=== Chapter 4 [Cogwheel]

It is the biggest and most impressive looking town on this server, and I'm a part of it.

I talk about no other than Everkeep, the capital of TSA and the safest city ever created.

It is here were our hero will have his next chapter of his thrilling and exciting story.

[So we gathered here today to discuss the robbery that took place today. Items were stolen from the stone warehouse.

The quantity of items is two hundred units. The crime took place between now and four hours ago.

Considering the circumstances, we already have a list of suspects thus you were called here Juger.]

It is I, Juger, the hero who has been called to the court for helping with the investigation. I am the quartermaster of this segment of the storage area so I’m directly involved in the case. I manage materials of stone, which provides us with defensive capabilities beyond perfection.

[It is not certain to why the materials vanished in the thick cloud of mystery. I dare to say,

I concur your statement and also consider the time of the crime accurate. To confirm my claim,

I have been at the place of the crime four hours ago and did number the items we held in the storage.

It was precisely the current number, but higher than two hundred, thus theft is to be considered.]

[That is quite obvious, and we already established that Juger. Let's proceed with the questions.

Firstly, what have you been doing in the last four hours? We have to confirm your alibi first.]

[But of course, this is because only I and six other people have access to the vault, is that correct?

Thus I will state the truth—I was not logged in after I confirmed our supplies. That is all I have to say.

To confirm my claim, I suggest conversing with other partisans that keep their words in darkness.]

What I said was the factual situation. I was called from work as soon as I finished my job in the game. I had not the time to steal anything or to witness anyone who might have had. Thus the most likely suspect is someone that has been online. If we will be able to narrow down the list, the judgement will be served.

[Well this is fair. We can confirm that with our version when we talk with other suspects. Listen well,

we don't think you have done it, because I checked our guild list a while ago and you were offline.

However there is still room for doubt. Perhaps we should ask, if you have a slightest idea who did it?]

[With boundless precision, if the dark spectrum of fate allow it, the culprit will the pointed out,

by a single mistake they have made. This should not be allowed to happen under any circumstances,

thus I consider making this my personal mission of honour that I must deliberately carry at once.]

[So you don't, I assume. Fine then, you probably need time for your investigation and two hundred...

well the matter is not that serious, we just don't want this to happen ever again. Anyway since you're in change,

would you be okay on your own? We will question everyone and see what we could find and then call you okay?]

[If that is the will of the council of law bringers, then let it me. This black knight shall deliver it with haste,

justice, to those who have violated the code of chivalry, and show the truth to those searching for it.]

With a flick of my cape, I leave the court room at once. It is a custom of our Guild that we have those things, like actual trails and laws that are the basis of our functionality. The guild is big after all, we need those rules. On top of that I was a part of the management ladder, as the person responsible for organizing building materials, such as stone or wood.

My job involved making sure that the numbers were correct with the intake and output, much like my job in real life. I also have six other people who have access to the vault. Two of them are guild leaders so they are unlikely. The other two have no logged in for a while, thus considering them as well only two real suspects remain.

To be honest, I have no other leads that would point me in the right direction. I could question the AIs around, perhaps they will give me any clues about who visited the vault during the four hour period. However...

[We do not ever speak about those topics, neither we seen anything or anyone.]

Is what they answered me when I asked if they saw anyone in the last four hours. They might be programmed like that, I'm not sure, but they are never of help if you need them, well at least if you want information from them. They are only really good at defending and selling items. Besides that they are basically a bunch of pushovers.

In my time I have no experienced a robbery yet, thus I couldn't say I knew what exactly to do now. I have checked the vault again—it was sealed by a guild council seal, which meant I couldn't affect it. I had privilege to look inside, but not put or take any items out. Thus I confirmed again the number of stones.

Still there was two hundred missing, and even since this was a small clue I did wonder why that exact number. It made me think that there might have been two culprits that took one hundred each, but would that make sense? Perhaps there was something I didn't knew that could act as the evidence, but if that was true they would have already...

[If we run down the list of suspects, it would appear that the blackened are obvious. However,

from their perspective it is also uncertain who performed the burglar act of desperation.

Those without the sins shall stone those with, thus I realised what the council expected from me.]

===

The city of safety, the capital of progress and the prosperity, like a machine it transforms the soul. Robotic are the people you meet, as the congestion of AIs here is pretty dense. They are the workers, the fundamentals that of society that make this giant contraption working day and night, without rest.

From south the sky reaching wall shields it from harm. It is further protected by towers with trebuchets on them. From north and west a natural wall of mountains, steep and impassable, encircles the land with a carrying embrace. From east there is a coast which is not required to be reinforced because you can't build siege ships with cannons.

