AN1: I have a confession to make here to you all. Writing this chapter was hella hard for me. Well, to be more specific, it was the writing of part 1 that was driving me crazy.

I confess I spent three full days of available writing time just on part 1 alone; writing then deleting and writing and deleting again as nothing I wrote seemed to feel right or work for me. Honestly, it got so bad that I felt like I was pulling my hair out at some points, LOL.

Finally, I did manage to write something that I was half-way happy with for part 1. The rest of the chapter was more or less easy for me; a few minor changes here and there, but nothing as drastic as what I had to endure with part 1 of the fic.

Well, enough about that. Let's get this court in session-

Arc 3: Judgment for this Shut-in NEET

Chapter 1: The Trial of Satou Kazuma

( Prologue )

Kazuma's situation was bad; very, very bad.

Clearly taken in under false charges; condemned once again by the masses as a result-

And after everything he did, the role he played, in saving Axel too.

This whole affair just further proved that not only was the legal system in the kingdom biased and unfair-

But it showed just how petty and unforgiving the people of Axel, if not the whole kingdom, could be if given a reason to once again see someone in such a negative light-

Even if that person had literally just saved all their asses, and their homes, from total destruction.

While Kazuma hadn't said anything to us yet; I'd like to think I had come to know him well enough to read what he must be thinking; what he was feeling, as a result of all this-

And that was my greatest fear; the fear that once he had been able to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was innocent, that he would make a painful choice-

That he would give up on Axel; on the whole kingdom.

That he would leave forever and never look back.

And I honestly wouldn't blame him if he did.

I push that thought from my mind; needing to focus on the task at hand.

I needed to see if I could somehow talk Aldarp out of his demands of Kazuma; to at least spare him of that burden, even if only a little bit.

I doubt that I would succeed though, even with father being there, but I still had to try.

I just wish I hadn't left them back at the mansion thinking that Aldarp wouldn't ask me to do something sexual as part of my deal with him-

To let them know that even Aldarp wouldn't go that far; given my family's status being higher than his.

But no, like an idiot, I had allowed myself to start having perverted thoughts and letting that fact shine through on my face and with my actions.

I really need to learn some self control with my interest.

I come to a stop; allowing myself to look back at the direction of the mansion which was no longer visible to me.

I then reach into my pocket and pull out that weird stone that had hit me back at the trial.

This strange, rune covered stone that I was truly grateful for as it had made it possible for me to save Kazuma in that last possible second.

Question now is just who had thrown it at me?

A sudden rustling from the treeline draws my attention; a figure emerging and walking towards me.

"Ah, there you are? I was hoping I didn't already miss you on the road."

"What do you mean? Just who are you?"

I asked the figure clad in jet black armor; covered with plenty of scratch marks all over.

I then see the helmet like mask the figure was wearing; triggering a thought in my mind.

"That mask...? Are you acquainted with Ego and Shy?"

"Very good, I was wondering if you would notice or if I would have to spell it out for you. Now, will you hand me back that stone for a moment?"

I look down at the stone, then back up at the figure and say-

"So, it was you who helped us back there, then? Mind telling me your name?"

"Call me Passion; a fair description for the kind of person I am. One who is very passionate about the things I like. Now, the stone, please."

I hesitate for a moment but ultimately hand it over.

Passion then pulls out a seemingly plain looking silver bracelet and places the stone into a slot set upon the bracelet before handing the bracelet over to me.

"Um... thanks, I guess. Just so you know, I'm not one for gaudy trinkets like this."

"You and me both, sister. I was never a fan of the whole dress up dynamic that comes from... Never mind that, we need to get down to business."

After a moment, Passion continues-

"Regardless of personal taste; I would advice you to wear that for your forthcoming meeting with Aldarp. In fact, it may be a good idea to always wear it from now on. It will keep you protected."

"Protected from what?"

"From Aldarp, of course. Surely you noticed as you yourself were a victim of it. During the trial, you and the rest of your team, all those gathered in the room watching, and even the prosecutor and the judge themselves were all being controlled by some sort of powerful magicks that filled the air. The only ones NOT affected were Kazuma, Aldarp, and... well, no need for that. You get the point, right?"

I look down at the bracelet then back at Passion and ask-

"So, does that mean you know what was going on during the trial?"

"I do, but I'm not allowed to fully explain everything. I'm sorry, but like with my companions, I'm limited in what I can do. In truth, I'm already pushing my luck as it is with this meeting we're having right now. All I can say is that you would be very wise to wear that bracelet; in order to avoid being manipulated by Aldarp again."

"So, Aldarp was behind it? Please, tell me, just what exactly did he do back there?"

Passion doesn't respond; which I was afraid of.

Guess I couldn't blame him or her then.

As I was just told; Passion was already taking a risk with this meeting.

I then slide the bracelet before looking back at Passion and asking-

"So, just what will this little bauble do now that I'm wearing it, anyways?"

"Let's just say that if he tries to control the direction of your coming meeting with him; that little bauble as you called it will make sure you retain a proper frame of mind throughout. You will know if something weird is going on though so if that happens, just play along so as to make him believe that he's the one in charge. It could help your case in the long run."

I nod at that suggestion, then I say aloud to myself-

"He may try to control me? Like order me to join him later with a more private meeting; a possible risque encounter with one another that could shame me and betray the faith my friends have in me?"

I begin to pant at the thought; the idea was just so-

I mentally berate myself for what just happened.

Was I really such a shameful woman that I couldn't even take this matter seriously?

"Idiot... now's not the time for such thoughts..."

I look to see Pasion was also seemingly reacting to my words.

At least I wasn't alone with being a hopeless pervert-

"… damn it, here I thought had had finally grown out of that crap..."

I hear Passion mumble quietly though I was confident I had heard correctly.

Once we had both recovered, Passion says-

"Well, I've done all I can here. The rest is up to you... oh, there is one more thing. The main reason I gave you that bracelet and placed the stone I used on you back during the trial."

"What's that?"

"During the meeting with Aldarp; you should ask him one important question. A question that even after he answers, I would recommend both you and your father look into."

"And that would be?"

I asked.

After another second, Passion says-

"Just how many mansion's does Aldarp actually own?"

(Insert Image 1)

============================={ Part 1: Accused }=============================

"Satou Kazuma, you are under arrest for the crime of terrorism, treason, and are suspected of being a spy working for the Devil King. Please, I ask you to not resist and come with me at once..."

Everyone inside the guild comes to a dead stop.

The sound of mugs and carrying plates hitting the ground being the only sound heard as the gathering of people process what they had just heard.

"Can-can you please repeat that?"

I asked; my body beginning to tremble.

"I'm sure you all heard what I just said. You are under arrested; accused with committing the crimes of terrorism, treason, and for potentially being a spy for the Devil King."

I barely manage to keep myself from falling to my knee's.

What-why-how?

None of this makes any sense; how could I be accused of doing all of that?

I was the guy who led the charge in saving this city; the one who came up with the plan.

Who even accused me of these acts anyways?

"Wait a minute, prosecutor. My comrade here is the one who came up with the strategy that saved this town. He was also the one who commanded our forces in successfully repelling the Destroyer. Hell, we even destroyed the Destroyer thanks to Kazuma here. Tell me the basis behind these accusations."

Asked Darkness, making me look at her with a new found respect.

Sena adjust her eyewear before saying-

"I was told the coronatite core of the Destroyer, that was in danger of exploding, was removed by a random teleport, ordered by Satou Kazuma here, correct. The location the coronatite was teleported to was a mansion own by Axel's current acting lord; Alexei Barnes Aldarp."

Hearing all that makes me finally fall to my knees as everyone else sweat drops, becoming nervous.

"Luckily, there was no one inside the mansion at the time; but the detonation of the coronatite resulted in not only the destruction of the mansion and the surrounding area, but caused the loss of many valuable antiques possessed by Aldarp's family going back over twenty generations."

Says Sena; giving me an icy stare as she speaks.

Damn it; tell me just why is it when things start to go well for me, I find myself having to deal with crap again?

"Wait a minute; Kazuma's actions saved lives. He should be rewarded, not charged. The crimes you are charging him with make no sense. How is making the call to save the citizens of Axel worthy of being considered a traitor or charged with treason. And how does any of that implicate him as an agent of the Devil King? None of these charges makes any sense."

Said Cielo.

Megumin quickly adds in-

"She's right; none of this makes any sense. And besides; the only crimes Kazuma has committed are minor ones like sexual harassment."

"Megumin, that second bit really didn't help matters any."

I yell, making her look away.

"Miss prosecutor, I have to ask how you came by this information? Putting aside the matter of the coronatite, may I at least know where this information that has added the 'ally of the Devil King' charge to these accusations came about?"

"All will be revealed when this case goes to court. Until then, I ask you all to not interfere as we escort the accused to jail."

I remained on the ground as all of this was going on; my mind racing as I try to figure out what to do.

"Now wait just a damn minute. This is no way to treat the guy who saved the citizens; who saved the town. He's a fucking hero and should be treated as such. You know what this is; this is abuse. You're just abusing the powers given to you by the kingdom. Well I say Kazuma deserves freedom; Adventurer's are free."

