On that note, I look at the red-clothed guy directly in the eyes. When in doubt, push the blame back to the accuser. That's what that one politician kept doing.

Now, I just need to act innocent until I can figure out more about the situation. How does one do that? I need to make sure not to reveal any compromising information.

​​

Ah, right! I also need an alibi. When he asks me where I was, I'll just reply to the temple. What about afterward? I went on a walk and returned directly to my friend's place.

Now comes the tricky part. What happens if they ask me to retrace my steps? I'd be screwed. Ah, but then I can just say that I got lost while absent-minded. It will sound suspicious but not exactly impossible.

That is when I hear the sound of hurried footsteps and notice a familiar face.

"I'm here, sect leader! What can I do for you?"

It's my partner in crime, quite literally. He seems very different than in the morning. He is confident and doesn't show any sign of fear. Did I solely cause that? I'm quite satisfied with that result, should I open a phobia curing clinic?

"Alright, come here."

The big boss addresses him in a deep voice. My fellow criminal stands in front of him. That is when the leader takes out a Gu. This one looks like a small dragon, it's really impressive! This is insane, but what is even more insane is that he places it on the man's head.

He barely flinches as a creature that clearly looks deadly makes contact with his body. At least it seems to be well-behaved. It won't attack by itself, right?

The leader is flabbergasted by the calm the guy shows. At first, he looks suspiciously but then he seems to figure that perhaps he just really trusts him and is really innocent. Not that this will stop the questioning.

"Now, do an oath to The Eternal Gu Breeder. For his sake you will only say the truth and nothing else but the truth. Should you lie, you will be devoured entirely, body and soul!" (leader)

He doesn't even hesitate and complies with the directives. He vows. Okay, this is bad. He is smiling while looking at me. I'm sure this thing isn't just empty words, but how exactly does it work?

If this spell works based on his beliefs then we are good. He really thinks I am the Eternal Gu Breeder. This means that maybe lying for my sake won't be considered an offense. The only question is, what are the chances that we both get smitten by an angry god? I'd say very low.

Part of me just thinks that surrendering is for the best, but part of me realizes that it may not be the best solution. If I confess and they try to lock me up/ kill me then I'll have to fight my way out. This won't bring good for anyone.

Instead, I'd rather analyze the situation first and try to find a concrete solution to the Gu ancestors problems. Perhaps I could go in there and help tame them the right way this time? No need for a contract when you can resist poison thus giving one unlimited taming tries.

Alright, so far my plan is to wait for a miracle. I'll also be ready to save my partner in crime should godly or human retribution befall him. Then, I'm ready to run if they somehow get to the bottom of this and are not open to negotiations.

With a Gu above his head, he begins the tale of how we met in the temple. He then describes how we prayed together to the Gu deity. then how we went on a long walk before ending up at my friend's place where I helped cure him of his fear of Gus.

He even affirms that we haven't been near the scene of the crime. Now, that one is an obvious lie. I circulate divine energy, but there doesn't seem to be anything happening. Could it be that the whole truth spell is a set-up?!

Yep, it seems this entire vow is fake, probably to increase the stress levels and make it easier to read the target. I can't help but breathe out in relief. The leader is looking at the scene suspiciously, but he doesn't detect any sign of untruthfulness.

Still, how is this guy having such nerves of steel? Ah, actually I have a theory. Since he truly believes I am their god, it would also mean that all that is here belongs to me. It's not vandalism when you destroy something you own in the first place.

That's when their leader sighs.

"This one doesn't seem to be lying. It seems they really aren't the ones that—"

That's when the antagonist in red clothing interjects.

"Wait! There is something strange going on. This man is supposed to be deadly afraid of Gus. No one just cures a phobia that easily. I believe he has been brainwashed by this man!"

Of course, he's dramatically pointing straight at me. How would I even brainwash someone? Convince another sure, but brainwash? Wouldn't I need to be able to use magic for that to happen? I get alchemy could get the trick done somehow, not that I would know about it.

Well, I do have an idea of how to clear my name. I'll just take the BS fake test and be done with it. This way no one will know. Sometimes my own genius frightens me. Time to use my acting talents!

[Is that so? Let me show you that I have nothing to hide! I'll make that vow and we'll see who is being truthful or not.]

I simply repeat what I had heard before. It only takes me about five tries to say it correctly. Once I'm sworn in, they start the interrogation.

"Do you men any harm of the Gu Meadow?"

[No. This is my friend's sect.]

That is one is easy. I'm super friendly in general.

"Were you the one that plotted to take down the barrier?"

[No. Definitely not.]

Plotted? I didn't plot at all. I was just trying to open it slightly. Now, I did take it down but it was by mistake.

"Did you ever meet a Gu ancestor?"

[No.]

God knows I tried, but there were none. All I got were very weak insects.

"Do you have any relation to the Sun sect?"

[Of course not.]

Well, there is the sun young master but I'm sure it doesn't count, right?

*Screech*

That's when the dragon Gu starts screeching. What is up with that?! I can see the expression of everyone around me hardening. They are all looking at me warily...