And so, this most defended place in the world, supported by villages around the country, is my living place. From the entrance, a huge plaza hosting merchants. Further the wide road, two sets on houses stacked like apartments. Finally, crossing the river with a bridge, the castle and centre of it all. That is how the city of Everkeep was designed.

[With knowing so, I could trace that the culprit must have passed though the main gate if he was to reach the vault.

But that again have no importance to what I'm actually searching for. The matter at hand is the all seeing eye,

the one that divides the lies and truth, information which I can only confirm by making contact with the suspects.]

And by suspects I mean the two who I was talking about earlier. Even though they were in the same guild as I was, they were a lower rank so to speak. We both had similar privileges in terms of the guild bank, but they directly answered to me. Was it the trust, or was it just fate that I was given a higher ranking? I also had the responsibility for solving this matter.

[This dark knight is pleased to see his comrades on this fine day. Let the wind of doubt carry not these words,

but I am required to question you two about the recent accident. I reckon that the blind messenger already informed you?]

[If you are talking about the council, we were already interviewed. And if you are talking about the burglary,

then it is kinda obvious who did it now. I don't think I need to say anything more, since you figured it out eh?]

Said one of them. The other continued.

[It might be not as obvious as you think here, if you consider only the alibis then what about the guild leaders?

There are also two people who didn't log in for a while, why couldn't they be the culprits? I say it so because,

we can only take one hundred per day, so it's impossible for a person with a limit to be a single culprit.]

If that at least is the truth then why did the culprit made it obvious? Why didn't take only a hundred? That way he could have made everyone a suspect. But now the crime is almost certainly a work of two, if you don't count the guild leaders. Thus, I presume that the pair who most likely did it is standing right before me.

[Thus you take the pride of marking yourselves as culprits? Since there is no other evidence,

the hand of the blind lady points towards no other than you two. Certainly if you have anything,

even a sliver of resentment, you shall show me it now or be forever silent as the guilty of crime.]

[Well I wouldn't be so sure yet. For example, there is nothing that would confirm your own alibi.

Only one record was made and it was done by you. Perhaps the crime was done this way on purpose,

so that the culprit would make it that only two or more people were able to do it, and that means you could have done it.]

One of them explained to me, and then the other followed. This seems to be their way of speaking. It doesn’t matter who, they both were dressed the same so I couldn’t tell them apart.

[No, by following that logic you just make everyone a suspect. However only four people have the limit,

so that clearly doesn't exclude the possibility of them, in any combination, being the ones to commit the crime.

All I'm saying here is that if you have to suspect one of us, you probably need an evidence to connect us.]

[An evidence that would bind the truth with chains, that would reach for it with the strong arms of justice?

Very well, if you require such formalities I shall present them to your very eyes. The evidence,

the essence of your crime, is this very receipt that I have managed to acquire from a generous source.]

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

The sheet of paper was something that I have fabricated for the purpose of cornering my opponents. From the beginning it was obvious who committed the crime and I already concluded that from the early stage. There was no mistaking that only the two before me could commit such atrocities and tried to put the blame on me.

The receipt in question is a proof of purchase of two hundred units of stone that was done half an hour ago. Even if the AIs are usually not helpful, they do keep their trading history open. This was as easy as asking, and coping it onto a sheet of paper. Obviously I was dealing with an unskilled crook, but justice bows to no one.

[And so, what do you say about this undoubtful preachment of sealing evidence? Do you want to repent for you sins,

or do you want to face the punishment on the spot? This black knight will gladly extend his pale gauntlet of justice.]

[I don't think it would be necessary, since I don't see a connection with the receipt and the crime.

You need to be a little more convincing than that. Can you show us the merchant you got with from,

or specify who exactly was the buyer and the seller? I mean I only say this so you won't make the wrong choice...]

[That's enough already, he clearly tries to escape because he is the culprit and puts to blame us.

There is no shame in doing justice, then allow us to answer his call. We shall battle for the truth.]

One of the said. Though I expected them both to be in unison, this was a surprise for me since...

[This is all fair, but I said I didn't plan on fighting from the start. You guys can have fun though.]

The other backed out from the fight before it even began.

===

And thus our mighty blows clashed together. The dark knight standing in his firm stance, and his opponent with his shield and sword were both engaged in a conflict that would decide the blackened. The one surviving would be crown as the victor and he would be cleaned of suspicion.

However, for our hero it was already clear who was the crook and who was the executor. With his giant axe he swung, striking metal against metal, shield against the blade. When one was tired the other would advance. It was truly the struggle of endurance.