With that, everyone in the guild begins to chant freedom over and over.

Meanwhile, my party come to stand between me and Sena and her escorts.

Clearly, no one was going to let me be taken away here this day.

"You guys..."

I said as I stood up again.

For the first time in, well, forever, I was actually feeling glad I had these people here as my allies.

Sena sighs as she adjust her glasses again.

"I see, very well then. I should make you all aware that the charges against Kazuma COULD be expanded to include all of you here as well. Tell me, should we also take all of you in as potential supporters of the Devil King? I'm sure I don't need to remind you what will happen if found guilty for that charge?"

Sena's words makes everyone stop dead mid-chant.

For me, and I'm sure for everyone gathered; the next few seconds seemed to last an eternity.

And then, both Megumin and Cielo quickly pull away, making some space as if to distances themselves from me.

"Wait, what are you two doing? Don't leave me hanging here."

I look at Cielo, seeing that she was biting her lower lip as she clenched her fist before saying-

"Um... actually, thinking about it. I recall Kazuma saying that he has rather good luck so he would take responsibility for using the random teleport. I know I should have talked him out of it, but..."

Cielo, I expected better from you. Why would you-

"If-if only I was there, I would have talked Kazuma out of using a random teleport. But I wasn't so all I can do is say that I'm sorry for not being there to stop him from making such a foolish mistake."

You too, Megumin? And to think I gave you a chance to experience a second Explosion in one day.

See if I do anything nice for you two again.

I give them both a hard glare; making them both further try to turn away from my gaze.

At least Darkness wouldn't abandon me-

"Wait, take me in Kazuma's place. I was the one who gave the order. Please subject me me to all the prison play he would have experienced. Whip me, beat me, torture me. Leave me a scarred and bruised shell of the woman than what I was when I first went in."

Darkness; that feels like your only saying that for yourself, not for me.

Sena gives Darkness a confused look.

"Forgive me; but I was told you were outside the Destroyer; allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by the drones; being beaten down and ran over like a piece of meat."

"Mm, meat...?"

Moaned Darkness as she hugs her quivering body tight.

Yes, these are my closest friends here.

Whatever would I do without them?

"Well, you know what. Screw you guys. At least everyone else in the guild has my backs, right everyone?"

The response I got tore into me, deep.

Everyone looked away; some whistling and some just trying to act like they were focused on other matters.

Even Luna and the other guild staffs members tried to busy themselves with other things so as to not have to look at me.

Damn it; I should have left this town to rot back then.

"Satou Kazuma; if you will please."

I look at her and see her point to one of the guards who was holding out some prison shackles.

I quickly considered my options; I could take my chances and try to make a run for it.

But I doubt I could make it far, especially with those two additional guards posted at the entrance.

And even if I did make an escape, running now would only cement my guilt in her eyes.

If there was any chance of escaping from this mess; to prove my innocence, there was only one option I could choose.

I walk forward and offer up my hands; getting everyone's attentions onto me with shocked expressions.

Once the shackles had been applied; Sena motions for me to follow her outside.

Once we reach the door; I stop as I look back at everyone and say-

"I really can't believe you all... well, thanks for nothing."

I was surprised to not hear any anger in my voice as I spoke; only a pained hurt.

After we left the building, Sena suddenly stops and tells us to wait here.

She then steps away; heading back inside the Guild-

(Sena's POV)

I reentered the Guild; my returning presence catching everyone off guard-

Possibly scaring a few of them too; judging from the reactions of some of them.

"I would like to say one last thing to you all..."

After a pause, I start-

"First, to you Archwizard and... whatever you're class is, miss. I find it sad that you two would throw a comrade, a friend, under the proverbial carriage like you both just did. Especially considering what he has done for the both of you from what I have been told in my investigations so far."

I see the two of them shrink further away; trying to hide themselves from my gaze.

"Next, to you, Crusader. I have to say I found your response to my words disgraceful. One would expect someone of your calling to take a matter such as this seriously; not see it as a chance to indulge in some outlandish fetish or fantasy. You disgrace the title of a knight."

The Crusader lowers her head in shame.

I then turn to the rest of the gathered Adventurer's; slowly turning my head from them to the guild staff then back again.

"As for the rest of you; to abandon someone you had just declared was innocent out of a simple fear of having to share in that person's punishment is just... reprehensible. If I am being honest here; I feel all of you are far more guilty than he has been implied to be."

I turn to leave but stop just a few steps from the door; turning back to them to add-

"One last thing; my words before were a test. I wanted to see if you all would hold true to your beliefs and convictions where Satou Kazuma was concerned. I mean, anyone with half a brain cell would have known that I'm not authorized to arrest and detain anyone just for simply protesting. The only way any of you would have been in danger of arrest is if you had tried to physically interfere with detaining mister Satou. That is all. Please, try to have good day after all of this."

With that, I once again left the guild hall and rejoined my guards and Satou Kazuma.

As we continued on our way to the city prison; Satou asked me if I had forgotten something back inside the guild.

I didn't respond; Satou thankfully not pressing the question or asking any other.

As we walked, I allowed myself to spare a momentary glance over at him.

While I never said it aloud; I did feel for him in this moment.

I just hope the forthcoming interview did allow him to confirm his innocense-

And that after that, he would make the right call, in my eyes, and leave all of this, and them, behind forever...

{Insert Image 2}

=========================={ Part 2: Incarceration }============================

(Kazuma's POV)

Once we had arrived at the prison, I had a brief reunion with the Captain as I was escorted to my cell.

Once inside said cell, and the cell door closed tight; one of the guards said some strange sounding words that caused the chains of the shackles to suddenly disappear.

"Kazuma; until the trial period is over, I'm afraid you'll need to continuing to wear these shackles. One of their properties is mana cancellation; this means that while they're on you, you will be unable to use any skills you have learned since becoming an Adventurer. Understand?"

Asked the captain.

I nod in response.

Sena then steps forward and tells me-

"Mister Satou, I'm afraid you'll need to remain in here for the next two nights while I go around Axel; conducting interviews and gathering information. Some of this information will result in questions I will ask you when it comes time for the interrogation which will be two days from now. The rest will be used as evidence, if needed, during the trail... if a trial in deemed necessary."

I look at her hopeful, asking -

"So, is there a chance I won't have to go to trial, then? That I could be released and pardoned following the interrogation?"

Sena nods, then says-

"Correct; the main charge here is the belief you are affiliated with the Devil King. If you can prove yourself innocent there, then there will be no need for a trial. There will still be the matter of what happened with lord Aldarp's mansion but, luckily for you, that doesn't need us to take that matter into a full trial in order to be resolved."

Seriously; then thank god for that.

That's one less worry I had to deal with as I wasn't an agent of the Devil King.

All I needed to do was endure this prison stay for a few days then I'd be free.

It would allow me the time needed to think; think about how I'm going to deal with everyone once I was back out there again.

I mean, everyone in the guild; even my own friends and teammates, had abandoned me-

AGAIN!

I needed time to think on where my relationship with all of them would go from here because as much as I hated to think this-

I've been burned to many times already and I don't want to risk being burned anymore.

I stop my thoughts as I realize Sena was walking away.

I quickly move forward; pressing myself against the bars as I call out to Sena.

She stops and looks back at me-

"Before you go, my I ask you two questions?"

Sena doesn't respond at first, then nods as she comes back over to stand before me.

"One, if this does end up going to trial and I fail to prove my innocence here, regardless of if I really am innocent; what will be my fate following the verdict being read out?"

"You'll be given the death penalty; your sentence will be carried out immediately within the very courtroom itself. This action is to prevent allowing the Devil King a chance at trying to save you. This approach is in response to an incident that happened over a century ago."

I wanted to inquire more on this 'incident' Sena spoke of but I doubt she'd afford me any more time than what she was giving me; seeing as she had interviews to get to around Axel.

"OK, my second question is if I am able to prove my innocence here; either during interrogation or during the trial should things come to that, will I get reimbursed for the time I lost while being detained? After all, holding an innocent person, once confirmed, for any amount of times should lead to appropriate compensation... at least I think so anyways."

Sena was quite for a moment; thinking on my words.

Finally, she says-

"That... is something I can't promise anything with. I do agree with you though so if you can prove your innocence, then I'll see what I can do for you as far as compensation goes."

After that, she took her leave and I was left alone to contemplate my situation.

That night, the sound of a large explosion rattles me from dream land.

I sit up, wishing the window was a little lower so I could at least peek outside and see if I could see anything.

Had what I thought I'd heard; the thing that had forced me to awaken, really just happen?

Why would there be a sudden... Oh no, please god, no.

Don't tell me those idiots-

"Kazuma, Kazuma, are you in there?"

I sigh in exasperation; groaning as I shake my head at the sound of Cielo's voice.

Yep, I should have seen this turn of events coming.

I really, really should have seen this coming.

"Is there no other kind of Kazuma? Why are you here, Cielo?"

