Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 44 Investigation

Enrique is indeed dead.

He was already seriously injured and his body was weak. He forced himself into fierce fighting and was hit by three crossbow bolts, one of which pierced his abdomen and damaged his internal organs.

Enrique's injuries compounded, causing him to vomit blood and die suddenly without any chance of being saved.

Link stared at Enrique's corpse, remaining silent for a long time.

Jasmine took off her cloak, stepped forward, and stood beside Link, her eyes filled with worry.

Murder is no small matter.

Unless one is inherently cold-blooded, very few people can remain unaffected by killing.

Link felt that he had not only killed Enrique, but also killed a part of himself.

With his eyes closed and a deep breath in hand, Link activated "Brain Lock," using his wisdom to cut away distracting thoughts.

"I'm fine."

Link turned to Jasmine with a relaxed smile, took the cloak she offered, turned off his optical invisibility, and draped it over his shoulders. "Let's go, there's still a lot of trouble to come."

Link gestured to the intelligent law enforcement puppet hovering not far away, then led Jasmine toward the administration building.

The portable AI had already been notified that Link and Molly needed to go to the "Office for Investigation and Mediation of Disputes and Accidents on Campus" to be questioned and investigated.

The body is not afraid of the shadow slanting.

Link admitted that he did have murderous intent toward Enrique and did kill him, but that did not mean that his actions were illegal.

No matter how biased someone's stance is, they can't find any major faults in Link's response after the attack.

Therefore, Link walked into the "Office for Investigation and Mediation of Disputes and Accidents on Campus" with composure, not with his head held high, but without any fear or hesitation.

"Link Grand, Molly Kidman, please each briefly describe what happened."

In the office, behind the desk sat an elderly man with a full head of white hair, wearing a badge on his chest that signified his status as a formal wizard.

The old man's hair was neatly combed, his face was expressionless, and the corners of his mouth were slightly downturned, making him appear extremely serious.

As soon as the two entered the office, without any attempt to ease the tension, they were immediately asked to make their statements.

Link remained calm and said, "After dinner, Jasmine and I went to the library to study as usual."

As we entered the tree-lined path, I sensed a murderous intent lurking in the shadows, so I immediately pulled Jasmine into hiding and moved away, asking her to report to the academy.

The intelligent law enforcement puppet has yet to arrive, and the people lying in wait for us have launched another attack.

In order to escape, I engaged in a game of cat and mouse with the other party.

The other party relentlessly pursued me, leaving me no choice but to retaliate. In the end, I accidentally killed them during the fight.

Jasmine then added, "Link only had to retaliate after the other party attacked him several times in a row."

The old man declined to comment on their conversation, instead asking, "The deceased was named Enrique Bernalis. Did you know him? What was your relationship with him? Did you have any conflicts?"

Jasmine responded proactively, "I was a member of the 'New Blood Mutual Aid Association,' where I met Enrique. We had a few brief conversations, but there was nothing between us. As for any conflict, there wasn't any direct conflict."

"Yeah?"

The old man turned to Link and asked, "According to our investigation, Enrique Bernalis was commissioned by Rivers Francis to threaten you, and you retaliated accordingly. What is your explanation for this?"

Link calmly replied, "I don't think it was retaliation. I simply spoke frankly with Mina Haverchak and Rivers Francis separately, expressing my views on certain matters, and I did not take any retaliatory action against anyone."

After a pause, Link revealed a hint of sharpness: "If you, or the Academy, have investigated the whole incident, such as the details of Enrique Bernalis's threat to me, the actions of Rivers Francis, or Mina Havercek's experiences and behind-the-scenes maneuvers, perhaps you could have a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding."

"Well……"

The old man pondered, staring intently at Link, his face expressionless, his eyes calm as a still, ancient well, yet captivating.

Link activated his "Brain Lock Technique" to the fullest extent to resist the invisible pressure and interrogation from the old man.

"Good character."

After a long while, seeing that Link still did not back down, the old man said softly.

It's unclear whether he was praising her or had some other meaning.

A moment later, the office AI on the desk received a site investigation report from the intelligent law enforcement puppet.

This report, presented in the form of pictures, text, and video, reconstructs the process of Link's battle with Enrique based on traces at the scene.

"Calm and composed, decisive and courageous, appropriate in response, and good in tactical application."

The old man glanced at the report, a hint of admiration in his eyes, as if speaking to himself, or perhaps specifically to Link, "A promising talent in combat."

Faced with the veiled praise, Link remained silent, showing no sign of pride.

When dealing with people who appear to be very cunning, you must be extra careful.

You think he's genuinely praising you, but he's actually just trying to lower your guard.

Every word he utters, every expression, every movement, every glance has its purpose.

If you're not careful and aren't on guard, you'll fall into the trap he's set for you.

The old man didn't seem to care and continued speaking: "That 'Thorn Entanglement' move was brilliantly executed. The plan was laid out early, and the fatal blow was delivered at the crucial moment. Not bad, truly not bad."

Suddenly, the old man asked, "Jasmine Kidman, what role do you think Mina Haverczek played in the attack on you and Link Grand by Enrique Bernalis?"

As far as I know, Enrique Bernalis visited Mina Haveczek several times before attacking you.

Mina Havček gave you a rather subtle warning before the attack.

This question has a trap; if you answer it slightly wrong, you'll easily be nitpicked.

Link opened his mouth, ready to answer for Jasmine.

The old man's eyes twitched slightly, and he glanced at Link out of the corner of his eye.

Instantly, an immense pressure descended upon Link, overwhelming him and making it difficult for him to even breathe, let alone utter a sound.

Jasmine, completely unaware of Link's ordeal, lowered her head and thought for a moment before calmly replying, "I don't know what happened between Mina Haverczek and Enrique Bernalis, nor do I know what Mina Bernalis was thinking. But in any case, I'm quite grateful that she gave me a hint, even if it was a subtle one."

"Yeah?"

Upon hearing this, the old man finally revealed a subtle, almost imperceptible smile and released his hold on Link.

He waved his hand and suddenly announced the findings of the investigation in a serious tone: "The investigation found that Link Grand, in self-defense, accidentally injured Enrique Bernalis."

Enrique Bernalis died from a recurrence of an old injury.

Therefore, Link Grand is found not guilty.

This is an extra chapter as an apology to my readers.

(End of this chapter)