Chapter 166

In a life-or-death situation, I quietly made a decision.

And then, with a sigh, I released the restraint.

Whoosh.

“Void Boundary Erosion Gluttony.”

Fsssh.

Creeeak—!

Originally a Curse Art used to destroy barriers and the like, but with a slight adjustment, it could also be used against Binding Arts.

Having quickly regained my freedom of movement, I summoned two Shikigami right away and simultaneously enhanced their power through the Mist Veil of Dark Noon.

“Black Yin, Eve.”

Slither.

Fwoosh!

[Kkiiik!]

“…I will defend.”

Since Liu Zijian had taken the initiative to attack, there wasn’t enough time to cast a particularly strong Defensive Spell.

However, if Black Yin’s shroud, my Azure Heavens’ wall, and Eve’s power combined, it would be enough to block the attack.

Creeeak—!

As I expected, Liu Zijian’s strike failed to break through our defense.

But that only made it even harder to prove my innocence.

“…To actually block it… You’re no mere student. Were you hiding your power?”

“I never hid it. If it weren’t for this situation, there would have been no need to reveal it.”

“Even with this much evidence pointing to you, you still claim you’re not the culprit?”

It was truly infuriating, but from Liu Zijian’s perspective, even I would have pointed the finger at myself.

Glancing toward the entrance, I sensed the presence of several Exorcists. As expected, even my escape route was already blocked.

‘…This is troublesome.’

Liu Zijian was the representative of the Liu Family visiting for this event; naturally, his strength was no ordinary matter.

A quick glance showed his Level was 58. A level of mastery even within the 1st-Rank.

‘I could probably hold my own against him now…’

But even if I fought a desperate battle with Liu Zijian here, there would be nothing gained for me.

I wouldn’t be able to handle all the Exorcists who would follow anyway.

‘I need to buy time and clear up the misunderstanding somehow.’

Slither.

Fwoosh!

Having made my judgment, I summoned Earth Rat from the shadows, broke through the wall, and leaped into the open air.

Perhaps he hadn’t expected me to do such a thing from a height of four floors, as Liu Zijian panicked and began chasing after me, searching for footing.

“Grrk, you brat! Stop right there!”

[Kiiik!]

[Kkeek!]

Flutter!

Already, with the help of two newly summoned Black Birds and Black Yin, I was flying through the air, making it impossible for Liu Zijian to catch up at his speed.

However, hostile gazes began to shoot at me from all directions.

Exorcists affiliated with various families were watching me.

‘…This is driving me crazy.’

Confirming the deployment of Cursed Techniques from various places, I returned the Black Birds to the shadows, separated from Black Yin, and landed on the ground.

Thud.

If I chose to flee here, the situation would head toward an irreversible phase.

No solution came to mind immediately, but whatever it was, it meant I had to resolve everything within this White Forest Pavilion.

“Hmph, have you given up on running now?”

“…….”

“Why did you harm them? Were you perhaps hired by someone?”

Facing Liu Zijian, who was already branding me as the culprit and pressing me, I answered with a serious expression.

“I’ll say it again: I am not the culprit. I did not attack them, nor do I have any reason to.”

“Ridiculous. Then who on earth did such a thing?”

“I wonder. What’s certain is that it must be someone with a reason to do so.”

Creeeak—!

Blocking another attack from Liu Zijian, I sank into thought.

‘…….’

First, I cannot reveal the truth about the Liu Family Exorcist who killed Baek Sanghwi after being caught for corruption.

Because, as someone not affiliated with either side’s family, it was information I had no way of obtaining.

‘However, that was originally information uncovered by none other than Yoo Haon and her group.’

Even in a situation like this, they are probably proceeding step by step with what they can do.

In other words, regarding that part, I have no choice but to trust and wait for that group, including Baek Eunseo, who is well-versed in family information.

‘So until then, I need to create some room for persuasion on my end as well.’

After pondering repeatedly, I finally came up with a considerable gamble.

A somewhat reckless plan, one could call it a shift in thinking.

But it was definitely worth attempting.

Thud.

“…Could you please stop attacking for a moment?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Over there, it seems various discussions have been held, but I, the actual person involved, haven’t even had a chance to speak about the situation. I think passing judgment can come after that.”

Since it wasn’t an entirely unreasonable request, Liu Zijian nodded his head as if to say, “Fine, let’s see what you’ve got.”

Simultaneously, Exorcists from each family began to approach me bit by bit to prevent me from trying any tricks.

“First, I would like to hear the exact circumstances that led to your firm belief that I am the culprit.”

“Hmph. It’s not complicated. The spell of an Executor from Headquarters indicated that your Spiritual Power remained on the bodies, and coincidentally, you have no clear alibi regarding the time the crime occurred. Moreover, the current fight has proven you possess sufficient power. What more is needed here?”

It’s true I had no alibi to prove my innocence because I was asleep, intoxicated by Baek Soyool’s medicine.

Even if I stated that fact, it wouldn’t be of much help since there was absolutely no one with me after Baek Soyool left the room.

“Alright. Then I would also like to hear what conclusions you’ve reached regarding the motive and method of the murder.”