I hoped my deadpan; maybe even slightly annoyed sounding tone, wasn't lost on her.

I look to the window and see her face appear on the opposite side of the window.

Strange though; for just a split second as her face comes into view, I could have sworn I was looking up at the face of someone else.

A girl with blue hair and blue eyes-

Wait, the face of that stupid goddess I really hoped I saw again so I could strangle her.

It was only for a split second before I was looking at Cielo again.

Weird?

"Um... I was sent here by Megumin while she and Darkness create a distraction for the guards."

"And WHY would you three need to go distract the guards?"

"Well, this is a jail break. We've come to save you, Kazuma."

I allow a moment to pass before I respond to her words, having my reply sound sarcastic-

"Oh wow, you guys are really going to save me? Why thank you. You know what could have helped save me even more? All of you actually standing besides me this morning instead of tossing me aside like week old trash. That could have worked so much better; maybe even broken less laws too."

She flinches at hearing my words.

I wanted to go on with this little rant; but that could risk drawing the attention of the guards so I force myself into taking a few deep breaths to calm myself down before I continue.

"So, tell me; who was the mastermind behind this little jail breaking scheme? Neither you nor Darkness seem the types to even suggest it and I doubt... I really hope that Megumin, with her intellect stat being the highest in our group, wouldn't let herself be dumb enough to decide that this was the best option as it would make me, the second highest intellect stat, question the card making system's accuracy."

"Actually, it was that Dust guy who suggested it to Megumin; he somehow talked her into doing this whole thing. He even got his team involved too. The four of them are positioned in certain spots across Axel in order to help get you outside the walls. Lynn said she'll help smuggle you all the way to her Demi-Human clans village which is hidden and doesn't follow the laws of the Kingdom. It's its own power in the world."

Well, that was a relief... I think, anyways.

At least Megumin wasn't dumb enough to come up with a plan like this herself-

Unless Dust only convinced her that getting me out of Axel so that I could be smuggled off to some place safe was his sole contribution and she came up with the prison break joke of an idea on her own?

Honestly, I really don't want to find out.

The sound of something clinking on the ground near me brings me out of my musings.

"Anyways, Kazuma, use that pick to escape from the cell then use Lurk to make your escape. I'll be waiting outside."

Cielo goes to turn away but I call out to her, making her stop and look back at me.

"Sorry, Fist, but I'm afraid that won't work; for two reasons."

Her reaction to me calling her 'Fist' was funny, perhaps even cute in a way.

Maybe I can make that be HER punishment after this was done; calling her that from now on.

Well... at least one of her punishments anyways.

Anyways, I continue and tell her-

"First, there's the matter of these fancy new shackles I have to wear until I can prove my innocence. Apart from being stylish and comfy, in a chaffing sort of way, they have another cool little feature; they cancel out my mana so there's no skill usage available to me right now."

"And second, even if the option to use my skills wasn't being hindered here, there's still the matter of the jail cell. You see, in order to leave my cell, I have to be able to open the door and low and behold; it uses a combination lock, one that only responds to magic manipulate. Same goes with these shackles too. To put it another way, that lock pick ain't helping me to do squat in here."

There was another pause before she spoke again.

"You're really mad with us, aren't you?"

"VERY!"

"Kazuma, do you... hate us right now?"

The sadness and fear in her voice make me pause for a moment.

Damn it, girl. Don't go giving me those teary puppy dog eyes of yours.

Virgin guys like myself are super weak to that, you know.

Makes us feel like gullible chumps when we give in to them.

Sigh, one of these days-

"No-no, I don't hate you all. But your actions, or lack there of when Sena said those words did hurt me, though. It really hurt me, Cielo. So much so that I don't think that things can go back to the way it was before today."

"I-I understand, Kazuma. Please just know that we are all sorry about what we did back there."

You know, it's easy enough to say your sorry after the fact; when it's not your head that's literally on the line.

I had really wanted to say that; so that she could pass those words along to the others.

I really did-

Instead though, I just sigh before telling her-

"Cielo... just-just forget about it, OK. Go back and tell the others to forget about trying to spring me from jail, alright. It won't work and besides... It's better I stay here and ride this through as I still have a chance to prove my innocence here. If I were to run, that would only confirm my guilt even though I am innocent."

"Furthermore; this was a bad idea anyways. Not only could all of you be detained and put on trial too, this foolish attempt could also come back around and bite me on the butt regardless of my actions. Make sure you tell everyone that for me."

I see her nod as she goes to leave; but she stops and looks at me once last time-

"We're so sorry, Kazuma..."

And with that, she was gone.

After a moment, I bend down and pick up the pick and examine it before tossing it outside the window; to remove the evidence hopefully.

I then lay back down onto my straw bed that had been provided and close my eyes.

"Yeah, I'm sorry too..."

I mumbles as I drift off to sleep again.

=========================={ Part 3: Interrogation }============================

The next day and night went by without issue.

As far as I could tell, none of them had been arrested and brought in for that little stunt they tried to pull the other night.

Doesn't mean they hadn't been given a talking to by Sena though.

The second night did have something weird happen, if I being honest here.

I had a dream; a rather weird dream or maybe it wasn't a dream at all?

Maybe it had been a premonition; a warning meant for me in regards to the interrogation tomorrow.

In the dream, I was being interrogated by Sena.

She asked me questions and my first response always triggered some bell like thing to ring.

The me in the dream; getting antsy and desperate and made a bold play by pretty much stating his mind which was the truth as the bell didn't ring.

This seemed to change the air in the interrogation room as dream Sena visibly relaxed and became friendlier, even apologizing for how I had been treated these last few days.

She said it had been born from hearing all the crass and baseless rumors going around about me.

The dream me then lambasted her for letting such things cloud and dictate her judgment; saying that she didn't deserve to play the role of a prosecutor and that she should always remain neutral in her judgment until after the fact.

This had led Sena to apologize profusely.

And then; my dream self become cocky and arrogant and started to push his luck-

Really, REALLY push his luck until he said something very stupid; something that sent Sena back into hard-ass prosecutor mode.

In other words, I had a feeling he had just screwed himself big time there.

The sound of my cell door being opened pulled me out of the dream before anything more happened.

As I sat up and rubbed my eyes, I looked to see Sena standing just beyond; waiting for me.

"Are you ready, mister Satou?"

Surprisingly, she didn't have the chains on my shackles reengaged as I was being taken to the interrogation room.

As we walk, I think back onto the dream I had before-

If it was indeed some sort of premonition; a warning of things that could happen-

Then I need to remember to keep my wits about me, don't get a big head, and especially don't say or do anything stupid at any point.

My life literally hangs in the balance here so don't go fucking up now, Satou Kazuma

Once we were in the interrogation room, me and Sena took seats opposite each other.

Behind me was a man sitting in a chair in the corner of the room; a quill and paper in hand.

Likely the, what were they called? I forget, let's just say a record keeping scribe.

Yeah, that works for me.

Behind Sena were two heavily armored guards; positioned on each side of the sole door in the room.

There was no windows one could use to escape through either if they had so wanted.

"Before we begin, I want to thank you, mister Satou."

"For what?"

I asked.

"I am aware of the fact your team, with assistance from another team, made an attempt to help you escape the other night. You wisely chose to pass on that chance and for that, I thank you."

"Well, like I told the one who snuck onto the grounds; running away would only confirm my guilt in the eyes of the law. Regardless of me being innocent of the crime; running now would insure my fate. Even if I was able to prove my innocence after the fact; I would still probably need to be punished for the initial jailbreak, right?"

Sena nods; saying-

"Indeed, that is correct. Are you curious on how it was we figured out that it was your friends who were behind the explosion just outside of town?"

I shake my head, saying-

"No need. The explosion alone was enough of a dead give-a-way. There are only two mages here in Axel that can use Explosion magic, as far as I'm aware of anyways. Those being my party member Megumin and the shop keeper Wiz. And, unless something happened, Wiz is currently out of town in order to meet with her supplier and won't be back for another few days I think."

Sena nods as she reaches into a pouch strapped to her belt and pulls out a bell like item.

The same bell like item I had seen in my dream from just a little while ago.

"You should know that I had a little chat with them yesterday; told them that I would very much like to bring them in as well, for attempting to obstruct justice here. But, as a favor to you, as you did come along quietly and you chose to not try making an escape, I will give them a one time pass on this matter. But I did warn them that if they do this again, then not only them but you will have to suffer for their foolishness."

I thank Sena for that as I bow deeply.

Despite my current mindset where they are concerned, I still didn't want to see them join me in this mess.

"Of course, I lied to them about getting you into even more hot water. I just said that to them in the hopes it would dash any thought of ignoring my words and making another go of it."

"I thank you for you generous nature, Sena."

I bow again.

Yes, the way I was acting not wasn't exactly like me; even I knew that.

But after the dream I had experienced not even an hour ago; something that was still so vivid and fresh within my mind, I was making damn sure I didn't go screwing this up by letting ego and arrogance cloud my judgment and let myself do something really stupid here.

