Despite wanting to rest for a good while and the limits of his third-forging cultivation, Sorin had more pressing matters to attend to. Namely the Medical Association's Inquiry. Elder Nolan whisked him away from his residence the day after his return and promptly escorted him to the government-style building that the self-regulating body occupied.
During their walk, Sorin informed Elder Nolan about what had occurred in the Shrine Descent. Upon hearing the name Melinoë, Elder Nolan cursed and vowed to gut Elder Samson the next time he saw him.
"There's no way the Lucian Branch wouldn't have known about her arrival, especially since you spotted her upon first arriving in the city," muttered Elder Nolan. In other words, they intentionally withheld this information in the hope that you'd become her first casualty. That woman is a menace to our clan, Sorin, one that's been haunting us for centuries."
Sorin was perplexed by the Elder's statement. "How could she have been around for centuries when her bone age puts her at less than twenty years old? Also, why have I never heard of her if she's such a menace."
Elder Nolan sighed. "That's because information about specific God Seeds is always classified. This is a government requirement. With your current standing in the family, you normally wouldn't be qualified to hear about her.
"Things have evidently changed now that you're participating in an event with her. It's imperative that you be better informed, lest you fall under her spell and destroy your entire branch."
"Surely it can't be that bad," said Sorin. Then, upon thinking of his multiple close calls with her already, he rethought his statement. "Right, did I mention that she's tried to control me twice already?"
The elder's expression turned dark, and his peak flesh-sanctification pressure came bearing down on Sorin. "Tell me everything. Leave nothing out."
Sorin relayed his experiences with the dreamscape and the threads of madness, taking care to omit any mention of divinity or corruption on his part.
"She tried to bewitch you and failed only because of the Ten Thousand Poison Canon's potency?" muttered Elder Nolan. "You're a lucky man, Sorin. Many other good men cultivating the art have tried to resist and failed."
"But who is Melinoë?" Sorin asked. And why has she been around for centuries?"
Elder Nolan grimaced. "That has to do with her God Seed, which is affiliated with nightmares, madness, and the underworld. As you might already know, clans affiliated with the death and the underworld don't see eye to eye with our clan. No one is exactly sure why this is the case, but it's speculated that it's an inherited grudge from the Divine Era.
"Many clans are able to raise God Seeds with relative regularity. Our Kepler Clan was once able to do so—at least until the Abberjay bloodline was diluted after a catastrophe. Melinoë is an outlier in that, unlike other God Seeds, her inheritance is not obtained through a specific bloodline.
"It's completely random and more akin to possession than an inheritance. No matter what their original name or identity was, they will gradually adopt their new identity as Melinoë. Any past ties, debts, or obligations are forgotten. Inevitably, Melinoë returns to Delphi, where she targets our clan and orchestrates catastrophes to bring us down a notch."
"In fact, Melinoë was the prime suspect when your parents fell in the Infinite Dungeon. The only reason we know it wasn't her who did it was that she was active in a completely different region.
"Her danger isn't in the nightmares she summons, Sorin, but in her ability to influence the minds of others without their knowledge. She can quickly and easily rally enemies against us, and she can do this even if they are aware of her ability.
"Now, let's focus less on her and more on this inquiry. I'm sure it'll just be a lot of mundane stuff where they make baseless accusations, and we get off with a slap on the wrist."
Sorin, however, refused to let the matter go. "What makes you so confident that Melinoë isn't behind the inquiry in the first place."
This gave Elder Nolan pause. "If that's truly the case, Elder Samson should be damned twice over for neglecting his duties."
As a Presiding Elder, Elder Nolan had once served on the Medical Council as part of the Kepler Clan's permanent seat arrangement. Therefore, he was quite familiar with the building and introduced Sorin to its many functional areas, like professional development and standard development.
He quickly registered them at the trial desk and waited with Sorin in the waiting room alongside a group of physicians undergoing malpractice investigations. Sorin spent his wait rehearsing his talking points while also experimenting with the Madness and Violence in his body.
Out of the four being accused of malpractice, one reeks of aggression and has purposefully killed many people. Another seems to be suffering from cognitive dissonance. Perhaps this mental ailment caused him to make a mistake. As for the other two, I don't know enough about them. Violence and Madness aren't omnipotent. I need to be cautious in using them to make judgments about individuals.
They spent an hour waiting before they were called into a large chamber filled with 33 seats. Eight of those seats were empty, as they were currently held by members of the Kepler Clan, who had recused themselves during the inquiry.
A well-built man with a bushy mustache was the first to speak. His seat was located highest amongst the 33 seats, and it was clear that he oversaw the proceedings. "Let it be known that this marks the exploratory phase of the inquiry initiated by Physician Mierau and a group of concerned physicians. Called in as witnesses are Sorin Abberjay Kepler and the Kepler Clan, former one-star physician and current two-star apothecary, and Nolan Abberjay Kepler, three-star physician, former councilor, and Presiding Elder of the Kepler Clan.
