The hall is in utter uproar as everyone scrambles to make sense of the party’s main event. Muttering abound as people get those who are unfamiliar with stuff up to speed while the rest talk about the implication of this or are already debating what they should do with Threshold.

Since Selica and the group are mostly children, they are mostly excluded from the conversation aside from the common check up from the different adults crossing their table. Selica decides to observe the pedestal from a distance, she watches as the chained Threshold too silently watches the upheaval that is happening.

But when she grazed her eyes towards Selica, a flash of horror etched on her face and immediately pivoted her head away from her.

“Is this some kind of a joke?!?” The crimson-wearing mage shouts in utter disdain. He is now utterly livid at the sheer display happening in front of him. “Why are WE supposed to judge her? Isn’t that the council’s job?” Other mages have verbally shared their disgust as well.

But instead of answering with his usual aloofness, Machilic walks forward on the pedestal to face the naysayers. “Though I have been nothing but honest today, this particular situation is nary a joke nor a ruse. I say this with the utmost seriousness when I say that the council wishes YOUR decision upon the fate of the one who wronged you.” His luminescent eyes smolder a tempering fire within, for once Machilic speaks seriously.

Misignor, who has been quietly assessing the crowd for a while now, speaks up as well. “The council believed that in giving this power over you they can alleviate the frustrations you’ve felt during your initiation to Magecraft City, a peace offering if you will.” He explains plainly.

“So they’re willing to throw one of their so-called officials just to get us to their good side? Is that what I’m hearing?” The merchant man speaks up, “Says a lot on how things are handled here.” Machilic sighs, “Well, it’s not really like that.” He scratches his metallic head, Selica notes that even machines can feel itches as well. “How do I explain this...” He drones off, almost completely losing his serious edge just a while ago.

“Oh just tell them the truth already.” Suddenly a woman’s voice speaks up from the pedestal. Threshold stares at Machilic who seems to be as surprised as everyone else in the room.

“The truth?” The merchant speaks up once more. “What truth?” The crowd goes into another stupor of murmurs as Threshold, chained as she is, talks as if she’s in command.

“Is this really necessary-!” ”Machilic there are merits for being forthcoming.” Machilic tries to argue back but once again Threshold overpowers him. She looks at the crowd and sighs. “Before we begin, are there any telepaths in the group? Let’s cut down on the lying accusation and have our mind read from the get go, shall we?” She asks the crowd.

Murmurs begin once more until five different mages steps up from the crowd, one of which is the crimson wearing mage from before. Another notable mage for Selica is the one who is seemingly wearing denim clothes. She remembers him to be one of the people fighting the Silencers during the final stand. Most of these mages look confused while the crimson mage looks more doubtful than anyone else.

Each mage sets up their own incantations and rituals, each unique in their own special way. Some would start drawing symbols in the ground through a large piece of paper, some starts lighting up incense, while others simply stand still and look directly at the people in the pedestal. ”We’re ready.” After finalizing their spell all five telepaths are awaiting Threshold and the rest. “Please state what’s on your mind so we may begin.” Threshold is first. She closes her eyes as the telepath reads her mind.

”Grass, Trees, Cocktails, Powders, and Stilts.” All five telepaths speaks in unison. “Okay, next.” Misignor is next and the same thing happened to him. All five telepaths said the same words and moved on to Machilic which also ended the same way.

After confirming their telepathy, Machilic reluctantly begins. “Good, now before we begin I wish to clarify one thing. Whatever we say today should not waver your decision regarding Threshold’s fate. What happened during the test was inexcusable-” He looks at Threshold and she responded with an uneasy disposition, “and despite the hidden agenda behind this decision, one fact remains: Threshold is guilty in switching up the test to what it was and causing the Psy rain which has both harmed the city and most especially you.” Machilic seemed to have regained a bit of confidence.

Selica watches Threshold’s reaction during that small speech and she was surprised at how...pained she looked. She thought she would scoff at the idea that she is being persecuted, but yet from Selica’s perspective it’s like she’s having some regrets regarding her decision.

“So,” Misignor begins the discussion. “In regards to Threshold’s current predicament. We must start at when she was brought to court for her transgressions. After detaining her, the council immediately asked M to investigate on what happened during the test. As you might all know, M interviewed every single one of you in your dreams and was able to find some damning evidence.” He steps forward a bit to be better heard by everyone. “Initially, the council’s decision for Threshold was execution. Regardless of her position and power in the city, endangering so many people because of that Psy rain not only by destroying millions of Yit worth of magical projects, but also creating a gaping hole in the city’s defenses. Yes, during the past few weeks Magecraft City was utterly helpless against any invasion.” The crowd murmurs once more at Misignor’s pause. There’s a chill in Selica’s spine when she heard about the city being vulnerable just because of the Psy rain. Selica is slowly realizing the aftermath of said rain beyond what happened to them, remembering how openly frustrated Adrin was earlier regarding how much stuff had to be done just because of a few hours of the rain. How can a so-called official of the city make such a mistake?