“There’s no clear way to know the motive. And the method is simple as well. You took advantage of the two victims being off guard and ambushed them stealthily, and in the process, used your family’s Art Formula, Withering Flower, to avoid pursuit. Am I wrong?”

Certainly, if it were me, I could use the fact that I’m just an Academy student to lure the opponent into letting their guard down, and immediately after, seize that opportunity to kill them.

Liu Zijian’s words themselves were quite convincing.

“But is that really possible? With Exorcists stronger than me stationed all around, and the eyes of the representatives from each family watching, committing the crime unnoticed would hardly be easy.”

“…That’s true. However, the Baek Family Exorcist was handling work in a private office on the 4th floor, and our victim was, for some reason, walking through a passage in the basement warehouse area. Both were places with few people, so the crime itself wasn’t impossible.”

Right then, Baek Soyool, who had been observing the situation, intervened, pressing me further with a beaming smile.

“In hindsight, it was a mistake, but because we only strengthened external security, we were somewhat negligent of internal movements. Moreover, if the victims were isolated, it would naturally be difficult for those around to notice.”

“…….”

Both sides had valid points. But with this, I had obtained all the information I wanted.

So now, it was time to launch a counterattack.

“I understand what you’re saying. And based on that content, if we judge accordingly, it is indeed possible for me to have killed them using the method you speculated.”

“What?”

“Then, truly…….”

Amidst the murmurs that had gradually grown louder, I smiled faintly and spoke again.

“However, precisely because of that, I am not the culprit.”

At that abrupt statement, the Exorcists who had been silently watching the situation tilted their heads.

As expected, all eyes were drawn to me in an instant.

If there was a timing to stake everything, it was now.

“I, too, cannot immediately reveal who the culprit is.”

“…….”

“But I will say this for certain: the culprit’s method of killing is far too sloppy.”

“What do you mean…….”

The reactions largely split into three types: those who genuinely didn’t understand, those who found my sophistry disagreeable, and those who looked on with interest.

To them, I uttered what could be called a bombshell statement.

“If I were truly the culprit, I would have killed those two more surely and quickly, without leaving a single trace.”

“Hah, listening to you, your arrogance reaches the heavens. Are you saying someone like you is capable of such a thing?”

“Yes. It is possible.”

Therefore, precisely that.

“Starting now, I will prove it before all of you.”

Baek Woon-yong, the Fourth Elder of the Baek Family and master of this White Forest Pavilion, looked at Han Kangyoon before him with quite an interested gaze.

‘He has considerable spirit.’

It’s no ordinary feat to not be intimidated in such a situation and express one’s own opinion.

Moreover, Han Kangyoon is in the unfavorable position of having to clear himself of uncertain suspicion.

Yet, there is no wavering in that expression.

‘Come to think of it, Seoha mentioned him too.’

A genius who is a strong candidate for the next Elder of the Baek Family, already possessing corresponding strength and influence.

I recall hearing high praise for Han Kangyoon from her lips when the disturbance caused by Specters occurred at Dongaksan.

“…Elder. As instructed, we have stationed a 2nd-Rank Exorcist from our family at the crime location.”

“Well done. You may return to your seat now.”

As Han Kangyoon requested, each family selected Exorcists with strength similar to the victims to recreate an environment identical to the actual situation.

“From now on, it will be sufficient for you to watch, sense, and then pass judgment. I will move a bit deeper into the forest and begin my actions.”

“…What guarantee do we have that you won’t run away?”

“You may form a perimeter in advance if you wish. It would be difficult to escape amidst so many distinguished individuals anyway, wouldn’t it?”

Despite Liu Zijian, who found the situation disagreeable, continuing to apply pressure, there was not a single sign of disturbance in Han Kangyoon’s demeanor.

Watching this, Baek Woon-yong admired him and, like the others, slowly gazed toward the forest where Han Kangyoon had departed.

‘Indeed, what kind of skill will he show…’

However, even after 3 minutes, then 5 minutes passed, Han Kangyoon showed no movement.

Those waiting on the 1st and 2nd floors, recreating the time of the incident, also seemed puzzled.

And finally, when about 10 minutes had passed, Han Kangyoon, who had headed into the forest, quietly revealed himself.

Breaking the precondition that he should not be seen while reenacting the crime.

‘…Was it too much after all?’

It’s not an easy task.

No matter how similar the environment was recreated to the actual situation, those acting as stand-ins for the victims and the Exorcists from other families would also have their Spiritual Sense heightened beyond usual.

It was an unreasonable challenge from the start. The burden was too heavy for a mere nineteen-year-old student.

Just as I was about to shake my head, Han Kangyoon suddenly approached everyone and spoke.

“It’s over. If this were real, both would already be dead.”

“What are you talking about now…?”

It’s only been 10 minutes. Much shorter than the actual time the crime occurred.

Moreover, the family Exorcists stationed on the 1st and 2nd floors detected no abnormalities.

However, soon after, the words of an Exorcist who hurriedly ran over left everyone present with no choice but to be shocked.

“R-reporting. Both individuals who volunteered as stand-ins have been found unconscious at their designated locations.”

“…What?”

It was the moment when the expressions of the Exorcists from the three great families gathered from various countries changed in myriad ways.