Lofan felt the audience's seething anger, and the smirk at the corner of his lips grew more pronounced.
After realizing that his repeated jumps from heights were yielding increasingly higher scores, Lofan began pondering what factors might be influencing his point accumulation.
The first factor was clearly the number of people paying attention. This became evident when he initially just leaped from nearby elevated spots, but later found that spending time in Fontaine's crowded areas for his jumps yielded better results.
The second factor remained unconfirmed, though Lofan suspected it had to do with the emotional intensity of those observing him. After all, the System had even suggested he make his deaths more dramatic.
This meant that his initial method of "heroic deeds" wasn't inherently flawed - it simply hadn't attracted enough viewers to generate significant points.
In other words, to maximize his score, he needed both a large audience and a way to stir up intense emotional reactions among them.
With this realization, Lofan once again taunted the crowd below:
"Ants dare look me in the eye?"
"Silence."
Neuvillette's single word once again brought the hall to hushed stillness. The audience glared at Lofan with furious eyes, while Lofan focused his attention on the Chief Justice.
Even after hearing those words, not a flicker of emotion crosses his face. Is his mind truly that inscrutable? Or has he simply lost some part of what makes us human?
"Let me summarize then."
"Monsieur Lofan believed the dead had made the correct choice by ending their lives prematurely. Thus, he used persuasive language to induce them to jump to their deaths."
"Is that correct, Monsieur Lofan?"
"Hmph, precisely."
"As expected of a Chief Justice. You're fundamentally different from these insects. I'm certain you can comprehend my actions now."
With Lofan's words, the balance of the [ Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale ] tilted further to the left.
"Enough! This Trial need not continue. I order the Maison Gardiennage to drag him away immediately. Imprison him as a murderer, awaiting the day of the Final Judgment!"
"I'm furious! I'll personally carry out the final judgment!"
Even Furina couldn't bear to listen anymore. Her usual aloof and distant demeanor crumbled instantly, and without even resorting to her signature sharp-tongued retorts, she rose from the throne and pointed at Lofan, her voice trembling with anger.
"Miss Furina, please observe the [ Judgment ] protocol. Otherwise, I will convict you of [ Contempt of Judgment ]."
Before Lofan could recover from his shock at the Hydro Archon's shattered image, Neuvillette had already issued a stern warning to Furina.
"But there's no need to continue this farce! He's confessed to all the crimes and still spouts such arrogance... Ugh, this infuriates me! Fine, I'll remain here and watch, but this is utterly pointless!"
Under Neuvillette's increasingly severe gaze, Furina finally relented. She slumped back onto the throne, her face a mask of frustration.
Is she truly the Hydro Archon? Lofan suddenly found himself doubting his initial assumptions...
"Next, please elaborate on your exact interactions with each victim, including the precise timing and any key inciting remarks..."
This time, Neuvillette demanded Lofan to recount his detailed criminal history. Of course, Neuvillette knew whether Lofan had actually committed crimes or not; such matters were inherently impossible to explain away.
Yet refusing to detail the crime process wouldn't work either. The Maison Gardiennage might investigate his movements over the past three days, and the discrepancies would become glaringly obvious. After all, during the first three jumps, Lofan hadn't been in Fontaine at all, yet this body showed no records of leaving the city.
In other words, Lofan now had a strong chance to overturn the case, or at least remove himself from the serial jumper's investigation. But this wasn't what Lofan desired.
His death needed to be as profoundly shocking as possible!
With a smile, Lofan addressed Neuvillette:
"My apologies, Chief Justice. I simply can't remember."
"Much like how you can't recall how many breads you've eaten in your life."
"Those lowly insects are nothing more than insignificant specks of dust in my memory."
"Of course, to prevent everyone from waiting in boredom for the final [ Judgment ] result, let's proceed with something more interesting."
"I will prove my innocence through a duel!"
The moment these words were spoken, the crowd erupted in commotion.
"Yes, this is his only chance to turn the tide. Otherwise, he'll undoubtedly be executed!"
"Damn it! The Champion Duelist must give their all. We can't let this demon be acquitted and continue roaming free!"
Though the audience was deeply frustrated at not seeing Lofan's immediate conviction, they could not object to Fontaine's duel system. Their only hope was for the Champion Duelist to deliver a crushing blow to Lofan, allowing them to vent their anger.
When Charlotte heard Lofan's declaration, her body stiffened momentarily. She then raised her head in bewilderment, gazing at the man who had become utterly unfamiliar to her.
"Monsieur Lofan, please confirm once more that you wish to prove yourself through a challenge?" Neuvillette asked.
"I confirm, Chief Justice," Lofan replied, his gaze sweeping provocatively over the audience below. His words successfully stirred their negative emotions.
"Very well. Mr. Lofan's challenge application complies with regulations. It is hereby approved. Please proceed to the stage, Mr. Lofan and Champion Duelist Clorinde."
"Clorinde, show no mercy. Teach that bastard a profound lesson!"
Hearing Furina's words, Clorinde took a deep breath.
"Yes, Lady Furina."
In truth, Furina's reminder was unnecessary. Clorinde had long harbored deep loathing for Lofan, leaving no room for mercy.
As Clorinde stepped away from Furina, Lofan murmured her name twice under his breath. Without hesitation, he turned and walked toward the stage under the watchful eyes of the Maison Gardiennage guards.
The arena gradually fell silent. Spectators' eyes widened as they focused on the stage, anticipating the impending spectacle. A prisoner versus Champion Duelist battle was a rare occurrence, and none present would miss this unique challenge.
"You think to wash away your crimes through this challenge?" Clorinde's sharp gaze never left Lofan as she slowly drew her sword. "I'll show you just how utterly foolish and laughable that notion is!"
"Is that so?"
Hearing Clorinde's words, Lofan couldn't help but chuckle, momentarily startling her.
The moment Neuvillette declared the challenge open, Lofan charged headfirst toward Clorinde's... sword blade.
Shunk!
The sound of a sharp blade piercing flesh...
-
Made a discord if anyone is interested
https://discord.gg/BFW77h7XyS