In a spacious, well-lit conference room, Team 0 sat facing the lawyers that would represent them, Martin Hayes and Sylvia Chan. Miss Walker sat at the head of the table, her presence reassuring. With its sleek, modern design and large windows overlooking the bustling city, the room felt like a stark contrast to the gritty reality they had just emerged from.

The lawyers were working under rigid time constraints before the Emerald Guard got word Team 0 had exited the dungeon and began trying to get some retribution - something that had been avoided thus far only thanks to the heavy pressure the two had exerted in the initial negotiation.

Apparently, they threatened to send investigators so far up their asses they'll come out from the nose. Not a very pleasant image, but effective.

With his neatly combed silver hair and sharp suit, Martin Hayes exuded an air of seasoned experience. He opened a folder, eyes scanning the documents before looking at Team 0. His voice was calm and measured as he tried to put them at ease. "We need to go over the details of the encounter with the poachers, particularly the events leading to the demise of the F-rank Awakener."

Sylvia Chan, younger and with an energetic aura, leaned forward, her eyes keen as she observed the team. "Your detailed accounts are crucial. We must ensure that your testimony is consistent and solid, especially under scrutiny." Then, seeing their faces pale, she hurried to add. "You won't be required to do anything more than simply read the statements we'll write for you as we record you. That will be more than enough for this kind of case. For all their bluster, the Emerald Guard really doesn't want this incident to hit the public, or they'll have to reveal what they were doing there in the first place."

Feeling responsible for the situation his friends were in because of his actions, James recounted the events as accurately as he could. His description of the battle was meticulous, but when he reached the part about unleashing his corrupting mana, he hesitated, the memory of the F-ranker's gruesome end still vivid in his mind.

Martin raised an eyebrow. "You can manipulate your mana to such a degree? Anything beyond basic usage of your skill is quite advanced for a G-rank."

Miss Walker interjected. "James has shown exceptional skill with his Talent. It's unusual, but not unheard of."

Sylvia noted something down, then looked up. "And this was the first time you used it against a human?"

James nodded, his voice low, "Yes. While I didn't fully understand the consequences, I knew he couldn't be allowed to keep fighting. He was trying to kill us, and he would have managed to do so if I had given him the time to recover from the initial assault."

The lawyers continued their questioning, turning to each team member in turn. Daniel was asked about his perspective of the incident and the defensive strategies he had employed - mostly about whether he felt a direct attack from the G-ranker would have truly been fatal - Maria about her initial attack and how she had calibrated the force behind it, and Ezekiel about his healing and support during the fight. Lauren was grilled on her movements to ensure her account aligned with the team's, considering she had been the one with the best view of the whole fight.

Throughout the process, the atmosphere was tense but professional. Martin's questions were direct, leaving no room for ambiguity, while Sylvia's were more probing, delving into the nuances of their actions and decisions.

After about an hour, seeing that they were all getting weary, Sylvia stopped and looked at them, her expression serious. "Remember, this isn't about casting doubt on your actions. We're here to ensure your defense is unassailable. Anything you say here will help us build a stronger case."

Finally, Martin closed his folder. "We have a solid understanding of the events now. Based on this, we'll prepare your depositions, which you'll have to read aloud while being recorded. I know it's been a long and annoying process, but it's crucial that we present a united and consistent narrative. That will allow us to close the case as soon as possible, and you to go back to your lives.”

As the meeting concluded, James felt a mix of relief and exhaustion. He would much prefer fighting monsters to navigating the world's complex legal and political landscape.

Team 0 then momentarily retreated to their private training room, a space that had become a sanctuary for them amidst the chaos of their lives.

James flopped onto one of the mats, letting out a sigh. "That was more draining than fighting a dozen Sandwurms."

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Daniel chuckled as he leaned against the wall. "Yeah, but at least we know where we stand now. Just gotta read some statements and we're in the clear."

Maria, sitting cross-legged, played with a small flame in her hand. "I'm more worried about the Emerald Guard. They won't just let this go, even if the legal stuff works out."

Ezekiel hummed, observing the flame's movement with fascination. "Miss Walker will take care of things."

I wish I could be so naive. She's terrific and definitely has our backs, but she's not all-powerful. It's not right for us to rely on her for everything.

Lauren languidly stretched out on the sofa, her gaze thoughtful. "And then there's this training trip Miss Walker mentioned. Away from New York... Maybe it's for the best, given everything that's happening. Get some fresh air, and come back stronger than ever."

James sat up, his expression turning serious. "We've made a lot of enemies, haven't we? But we've also grown stronger, not just level-wise. At least I personally feel more grounded." Then, realizing how what he said sounded, he hurried to explain. "I'm not saying that killing that man made me better! But having to go through the experience definitely forced me to grow."