Sena then clears her throat; getting my attention back onto her as she points at the bell thing.

"Do you know what this is, mister Satou?"

I shake my head, then say-

"Off the top of my head, no. But if I had to guess, given the situation and all, I'm assuming that the bell has to be some sort of magical item that can tell if a person is lying or not."

She nods as she quickly rings the bell twice, causing the little ball on top to start glowing.

"Very good; I have now activated it. From this moment until we're done here, I would recommend you answering all my questions truthfully and without doubt."

She then looks to the guy behind me and gives him a nod.

She then turns back to me and begins the interrogation-

"First, will you please state your place of birth and what your occupation was before coming to Axel."

I gulp as this was a hard question to answer.

I mean, how do you explaining the concept of world traveling to someone who's probably never even heard of the concept before.

I mean, if this world really was like the middle ages back on Earth, the people of this world probably still saw themselves as being at the center of the universe with no other life beyond them.

"I was born in Japan. I was a student there..."

DING

Eh?

"Hey, why did it go off? What I said was the truth."

DING

"Mister Satou, are you sure you told me the truth back there?"

Asked Sena; her gaze becoming more doubtful which I didn't need now.

OK, Kazuma, what did you do wrong here-

Think, man, think-

Wait, I want to confirm something-

"I was born in the country of Japan..."

Pause; no ding sound-

"I was a student there..."

DING

OK, why did it ring them? I was a student... oh, now I get it-

"... or rather; I was technically a student there. However, due to personal reasons; I hadn't actually gone to school in over six or seven months. Rather, I locked myself away inside my apartment and only went outside when I needed to buy groceries, visit a bath house, or purchase things relating to my hobbies."

The bell didn't ring; thank god.

"I see. Would you be willing to elaborate on why you had been avoiding your schooling?"

"I'd rather not talk about it; if at all possible. There are things from my past I'm not comfortable with talking about."

Sena looks to the bell, seeing it didn't respond to my words.

"Then answer me this; does your past at least have any connection to the Devil King or anyone within his forces?"

"No."

Again, no ring.

Sena seemed to accept that as reason enough to not follow up on that topic.

She then changes the subject, asking me-

"Would you mind telling me where this Japan place is? I'm quite familiar with the map of the known world and I don't recall there being anyplace on it called Japan.."

How-how should I explain this to her?

Please, please, mister bell, don't go dinging on me here now.

"Well, Japan... You won't find it on any map available around here. As far as where it is; I honestly don't think I can explain it in a ways you'd either understand, or even be able to accept."

Thankfully, the bell didn't ding on me.

I guess that means I was right; she wouldn't understand if I tried to explain it to her.

"Then never mind that for now. We'll go ahead and move on to the next question. Why are you choosing to walk the path of an Adventurer?"

"To save the world from the Devil King and his forces..."

DING.

"Mister Satou?"

"Wait, that's...?"

I stop myself; taking a moment to really consider the question here.

"Let me start over; that was my mind set when I was first sold on the idea of coming here. To save the world from the Devil King. But from that first day since getting here to Axel, it quickly became clear to me that doing that was going to be way harder than I had been led to believe; harder than I told myself it would be."

"I was even told by Luna; from the guild, that I would do better as a merchant or some other job rather than being an Adventurer. I decided to give it ago anyways; but with each Quest I did; the more it became clear to me that defeating the Devil King may be something outside my ability to achieve."

"But I kept going regardless; mainly because I wanted to get myself a proper home to live in, which I have recently achieved. As of late, I've been considering quitting being an Adventurer and do something I feel could better serve everyone here in the world; especially the ones who do have a shot at victory against the Devil King."

Sena considers my words; taking note that the bell hadn't been set off.

"And what is it you think you could offer the rest of us?"

"I was thinking about trying to recreate things from back home. Take the way you all keep track of time. Your clocks are really, really simplistic and, in my opinion, very unreliable. Clocks where I'm from; while not one hundred percent reliable, are far and away better than what you all have. We also have portable clocks you can wear on your wrist or place inside your pockets too."

Sena became wide eye from hearing that.

"That does sound helpfully. Have you started work on any of these items you want to recreate?"

I shake my head, then say-

"I've been wanting to, but things keep coming up that prevent me from focusing on it. Usually things having to do with my... friends. Speaking of, one of the reasons I haven't quit adventuring yet is because I am worried how they'll react to it."

"Though, if I being honest with you right now; I'm becoming less and less worried as we go from one disaster to the next."

After taking another look at the bell; Sena gives me a nod before moving onto the next question.

"Next question. Do you hate the lord of Axel; Aldarp?"

"Why would I? I don't even know..."

DING.

I sigh and shake my head as Sena gives me an exasperated look.

""Look, before this latest incident, I didn't as I don't know the guy. I have heard the rumors about him and wondered how he was still allowed to maintain his position of power; evidence or not? But, it only took me thinking about how I myself was being treated based on rumors to make me decide to stop judging him. However, due to this most recent incident, my opinion on him is starting to go down again. I don't hate him exactly but I don't like him all that much right now either."

After a pause; probably due to Sena waiting for a ding that never came; she goes to say something else but I was quick to cut her off-

"Say, why don't we just cut to the chase here. So far, none of the questions you've asked me have had anything to do with the reason we are even here now."

"Look, I admit that it was me who made the call with the coronatite. I made that call in order to save lives because lives were on the line at the time. There was no intention to attack Aldarp; I mean how could there be. It was a RANDOM teleport which you yourself confirmed when you came for me."

"If you know anything about that then you would know its called random for a reason. You don't control where it ends up. Look, I also wish I could say I was sorry for what Aldarp lost, I really do. But I don't. Wanna know why? It's because no one was killed as a result. All that was lost was some mansion and the crap he had stored inside; all of which shouldn't be to hard to replace for someone who's a noble and is probably rich too."

"And as for me being an agent of the Devil King? If I was an agent, then why did I play a role in taking down the Dullahan who would have been one of my allies and why would I take a risk in saving Axel and its people too? The very idea that I could be in league with the guy is just to unbelievable if you take all that into account."

Sena was quite for a LONG moment; so much so that it made me start to worry a little.

"... I guess I had misjudged you after all, mister Satou. Over the last two days, my investigation had seen my opinion of you take a drastic nosedive, based on what I was hearing about you. At first, people had said positive things about you until they learned about your current situation; at which point they changed their tune. It was happening so much that I was starting to believe people had only said nice things at the beginning simply because they felt they owed it to you for what you had done."

"I made a gross error in judgment and for that, I apologize."

Damn straight, you did.

"Yes, you did. DO you know that if you were a prosecutor back in my home land; you would have been let go from the job for believing mere rumors and hearsay. People in your position have to be impartial and detached in order to get an unbiased answer to any case."

Sena quickly bows; her tone becoming a lot more friendlier with me all of a sudden.

"Yes, you're right. I'm sorry-so sorry for letting myself be swayed by just rumors alone."

You're damn right; you need to be sorry for doing that.

In fact, I have a few other choice words I want to say to you about all this crap.

I go to talk, but then my memory of the thoughts from earlier; relating to the dream I had suddenly reared its ugly head, reminding me that this was the exact moment when my dream self had gone onto his little rant which had really fucked him over immediately when he pushed Sena too far.

So, instead, I take in a deep breath and calmly say-

"Well, let's just forget all that now. The past is the past as they say. Just ask me the big question or questions so we can wrap this whole matter up and be on our way. I don't know about you, but I have a date with some people I know. I have a few choice words I want to say to them about reliability."

Sena smiles at me and gives me an understanding nod.

"Very well; I only have one last question left to ask and we'll be done here."

"Since leaving your homeland of Japan; have you every been in communication with the Devil King or his forces? Any direct interaction with any of them?"

"Nope, I never have..."

DING.

The sound of the bell froze me down to my very soul.

Sena herself looked shocked for a moment before her eyes narrowed; once more looking at me as if I was complete scum.

And all I could do was sit there, unable to move or speak, and only think of one single thing.

WHY, ERIS, WHY?

==============================={ Part 4: Trial }==============================

My trial was set to happen the very next day.

After that disaster of an ending to my interrogation, I was quickly escorted back to my cell as Sena went to make arrangements.

I didn't say anything at all the entire time-

Mainly because I was at a loss for words... and thoughts; trying to understand why the bell had dinged like that.

I mean, I had told the truth, didn't I?

It wasn't till way after midnight; when it finally dawned on me exactly what I had done wrong.

I had been unable to sleep and was trying to think of something to take my mind off things.

It was then I replayed her question in my mind and the answer had finally clicked for me.

I had been in communication with the Devil King's Generals; two of them to be exact.

I had talked with Verdia during that one week time when I was his prisioner.

But I wasn't sure if that had been the trigger or not.

There was also Wiz; she technically was a Devil King General, though she said she had retired... I think? All she still did now was send energy to maintain his defensive barrier around the castle.

Had that been where I screwed up?

Or was it both?

Either way, I was now in some really deep shit here and I wasn't confident I could get myself out of this one.

I never did get any sleep that night.