“However, upon M’s return from her investigation some crucial information was given light that made the execution judgment from inevitable to no longer being considered.” Machilic continues. “Upon interviewing everyone in this room, M discovered that there are not one, not two, but five potential spies from other non-affiliated mage societies who participated during the test that was fortunately eliminated mainly due to the abrupt switch of the test’s proper.”

Selica remembers how surprised M was whenever she hears Dimas and Aesir origin of Tamageres during their interview and how impactful it was to have been able to thwart them from entering the city. To think that there are three more supposed “spies” that was discovered made Selica realize that this “invasion” problem is really a serious threat.

“So? Does that really alleviate the sin’s Threshold did?” The crimson telepath speaks up. “I’ve also heard from M that Threshold here never intended to switch the test for those spies, right? They were just an added bonus.”

”Yes, but to the eyes of the council removing said threats from entering the city, accidental or not, is considered a net positive and is worth noting in judging Threshold’s punishment. However, that's when the problem started rearing its ugly head.”

”The council wants to sentence me with public labor in Hameza.” Threshold speaks up, “And in doing so they’ll be expecting certain...returns for their magnanimity towards my supposed alleviated punishment.” She lowers her head and softens her voice. “Personally, I...do deserve what is about to happen to me, but what I can’t accept is the predicament that’ll be forced upon me. There are forces in the council that have awaken because of my mishap and, now more than ever, are taking every opportunity to see to it that they have me under their portfolio.”

The crimson mage stares at Threshold intently, followed by the other telepaths, and in return Threshold stares at them all as well. After a minute of brief silence, the telepaths sigh.

“Fine, fine you’re telling the truth.” The crimson mage speaks up. “I won’t try to pretend I understand the politics happening in the city’s governing body, but I do want to ask one thing. Why? Why did you switch up the test as such?” He glares at her with disappointed eyes.

Another brief pause, but this time Threshold spent it with contemplative thought. Neither Machilic nor Misignor urged her to answer immediately until she was ready.

“Because the dungeon within Hameza opens to a world even I have never seen.” Threshold begins. “If you’ve been nosy enough regarding me, you would know that I am a VERY VERY old individual, and with it carries some unforgettable experiences. And yet, even with such a wide catalog of memories to pull from, the world beyond the dungeon is totally alien to me. Even with our latest instruments we could not completely gauge the other world at all. Who knows what might happen if we allow the usual mage to enter it? What if the portal is also a doorway to an invasion from the other side? There are multitude of factors to think about, and everyone in the council are only focusing on the mana crystals we’ve accidently discovered close to the dungeon’s portal.” She takes a deep breath and focuses now on the crowd. “And as the Hea- I mean Former Head of this city’s Security it was my duty to ensure to think about these problems and create countermeasures for the grim possibilities. Yet when I stated these concerns, I was only taken for granted and ignored, instead they focused on their own agendas and how the district will benefit them. That’s why I had to take manners to my own hands, and that’s why I did what I had to do.”

Everyone in the hall listened, one didn’t need to be a telepath to hear the conviction and seriousness in Threshold’s voice. Selica starts to grow a bud of sympathy to the chained orator as she details her passion in defiance against greed.

“Sympathy will not make your sentence lighter, mam.” Misignor answers her speech. “There were multitude of ways you could have approached a solution yet you chose to brute force it, as usual. You’ve stained the name of the Silencers that looked up to you as their once-commandant. You should be ashamed for putting them on such a despicable situation.” Misignor’s venom-coated voice stings even to those who are not directly hit by it.

“As someone who you’ve personally guided and advocated to be this district’s supervisor and was successfully chosen, I must return the favor and speak in all honesty.” Machilic now speaks up. “This is typical of you, Threshold. You’ve never really think things through and would often rely on your subordinates to clean out the finer details. Yes your intentions are noble, but really this? Not only did you put the city in danger but you’ve put so many new potential residents in mortal danger, not to mention the kids you’ve traumatized because of it.” He looks at the side and eyed Selica’s group when he said kids. Threshold followed his stare and is quickly horrified once more in seeing Selica and the group.

“I...I didn’t know.” Threshold mutters.

“Of course you didn’t know! When was the last time you joined a new district meeting? That’s why everyone was surprised when you actually came to the Hameza meeting and suddenly started spouting your claims regarding the dungeon.” Machilic lets out his voice. It was the first time this conniving machine shows its true colors to everyone. After a brief outburst he sighs, “We’ve been letting kids enter the test for the last three districts now, you would have know that if you’ve just found the time to join said meetings, instead of just doing your usual stuff. If time was a problem, you could have just asked Misignor and his people to help you as well, but you always chose to do things on your own, as usual.” Misignor nodded on while Machilic explains Threshold’s options.

