The streets of Delphi blurred past Sorin as Elder Nolan whisked him through the skies to deliver him to the inquiry that had originally been scheduled for a day later.

It was midmorning, so the streets were relatively empty, though Sorin could sense something amiss in the movements of the few people walking on the street, who were coincidentally moving in the same direction.

Elder Nolan didn't seem to notice this, however, and focused half his effort on flying and the other half complaining about the situation. "It's just like them, moving things up at the last minute. I found out just three hours ago and barely had time to arrange things with our public relations group. Hopefully, they won't be too late to the party.

"Also, must you bring Mr. Fletcher along? We're only allowed one accompaniment apiece, and it would be best to reserve both of them for your retinue instead of someone who'll only be moderately useful if fighting breaks out."

"Should I prepare for a fight then?" asked Gareth, seeming not bothered by the fact that he was getting carried through the air by a Flesh-Sanctification sword cultivator.

"I mean, hypothetically, it could happen, but not likely," said Elder Nolan.

His heartbeat accelerated, and his demeanor shifted slightly. Sorin managed to determine, despite the wind buffeting him and disturbing his spiritual senses, that he wasritual senses. He's lying.

Sorin weighed the pros and cons of having Gareth versus another Flesh-Sanctification cultivator in case of a drawn-out fight and decided Gareth was the better fit. "He stays. Not only is Gareth a font of knowledge and experience but he's also experienced in helping me manage my temper."

"If there's anything that will get us through this in one piece, it's you managing your temper," mumbled Elder Nolan. "Fine. He stays."

It took them only ten minutes to reach their destination—not the Medical Association, as Sorin had expected, but the Delphi Amphitheater. Sorin immediately felt something amiss as they landed and noted the large number of people filing in despite the relatively mundane nature of the trial.

The Amphitheater could accommodate ten thousand people for summer concerts. Over half the stands were already filled, and more people trickled in by the minute despite the less-than-comfortable weather.

A replica of the Medical Association's council chamber had been erected on the stage, along with a judge's bench and stands typically reserved for cases where there was an accuser and a defendant. It was clear that this wasn't a normal inquiry and was looking increasingly like a trial.

Sorin's group was the first to arrive, and the council elders trickled in shortly after. The last ones to arrive were the Head Questioner, Physician Mierau, followed closely by President Diggory. It only took one look for Nemesis to determine their intentions: 75% of those present, including President Digory, meant him harm. These intentions were even more pronounced toward Elder Nolan and toward the Kepler Clan.

President Digory waited for the media outlets to assume their positions and begin recording before speaking. "Let it be known that this marks the beginning of the inquiry initiated by Physician Mierau and a group of concerned physicians.

"Called in as witnesses are Sorin Abberjay Kepler of the Kepler Clan, former one-star physician, and current two-star apothecary, and Nolan Abberjay Kepler, three-star physician, a former councilor, and Presiding Elder of the Kepler Clan.

"Twenty-four 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.

"The initial facts have already been verified, and the goal of the inquiry has been outlined. The goal is to evaluate whether the Kepler Clan should maintain its permanent seats on the council.

"The inquiry will first conduct a sub-trial regarding Sorin Abberjay Kepler's misconduct allegations. This will be closely followed by witnesses to the many instances of corruption in the Kepler Clan. To finish things off, we will have Physician Nolan come to the stand to answer questions under the Truth Verification Spell.

"It should also be noted that Apothecary Sorin Abberjay Kepler and Physician Nolan Abberjay Kepler's cooperation in this hearing is required by provincial law. Failure to truthfully answer the questions posed is punishable in all twelve provinces through the Parnassus Medical Act and interprovincial reciprocity agreements.

"Apothecary Sorin Abberjay Kepler, present or abstaining?"

"Present," answered Sorin.

"Physician Nolan Abberjay Kepler, present or abstaining?"

"Present," answered Elder Nolan.

"Since both of the required participants are present, we will proceed to the first phase. Physician Mierau, please call your first witness to the stand.

The smug-looking Physician Mierau stood up from his seat and walked over to the judge's bench before dramatically turning to the audience. "I would like to call upon our first witness, Physician Gregory, One-Star Physician affiliated with the Kepler Clan currently stationed in the Bloodwood Outpost."

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His words provoked whispers from the audience. Physician Gregory, having taken a seat in the front row, made his way over to the stage.

Elder Nolan leaned over and whispered. "Gregory being called up is unfortunate but not unexpected. "But I am surprised they brought him all the way here. Then again, how else would they ensure he was telling the truth?"

As Physician Gregory stepped up on the stand, a blue formation lit up beneath him. "Physician Gregory, please confirm that you understand that you are currently under the influence of a Truth Assurance spell Formation. Should you utter any untruths, to your knowledge, the formation will glow red."

"I understand," confirmed Physician Gregory.

"Then you may proceed, Physician Mierau," said President Digory.

Physician Mierau paced back and forth on the stage for a few seconds before speaking. "You've been called here as a witness to a malpractice incident that took place nearly a year ago. The report used as the basis for the charge was coauthored by you and Physician Lim. Do you confirm that you did indeed submit this report despite your affiliation with the Kepler Clan?"