"Twenty-five seats have been filled, fulfilling the 60% quorum requirement. Eight elders of the Kepler Clan, including Vice President Simon Mockingjay Kepler, have recused themselves as is proper. Due to the sensitive nature of the inquiry, I, President Eric Woodrow Diggory, honorary four-star physician, will reluctantly take the lead.
"As this inquiry is still in its introductory stages, a few simple facts must be verified, and the goals of the inquiry will be outlined. Apothecary Sorin Abberjay Kepler and Physician Nolan Abberjay Kepler's cooperation in this hearing is subsequently required by provincial law. Failure to reasonably obey a summons by this council is henceforth punishable across human civilization, including all twelve provinces and Olympia, as per the Parnassus Medical Act and interprovincial reciprocity agreements.
"Apothecary Sorin Abberjay Kepler, present or abstaining?"
"Present," answered Sorin as Elder Nolan had coached him.
"Physician Nolan Abberjay Kepler, present or abstaining?"
"Present," answered Elder Nolan.
"Since both of the required participants are present, we will proceed with the inquiry. Physician Collin Andrew Mierau, the head questioner, will now ask the witnesses pertinent questions."
"He's not the worst attack dog they could have sent," whispered Elder Nolan. "A good development, in my opinion."
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"I wouldn't be so sure about that," muttered Sorin. While on the surface, he'd simply been standing about, in truth, he'd been analyzing the people present.
Out of the 25 councilors present, 7 bore telltale signs of distortion he associated with Melinoe. This included Physician Mierau, who hid hostile intentions towards Sorin.
Then there's the fact that half the people present wish violence upon the Kepler Clan. How very interesting that they ask our people to recuse themselves, stacking the council against us. The fair thing would have been to retain everyone, including the Kepler Clan's councilors, as ejecting anyone with biased intentions would have resulted in a loss of quorum.
"The first question is as follows," said Physician Mierau. "Sorin Kepler, were you or were you not previously a licensed one-star physician?"
"I'm fairly certain everyone is aware of this fact, given that President Diggory already stated it," said Sorin.
"Answer the question, Sorin," said President Diggory.
Sorin sighed and nodded. "Yes, I was previously a licensed one-star physician."
"This means that you were therefore aware of the blanket prohibition on poison cultivators becoming physicians, and therefore willingly disqualified yourself from licensure by practicing poison arts," continued Physician Mierau.
"Yes," answered Sorin. "I did. But I also ceased practicing medicine immediately afterward and willingly relinquished my practice."
"How curious, then, that your adventuring companions have always displayed peak health and peak potential," said Physician Mierau.
"I object, both because it's not a question and because it's mentioned as mere hearsay," interjected Elder Nolan.
"Sustained," said President Diggory. "Focus on the inquiry, not hearsay, Physician Mierau."
"Then let's focus on the facts," said Physician Mierau. "It is a fact that you've been actively treating poisons and corruption in your adventuring companions despite your lack of licensure. You've been administering healing potions and surgery to your adventuring companions."
"All these things are allowed under the fair treatment agreement with the adventurer's association," interjected Sorin, but Physician Mierau ignored him and continued.
"Then there are matters of character. Is it true that while residing in the Bloodwood Outpost, you killed no less than five men in cold blood?" His words immediately provoked whispers from the stands.
"Objection, President Diggory," said Elder Nolan. "Sorin was clearly defending himself from an assassination attempt at the time. Isn't defending oneself the behavior of a normal person?"
"Overruled," said President Diggory. "You may continue this line of questioning carefully, Physician Mierau.
"A physician isn't a normal person," continued Physician Mierau. "Just as a cultivator is not a mere mortal. They are held to different standards. A person of Sorin's skills should be able to easily judge whether an attack would be lethal or incapacitating. He should have been more careful in his use of force."
"Are you insinuating," asked Sorin, "that I should put my life at risk for the benefit of the people trying to assassinate me? Forgive me for disagreeing. Moreover, at the time, I was not a physician, and neither was I an apothecary. To hold me to a physician's standards—and I believe expecting a physician to suboptimally defend himself when faced with lethal force is a stretching the Code of Ethics—while simultaneously asserting that I am not a physician also seems disingenuous."
"And so you have it," said Physician Mierau, turning to face the councilors. "This former physician murdered five people and does not regret it. He routinely sets out as an adventurer to kill demons. And sometimes, he'll even kill corrupted humans.
"That's not even mentioning the three charges that have been brought up against him. One count of practicing without a license in the Bloodwood Outpost when treating Haley York when other qualified physicians were present; multiple counts of practicing without a license when treating corruption in Chelsea when a competent physician was available; and one case of treatment without consent and without meeting due standard of care, also in Chelsea, specially reported by the Mercers." Sorin immediately regretted not letting the cultists just kill those ungrateful bastards. "All this by an individual who was formerly a licensed physician and should know better."
