Exploring Technology in a Wizard World-Chapter 1410 - 1408: The Courtroom

Once the conversation ended, Ma Qiu gave a push to the rickshaw driver, who promptly began running towards the distant location, jogging a few steps before hesitantly confirming, "Heading to Atlantis University, claiming you’re Ma Qiu of Magic Salt Studies, right?"

"Magic Linguistics, Ma Qiu!"

"Ah, got it." The rickshaw driver took large strides forward, quickly vanishing into the distance along the street.

As Ma Qiu watched the rickshaw driver leave, he signaled for another rickshaw, inviting Donna and himself to get in, then instructed the dark-skinned driver, "To the Security Court on Eleventh Street, quickly!"

"About the fare..."

"Charge by the hour."

"Alright." The rickshaw driver took out an hourglass, hung it on the side of the rickshaw, and began running energetically.

...

As afternoon approached dusk,

in the center of Atlantis, on Eleventh Avenue, stood a five-story stone building, the location of the Security Court.

Its first three floors are responsible for public security trials, and during these trials, the proceedings are open for public observation.

Currently, on the first floor’s main trial hall, spectators have gradually filled the venue, and the criminal suspects have already entered, awaiting the arrival of the trial judge. The scene appears somewhat chaotic, with several individuals tasked with maintaining order occasionally frowning, considering whether they need to loudly assert control.

Meanwhile, Ma Qiu, having arrived by rickshaw, squeezed into the crowd, closely standing beside Donna, pointing around the trial hall to introduce various aspects to her.

"See those individuals? They are the Court Security Officers and Court Sheriff, both with notable tempers and strength. If spectators get too excited, they will directly eject them, citing the need to maintain court dignity. So, when watching later, we should calmly observe, and definitely avoid shouting."

Ma Qiu earnestly reminded. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Mm." With a taut expression, Donna nodded to show her understanding.

After a pause, Ma Qiu pointed to a corner and continued, "Look over there, you see the person dressed similarly to the Court Security Officers but has a seat? That’s the Court Security Chief; it’s said only powerful Wizards assume this role.

If during the trial, a suspect resists and attempts violence, or someone barges into the Security Court to seize a suspect, they will intervene. It’s said that since the court was established, they have intervened only three times—once two years ago and twice a year ago. Unfortunately, I was busy at school and didn’t get to see it."

Expressing regret, Ma Qiu continued talking.

"See that area?" Ma Qiu pointed again, "That’s the entrance for the security judge; once the security judge enters, the trial officially begins. I’ve heard the Security Judge in charge this time is Adam Phil, nicknamed Iron Mask, he is very serious and unsentimental. If the suspects comply, it might be fine, otherwise, there will definitely be a show to watch."

"Really?"

"Of course, you’ll see soon!"

"Ah."

...

While Ma Qiu was tirelessly introducing to Donna, the so-called "Iron Mask" Security Judge Adam Phil was resting in his chamber.

Clad in a black judge’s robe, maintaining his usual stern expression, his emerald green eyes slightly squinted, he flipped through recently collated case records with somewhat rough hands, alongside watching the imagery inside the freshly delivered surveillance crystal ball.

Upon finishing, he had a rough impression of the upcoming trial, and he prepared to exit the chamber, heading to the courtroom.

Just as he left the chamber door, he was stopped—a person similarly dressed in a black judge’s robe, yet with a distinction of four golden stripes across his chest instead of two.

Under Shalin’s regulations, one stripe represents a Level One Judge, two denote a Second-level Judge, three a Third-level Judge. As for four stripes, they signify the Supreme Judge, the sole position in Atlantis. Generally not found at the Eleventh Avenue Security Court; they are more occupied at the Law Department headquarters.

Looking at the figure blocking his path, Adam was slightly taken aback, his gaze fixating on the silver-haired elder, expressing surprise: "Teacher... why have you come?"

"Adam, you can’t guess?" The elder with a head full of silver hair smiled subtly.

"Does it relate to the case I’m about to hear in court?" Adam frowned, "Isn’t it a rather ordinary case? Both suspects illegally used Extraordinary Powers in public; I’ve presided over similar cases dozens of times, what’s the issue?"

"But you should be aware, one of the suspects is from Shaya, representing Soma Alliance’s native forces, apprehending the person they identify as a culprit—the other suspect." The elder spoke quietly.

"Such situations aren’t unusual either; the Security Court has tried at least ten such cases, two of which were under my jurisdiction." Adam responded, still not grasping the elder’s intentions.

"Do you recall when the last trial of a similar case occurred?" The elder inquired.

"Well..." Adam was momentarily stunned, reflecting briefly before replying, "It seems it was seven months ago, quite some time indeed."

"You’ve noticed, it has been some time; that’s the crux of the issue," said the elder. "The previous ten similar trials caused significant discontent within the Alliance, later quelled when Vice Lord Moli led a thousand Spark Clan Magic Knights away from the city for quite some time—whatever they did barely settled things.

Since then, the Alliance refrained from reckless arrests in Shalin. They sought warrants from the Efficiency Department if a capture was necessary. I thought this would continue indefinitely, but today, the tacit understanding shattered. To your perspective, it might be an ordinary case, yet to prominent figures, it’s possibly a signal."

Only then did Adam realize, pondering for a few seconds before asking, "So, how should this trial proceed? What result do those above seek? Leniency? Strictness?"

"No, neither leniency nor strictness; adhere strictly to the law—Shalin’s law." The elder asserted earnestly, "You can conduct this trial entirely according to regulations, without additional considerations."

"Then, why did you approach me? Isn’t this redundant, making me feel like the Little Dwarf Prince in a drama bending through a tunnel?"

"Your considerations are still too limited." The elder shook his head, regarding Adam, "I’m not here to merely exchange trivial dialogues, but to disclose reality. Ensuring you understand the complexity of this trial, that you adhere to principled adjudication. Adhering to principles, however, doesn’t guarantee others will; thus, I and others are here to ensure you aren’t swayed by external influences. Got it?"

"Uh..."