[So you are saying that we did it, but yet you didn't provide us with a single conclusive evidence?

Are you certain that you are not making a mistake? Have you considered all the possibilities?]

[I have not yielded to the path of greed and deception—my words are just and carry power of conviction.

Your petty accusations however are just the reason to why you have committed the crime in the first place.

Like a vermin who begs for food and drink, you detest your superiors who don't shower you in gold and riches.

And thus, living your life on the streets, you desire for every penny, more than you respect the code of chivalry.]

With my axe in hand, I swing it around and pushed closer towards my opponent. Up front, we Tanks are strong, but from the behind we have a weakness. I try to take advantage of that by using a skill that allows me to move. But that isn't enough and my opponent is able to turn in time before my axe connects with his back and staggers him.

Now I have to block his attack, he uses a skill especially designed against melee combatants, Disarm Weapon. Anyone hit by it will have their attack speed and potentially damage if S/A is used. With that I have no choice, even if I block the hit I would still get the debuff. Thus, I hit him back and we both clash and get staggered.

After we both recover, we are still at the distance to attack each other, thus I press my offence continuously. With just using my basic attacks, albeit a little slowed, I swing at his shield, allowing him no time to strike back at me. But he knows that this is a good time to counter, and thus he decides to use his parry to throw me out of balance.

[I see, you did all this so you can proof that we did it right? But who would believe a suspect like you?

Fabricating evidence and then cornering innocent people, this is not a way of the just, but the guilty.]

And so, with a swift swing from his sword he hits my black armour. I get staggered and face additional hits. This was my plan however, taking damage for the purpose of taking my revenge. With fire around my body, I activate Eye for an Eye, which increases my damage based on how low my current hp was, just as he was about to finish his combo. Now this is my time to attack.

With my giant axe, I swing fast and fearlessly at my opponent, forcing him to block. My swings are slower, but I have an advantage here. Because my damage is increased from my burst cancel, his blocking is less effective. Thus even if he keeps on the defensive, he is losing his mana at an increased rate by the second.

Then, he finally decides to strike, rushing at me from a close distance. His Bullrush, which pushes me back, also allows him to use Steel Heart to make his defence more effective. However, he is still in my range. I repay him with my Giant Swing, striking fast three times and cutting my way closer towards my opponent.

[I see the cornered mice squeaks as long it can because it got struck by the hunter's pawn. Face the truth,

there is not a single way or a place for you to escape, for the hammer of justice will validate only the just.

Your desperate effort is pointless little whelp, as the crushing evidence speaks against those that lie.]

With the debuff duration over, my strikes get faster, but at the same time, his defence is not yielding. He was at a worse position however. If he plans on not attacking, he will delete his mana eventually. Not to mention, my mana doesn't regenerate while my damage buff is active, though that's still fine.

Still, him knowing that he has to act, he waits for his Bullrush to come off the cooldown, and uses it right away. Afterwards he uses Second Wind, which I can't cancel, followed by his Rest. His goal is to regenerate as many hitpoints as he can before I would be in range to attack. A bold move.

Using this many skills however I reckon his mana is completely depleted thus it is clearly my time. I quickly rush towards him and my Savage Grapple with the idea to pierce though his defences. However he notices that, techs my grab, and answers with his S/A version of Heavy Lifter.

[You can say what you want but you are the quartermaster. You are the most responsible one out of us all.

If it wasn't for your lack of diligence, this wouldn't even happen. Thus I plead, take the blame will you?]

[It is not my hand that is darkened, but yours. I was only following orders, therefore not a single sliver,

not a single smidgen of crime rests on my side. It is the rats like you which are dirty beyond measure.]

However I have one special skill prepared, just for this fight. It is Bash, which is not useful normally, since it’s very slow, but unlike all other skills, this one only staggers the target if it has armour. I have waited all this time, because I had a plan, to bright his hp down low enough so I could execute him in one blow. It was the time to strike the hammer of justice.

Because he used his S/A version of Heavy Lifter, my strike connected first, bringing his movements to a stop. I use my axe to swing at him, the hit connects and now he is all mine. I use my Heavy Lifter to launch him, jump into the air myself and then execute my Grand Slam which then I extended into Axe Execution. Because my Eye for an Eye was still active, I deal tremendous damage.

The pathetic body that did belong once to a knight is now just a pitiful red smear on the ground. After taking that hit he must have became aware how grave his sin really was. He did not try to stand, thus I claimed the righteous victory that was mine from the start. Sad are those that do not know when to stop. No one can escape the justice and its hammer, for it only strikes at those without honour and repentance.