Daniel chuckled, easing his worries. "Yeah, we know, don't worry. It wasn't pleasant, but I'd say this whole thing was inevitable, sooner or later. What with the way the Guilds are behaving while the AA's attention is focused on Kashmir."

It was an old topic, which they had spent long hours discussing in the downtime between missions, and they were all too tired to rehash it, so they fell into a comfortable silence. They faced numerous challenges, but the bond they shared was stronger than ever. They were a good team, and they would face whatever came next together.

Their moment of respite was short-lived, however. Miss Walker soon opened the blast doors, signaling it was time for them to give their depositions. The team stood up, their expressions turning resolute as they followed their teacher back to the conference room.

Martin and Sylvia were already there, each holding a set of documents. They handed out the prepared statements to each member. "Sit down next to the microphone and read these aloud." Martin instructed. "We'll record it for the official deposition."

One by one, Team 0 read their statements. The words were carefully crafted, covering all aspects of the encounter with the poachers and the subsequent battle. It felt surreal to James, reciting a version of events that had been polished and filtered through legal scrutiny. "In pursuance of the assigned mission parameters delineated under Directive 17-C of the Awakener Association’s Operational Protocol, our team engaged in a reconnaissance and neutralization operation within the confines of designated Dungeon 0011037. Upon encountering hostile entities, identified post-incident as affiliates of a poaching operation, I, James Summers, in the capacity of team leader and pursuant to the exigencies of the situation, engaged in defensive maneuvers commensurate with the threat level presented. It is imperative to state that the application of my Talent, herein referred to as 'Thakinesis', was executed under duress and with the primary intention of safeguarding the lives of my team members and myself, in accordance with the self-defense statutes outlined in Directive 4-N of the Awakener Association’s Operational Protocol."

The others' were no better, sounding obviously like they had been written by a lawyer and not by them, but the specialists assured them it would be more than enough.

Maria made a face when reading hers but managed to get through the deposition without breaking out in laughter. "In alignment with the tactical decisions necessitated by the evolving threats within the aforementioned dungeon environment, I, Maria Olegova, utilized my pyrokinetic abilities to establish a preventive perimeter of defense and to counteract the aggressive advancements of the aforementioned hostile entities. The degree of force employed was meticulously calibrated to neutralize the immediate threats while minimizing collateral damage, in strict adherence to the principles of proportionality and necessity as defined under the Awakener Association’s Operational Protocol."

With that over, the others having gone through theirs with little trouble, they were free to return to Training Room 5. They lounged comfortably in silence for several minutes, their bodies sinking into the soft cushions, until Miss Walker entered the room.

She glanced around, making eye contact with each team member before speaking. "I know today has been taxing, but there's important information I need to share with you." She began, her tone indicating the gravity of what she was about to disclose. "Based on the negotiations with the legal team and the Emerald Guard, we're heading towards a settlement deal." She paused, allowing the information to sink in. "This means the AA will agree not to pursue the poaching operation further. In return, the Guild will not challenge the decision to classify the death of the F-ranker as a tragic accident occurring during official duties."

The team exchanged glances, the reality of the political game they were unwittingly a part of dawning on them. Daniel, always quick to grasp the nuances of such situations, spoke up first. "So, basically, it's a compromise to keep things quiet on both sides?"

"Exactly." Miss Walker confirmed. "It's not ideal, but it's the best course of action to protect you and maintain our delicate balance with the Guilds."

James, rubbing his forehead, sighed. "It feels like we're letting them get away with it, but I also killed a man. I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised."

Miss Walker nodded sympathetically. "I understand your frustration, James. But sometimes, we have to choose our battles. This way, we ensure your safety and keep the peace for now."

The conversation shifted as Miss Walker broached the subject of their upcoming training trip. "Now, onto a lighter note, we'll be going on a training retreat soon. And I assure you, it won't be a vacation." Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

Daniel perked up. "Do we get to know where?"

Miss Walker's smile broadened. "Michigan. We'll be deep in the wilderness, far from any distractions. The focus will be on intensive training – I want you all to be ready for your rank-up when you return. It will be tough, but I know you can handle it."

Ezekiel, who had been worried about being left behind, leaned in enthusiastically. "What kind of training are we talking about?"

"Let's just say it'll be... comprehensive." Miss Walker replied cryptically. "And a friend of mine will be joining us. He's quite unique in his training methods." Her tone held a note of humor, but her expression suggested that their upcoming experience would be anything but ordinary.

The team shared a look of intrigue and slight apprehension. Lauren, always up for an adventure, grinned. "Sounds like a challenge. I'm in."

Miss Walker stood up, eye-smiling. "Prepare yourselves, Team 0. This retreat will test you in ways you haven't been tested before. But I have every confidence in your abilities. You'll return stronger, more skilled, and ready to take on whatever comes next. Just because we managed to solve things relatively peacefully this time, it doesn't mean it will always be possible."