403 Trial [2]

I scanned the array of faces before me.

Among them were a few instructors – Liz Snyder, Raven von Matterhorn, and others – dressed in formal instructor uniforms – navy-furred coats with black shirts beneath, their collars adorned with several stars – that we rarely see them in.

Then there were figures from the academy city council, the actual owners of this entire city.

Finally, my anxiety spiked as my gaze landed on two government officials. Direct emissaries from the esteemed Central Government, their formal suits embellished with a cross badge on their chests.

If I hadn't been nervous before, I certainly was now.

"Do you know why you're standing in this trial, Cadet?" queried an instructor whose face I had only seen in passing.

I shrugged, hands behind my back, standing at attention. "I suppose for concealing possession of a mythical mana beast, Sir!"