This time Threshold didn’t talk back, Threshold’s painful silence screams louder than any frustration echoed in the hall today. Murmurs are kept to a minimum as people stare at the lamenting Threshold awaiting for her next action. Machilic sighs after venting out at Threshold and returns his gaze towards the crowd. “Going back, the reason why everyone here is chosen to choose Threshold’s fate rather than the council is to keep Threshold away from the council’s clutches. Despite this...mishap, Threshold as both a former council member and as a mage still carries significant push that some political powers are salivating to use for their own agenda.” He places his hand over Threshold’s shoulder. ”Those who are in Threshold’s side during the trial used the recent test fiasco as leverage to allow the new citizens to judge her instead of the council. The council was obviously hesitant at first, but reluctantly agreed as first, they want to appease the disgruntled new citizens as much as possible, and second they all realized what the other was doing and allowed this compromise not to have any political party have control over Threshold’s fate.”

The merchant walks forward, looking at the other telepaths and nodding himself to be let in. “So you’re using us to alleviate your punishment is that right?”

”On the contrary, it’s the opposite.” Machilic answers. “By removing the council from this decision, Threshold can suffer a much harsher fate than they could imagine.” He looks at her once mentor in solemn. “That’s why I stated earlier that despite our explanation of the situation, you shouldn’t let all of these hamper your judgment regarding her fate.”

”I...I accept your judgment, whatever it may be.” Threshold softly speaks. “Out of all the people I’ve wronged due to my accident, it’s you people who I have no excuse for. So please, judge me as you see fit. I lay my life to your will.” She bows her head in contemplation.

After the long discussion, the mages in the hall begin to disperse and talk to one another. While most discuss Threshold's fate, others seem to still consider this whole situation as some sort of display. Talks about Threshold judgment spurs the conversation; some talk about pushing for the execution judgment, others say that it would be best just to exile her just to remove her as trouble, while there is a small minority who thinks subjugating her to work is seen as the better alternative.” Meanwhile Selica and their little group seem to have their own discussion as well.

“What do you guys think?” Gallian prompts the question. “You think she deserves execution.”

”I honestly doubt that will be the judgment everyone will give her.” Ashlin responds “I know a lot of people are resentful of her actions, but I feel like being exiled is a cleaner option to do and less barbaric as well.” She then looks at Selica who is also in deep thought about all of this.

”I...also agree that execution is not the write call.” Selica answers while still staring at Threshold. “But kicking her out of the city as punishment may not be the best choice we can make. If you look at it pragmatically, her best use would be where she can share insight rather than acting on it.”

“Are you saying we should get her to join us?” Ashlin asks, a bit surprised.

”I did say it pragmatically speaking!” Selica quickly turns her head and Ashlin immediately recovers herself. “I know it’s hard to look at her and not boil in frustration, but I don’t think her worries regarding the dungeon are wrong either. Mages can get so excited in discovering something “new” that they often disregard the dangers right under their noses.” Selica imparts wisdom based on her own reckless experience. The multitude of times that her pursuit of magical knowledge had harmed if not down-right put her in near-fatal situations (outside of her parent’s knowledge of course) has given her enough insight regarding this specific attitude mages have.

“I don’t like her.” Gregor speaks up as he too is looking at Threshold. “But she looks so sad as well. She reminds me of one of my friends in my home back then. His mother used to always scowl at him when he did something bad and he would look the exact same way while crying.”

”Home? Where’s your home Gregor?” Gallian asks their small friend.

”Oh! Um, well you see...” Gregor seems to have been taken off guard by Gallian’s query. “It’s very very far away! Hehe oh look fishsticks!” The kid immediately runs away towards the nearby platter.

”Hey wait-!” Gallian tried to grab Gregor before running.

”Stop it Galli.” But Ashlin stopped her, “It’s obvious the boy isn’t comfortable talking about his home.”

Gallian sighs, “Fine, fine.” She then looks at Threshold who has been watching them, but immediately turns around when they notice her. “She’s been eyeing us for a while already.”

“True, I’ve been watching her as well.” Selica responds. “Why do you think that is?”

”I’m gonna find out.” Gallian stands up and starts walking towards the pedestal.

”Hey wait! What are you doing!” Selica followed Gallian and tried to catch up with her. “People are still deliberating.”

”Eh, they’ll take their time. Beside wouldn’t you want to know why she’s been avoiding us?” Gallian pulls Selica by the shoulder and pushes her alongside her.