"I wrote the report as required by the Medical Association's regulations," answered Physician Gregory. "That being said, the charges pressed have nothing to do with me and are entirely the prerogative of the Medical Association."

"The event in question involves the surgical treatment of Haley York, a member in good standing of the Adventurers Guild, who was wounded in battle during the demon tide," continued Physician Mierau. It was reported that Sorin Kepler performed surgery on the patient in question. Is this true?"

"Yes," answered Physician Gregory. "But at the time, it was—"

"Next question," said Physician Mierau, cutting him off. "Are you of the opinion that Sorin is young for someone who claims to have been a licensed physician?"

"I mean, he is rather young," said Physician Gregory. "But I wouldn't—"

"The main question is this," said Physician Mierau, cutting him off again. "Did he or did he not treat Haley York in the presence of two competent physicians?"

"Component is a relative matter in such cases, as Haley York wasn't just a—"

"Answer the question, please," said Physician Mierau.

Physician Gregory gulped. "Yes, he did."

"And there it is," said Physician Mierau, turning to the audience. "It is a grave offense for an unlicensed individual to practice medicine. The association regulates the practice of medicine for a reason. Over 30% of instances of medical malpractice occur due to unlicensed practice.

"Of course, there is still the question of whether he successfully treated the patient. Physician Gregory, I hear there were complications to the surgery, resulting in long-term damage to Miss York's shoulder. Is this true?"

"This is actually a grave violation of patient privacy, and I must insist that this hearing takes place in a more closed setting," said Physician Gregory.

"Your objection is noted," said President Digory. "But seeing as this inquiry location has been approved by a majority in the council and reviewed by our ethics committee, you are to answer this question."

Physician Gregory frowned. "There were complications, including long-term damage to the patient's shoulder. But in my opinion—"

"Do you hear that?" said Physician Mierau, turning to the audience once again. "There were complications. Which is exactly why it is forbidden that unlicensed individuals practice medicine."

"I object!" said Elder Nolan, no longer able to control himself. "The questioner is not allowing the witness to finish his statements. There is an important context that he's not allowing. I request that we be given a turn to question the witness."

"Sustained," said President Digory. "Are you done with your questioning, Physician Mierau?"

"I am."

"Then have your representative stand to question the witness," said President Digory.

Elder Nolan motioned for Sorin to stand as they'd discussed beforehand. "As Sorin himself has the most knowledge of the situation, he will mount his defense. Is that agreeable to the council?"

"It is allowed according to regulation but not recommended," confirmed President Digory. "Sorin Kepler, you may proceed." Sorin, relieved at finally having a chance to act, stood up from his seat—but not before getting a friendly reminder from Gareth to cool down.

Sorin did not immediately question Physician Gregory but instead surveyed the audience. Something like a haze had been building up since the start of the proceeding, and it had grown in intensity with each pointed question. Though he wasn't certain about the nature of the haze, he had the distinct impression that it meant him harm.

But will the haze die down if I ask the questions, or will it build up regardless of what I say? He was determined to find out.

"Physician Gregory, can you please confirm that you and one other physician were in attendance when I treated the Patient, Haley York? "

"There was me and one other physician," confirmed Physician Gregory.

"And did either of you have reasonable confidence in treating the patient?" asked Sorin.

Physician Gregory shook his head. "What needs to be understood was that we were all Blood-Thickening Cultivators—yourself excluded—and the patient was a Bone-Forging cultivator. This is outside the scope of our normal practice. Moreover, the patient was wounded by a three-star entity, greatly increasing the difficulty of the treatment. So, the answer is no. Neither of us had reasonable confidence in treating the patient."

"How do you rate your odds of success in treating the patient?" asked Sorin.

"Ten percent, at best," answered Physician Gregory. "And not without serious complications." The circle continued to glow blue.

"And why did you allow me to perform the treatment?" continued Sorin.

Physician Gregory smiled at the question. "Because your reputation as a competent physician precedes you, Sorin. You were one of the youngest graduates of the Kepler Medical Institute, and even Physician Marcus - a two-star physician, vouched for your skills.

"Moreover, you showed a certain level of confidence in dealing with the situation, something neither myself nor the other physician attending the patient had." He hesitated before speaking his next words. "To stop you from treating a patient due to licensing and administrative issues would have been… unethical." His words provoked a gasp from the audience, and Sorin noted a positive change in the haze and a reduction in animosity.

"I move to dismiss the witness," Physician Mierau called out. "Context has been established with this line of questioning, and further questions will only diverge from the original line."

"Your motion to dismiss the witness is accepted," said President Digory. "Apothecary Sorin, you may return to your bench, and Physician Gregory, you may return to your seat.

" Up next is Henry Mercer from Chelsea, who has submitted a malpractice report concerning Mr. Sorin Abberjay Kepler. Mr. Mercer, please take the stand."

Sorin sighed as the only person he regretted saving in Chelsea smugly made his way to the front. He did, however, wonder if they had miscalculated. The Mercers weren't liked in Chelsea, and for good reason.