After hearing Dr. Marshel’s words, Shaan could only shake his head. He didn’t expect Dr. Marshal to forget something so simple. He had just said it a few minutes ago, yet he completely forgot it right away. Strange. Could he really be that forgetful?
Mr. Courier walked up to Dr. Marshal and whispered something into his ear. At first, Dr. Marshel looked confused, but a few moments later, his expression changed as he finally remembered what he had said earlier.
"Oh—right, of course. I remember now," Dr. Marshal said while gently tapping his forehead several times. "The plan I meant was the one to gather evidence proving that Shaan is innocent."
"Huh?" Chelsie frowned. "Uhm... What exactly did Shaan do that made you feel the need to collect evidence to prove his innocence?"
"Before I explain, I need you all to understand this—just because Shaan managed to get out of detention, it doesn’t mean he only received the same kind of social punishment just like of you," Dr. Marshal said while turning his gaze toward the others. "You both did break some rules, but at least your cases weren’t as serious as Shaan’s situation."
"Dr. Shaan, we really don’t understand what you’re talking about," Nalira said, her curiosity growing. "What kind of punishment did Shaan actually receive?"
"The court hasn’t officially decided what kind of punishment Shaan deserves," said Dr. Marshal. "But for now, Shaan will remain under city arrest until the next trial begins."
"C-city arrest?" Chelsie furrowed her brows. "B-but why?"
"Shaan is suspected of causing the chaos from the collapse of the suspension bridge and getting involved in the incident inside the underground cave. They believe he tried to steal a Manacite crystal by entering the crystal mine chamber without permission, killing the room’s guard, and triggering chaos inside the cave."
"Oh my god... t-that’s impossible." Chelsie quickly covered her mouth and turned her gaze directly to Shaan. "B-but, Shaan... is that true? Did you... Did you kill the room’s guard?"
"Wait, wait, I can explain everything," Shaan said in a panic. "Y-yes, I did kill the room’s guard, but I never meant to. I only tried to escape, but the door was locked and... killing the Manacite crystal room guard was the only way out." He paused for a moment. "I know it was wrong, but I had no other choice."
"I understand how Shaan must have felt, and honestly, I probably would’ve done the same," Nalira nodded. "He only tried to escape and protect himself from the guard’s attacks inside the Manacite crystal room."
"Actually, I wasn’t the only one causing chaos. Inside the cave, there was a mutated Doppleshade that we had fought before, which appeared out of nowhere and killed the other guards."
"A mutated Doppleshade?" Nalira stroked her chin slowly. "That’s odd. Didn’t that creature die after falling into the ravine?"
"I thought the same thing, too. However, it seems that creature was lucky enough not to die as we had assumed."
"Wait, so you mean... that creature is still roaming around in the cave?"
Shaan shook his head. "Relax, I already killed it."
"Oh, that’s good." Chelsie sighed in relief, "At least the situation inside the cave seems safe now."
"However, when Sir Kael’s members were inside the cave, strangely enough, they didn’t find any trace of the creature at all, as if it had vanished without a trace."
Hearing Dr. Marshal’s words, Nalira instantly turned her gaze toward Shaan. "Shaan, are you sure you killed that creature? Could it be that it’s not dead but merely dying?"
"No. That’s completely impossible. I clearly saw the large rock successfully kill the creature," Shaan nodded. "I also received a notification on my screen that the creature was indeed dead."
"Strange, but why is there no trace of the creature?" Nalira stroked her chin. "There’s something odd about that cave."
"Uhm... I think instead of just talking aimlessly, we should go back to the cave and try to gather the necessary evidence," said Chelsie, about to walk out of Dr. Shaan’s residence. "Come on, we have to find that evidence quickly."
Hearing Chelsie’s words, Dr. Shaan shook his head. "No. We won’t be able to get in. Into that cave now."
"What are you saying, Dr. Marshal?"
"It’s too risky, and I can explain why," Dr. Shaan replied. "First, I heard that Sir Kael’s men already stand guard at the entrance. They won’t let anyone into the cave until the trial ends. Second, Shaan is under city arrest and wears a motion-tracking device. If he leaves the city and heads toward the cave, he’ll break the court’s restriction and violate his current legal status."
"So if Shaan breaks that rule, they’ll throw him straight into prison as an official convict," Mr. Courier added. "Damn, I didn’t expect things to get this complicated."
"Exactly. Besides, the authorities still consider all of you potential threats," Dr. Marshal explained. "If you make one wrong move or do anything suspicious, they’ll keep their eyes on you—and things will spiral even further out of control."
Shaan nodded as he listened to everything that was said. Of course, everything Dr. Marshal said was true, and if they made even one wrong decision, it would undoubtedly have fatal consequences for them now. Damn. How could they gather the evidence now?
"S-so, does this mean we just give up and..." Chelsie paused for a moment. "No. We—we can’t let them throw Shaan into prison. He didn’t do anything wrong. There has to be a way. We have to keep looking for it."
"Dr. Marshal, is there no other way we can use to enter that cave?"
Dr. Marshal shook his head quickly. "Unfortunately, no. I have no idea about any other entrance. I’m sorry."
"Sir. Marshal, what about that club owner you mentioned before—your acquaintance?"
"Huh? The club owner? Why do you ask?"
"You once told me he used to work in the cave, right?" Mr. Courier said.
"Which one are you talking ab—" Dr. Marshel snapped his fingers. "Ah, that’s right. Yes, yes, I remember now. He was a former guard stationed at the cave. Why?"
"Maybe he can help us find another way inside," Mr. Courier suggested.
"I agree with Mr. Courier," Shaan said, snapping his fingers with enthusiasm. "At the very least, we have to try—doing nothing won’t get us anywhere."
Dr. Marshal stayed silent for a moment after hearing Shaan’s words. "Hmm... That could work. But he’s not the kind of person you think he is."