[Sorry guys, it seems the case is clear now. One of the guild leaders who logged just confirmed,

he took the two hundred stone because he needed it for something, but he forgot to tell you.]

===

[You see Juger, this was just an opportunity to see how well you would have done in situations like these,

and there is no need to blame anyone or take it seriously. Clearly the system doesn't allow us to see who takes what,

I tried talking with the GMs but they said that would be fixed in the next patch, like three months ago.]

[For me to consider I made a mistake at all Xyl, is to accept the system was perfect, while it wasn't.

Thus I can only grief those that were hurt by that mistake. Even the lords of the underworld have honour,

and ours was blemished that day, for I have acted hastily and out of order. For that only this knight apologises.]

What did happen in the last days has truly regrettable. I was put into a situation to blame others, my co-workers who might have stolen materials from the storage. However, we lacked convincing evidence. Thus I had to produce some for the claim to be accurate. In the end, the true trouble maker was someone different.

All of this was just an experiment, a trail if you must. We were tested to see if we could find the culprit, and acted accordingly to our roles. We were all suspects and we were also the detectives, but in the end, it was all a fun experience. I must say that I'm glad in ended with a fight for true justice, albeit it was brief.

Additionally, above that we had fun, we also tested if with the current system we are able catch the thief, and the result was that we couldn't. Thus I proven that their system had little holes that rats could pass through. Unfortunately, because it was not up to me, I couldn't change for the better—I had to wait for the council to pass the law.

[All in all it was an experience for not just you Juger, but for other people from the council as well.

They say that even we need to think about changing the system. Without something that can be foolproof,

we are basically going to run into problems again. Yet, because we can’t have AIs do other stuff than they are programmed to do,

we would need at least one person, that would be logged in and not afk, to stand near the vault and record everything.]

My leader explained, adding one more thing after a pause.

[Even with seven people, each having their own shifts, we wouldn't be able to do that I think.

It’s just a game after all—I don’t want this to turn into a second job for anyone.]

[But clearly it is not for the better of us all? Who is this dark lady of deceit called greed,

compared to the trust from the great virtues of the just? Is the code of chivalry just empty words now?

On trust we should build our relations, thus I plead, we should act now when it's not all crumbled.]

[I receive your message—we should definitely do something about the rules in the future. Right now,

they are convinced we should find a way to minimize the number of people that have access to the vault.

We even have people who don't log in any more so I think it's about time. Four or so should be fine.]

Yet, all those extras with limited access that could only carry out certain number per day…They were supposed to help me, but in truth it was all up to me alone. It’s sad to admit but, in the end their job was only a hurdle as they barely performed any vault related tasks without my advising.

We created this little theatre to bring them out, to make them more aware of their job in the guild. But we managed to get the opposite effect and now rarely I do see them online. What a world this is. When you give others a chance to shine, they distance themselves from responsibility instead.

Maybe this is for the better, but only for me. I really wished we could just resolve it differently, but now we are facing the same exact problem and the solutions are far beyond us. Even simple things like programming the AIs to tell you who went in or out, would be enough for our needs. Damn you Avalon!

[What can I say that wasn't said already? I trust you Juger that you give us your best all the time.

Besides I know your history so I can only be your friend in times of need. Trust me on this,

I meet a lot of people who were literately destroyed by their jobs, so talk to me any time okay?]

[A sudden change in your voice Xyl? Is it the fairy's trick that arises your mood,

or it is just the wind a little bit more chilly today? Know that even if the gods are wrong,

my justice was always righteous as it was given to me by the truth bearer from heavenly gardens.]

[Not only that, but I mean you have been logging less lately, thus I did wonder if something happened.

A lot of people do the same nowadays and I can't blame them either. When this game went free to play,

I guess some folks moved onto the other games. I see them on the social media thus I'm not really worried but...]

I am a man who rarely takes interest into anything outside this game, thus I can care less. Social media and meeting places for me tend to desensitize me, for I am a loner and introvert. If anything, I rather keep every contact as brief as possible. And this brings us to our...

[You might not see clearly after the haze of the morning sun, but I will keep my decision.

No matter how hard it will be, I need the time to recollect the reason and my stance.

This will be the better for us both, and with my resolve, you needn't to worry about a thing.]

[You will be right back on your feet, but I do respect your decision. If you need help,

you know where you can find me. In the meantime you can stay in this town, though only AIs live here now.

Also don't worry about anything related to the guild because we already have someone for your place.]

For the good or worse, after the experiment ended, I decided that I will take a break from the Guild stuff. Technically I was still a guild member, but in this game that said nothing. You could join several guilds, any number of them, but you could only represent one at a time. This allowed you to switch freely between them.

