Chapter 54: Accusation
As they stepped inside, a grand hallway unfolded before them, stretching deep into the heart of the building.
Flanking either side were orderly rows of seats, leading towards a majestic sight at the far end: a slightly elevated platform dominated by an imposing Shrine.
Behind the Shrine, towering windows soared to a height of over 100 feet, through which streamed ethereal rays of pure sunlight, casting an otherworldly glow throughout the hall.
The Shrine itself was a marvel of craftsmanship, fashioned from gleaming green metal. Its pointed spikes of steel radiated outward before gracefully curving back towards the center. Numerous spikes adorned each end of the Shrine, all converging towards a central point where a luminous glass orb floated mysteriously.
A small line of people awaited their turn near the Shrine, overseen by a short moosh figure clad in a flowing green vestment.
Embroidered on the back was the arc of a verdant planet, surrounded by intricate patterns and designs that spoke of ancient craftsmanship and reverence.
"People rechecking their classes," Tyr said as he and Malon got in line.
Other than the line, there were also other doors leading out to the divine courtyard--where many religious Hunters trained thier abilities.
Other places in this religious area connected to the church were various shrines, rooms, statues, and beautiful scenes that were worthy of tourism and worship.
That was where people went the most, but Tyr wasn't interested in any of that right now, of course.
As he and Malon talked, the short line quickly ended and they were at the front in no time.
"Come forward." The short moosh said in an almost impatient way, pulling his fingers in toward himself.
Tyr did just that, standing to the left of the priest and in front of the shrine.
He had done this a few times before, but never in front of such a large shrine.
Without instructions, he placed his hand on the orb.
"Think about your greatest strength." The priest said, placing his hand on Tyr's upper back.
'My greatest strength...' A few things crossed his mind, but there was one which he believed the most: 'Ambition.'
After a few seconds, the orb began to quickly spin and show the various scenes of Tyr's Hunting travels and missions.
The priest took a good look at all of them, his eyes accustomed to quickly scanning everything he saw on the orb.
"That's good." He said, causing Tyr to take his hand off. "You're B-Rank, right?"
"Right now... yes," Tyr said, a bit scared. 'That's what he got from my experiences? That I was B-Class? That ain't a good sign...'
The priest suddenly smiled, "Well not anymore, brat! Take out your Hunter ID Plate!"
Tyr's expression brightened, a slight smile on his face as he pulled the ID out.
The priest waved his hand over it, changing it with an Aura pen from a Golden plate to a shiny Platinum ID.
Each Hunter Class/Rank had different minerals depicting their power, which were as follows from lowest to highest: Bronze F-D, Silver C, Gold B, Platinum A, Diamond A+, Emerald S, Mythril SS, and Aurantium SSS+.
"Finally!" Tyr blurted out, throwing his hands into the air. He truly felt blessed.
With a confident and joyful mood, he and Malon made their way out of the church.
"Good for you man, haha!" Malon laughed, "I'm still a B-Rank myself. It'll probably take me a good minute before I cross over that line."
"Really? You seem pretty strong to me. I'm sure you will get there soon enough." Tyr replied, 'Scan.' He said in his head as Malon continued.
"Well yeah, thats if they let me outside of the cells for once..."
┏━━━Status━━━┓
Name: Malon Hevest
Age: 21 Years
Power Level: 80
Rank: Apprentice
┗━━━━━━━━━┛
'Not bad... he's about as strong as Bilweif was. Right now, I'm a good bit ahead of that due to Soul Mend. In terms of actual level though, I'm still over 30 behind.' Tyr said to himself as he and Malon were nearing the end of the stairs.
A thunderous horn abruptly reverberated through the air at that moment, causing a slight public panic.
Tyr furrowed his brows, pausing as he looked around and surveyed everyone's expressions.
Moosh's were scared, quickly turning their backs and facing the street with horrified expressions.
Others, who wore more expensive clothing and ornaments were less concerned--but seemed a bit excited even at the sound of the horn.
Malon looked to have a serious expression, his fists clenched as the street below him and Tyr quickly cleared up.
Moosh's moved to the side. Whispers of surprise, confusion, and even excitement quickly spread around as a group of figures were revealed standing in the center of the street.
'3 guards and another tall moosh.' Tyr noted in his mind.
One of the guards who was holding the horn stepped back in line with the other two.
Finally, the moosh that wasn't a guard brushed his hand through his mushroom hair. Unlike Malon's hair, which was a single large mushroom, this guy had several smaller shrooms on his head.
He seemed a bit older and more distinguished--his clothing noble and unblemished.
His expression was smuggish, like an overconfident 13-year-old. Yet, he looked to be well in his 30s.
"Nephew! Why do you do this to yourself?" The moosh spoke, Tyr's head darting toward Malon.
His eyes screamed: 'This is your uncle!? He already found us!' But he didn't say it out loud right now.
Malon stayed stoic as his uncle continued. The moosh walked back and forth in the street--murmurs growing even more as time went on.
"First you rape a moosh citizen! A lady of great merit whose life is now ruined due to your actions!" As the moosh said this, astonished murmurs washed through the crowd like a wave before calming down again.
Even Tyr's brows furrowed as his gaze remained locked on Malon.
The other stares seemed to mean nothing to the moosh, but as he saw Tyr's confused look cast on him, Malon's resilient shell cracked. He looked at Tyr, his eyes filled with concern.
'Now him too huh...' Malon thought to himself on seeing Tyr's expression, 'He probably wants me dead.'
"We were kind, we gave you but a week in prison. But you decided to escape, and so the next time your sentence was increased to multiple months. But now, since you insist on continuing to be a criminal, you will be punished for far, far longer!" The uncle's tone became angry at the end, his voice increasing in volume.
Malon paused as he stared at Tyr. Tyr didn't say anything. Finally, he moosh opened his mouth to speak: "I didn't--" He was cut off--Tyr slapping the back of his head slightly.
"You fool. Why are you trying to prove yourself innocent to me right now? This isn't a court, and I happen to believe in innocent until proven guilty. Go deal with him first."