wave of his hand, and the glowing Scales of Justice behind him slowly faded away.

His gentle gaze fell upon Joan and Habakkuk across from him.

Joan was about to rise and speak, but Habakkuk had already gotten to his feet before her, his voice filled with intense unwillingness and resolve:

"Honorable Grand Judge, could you have him explain the detailed course of the mission?"

Melville was slightly taken aback and fell into brief thought.

Before he could answer, Ang raised his chin slightly, his tone calm yet firm. "Sir, we signed a Magic Contract when carrying out the mission. It involves confidential matters and cannot be disclosed casually."

"But Heidni's death cannot simply be left unresolved." Habakkuk's voice rose, his expression growing somewhat agitated. "Please permit the contract to be lifted so we can uncover the truth."

Melville looked at the two of them before finally nodding. "Very well."

As his words fell, the Scales of Justice behind him appeared once more, light flowing over them.

He took a pale silver metal plate from the Magic Waist Pouch at his waist. With a flick of his hand, it floated over to Ang.

"Take this," he said.

Ang accepted the metal plate and examined it for a moment, frowning slightly. "What is this?"

"It is a Contract Breaking Scroll, merely in a rather special form." Melville explained, then began chanting an ancient incantation in a low voice.

As the chant began, the metal plate in Ang's hand suddenly emitted dazzling white light, while a pale golden curtain of light enveloped his body.

Ang felt some invisible restraint within him being stripped away, as though some force was flowing out through his fingertips.

Ten seconds later, the light abruptly vanished.

The metal plate in his