Soon, way sooner than I was happy with, the sun had risen and I found myself emerging inside a massive room; the court room I assumed.

To one side; it was a gathering of all the Adventurer's and Guild staffers and a few others I'm pretty sure I had seen around Axel every now and then.

In the middle of the room was a podium; probably for me and anyone called up to be questioned.

And finally, at the other end of the room was where the judge would preside over everything.

I didn't see any place for the jury to sit; was it because they didn't do jury's in this world?

Instead; there was single man with a head of balding blonde hair and a large thick mustache; a large gut and some really ugly clothes in my opinion.

It looked like the sort of close a clown would wear back on Earth.

Better not say that aloud.

I was then escorted to the podium at the center of the room.

Once there, the guards left me and walked over to one side.

So, I wonder how this will play out and if there's still any chance I can save my ass?

"Kazuma."

Came a familiar sounding voice.

I turn back and see my party; including Chris who had thankfully gotten back, come running up to me.

Once they had reached me; they took a moment to look me over.

After a second, Megumin was the first to speak-

"Are you OK, Kazuma? You're looking pretty worn and wretched."

"Who, me? Oh no, I'm fine. Never better, even. Nothing like knowing you have less than an hour to live to make one feel like they're on top of the world."

Maybe I was being a little unfair with my snarky and cynical reply but after everything has happened to me here as of late; I honestly didn't have it in me to care anymore.

It didn't hurt that being unable to get any sleep last night didn't help either.

It was funny though. Once, I had been able to go days without sleep and still function as a human being, but now just going one night was tearing me apart.

Granted, I almost never interacted with anyone in the flesh after an extended period of being awake so I didn't have a basis of comparison there.

And none of those previous sleepless nights had been because of a forthcoming execution either.

"Don't worry, Kazuma. I promise you it won't come to that. Somehow, someway, we'll get you out of this somehow. We'll be with you until the end."

Said Darkness, making me look at her.

"You'll be with me until the end, huh? You'll forgive me if that doesn't bolster my confidence here any."

Chris smacks the back of my head for that one; an action I didn't think I deserved but probably did.

"Kazuma, we're all really worried about you here. I know your scared about what could happen at the end of this but that doesn't mean you can just go around being an ass to everyone."

I turn to Chris; giving her a deadpan look before responding.

"Oh, you're right, Chris. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me if I'm still a little salty about what happened the other day back inside the Guild."

Chris gives me a confused look while the others immediately look away.

I'm guessing they didn't tell her everything about what had happened back there.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, everyone DID have my back at first and for that, I was grateful. But all it took was Sena saying that anyone who wanted to continue protesting would be free to join me in the dungeon's and on the stand here today. Very quickly; everyone turned their backs on me. Most of the Adventurer's just acted like they hadn't tried to help me before, Megumin and Cielo acted like they had wanted to stop me but failed due to reasons, and Darkness saw the whole thing as a chance to enjoy another aspect of her fetish. In other words, punishment play in prison."

Chris then looks at the others; giving them looks of disbelief as they further tried to hide their eyes from her.

After a moment, Chris then shakes her head while smacking her forehead with her palm.

"You're are all idiots, you know that. Surely, you should have seen it was all a bluff to test if your conviction on this matter were strong or not. I mean, anyone with half a brain would have known that the prosecutor could only arrest anyone outside the issued warrant if they tried to physically stop her."

"Actually, Sena came back in and told us as much before leaving to take Kazuma to jail."

Admits Darkness; making Chris groan even more.

So that's what Sena went back in for.

"Say, does anyone know who that man is over there? He's been watching us for some time now."

Asked Cielo, bringing us out of are little exchange to look where she was pointing.

"That's lord Aldarp; the noble in question who initially brought up the charges against Kazuma. I've heard that why Sena was sent here, it was only because of the coronatite situation. The whole charge about Kazuma being an agent of the Devil King was added after she had arrived; before the meeting in the guild hall."

Said Darkness.

So, if that pudgy looking bastard hadn't been a little bitch about some dumb house he probably has never stayed in even for one night, I wouldn't have to be going through all this.

You know, Sena, if you gave me that lie detector test now, I'd have to say that I do hate him.

I then notice he was looking at the girls.

First was Chris; he was rubbing his chin and nodding ever so slightly.

Probably thinking 'she could be a little better developed but I'd still enjoy her nonetheless.'

He then looks at Cielo; licking his lips as he eyed her up.

I'm guessing his thoughts were something like 'a cute young thing like her, I'd enjoy breaking her in.'

He then turns to Megumin and immediately; his brow furrows as a look of disgust grosses his face.

He then turns away immediately; which clearly meant he found her far beneath his consideration zone.

He then looks at Darkness and freezes.

I couldn't be sure; but it seemed he had some idea about who she was and that detail scared him.

Curious.

"Attention, attention, everyone quite down and take your seats if available. This court will begin momentarily."

Announced a thin looking man who had entered the room.

"I guess that's our cue then. Don't worry, Kazuma. We'll get you out of this mess."

Said a confident sounding Chris; or maybe she was just trying to sound confident for my sake.

"Yeah, what she said. We won't let you down, Kazuma."

Adds Megumin as they walk over to the defense table to sit.

So they are going to be my defense, huh?

My god, I am so screwed right now. I know it!

A few moments later, Sena and a wrinkly old man wearing one of those stupid looking judge wigs, at least I hope it was a wig, enter the room and take their positions.

As Sena gives me a cold hard look; I can't help but take notice of something weird-

Her eyes; just along the edges, seemed to have a weird green glow about them.

"OK, I'm sure we all know why we're here today. It is time for Adventurer Satou Kazuma to be judged in a court of law for his alleged crimes. Prosecutor Sena, if you would please."

Sena nods as she takes a step forward.

"As his judgeship as stated, we all know why we're here today. But for those of you who have been out of the loop, for one reason or another, or simply need a reminder; I will repeat the charges here. Satou Kazuma is being tried for the crimes of treason, terrorism, and the allegation that he is a secret ally to the Devil King. We shall now begin calling up several individuals to answer questions in order to determine the kind of man he is as well as his potential motive behind his actions."

After a pause, she says-

"First, will Chris the thief come take to the stand."

Chris points to herself in surprise as Sena looks at her and nods.

She then nervously walks down onto the stand as I'm pulled away to the side by a guard that had taken up position besides me.

"First, I must point out that this trial will make use of the kingdom of Belzerg's famous lie detection bell; created for us by a skilled craftsman from the Crimson Demon village so I would advise everyone to answer truthfully and matter-of-factly."

Off to the side, I hear Megumin groan at the mention of the bell being made by a Crimson Demon.

I could only hazard a guess as to why?

"Now Chris; is it true that after teaching Satou Kazuma the Steal thief skill; his first act was to use that skill to steal your panties?"

Chris sweat drops as she hesitates to answer; either due to my safety or do to embarrassment over the memory of that moment.

"Well... yes, but you need to understand-"

"That's correct; I saw it all happen with my own eyes."

Cries a girl from the gathered crowd.

Once she had Sena's gaze upon her, she continued.

"I saw that disgusting man steal away her precious panties then he throws them onto the ground before picking them up and repeating the process; all the while that thief girl was crying out to him, begging him to stop doing it."

The bell didn't go off at her words; meaning she actually believed that is what was going on there.

"Wait a minute, that's not..."

Chris tried to interject on my behalf but Sena shoots her down, saying that there was no further questions for her.

"Next, will the... Crimson Demon member of Satou Kazuma's party please come take the stand."

"Hey, I have a name. Is there some sort of problem with saying it? Are you wanting to start a fight with me or something?"

Yelled Megumin as Cielo and Darkness try to calm her down.

Sena simply looks at her; giving her a cold, uncaring stare.

"Either get down here now or you'll be charged with obstruction of justice which could not only affect your life but make things worse for HIM."

Sena's words shuts Megumin up as she finally comes down, taking the stand.

She then gives me a confident smirk; trying to let me know that she's got this in the bag.

No, she really doesn't-

"First, is it true that Satou Kazuma brought you back into Axel following your first mission together covered in goo originating from Toads. Is it true that he was responsible, at least in some form or fashion, for you being covered."

"It's true that I was covered in goo, yes. But it wasn't Kazuma's fault, it was..."

DING.

Both me and Megumin 'eh' at the sound.

"So, it was true that you being all slimed was his fault then?"

Megumin begins to shake from what had just happened.

"I-I-I-well, I guess he could have gotten to me before I was eaten by that toad... maybe. But I was the one who failed..."

"And is it true that he perform a Steal on you that somehow managed to actually steal YOU and, in the process, took the opportunity to molest and grope your chest while, lacking proper consent, would be grounds to be considered sexual harassment which is made worse by the fact you're underage at thirteen. I'm sure everyone here knows the legal age of consent for things like that starts at fourteen."

Megumin begins to shake even more.

"I-well, I mean that is true but... wait a minute, how do you even know about that? No one was there besides Kazuma, Darkness, and myself so how could anyone else know about it?"

