The Gods Decree - Chapter 255 Verdit Well Played

Surprisingly it could be said that both parties had convincing arguments. When Taf announced that he and May would be representing themselves, they were mercilessly ridiculed, yet they handled themselves quite professionally throughout.

The way they brought forth arguments countering the allegations was indeed noteworthy, to say the least. Now it was time to see how it all concluded. Having heard the cases of both parties the panel of twelve judges had made their exit in order to deliberate. When leaving Taf noted of the twelve there were still two who had guilty written all over their faces.

Not even the four senior elders had come to a conclusion. Yet two who they held no prior disagreement with had already found them guilty. At first, he thought it was the doing of Adjudicator Baro. But having engaged in a battle of whits with him throughout the course of the day, Taf no longer thought this was the case.

Baro came off as a professional just doing his job and during the whole tribunal, he did not employ anything which could be seen as unethical. When the two sides confronted each other, there was no real animosity, just two parties trying to get the better of each. It seems there is someone against him and May lingering in the shadows.

Could it be the relatives of the deceased Darwin and Shinoda, or is it someone perhaps he would never have contemplated? Either way, he will get to the bottom of it all sooner or later. With the exit of the twelve judges, all waited patiently for their return as different arguments raged on.

“I think Sir Mouse and Lady May will be found innocent. There is no question about it, otherwise, its all biased,” One disciple uttered in supports while from a distance looking at the two converse in hush tones. Beside him, there were many who concurred with his argument, as well as, those who weren’t as certain about the verdict.

He was then cautioned by a female disciple, “It’s not as clear cut as you make it out to be Evan. There are many factors at play, I wouldn’t be surprised, either way, to be honest?”

Being a strong supporter of the couple Evan refused to think the two might be found guilty. He was not alone as a majority of the disciples hoped this would be the case. None more so than Taf and May’s squadmates. The last thing they wanted to hear was that the two would be expelled, things would never be the same afterward.

Shortly afterward the doors to the halls were opened with the twelve judges returning to deliver their verdict. There was a nervous hush as the most senior elder’s voice reverberated throughout the room,

“After hearing the arguments presented, we have come to our decisions in regard to each of the charges brought forth by prosecution and countersuit by defense. Firstly, we will examine the allegations laid against the defendants and our verdict. After which the claims under the countersuit will then be addressed. Please note that these decisions are based on a majority voting system.

The prosecution charges:

1. Malicious intent to harm their fellow disciples – Based on the eyes witness testimony, we find the defendant May Grace and Tafari – Guilty of these charges

2. The death of Gendry Shinoda – The majority have voted without a benefit of a doubt, guilty.

3.The death of Darwin Tarr – With the evidence provided the majority have come to the conclusion the defendants are not guilty in this regard.

4. Failure to heed the warnings of an elder – Votes were even, therefore, you both are found not guilty.

As the Senior elder read the verdict there was a mixed reaction from the hall. For Taf and May, it wasn’t much of a surprise based on the witnesses which Baro had invited to the stand. Coming into the trial it was a given it would be an uphill battle contending against the sect. It was made worse with two of the twelve judges already having found them guilty.

In regards to Baro, Looking at the prosecution desk he seemed quite happy with the verdicts. Honestly, he was a bit wary the two had somehow snuck some serious doubts into a few of the judges, thus leading to them showing leniency. However now with them being found guilty of the first two charges the others became negligible. There was only one outcome as their sentences.

“Having been found guilty of charges 1 u0026 2 without the benefit of a doubt, ‘expulsion’ is the final verdict,” Uttered the Senior elder.

With that, it was all confirmed, Taf and May were expelled from the Dark Abylis Sect. Yet startling to all who observed them, the two seemed quite fine with the verdict as they simply discussed amongst themselves in hush tones. Shouldn’t they be a bit dejected by the ruling? This was the last recourse thus no further appeal could be made.

Of course, the most excited ones within the halls were Zander and Mu. Four greedy eyes lit up as they saw their ploy to fruition. They simply couldn’t wait to get their hands on the two with the plethora of treasures on their possessions. Having been exiled from the sect they were like helpless lambs put to the slaughter.

Once more the senior elder started to speak causing the halls to again return to a hush,

In regards to the countersuit of the Plaintiffs:

1. Defamation of Character – We find the claims by the plaintiffs baseless, therefore, no remuneration will be awarded.

2. Mental Trauma inflicted – Also baseless, thus no remuneration awarded.

3. Failure to create a safe environment for cultivating – Having gone over the evidence provided there is in fact grounds for the plaintiffs claims hence we find in favor of the plaintiffs.

4. Failure to provide disciples with proper recourse before disqualification – Though swift, the sect did in fact infringe on the rights of the plaintiffs. Forgoing them the right to provide evidence against disqualification. Please note that the tribunal is not such a space and was only organized in decided the permanent statuses of the plaintiffs. Thus we find in favor of the two plaintiffs.

5. Loss of revenue for the plaintiffs – This as an argument which ties into the previous claims under number (4). With the prompt disqualification of the plaintiff, they were indeed stripped of the chance to compete for prizes. As shown by the strength exerted, there is no doubt the two would have earned a significant amount. Once again we find in favor of the plaintiffs.

Hence the plaintiffs will be awarded the sum of 9.5 million stones in damages. Dismissed!

Following the senior elder’s words, it was at this moment that there was some form of a reaction seen on the faces of Taf and May. With it, a sense of accomplishment as this was all that truly desired by the comply. So what if they were expelled from the Sect, this was already written in the stars. However, there was by no means they were leaving without some form of compensation. Fortunately, it so happened that the sect left themselves wide open for such an attack.

“Well, I can’t say I am not disappointed that the two of you actually succeeded in exploiting a few loopholes.” Uttered Adjudacator Baro as he made his way over to the defense desk.

Taf responded with a laugh, “Having gone so far, setting up such a grand tribunal. What better way to show our appreciation than to highlight these few encumbrances one might encounter if proper measures are not implemented. When hearing Taf words there was a slight chuckle from Baro betraying his usually frowning self. It was now he realized the two’s end games.

“Very well all the best in your future endeavors, well played,” Truthfully he pitied anywhere the two laid their feet next. If all of this fight was simply a means to collect a few million in damages, how far would they go to actually achieve revenge on an actual enemy? He shuddered at the thought with their current growth rate.

Baro then put out his hand in a gesture indicating there were no hard feelings. Seeing this Taf shuck his hand uttering with a cheeky smile,

“Let’s say this game ended in a stalemate.”

Unedited Version

To be continued….

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