Chapter119 : Trial of a Shadow
The sound tore through the sky like a screaming blade.
A massive aircraft descended, engines roaring as they carved wind trails through the clouds. The Seoul International Airport shimmered under the early morning light, runway lights blinking in rhythmic silence.
The plane hit the tarmac with a jolt, its turbines slowly winding down.
Madagascar's team had returned.
The boarding bridge aligned, and down the steel stairs walked Rokky, shackled in heavy, rune-inscribed Shen Restrict Handcuffs. His eyes scanned the surroundings lazily, showing no sign of worry.
Behind him, escorting with precision and silent intensity, were Madagascar, Tito, Chiro, and Ben. Their mission was complete—but the air was thick with unease.
At the foot of the aircraft stairs stood a small group awaiting them:
Mujin, arms crossed, his cloak rustling slightly in the breeze.
Vincent, his eyes sharp and cautious.
Akebi, ever-calm, her presence tranquil yet alert.
Mujin leaned toward Vincent and whispered,
"This is the one you saw inside Wang's memories… right?"
Vincent gave a firm nod.
"Yes. That's him. No doubt about it."
Mujin stepped forward slowly.
"Rokky the Shapeshifter… It's been a long time."
Rokky grinned, lifting his chin despite the cuffs.
"Mujin, you bastard. Still as stiff as ever."
Mujin returned the grin coldly.
"Ben, escort him to Chief Dogoro for immediate interrogation. I want answers, not theatrics."
Ben nodded, and two officers moved forward to transfer Rokky.
Then Mujin turned to the team.
"You did well. The mission was a success. Seoul owes you."
Just then—another aircraft cut through the sky, sleeker and darker.
The doors of a private jet opened with a pressurized hiss.
Out stepped the Lockwood brother
Jayesh, expression firm.
And behind him, cloaked in elegance and silent fire, Rajesh—the Legendary Phoenix.
Mujin's eyes widened.
His heart skipped.
"No… where's Sakamoto?"
The worst began to unravel in his thoughts.
He quickly dismissed the team with a wave.
"We'll debrief later. Go."
Rajesh approached with calm steps.
"We have a lot to talk about."
Meanwhile – Greenland, Inside S.U.H.A
Sakamoto stood silent between Knight Óðr and Cain, now inside the imposing black-stoned halls of the Sovereign Union Headquarters.
At the towering entrance stood Sovereign Ivar, flanked by two elite S.U.H.A guards dressed in ceremonial armor etched with divine runes.
Ivar's expression was steel.
"We don't have time for delay. The court will begin immediately. Sakamoto… you will answer for your crimes."
Sakamoto opened his mouth to speak—
"I didn't—"
But Ivar turned without pause and walked away, his cape trailing like a blade slicing through wind.
Knight Óðr placed a hand on Sakamoto's shoulder, his tone hushed.
"I hope… you don't get convicted."
Sakamoto said nothing, heart pounding.
Back in Seoul – Mujin's Office
Inside the high-rise headquarters of the Hunter Association, Rajesh laid out everything.
"Sakamoto was taken by Knight Óðr to S.U.H.A in Greenland. They believe he's guilty of the national incident."
Mujin's eyes darkened.
"Then we have no time to waste."
He stepped to the side and activated a projector, revealing Rokky's captured face.
"We've found the real culprit. A shapeshifter. Responsible for the chaos. And the framing."
Rajesh tensed.
"Then we need his confession… now."
Seoul Police HQ – Interrogation Room
In a dimly lit room lined with glass and steel, Rokky sat casually, wrists still cuffed, a mocking smile on his lips.
Across from him sat Chief Dogoro, arms folded. Beside him stood Jayesh, pacing slowly.
"Who are you working for? Why did you frame Sakamoto?" Dogoro asked.
Rokky raised a brow.
"What framing? What attack? I don't know what you're talking about."
Jayesh's eyes narrowed.
"We can do this the easy way… or the painful way."
Without warning, Jayesh grabbed Rokky's head and smashed it onto the metal table, the impact loud, sharp. Blood trickled from Rokky's nose.
"Enough!" Dogoro barked. "Jayesh, take it easy!"
Jayesh didn't budge.
Dogoro sighed and leaned forward.
"If you don't talk, the methods get… less pleasant."
Rokky snorted, licking blood off his lip.
"Give it your best shot. I don't break easy."
He leaned back smugly.
No confession. No leverage.
Greenland – Court of the Five
Inside a cavernous, obsidian-hued courtroom, five thrones sat elevated beneath an arch of golden scales. The chamber felt ancient—etched with the weight of divine authority.
This was The Court of the Five Ministers—S.U.H.A's highest authority.
The sovereigns entered one by one:
• Minister Ivar – tall, commanding.
• Minister Gary – a heavy-set man with sharp, calculating eyes.
• Minister Makekis – a silver-haired woman with piercing grace.
• Minister Tenzy – robed in runes, his eyes hidden behind lenses.
• Minister Alfred – young, soft-spoken but cold.
The courtroom stood in unison as they entered, heads bowed.
Once seated, Minister Gary raised a hand.
"Bring in the accused."
A massive iron door opened with a slow creak.
Down the marble aisle walked Sakamoto, wrists chained, flanked by two guards. His footsteps echoed through the silence, each step heavier than the last.
Suddenly—all screens across Seoul flickered on and the world lit up, it was televised nationwide.
In the interrogation room, the wall lit up with the live broadcast.
Rokky looked up—and grinned.
"Well, well… the show has started."
Mujin stood behind the glass and clenched his fists.
"Damn it… we're out of time. If this bastard doesn't talk, Sakamoto—"
Rajesh cut in.
"—will be condemned."
The pressure was building.
And now… the clock had started ticking.
End of Chapter 120
Next: "Confession or Condemnation"