But there was another to why I left. I was finally done with what I wanted to prove here. For the truth was there was actually a robbery that took place. In this entire fake and staged event, I have decided that I would take a small amount of stone to see if anyone would have notice.

I was correct on my guess, no one ever noticed anything. The crucial problem and the real reason, to why I left the guild, was I already knew how rottenly unreformable it became since the alliance formed. Furthermore my time here showed me yet again that by simply working my way up the ladder I wasn't able to change anything. Without regrets, a knight in onyx armour is leaving the castle. He will bring justice to the evil-doers eventually.

===

The dark heart filled with malice, the resentment drowns the exploited in deep in black tar, revenge.

When many have seen balance, others saw an opportunity to make things righter than they are, justice.

This one is a little more familiar with me thus he wasn't that hard to find after all. Splendid.

He is the one I would give my trust the most, for that knight is someone that will take the heaviest burden. I need to steel my resolve once more, but I feel at ease that it's him. The dark knight, blind to fear, sees only the path I want him to see. Thus he is the perfect and most beloved subject for my plan as well.

[Greeting and salutation, the one that walks the dark path of truth through the pale hand of justice.

It is me once again, Schuld, that came to your sight and is now bowing in a form of greeting.]

[How truly a surprise to see a robed man on the streets nowadays. I assume we have met old man,

but refresh my memory. When did threats of fate entwined us together and brought us one the same plane?]

[When it was is not important, for whenever you remember me matters not. It is the future,

and this current conversation that is essential for me and for you. Thus without pointless words,

I shall give you an offer. I need you to be at my side soon, thus I stretch out to you a gentle invitation.]

[Ah certainly, now I remember someone named Schuld. He was a player that I did play this game with…

a long time ago on the test server. If this man is truly the same one then I'm overjoyed to see him still alive.

In this world, full of doubt and mistakes, you can never be trusty of real friendship and your companions.]

That is true, I can not say this isn't the case. World is full of secrets and intentions for your fate, thus trusting others will only make it twist in an unpredictable way. The righteous path is your own, the one you choose for yourself and the one you take responsibility for. It is a way of true enlightenment.

[I am happy that you have the memory and treasure it, but I am not certain what of it.

Rather than talking about the past, let's discuss the future and solidify your decision.

It is required from you to listen to me and answer at a certain time. Therefore, when the day comes,

you will join others in the party and lead them to victory. I shall show you the path.]

[I'm sorry Schuld but this knight only follows his own way and ethics. I shall not be hired,

or asked what to do under no circumstances. You way leave if that was everything you wanted.]

And leave I will, but not after I'm done here. I have managed to convince others, thus you my friend...you will not be an exception. I have something you probably don't want to hear but it will change your mind.

[So by that you mean your own gain and code of chivalry? Don't humour me, for I know very well,

and can even point to your chest. When one hand greets, the other hides a secret, and in your case,

it is a rock solid evidence of your double dealing. I needn't to speak more if you understand right?]

[Very well, this black knight understands now. Do your worst if you have, old man of many faces,

but I shall remain on my path, as this one in craved not by the trickery of a wicked jester.]

[Of course, I wasn’t talking about some petty stone material alone, for I know more than you think. I shall explain.]

Juger, the black knight who have fallen from the grace of his god and answered the devil. It was he who was once a son of a shrine that hosted a god for the people to worship. However, his popularity soon declined and he was forced to work not only his own, but the weight of his entire family.

With the debts piled up by father's gambling addiction and his mother's condition, the only son, for he had no siblings, was forced to work day and night trying to support the leaky roof. But soon it happened, his parents faced death, the debtors took the shrine, while he was left alone. Even with him pleading others for help, no one wanted to save a child from a pathological family.

And so, he was up against an entire world of people that were against him. Perhaps due his rage, he joined a terrorist organization which goal was to overthrown the current government by force. One day, he was called and asked to participate in an attack. The result of it—the members were captured, but Juger alone was never caught. Thus, unable to forgive anyone, he still carries the sin of resentment.

[Even if you say my actions were unjust, it is you who is mistaken. I only did what I had,

I bring no harm and pain without a clean reason. Thus consider your request granted,

if that is the only way I can prove my justice to you, Schuld. We shall meet again.]

[If that is all you had to say, then I gladly accept. Know that I have become a busier person lately,

thus I also don't have the time to discuss semantics of the lost age. Let us see together later.]

And even this self-proclaimed righteous dark knight was no obstacle in my plan. This is well, it seems everything is aligned and my fate is sealed as well. Finally, after all these years, I will be a part of something greater than anyone could have ever imagined. Thus I leave until next time.