"And finally, is it TRUE that when the two of you were left alone at night within the same bedroom at the guild, you accused Satou Kazuma of the horrendous act of violation. Once again, I ask everyone to remember this girl is NOT of legal age yet for any sort of consent."

"...yes, it's true..."

Said Megumin meekly, not even bothering to try to explain the situation as she knew Sena would just cut her off anyways.

Sena frowns as she tells Megumin that they were done with her; having her quickly ushered back to the others.

As far as the gathered Adventurer's in the room; all of them gave me the coldest, most disgusted looks that they could manage.

Only Ruffian, Taylor, Keith, Lynn, and Luna seemed sympathetic to my situation.

Dust, on the other hand, was munching on a bag of chips he had in his hands; clearly enjoying watching the show play out.

I wondered if he really understood the gravity of my situation here.

"Next, will the Crusader named Darkness please take the stands."

Darkness does as asked as she walks over to join us; taking a moment to give me a reassuring look.

"Now Darkness, it is true that when you petitioned to join Satou Kazuma's team, he warned you that joining him could run the risk of you being robbed of your virtue."

After a moment to think, Darkness replies with-

"That is correct, though I believe his reason for that was..."

"And has there ever been a point when you might have considered the possibility that it would be Satou Kazuma himself as the one who would rob you of your virtue as he had warned."

"Never, prosecutor. I have always felt safe..."

DING.

"That will be all, Darkness."

Said Sena, a smile forming on her lips.

Yep, this day just keeps getting better and better for me, huh?

"Next, will the Monk Priestess Cielo take the stand."

Once Cielo had come down, Sena wasted little time in asking her question-

"First, is it true you were witness to Satou Kazuma attacking his friends in the defense of the Dullahan?"

"Well, yes, but that was because..."

"Is it true you saw him use Lich skills on multiple occasions; even after he was presumed to be cured of the Lich curse?"

"Yes, but you need to understand..."

"That will be all, thank you."

Said Sena as she turned away.

As this was all playing out; something was beginning to become more and more clear to me-

This whole farce of a trial wasn't a trial at all; it was some sort of bloody witch hunt.

Well, I was putting an end to that right now.

"Next, I would like..."

"Just hold the fuck up for one damn second here."

Everyone is shocked by my sudden outburst, especially Sena.

"You have not been given permission to speak, Satou Kazuma."

Warned the judge.

"At this point, do you think I give a crap? Tell me something, is this REALLY how you do things here in this kingdom? First off, you don't even allow those called up to the stand to fully explain anything about the matters you're questioning them about. You just get them to say something that confirms your beliefs on the matter then dismiss them before they can further elaborate and give context behind the incident."

"And why would we need context when its obvious what the overall answer would still be the same."

Asked Aldarp, surprising everyone.

I growl at him before continuing-

"And another thing; what's the deal with only the prosecutor asking the questions? Shouldn't there be someone speaking for me on my behalf? Possibly even me myself asking them questions as well? Back where I'm from, a trial like this would be seen as a sham trial, a total joke no one would accept the outcome of."

"But we aren't in your home land, Adventurer. I would remind you to know your place and accept that we have are own ways of doing things. You may not like them, may not even agree with them, but this is our way; a way that has served us well for centuries."

Said the judge, with Sena quickly adding-

"And why would we need more than one person asking questions when the answers they'd give would still be the same?"

"Believe that if you want, but I have to wonder how many innocent people may have been given to the sword because you all refuse to change in all that time?"

That causes an uproar, which was either a good thing or a bad thing; I couldn't be sure.

After the judge got the room quieted down, he asked Sena to continue.

"OK, the last bit of evidence I feel is needed to be offered up here is a written confession from one Mitsurugi Kyouya and his party who were unable to attend in the flesh as they are helping out with matters in the capital."

"In his statement here, he confirms that the suspect Satou Kazuma used Steal to pilfer his sword and used it against him; causing him to suffer a concussion and his two part members were threatened with having their panties stolen, by Satou Kazuma, if they tried to resisted."

Hold on a minute, I don't recall anything like that ever happening?

"Now wait just a minute, miss prosecutor. That's not how it happened at all."

Shouts Darkness with Chris following it up with.

"My I take a look at that confessional? I can't helped but feel you skipped over several important details about that encounter."

"Please take note of the fact the bell wasn't triggered with Darkness's words either. That wasn't how that played out at all."

Further added Cielo, again the bell not responding to her words.

Sena ignores their pleas and says-

"I read only the parts that were relevant; the details as offered up by Mitsurugi's party members who said they were speaking on this matter on his behalf as he was to busy to write on the topic himself."

I had a feeling that was the real problem here.

Megumin then suddenly stands, proclaiming to everyone in the room-

"OK, I will agree that Kazuma is lacking in a lot of area's and he can be a bit of a pervert sometimes. But that description can be applied to just about everyone here in this room; this kingdom, this entire world. Now tell me, miss prosecutor, how does any of this relate to the accusations at hand?"

Sena glares at Megumin, adjust her glasses, then says-

"I was wanting to start with establishing the kind of man Satou Kazuma truly is; to reveal his true character. I had planned on just leaving matters with what had been revealed but if I must, I will bring forth more evidence I gathered that further condemns him and his ways."

{Insert Image 3}

"He was involved in the theft of fruit hanging from trees owned by honorable citizens of Axel."

To save a girl from starving to death...

"He played a part in the damaging of valuable guild property; even if only by a lack of action to stop said damage from happening."

Because I took a blow to my groin; you wouldn't understand what that does to a guy...

"It is reported he offered up his services to the Dullahan when it first arrived here at Axel."

To save my friends...

"He was involved with the Explosion attacks that drew the Dullahan to Axel to begin with as well as other Explosion's that have created no small amount of noise pollution for the citizens of Axel and dramatically altering the landscape of the area."

Because I was told that using that castle as target practice was OK...

"Was seen showing empathy towards the Dullahan when it come to Axel."

Because I felt bad for him as he was clearly being freaked out by our teams Crusader...

"Has aided in the kidnapping of Cielo; the charge being the fact he failed to see her returned home and to her family properly, as any honorable individual would have done."

But was seeing her back home really my duty when she didn't ask me to? It's not like she's some helpless little kid...

"If that alone isn't enough for you; if you want the most damning evidence of all against Kazuma? Then I refer everyone back to the confirmation of him using Lich skills which, I'll remind everyone, is something only an undead can learn."

"Furthermore, during the interrogation, I asked the defendant if he had any communication with the Devil King or his forces and his reply was no, which triggered the bell to ring. Need I offer up any more evidence towards him being an agent of the Devil King besides that? No, I think not."

She then looks back at the judge and declares-

"Your honor, I rest my case."

"Thank you prosecutor. Now then, Satou Kazuma, is there anything YOU'D like to say in your defense before I render a verdict here?"

I was about to speak when Aldarp suddenly cuts in.

"What's the point in doing that, your honor. Nothing he can say or offer will change the outcome here now. Just go ahead and and sentence him already. I've already wasted enough time as it is and would like to get back governing this city sometime this year."

I clutch my head, trying to think of something; anything that could possibly save me here.

I look at my team; seeing them show various degrees of fear.

I look back at the crowd to gauge their reactions and feelings.

I then start looking every which way.

If only- if only-if...wait, that's it-

"Since you don't appear to have anything to say, I hereby judge you..."

"Wait, there is something. Please, everyone, look at the bell and watch it carefully."

I then take in a deep breath and say as loudly as I can-

"I do not work for the Devil King; nor am I a terrorist. And I have never had any interaction with the Devil King either."

The bell didn't ring.

Sena blinks before looking at the judge, stammering out-

"Uh... your honor, I-I don't understand."

The judge sighs before saying-

"You all see, this is why I'm not a fan of this version of the lie detection bell. Why I'm not a fan of this system at all, really. In regards to the bell, it is very easily fooled when someone answers a question. You have to be both precise and to the point in order for it to properly confirm your innocence or guilt. With the bell, it has often been known to ring out simply due to poor phrasing. Is it no wonder why I am in favor of a magic item that simply forces one to tell the truth."

After hearing my words, Sena lets out a sigh though I'm not sure if it was an annoyed sigh or a sigh of relief.

I look off to the side the see my party cheering at my last minute success.

Well, all most all of them, as I saw Megumin was burying her face into her hands.

I wondered what that was about but I was guessing it wasn't really about me as I just barely heard her mumble-

"... damn, old man, stupid old man; quit trying to make a living off these joke magical items of yours..."

I'm not sure what that was about, but at least it seems like I was a free man after all-

============================{ Part 5: Verdict }===============================

"Now, in light of what has just been confirmed, I hereby declare that Satou Kazuma is inno-"

"With all due respect, your honor; may I ask you just what are you doing here?"

Everyone in the court room turn their attentions to Aldarp; who had a displeased look on his face.

"Is there an issue, lord Aldarp?"

Asked the judge.

Aldarp, who I observed with fiddling with some weird and rather creepy looking ring on his right hand, says-

"I do believe there is. Forgive me if I am wrong here, but it sounds like you were just about to pardon this man? This man... who clearly just confirmed his GUILT in front of everyone gathered here."

