Village Head's Debauchery

Chapter 1148: Unmasking The Perpetrators

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If they accused any of the nymphs or refused to assist, it would confirm that they were bluffing. The only plausible explanation is that they had become cautious after learning what had happened with King Izak from the Tidal Depths Kingdom. If so, they were both more intelligent and luckier than he had anticipated.

"No, I don't think there's any need for that," Zara responded, shaking her head gently. Gaverick smiled slightly at her words, but his smile faltered when she added, "...because the criminals are already in this room. I can point them out now so we can begin their punishment immediately."

'You want to play this game? Fine, I'll play along too,' Zara thought.

"...Are you certain?" Gaverick asked, his voice trembling, swallowing hard as he stared at Zara in shock.

"Yes, I am," Zara replied with a calm nod.

Gaverick glanced around at the individuals seated beside him. Their expressions ranged from shock to nervousness and fear.

Refocusing on Zara, he nodded. "Alright. I also want to know who the traitor among us is so we can properly deal with them," he said.

If things spiralled out of control, Gaverick was prepared to show them that the Bastion of Ashen Hope were more formidable than they believed. Fortunately, he had made arrangements for such contingencies.

Zara nodded silently and shifted her focus toward Cora and Raydon, the two high advisors who had spoken earlier. She extended her hand and pointed at them.

"They are the ones responsible for poisoning our meal. Let's begin," she stated.

Cora and Raydon's eyes widened, nearly bulging out of their sockets as they sat frozen in their

seats.

Even Gaverick, the two Queens, and the remaining advisors continued to stare at Zara in shock.

"THIS IS RIDICULOUS, EMPEROR! SHE'S LYING! HOW CAN I, A HIGH ADVISOR, DO SOMETHING SO FOOLISH?! THERE'S NO WAY I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!" Cora was the first to snap out of her shock, shouting in protest, her expression a mix of fear and feigned outrage.

"I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE EITHER! I THINK THIS SO-CALLED UNIQUE ABILITY OF HERS IS FAKE, AND SHE'S SIMPLY TRYING TO INTIMIDATE US! WHO'S TO SAY THEY DIDN'T POISON THE MEAL THEMSELVES WHILE WE WEREN'T LOOKING!" Raydon quickly followed, his voice brimming with anger.

Despite their bold claims, their hearts pounded in fear, as they both knew the truth-Zara's accusations were spot on.

Before the meeting, Gaverick had instructed Cora to ensure the poison was carefully placed in the meal to trap the guests, hoping to extract vital information about how they arrived, and possibly use them as leverage against the others who had gone to the Tidal Depths Kingdom and the Bastion of the Wailing Gnarled territory.

Cora was guilty, but they couldn't understand why she implicated Raydon.

Unbeknownst to them, Zara had done so purely for her own amusement. She would have chosen one more individual if it wouldn't have spoiled the fun that was about to unfold.

'This will teach you not to play silly games with your elders,' she thought.

"Silence!" Gaverick commanded, causing both Cora and Raydon to fall silent instantly. He cast a brief glance at them before turning back to Zara.

"Great warrior, I can assure you that none of my high advisors can commit such a crime. Perhaps you could use your unique ability again to..." Gaverick began, clearing his throat, but before he could finish, a powerful pressure descended on his shoulders, silencing and drenching him in sweat.

The pressure swept through the hall, suffocating the atmosphere and weighing heavily on everyone present. The guards stationed near the four thick, stony pillars and large entrance metallic door collapsed to their knees. They tried to stand, but their efforts were in vain.

"You invited us into your territory and poisoned the meal you served. Fortunately, we detected it in time. Yet you dare accuse us of lying when we point out the culprits responsible for this crime. Shouldn't the fact that we detected the poison be enough proof of my wife's abilities?" Brane said coldly, his gaze fixed on Gaverick and the others.

"Or are you trying to insinuate that we poisoned our meal after offering to help bring you out of this miserable area? I have been truthful throughout this meeting, yet this is how you treat us."

Bane's voice reverberated across the hall as he spoke, each word striking deep into their ears.

[ Energy Level - 1598 BEM ]

[ Energy Level - 1,200 BEM]

[ Energy Level - 1,120 BEM ]

[ Energy Level - 1,129 BEM]

...

Brane glanced at Gaverick's energy level, reading it at 1598 BEM, before shifting his gaze to the Queens and advisors beside him and then to the guards.

[ Energy Level - 1,123 BEM]

[ Energy Level - 1,000 BEM ]

[ Energy Level - 1,026 BEM]

Each was a three-star warrior, relatively strong. But to Brane, it was a disappointment. He had expected them to be much stronger, especially considering they didn't seem to use the same procedure as the Village in harnessing Vylkr energy.

Nonetheless, Brane's curiosity deepened.

What convinced them that poisoning him and his wife was a good idea? They didn't strike him

as fools who would act so recklessly without thought.

Brane desired to corner them until they revealed all their cards. That way, they'd have no grounds to claim fault when he acted ruthlessly.

Unable to move, Gaverick clenched his teeth and said, "Please, great travellers, calm down..." But before he could finish, the pressure on him intensified, pressing his body deeper into the table, causing cracks to spread across its surface.

Gaverick gritted his teeth in frustration, realizing he had no choice but to act. He had to suppress Brane or risk incurring more of his wrath.

Suddenly, the entire hall began to shake.

BOOM!! BOOM!!

Sensing the vibrations, Gaverick smiled inwardly. He would show them that the foundation of the Bastion of the Wailing Gnarled wasn't so shallow that they could be suppressed in their

own territory.

BANG!!

The metallic door burst open, crashing to the other side of the room. Dust swirled as the sudden commotion grabbed Brane's and Zara's attention.