The tribunal hall was still drowned in chaos.
The fractured images from the crystal had sown hesitation into many hearts, yet the cries of accusation and fear still rang unceasingly.
This was the moment for the girl branded as "Calamity."She had to choose—bow before deceit, or raise her head and fight with dignity.
A Silence that Suffocates
The chief judge struck the gavel of binding once more.
"The truth remains unclear. Yet the fear of the people is not something this Council can ignore."
The mob erupted again.
"Condemn her! Do not let that power remain!""Don't allow the forbidden light to devour our city!"
Serena clenched her fists until blood seeped from her palms, her heart trembling like a storm.
She knew—if she stayed silent today, everything would be lost forever.
A Voice that Resounds
She stepped forward, standing upon the dais at the hall's center, her azure eyes gleaming like starlight.
"I will not stay silent any longer!"
The chamber quieted slightly, countless gazes locking on her.
"You accuse me because you fear what you do not understand. But have you forgotten how many times this kingdom survived only because of a power unlike any other?"
She raised her blade high, the runes of starlight upon its edge glowing faintly.
"This is no curse, no calamity—it is the voice of the Alveir bloodline, inherited since the ancient era! I will wield it, whether you accept it or not!"
A Splitting Chorus
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"She dares proclaim such words before the Tribunal…?""Could it be… that what she says is true?"
Some still hurled curses, but others fell into uneasy silence, torn between fear and the truth unveiled before them.
Valkyria Strikes Back
Irena lifted her fan, her cold smile unshaken.
"Your words sound grand indeed, yet they remain without proof."
She turned to the judge.
"This trial is not to be swayed by speeches, but to shield the kingdom from an uncontrollable threat. If such a power is allowed to remain, then one day, it will not be children who survive—but entire cities that perish."
Cries of agreement rose once more.
Serena Who Will Not Yield
Serena swept her gaze across the hall, her voice steady as steel.
"Then let me ask you this—when the shadow beasts invaded that day, which power stood in their path? Who among you took my place upon that field?"
A suffocating silence answered her.Even the loudest nobles dared not speak.
She drew a shaking breath, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"On the day you all fall, I will still be there, standing. No matter what name you brand this power with!"
The Prince at Her Side
Lucius rose once more, his eyes trembling with conviction.
"And I will say it again… she is the one who saved lives—not a demon!"
The hall erupted with protests, yet this time their noise could not drown out Serena and Lucius's voices—voices that now echoed inside the hearts of many.
The Shadow Who Watches
In the corner cloaked in shadow, Kyren Adelric stood with arms crossed.
His eyes lingered upon the girl who refused to bow.
"Yes… keep walking forward. This is not yet victory, but even a single step is enough to shake the path they thought unshakable."
Valkyria's Smile
Irena did not rage, nor falter.
Her fan brushed against her lips, concealing a chilling smile.
"You are bolder than I expected… but the game is far from over, Serena."
Her gaze glittered like frozen steel, already preparing her next move.
Closing Scene
The Tribunal could not reach a verdict that day.
Accusations still rang loud, yet for the first time, the light of a girl once branded as "Calamity" had shone before all.
It was faint, fragile—but it was the first seed of faith planted into the hearts of men.
The battle was far from over.But the first light of reversal… had been born.