Sena then speaks up, saying-

"But my lord, Satou Kazuma just confirmed his innocence; the bell didn't ring when he stated he was no follower of the Devil King."

Several others, including my own party, shouted out in agreement over what Sena had said.

Aldarp simply raises an eyebrow; giving everyone a clear look of confusion.

"Did he now? Funny, I heard it go off loud and clear just a moment ago. Perhaps he would like to repeat his words from before; just to make the truth clear to ALL gathered here this day?"

Aldarp then looks at me; the rest of the gathered crowd also following suit.

Sena then looks at me and says-

"Sorry about this, mister Satou; but could you repeat yourself, if only to satisfy lord Aldarp here?"

Do I really... fine then; if only to shut that fat fuck up and we can move on.

"Very well, but if I do then and when the bell DOESN'T ring again, you'll drop your charges about my bombing your stupid mansion, OK?"

Aldarp gives me a devious, worrying smile but agrees to my terms.

"I do NOT work for the Devil King; nor..."

DUNG!

The sudden, very strange sounding noise released by the bell seemed to reverberate across the court room.

What was that sound anyways; it was low and distorted and very much not natural-

And why did it ring out NOW?

I had been telling the truth then too.

"The bell... it did ring after all."

"Thank you, lord Aldarp. For saving us from making a dangerous mistake just now."

Said both Sena and the judge, the tone of their voices sounding drained; almost lifeless even.

Almost like that of a drone.

I go to shout at them, to say that it didn't ring before and that the ring this time sounded off-

But I'm stopped by two sudden factors; one being that my voice had suddenly left me as I tried to speak.

And the other was; as they turned back to look at me, I saw that the whites of their eyes had turned a putrid, glowing green color.

"Now, where was I? Oh yes, by the power of this court; power provided to me by the kingdom itself, I hereby declare you guilty as charged. The sentence is death; to be carried out immediately."

My eyes widen in shock and fear as I once again try to speak; once again I had no voice to speak with.

As the guards approach me, I quickly look around; wondering why no one, especially my friends had acted yet to save me.

And then, I see the reason-

Like with the judge and Sena, everyone else in the court room appeared to also have that weird green glow in their eyes in place of the whites of their eyes.

I then find myself being grabbed and forced off the stand; being moved away as the stand is pushed to the side.

In its place was now being placed what looked like a block of metal with a groove in the middle.

A groove that looked perfect for a neck to rest in.

I suddenly hear Aldarp clear his throat then say-

"If you will permit me, your honor. I would like to supply, from my family's personal armory, this ax that once upon a time was used in the beheading of many vile and dangerous criminals."

Aldarp snaps his fingers; two men then appear carrying the very ax mentioned.

Forged using black metal with red double blades and a strange, almost satanic looking emblem crafted into it.

The very look of the weapon sent wave of terror racing up and down my spine.

"Thank you, lord Aldarp. Your generous act in allowing us to use this weapon, when we had foolishly failed to prepare an execution weapon ourselves beforehand, is most generous."

"Of, course, your honor. Now, let this demon be punished for his crimes. Let the coronatite he sent to my mansion; its blast coming from above like a fierce and raging storm, be made to pay."

I struggle, in vain, in a last desperate attempt to free myself; to no avail as I didn't have the strength to counter the guards.

I find myself being placed down in a position that would allow everyone in the crowd to watch as my head roles.

As the headsman approaches me; ax is hand, I take one last desperate look to my party-

Chris was shaking fiercely; her fist clenched tight as if she was trying to brute force action into being.

Darkness looked to be trying to reach for something; possibly around her neck, but her movement speed just wasn't fast enough.

Cielo wasn't moving at all but her face looked like she was wanting to cry out; to plead with them to stop this.

And Megumin; she was shaking the most as I saw tears streaming down her face, her crimson eyes glowing which seemed to be in battle with the green beyond them.

"Satou Kazuma; I pray the goddess Eris will show mercy on your soul this day. More mercy than what you were offered here or deserved."

The headman then nods as he begins his swing downwards of the ax

"Wait..."

Shouted not one, but two people.

Everyone's attentions turned to Darkness as she pulls out a fancy looking medallion.

But another had spoken as I glance back over to the crowd, seeing Ruffian had been the second.

Noticing that everyone had responded to Darkness, he slowly withdrew back into the crowd though not before looking at me.

And in that moment, I had seen it; his eyes didn't have the green glow to them like the others had.

"What is... that's the... the crest of the Dustiness family."

Came the judge, who was stunned by the look on his face.

And I saw the green glow in his eyes was quickly fading-

As was the glow in the eyes of everyone else.

I then look to see Aldarp's reaction; seeing he had a look of annoyance as he sat back in his chair.

"You are correct, your honor. While I go by the name Darkness when I am out here, living a life as an Adventurer; my true name is Dustiness Ford Lalatina. Sole daughter and first heir of Dustiness Ford Ignis; head of the Dustiness noble house."

Behind me, I hear Luna ask-

"Who are they?"

"House Dustiness is one of the most powerful noble family's in all of Belzerg; if not THE most powerful. It is said that their family has always been the greatest ally the kingdom has every had."

Replied Ruffian, I believe.

"I would normally never think to use my family's name and title like this; to ask this court for a favor by asking it to withhold casting judgment on the spot. However, I feel there is something dark transpiring here this day and would like to request that this man be given more time in order to prove his innocence beyon any shadow of doubt."

"How shameful, Lalatina; to wield your family's power in such a way. Do you know what dishonor you bring to you family and to your father? How your ancestors must be weeping right now; to see you ask for that man's freedom after he has been confirmed a criminal."

Said Aldarp as he stands to confront her.

"You misunderstood, Aldarp. I did not ask for his freedom; only that he be given more time to prove his innocence. In return for your support on this matter; I will be willing to grant you any one request that you would ask of me, so long as it is within my power to do so that is."

Aldarp stops in his walk mid-step and considers her words VERY carefully; his eyes once again dancing around as he gives her a very close look.

"Anything, huh? So long as it's within your power to grant?"

Darkness nods, then adds-

"Yes, anything. In addition, if Satou Kazuma dies here, it would make him repaying you for the loss of your mansion very difficult to achieve, don't you agree?"

"Yes, you are also correct about that as well, Lalatina. You honor, I would like the court to agree to lady Dustiness's request. Let it be known that we are nothing if not merciful here."

The judge nods his head and makes the call.

I had avoided dying again this day; but this was far from over.

=============================={ Part 6: Time }===============================

I had one month given to me to prove my innocence; just one.

Not a lot of time; sure, but what choice did I have.

I had tried to remind Sena and the judge that I had proved my innocence but they quickly left the court room after the judge had made the call on how much time I would be given.

Darkness had told me that it was unlikely my words would convince them now.

Whatever it was that had just happened back there; it had clearly made things harder for me.

The only option now was to somehow find a way to prove my innocence again; a way that not no one would be able to change or refute.

As we had returned to the mansion; everyone had apologized over and over for what had happened back their; unsure why it was they hadn't been able to move in that tense few moments.

Megumin and Chris were especially anger with themselves though I had a feeling there was far more to it from Chris's guilt.

But there was one thing we all agreed upon-

That something had effected everyone; controlling Sena and the judge, stopping me from speaking out, and making everyone else unable to act out in any way to stop it all.

And we agreed that Aldarp had some sort of connection to it all too.

"Darkness, just how was it you regained the ability to move and act?"

Asked Cielo.

Darkness then pulls out a weird marble like ball that was covered in weird runes and shows it to us.

"It was this thing. As the headsman starts to swing down, I felt something bonk me atop my head then rolling down and catching in my hand. Whatever this is, it snapped me out of my hazed and muffled mindset and allowed me to act quickly. I don't know where it came from but I am grateful to it."

Once we had reached the mansion, Darkness announced that she would not be joining us inside.

Instead, she needed to return to Axel in order to meet with her father who should be on his way here by now, if not already here, as she had sent a letter to him the day I had been taken in; requesting his aid in this matter.

And then, the two of them would rest and prepare this night for the meeting with Aldarp at the governor's mansion in the morning.

"So, when will you be getting back?"

Asked Megumin.

"If all goes well, then tomorrow night at the latest. While I can't be sure of the outcome of this meeting, I believe I'll at least be able to talk Aldarp into lowering the debt you owe him from five hundred million to at least two hundred and fifty million."

"And will you really be OK during the meeting? I mean, the way he was looking at you during this whole affair was troubling. Granted, the looks he gave all of you, excluding Megumin here, would make me not feel comfortable with leaving any of you in a room with him without me there."

Off to the side, Megumin reacts to me saying 'excluding her' and begins to demand to know what I meant by that.

"Wait, Kazuma... do you really think he would try to...huff huff...?"

"You know what, on second thought. I take back what I said. Please refund my concern now."

Darkness quickly shakes her head then says-

"Anyways, there's no need to worry. With my father there, I'm sure he won't try anything. Well, anyways, I'll be off now."