"What's your point, Physician Mierau," said Elder Nolan coldly. "If you're going to press charges, press charges. You can't just keep rambling on without a goal in mind, as this is an inquiry at the Medical Association, not a political debate at Pnyx."
Physician Mierau sneered. "So, you know this is the Medical Association? So, do you remember that it has rules and regulations? Yet even you, a former councilor, have repeatedly shielded this miscreant.
"This inquiry is not about Sorin Abberjay Kepler, Physician Nolan Kepler, but the bigger picture. We will deal with these three charges concurrently with a greater case: the corruption of the great Kepler Clan and its degradation into an entity that no longer knows right from wrong and no longer separates professional matters from private ones.
"The Kepler Clan is not fit to hold permanent seats on this council. It is not suitable to guard the vast trove of medical knowledge that rightfully belongs to humanity.
"The goal of this inquiry is to establish beyond a doubt that the Kepler Clan's internal corruption has reached the point that their permanent seats on this council should be confiscated. Further, their medical library, including the Divine Medical Codex and its subsidiary art, should be confiscated. The Ten Thousand Poison Canon must also be confiscated so that it can either be sealed or properly disposed of."
By now, Elder Nolan's face had turned red. "You do realize that removing our permanent seating would require a two-thirds majority vote? And I'm sure you are also aware that the Pandoran Cultivation Accords guards cultivation manuals, crafting manuals, and other techniques from confiscation. Further, the Kepler Clan has already made generous contributions to the public medical libraries. You, an ungrateful dog, don't even realize that you're standing on the shoulders of giants."
"Nolan Abberjay Kepler, you will watch your language," President Diggory cut in.
"I apologize for my outburst and did not intend to insult Physician Mierau," Elder Nolan said in a practiced tone. "Please continue, Physician Mierau."
"Everything the Kepler Clan does is in its own best interest," concluded Physician Mierau. "Something that is at odds with the nature of a proper physician. Given their divergence from this association's ideals, I assert that they do not deserve a permanent seat on this council."
"The questions have been asked, and the goal of the inquiry has been established," said President Diggory. "All those in favor of proceeding with the inquiry, raise your hands." Three-quarters of those present did so, including the neutral members and many so-called 'allies.' "If that is all, we'll reconvene in approximately four months. This meeting is adjourned."
"What a crock of crap," Elder Nolan said to Sorin as they exited the council chamber. "Their arguments are unreasonable and unbefitting of the medical association. They're going too far! I mean, who isn't self-interested in the cultivation world."
Sorin shook his head. "I'm afraid reason has nothing to do with this. They mean to hit us where it hurts."
"Well, you shouldn't worry too much," said Elder Nolan. "The government has our back. Though, you might have to put up with some temporary suffering in the meantime." Sorin did not like the sound of that, but unfortunately, he had no other backers.
Sorin continued to remain on the lookout for Melinoë's influence. Fortunately, it seemed she'd only infected individual councilors and not the entire association.
He was still trying to figure out how to reveal her tampering with the councilors when the problem resolved itself. "Look to your three o'clock'," Sorin told Elder Nolan as they left the Medical Association. "No need to be conspicuous about it; she's looking right at us."
On the street just outside the Medical Association stood a black-haired, dark-eyed beauty in a white robe. She radiated a golden aura that immediately clashed with Elder Nolan's flesh-sanctification aura.
"Melinoë," said Elder Nolan as he stopped in front of her. "What are you doing here?"
"I didn't see Sorin for several days and was starting to miss him," replied Melinoë. "We developed a close relationship during the Shrine Descent, or at least, we would have if he hadn't somehow dealt with the gift I prepared him. I'm curious, Sorin: you dealt with my threads so easily. How exactly did you accomplish this?"
"Melinoë, did you just admit to openly attacking a member of our Kepler Clan?" said Elder Nolan. "That being the case, don't blame me for contacting Administrator Pollen about this matter to issue a complaint."
"I don't think reporting me will do you much good," said Melinoë with a shrug. "Similarly, any arguments you make during the inquiry won't do you any good either. The net I've carefully prepared over hundreds of years is finally complete. This is the end of the line, Elder Nolan. Are you frightened?"
Elder Nolan's gaze hardened. "Tell me, why shouldn't I just kill you on the spot for this blatant provocation?"
Melinoë simply smiled. "I'd love very much to see you try. You see, there are at least thirty flesh sanctification cultivators in the vicinity, most of them very willing to substantiate my claim of unprovoked assault against a God Seed of a lesser cultivation realm."
Elder Nolan looked about uncertainly before pulling Sorin closer to him. "You must face her bravely, Sorin, for fear is her most potent weapon. Don't let me meet you in private, Melinoë, as I won't hesitate to sacrifice this old life to take you out."
His determination caused her smile to fade somewhat. "I shall consider it, Elder Nolan. As for you, Sorin—I'll be seeing you around."
Having said this, Melinoë walked past them and directly entered the Medical Association. The guards there treated her like an old friend, as did Physician Mierau, the one spearheading the council's inquiry.