From Human to Skeleton: Revived with Infinite System Crystals

Chapter 109: The Trials Verdict

Ty, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion, addressed General Mattison. "I thought the whole lying issue was resolved. Besides, I never had a chance to explain myself. What about Nana and Todd? Did they undergo a trial, too?"

General Mattison, maintaining his stern demeanor, responded firmly. "They underwent debriefing, not a trial. Lady Nanako, or Nana as you know her, is recuperating at home, nursing her wounds."

"She seems to have grown taller," he noted. "As for the Ogre—Todd—he's been aiding the guard of the 3rd house, engaging in combat. He's been dining with Nanako's family, though they seem rather intimidated by him." Pausing briefly to cough, Mattison then shifted his focus back to Ty. "Now, let's address your situation."

Stepping forward, General Mattison approached the podium where an elderly man, appearing wearied yet authoritative, presided over the assembly. The man, distinguished by a blue cap and an insignia of 1 on his robe, signaled for the proceedings to begin. "General Mattison, please present the charges against this individual, Ty," he instructed with a hint of fatigue in his voice.

General Mattison got ready to speak, and Ty prepared himself for what was coming. He faced the charges against him head-on, knowing this was a serious and unexpected moment. Everyone in the room looked on, waiting to see how things would turn out.

"Good morning, Judge Robrick," General Mattison began, addressing the elderly figure presiding over the assembly. "It's a pleasure to see you well. I am here to report that Ty Hockenson, as confirmed by his friends, has awoken from his coma following the Cathedral fire. He stands ready to face trial for his alleged crimes."

General Mattison then listed the charges:

1. Murder of two men outside his jurisdiction.

2. Forging official documents from King Griswald.

3. Unknowingly lying about a royal noble.

4. Inciting violence on New Year's Day.

Clearing his throat slightly, General Mattison added, "These are the recorded charges against him. Additionally, he's accused of causing a minor disturbance on the Yamaoka Bridge."

The elderly judge turned his gaze to Ty, scrutinizing him with an expression that seemed to question the validity of the charges. After a moment, he redirected his attention to General Mattison. "What can you tell us about these incidents?"

General Mattison took a moment before responding. "In the case of Ty Hockenson, this is indeed a unique situation. My assessment is that he might be grappling with a split personality disorder, necessitating close observation."

"However, it's important to note that his involvement here seems to extend beyond Lady Nanako, who is purportedly Lady Amaris' daughter. This claim is still being verified, but given Lady Amaris' longstanding reputation in the kingdom, she is being afforded the benefit of the doubt."

He then addressed the charges. "Regarding the murder accusations, I propose they be reclassified as acts of self-defense. On that day, there was another assailant involved who escaped upon realizing Ty's and companies capabilities. This individual was covertly trying to destabilize the Clover sect."

General Mattison continued, "Regarding the forgery charge, it seems tied to Ty's quest for the 'Cross Link Blade.' It's unclear who sent him for it, but it appears connected to the recent attack on the royal family and the Cathedral damage, involving an assailant and the former General Mastiff Orlong."

He added, "Ty's involvement in the Cathedral incident was in self-defense and protecting his friends. His actions were misinterpreted due to his skeletal appearance, leading to the assumption that he was a monster."

The room fell silent as everyone processed General Mattison's information. After a moment, the conversation resumed, focusing on the aftermath of the battle.

"And what about Orlong? Was he captured after his confrontation?" asked one member of the assembly, clearly concerned.

General Mattison replied, "It seems that Ty Hockenson managed to defeat Orlong, but we found no trace of him at the battle site. It's possible he drowned in the ocean."

A member of the group, surprised, interjected, "You're saying Orlong, who's never been defeated, lost to Ty?"

Acknowledging the significance of this, General Mattison continued, "Yes, and while it's important to recognize Ty's abilities, we must also note his encounter with Erebos. Ty's friends have previously encountered Erebos, and it appears he left the scene without killing anyone directly. However, one young girl is currently in a coma due to his actions."

Overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment, Ty found himself momentarily lost in thought, recalling the courtroom dramas he had watched on TV in his past life. These flashbacks, contrasting sharply with his current reality, highlighted the stark difference between his former world and the one he now found himself in.

He was a skeleton on trial, a situation far removed from anything he had ever known or expected.

As he regained his focus, Ty realized the importance of honesty and transparency in this situation. His instinct urged him to lie, to protect himself in any way he could, but he knew that honesty was the better path, especially considering the trust he had started to build with General Mattison.

Collecting himself, Ty prepared to address the court, his skeletal form an unusual sight in such a solemn setting.

Ty, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, initiated his address with a respectful bow. He understood the significance of this gesture, especially in a courtroom setting, where decorum and respect could influence the outcome of a trial.

"Good day, Your Honor," Ty began, his voice steady despite the surreal nature of his situation. "It is a privilege to have this opportunity to speak before you today. I wish to confirm that the events that have been recounted here are, for the most part, accurate."

He paused for a moment, ensuring he had the full attention of the judge and the assembly. "However, I must clarify that I have not always been in this skeletal form. I originated from a distant land, far different from this one. The individual known as Erebos, who poses a significant threat to your realm and beyond, is in part responsible for my current state."

Ty's voice carried a sense of urgency as he continued, "My primary objective in coming to this land is to seek a weapon, known as the Cross Link Sword. This weapon is crucial in my quest to either destroy or capture Erebos, thereby neutralizing the danger he presents."

Ty maintained his composure as he concluded his statement, knowing the weight his words carried in this critical moment. "In regards to the Cross Link Sword, my resolve is firm. I intend to use it to confront Erebos and, with success, return to my home. My departure from this land hinges on this crucial task."

He shifted slightly, addressing the concerns about his mental state. "As for the allegations of a split personality disorder, I've been making significant progress in overcoming these challenges, particularly with the help of a blade I received at the Cathedral on the night of the attack."

Ty glanced briefly at the assembly, hoping to convey his sincerity. "The workings of this blade are still somewhat mysterious to me, but its aid was instrumental in my confrontation with the individual known as Orlong. Without it, I doubt I would have been successful in that encounter."

He took a brief pause, allowing his words to resonate with the judge and the audience. "I understand the gravity of the charges against me, and I am here to face them with honesty. My journey has been fraught with challenges, but my intentions have always been driven by a desire to protect and to right the wrongs caused by Erebos."

Ty absorbed the verdict, his mind racing with the implications of the three months of mandated service.

He understood the necessity of the sentence, given his situation and the charges against him.

The prospect of an audience with King Griswald upon his return offered a glimmer of hope in his quest for the Cross Link Sword.

As he prepared to voice his thoughts, the sharp sound of the gavel striking down, accompanied by a burst of blue energy, cut him off. The finality in the judges' voices was clear, leaving no room for further discussion. "You are dismissed," they declared, signaling the end of the hearing.

Ty straightened up, taking a moment to gather himself. He gave a respectful nod to the assembly, acknowledging their decision.

Though not ideal, the sentence at least provided a path forward, a chance to work towards his ultimate goal.