And with that, Darkness bows before turning and walking down the path back to Axel.

After a few moments, I shout out to her-

"Thank you, and good luck... Lalatina."

"I'll kill you if you ever call me by that name again, Kazuma."

She turns back and screams at me before continuing on her way; now stomping angrily.

Once she was gone, Chris speaks up and says-

"Well, I'll be taking my leave too. There's an item I know of that if I can acquire will be worth a LOT of eris once sold. Enough eris that it will cut twenty five percent of your debt off from just it alone; assuming Darkness fails to get the debt lessened."

"And besides, there's something else today's events have made me acutely aware of; something I want to deal with before such a thing happens again. I should be back before the month is over so until then, try to stay out of trouble, everyone."

And with that, Chris takes her leave to head off... who knows where?

"So, what should we do now, Kazuma?"

Asked Cielo.

I sigh as I turn back towards the mansion.

"For right now, let's just get back inside and rest for now. Tomorrow; I have a feeling we're going to be very busy for a good long while..."

Next time: Kazuma and Megumin have a little time to talk and Megumin decides to introduce Kazuma to a familiar friend they both seem to share. Then, while doing a 'special' quest sanctioned by Sena, Megumin is reunited with a face from her past. And it will all end with... the bath scene.

Image 1: Darkness and Passion standing opposite each other; talking

Image 2: Kazuma in chains; his head hanging low, as Sena and her guards escort him to prison

Image 3: Sena and the girls facing off in the court room; Aldarp and the judge in side panels

(Bonus chapter)

"So, what business do you have in Axel, miss?"

Asked the old man driving this supply cart I had luckily managed to run into while on the road.

He had run afowl of some of the local wildlife in the area and I had managed to save him and in return, he had offered me a ride on the supply cart to any destination I wanted to go to-

Within reason, of course.

"I mean, forgive me if I'm wrong here, but the level of power I saw you displayed back there; it sure doesn't strike me as the sort of power a rookie would have on hand. You already give me the impression of a master Archwizard with your skills."

I turn to look at him; the hood of my cloak still covering my face or so I hoped.

"I'm just going there to reconnect with an old frie-an old rival of mine, assuming she is still there now."

He nods as he starts to turn back to look at the road, then stops and looks back at me again.

"The color of your eyes... are you by chance a Crimson Demon perhaps?"

I blush as I look away.

I guess simply having my hood up wasn't enough to stay incognito when around anyone.

"Ah... ye-yes, I am. Is th-that a problem?"

He quickly shakes his head and says-

"No-no, not at all. If anything, it makes me feel more encouraged about taking this trip out that way now. I do have to ask though; why is a Crimson Demon doing all the way out here? I've heard your people rarely leave your village unless tasked by the kingdom to aid in the war."

"You are correct there, sir. That usually is the case; but me and my fri-rival wanted to go out and see the world, to broaden our horizons as it were. After all, there's only so much one can learn staying cooped up at home."

He nods at my words before turning his attention back to the road.

I then say-

"I hope you taking me to Axel won't be to out of the way for you, sir."

He shakes his head; telling me not to worry about it as he would need to pass close to Axel anyways in order to reach his intended destination.

Feeling more relieved from hearing that, I settle back and look up into the night sky.

Just you wait; I'll be there soon and then we can finally resume our rivalry-

Megumin!

AN2: And now begins the trial phase of poor Kazuma's life.

Now, if you all will permit me a moment before you go, I would like to take a moment to talk about my thoughts and feelings about the trial as it happened in the anime and light novels. There are several comments I have both read and heard around the Internet I would like to bring up here.

Stuff said that I do agree with.

To quote reviewer Paulo Cesar over on CG Traslations in his review of LN vol 3, chpt 1-

"To be quiet fair, Darkness was the only useful one on this trial and she actually saved Kazuma here since the landlord was doing some weird magic control. Kazuma is really good natured because dear god, I would've have left both Aqua and Megumin to freeze outside the mansion. The idiots almost got him killed, they could have left their damn mouths when he was being taken. I know it was for comedic effect but it feels less funny when the stakes include risking having your friend killed just because of your pettiness, you know."

(Note, I made a few slight changes to his chosen words to make the overall sound better verbally)

I agree with those words strongly as none one, save Darkness at the end, did anything to make Kazuma's situation better.

Sure, Aqua and Megumin suddenly making some distance after declaring any who try to aid Kazuma could suffer the same fate as him was understandable; but neither of them needed to then speak up as they did, as Sena never said anything to trigger their responces, If nothing else, they're words probably made it worse.

Darkness did little better as she chose to treat this as a chance to experience another form of her obsessions rather than be serious.

The attempt at a jail break also showed poor judemental skills; at least with Megumin and Darkness though, to be fair, as we don't know what words Aqua used to convince them (as it clealy had to be Aqua's idea to begin with), I'm willing to give Megumin and Darkness a pass here; if only because it didn't come back to bite Kazuma in the butt.

And then the court room scene itself; Aqua was undoubtibly the worst offender as the two times she seemingly spoke up for Kazuma; saying 'Objection' and 'Hold It', it wasn't because she had some sort of retort ready to save Kazuma. Nope, she only did it because "I've always wanted to say that" while in this sort of situation. Not only does that paint Sena and the judges opinions of her in a negative light, when they reach the moment where she does have something to offer; that being her sensing the dark precense filling the court room, no one is sure if they want to believe her...

Yet they are still willing to hear her out. But rather than be honest here in this moment, she destroys all remaining credibility by lying about he precious Axis faith. Seriously, the guy who does everything for her and bails them all out of problems they encounter, usually caused by Aqua, is in danger and you can't take the matter seriously. Just how selfishly low can one go?

(I know just how low, actually; that was one of those not needing an answer kind of deals.)

Megumin was a lot more tolerable than Aqua; let's all admit that. She only made two mistakes in the LN. One was less than helpful word choices when she was calling out Sena's evidense as 'not being relevent to the matter at hand'. Most of what she said was fine, but she could have left out the "I admit that Kazuma has a twisted personality' part as that really didn't help anything.

It probably didn't hurt anything either but, eh.

The other was her threatening to blow the whole court room up; which took her out of trying any last resonable attempt at saving him.

Darknes, at least, was the only one during the trial who kept a good head on her shoulders and waited till the end before speaking up; only saying what needed to be said that offered him the best chance at living.

When all was said and done, I agree with Paulo Cesar about 'I know its a comedy first and formost but in a situation like what Kazuma was going through; having two of your three ally's treating the whole thing like a joke; not taking it seriously (or seriously enough) isn't good comedy (in my opinion), it just makes them look like bad friends who can't take important matters like this seriously.'

Another reviewer: letmecasuallyrespondthen, also on the LN vol 3 chpt 1 reviews pointed out how he/she felt the whole court room scene had some much untapped potential.

Kazuma could have requested a chance to question the witnesses brought forth by Sena, but this time give them a chance to speak their peace fully without Sena breaking in once she heard what she was looking for. He could have even questioned the Aldarp himself; maybe found out if the mansion he claimed had been destroyed had actually been destroyed by the coronatite (we can assume that's where Aldarp had been storing his "friend" at the time). Surely, with Chris there in the crowds, you'd think she would have sensed something in the air too, like Aqua did, as later in the series its shown she can sense such things without much issue. She could have asked for Aldarp to be questioned as he and only he had something to gain from this sudden change in attitudes.

With the bell still present, and the fact he didn't appear to have the ability to manipulate it (otherwise he could have made Kazuma admit to the crimes he was being charged with), it could have ended the whole farce right then and there (and saved everyone from what happens in Vol 7 of the LN).

Second to last thing; I wish the anime had been more faithful with its telling of the trial. In the LN, Aldarp uses dark (curse?) magic to control Sena and the judge to get Kazuma found guilty of the crimes he was accused of.

In the anime, all Aldarp does is simply stare at the judge; basically bullying him into doing it.

Also, while I can understand it maybe not being possible in the LN, as Sena and the judge may still be under the manipulation spell from Aldarp, there was no reason in the anime for Kazuma to still have to prove himself as HE ALREADY BLOODY WELL DID. How does everyone just forget that so quickly, especially Darkness? She has power over Aldarp and could have easily got Kazuma off right then and there (maybe still have to deal with the debt, but at least be free of Devil King crap).

And now, lastly, I want to comment on words I heard spoken from a reaction channel a while back (can't recall the name of said channel sadly) where the guys reacting to the show said things like-

"Screw everyone in town. If this is how you treat the guy who has saved you all on multiple occasions, then maybe he should go join the Devil King."

"If I was in Kazuma's shoes, I would have no sympathy for these guys. I would probably say 'Fuck this' and leave them all once this was all over."

Well, basically that from what I can recall form when I watched it. And again, I can agree with that sentiment.

And again, I know both the anime and LN are meant to be comedies; but its really not all that funny when the characters who need to be taken the situation the most seriously are the ones who are being the least serious about everything.

Well, that's my little rant slash opinion said.

Till next time...