Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"Well, let's vote for the decision according to the rules, as is the tradition," Barney said right away upon seeing that all the warriors of Sage Level were hesitating. "Those of you who would like to see Zachary out of the Celestial College, raise your hands."

Wesley, of course, was the first one to raise his hand. At the same time, he also cast a warning glance at the other warriors, many of whom were scared of his power. Therefore, they raised their hands. Finally, four warriors agreed to kick Zachary out of the Celestial College.

"Now, those of you who don't agree, raise your hands," added Barney.

On the other hand, Katrina was in no hurry to raise her hand after she heard Barney's words. Instead, she cast an arresting glance at those warriors who hadn't raised hands to show their support for expelling Zachary from Celestial College. Once her eyes fell on those men, they could not help but raise their hands, as they couldn't resist her charms.

Katrina finally raised her hand in support of not kicking Zachary out of Celestial College, after the remaining three men raised their hands. Now, four people disagreed with Wesley's proposal.

"We have a vote of four in favor and four against. So, I have the casting vote." Barney shook his head. The votes of the eight warriors of Sage Level were even, which meant that his final decision was of great significance.

"Dean, please think about our college's reputation, before you take any decision." Wesley tried to convince Barney, pretending to be sincere.

While Katrina did not say anything. Instead, she looked at Barney quietly.

Barney, on the other hand, had his own reasons to consider. He knew that with the overall situation factored in, Zachary was bound to be expelled from Celestial College. That was because whether or not he was the murderer, the news, that he had committed the crime, was already common knowledge across the entire Enigmatic Kingdom, and soon it would spread throughout the Supernal Continent too. Therefore, once Zachary was thought to be the murderer, and rumors spread, then even if he later could be proved to be innocent, Celestial College's reputation would still be damaged. That was why, the college always dealt with such cases by expelling the concerned disciples and consigning the cases to

e said before leaving.

All the warriors present looked at one another and followed suit, leaving only Katrina and Wesley staring at each other.

"Katrina, I'm sure you'll pay for it," Wesley warned her, and left immediately after.

"Old bastard, I know that you have a close relationship with the Zi Clan's current leader. The Zi Clan must have bribed you, since you haven't spared any efforts to drive Zachary out. I swear that I won't let it happen." Seeing Wesley fade out of sight, Katrina furrowed her brows, with a glimmer of coolness flickering across her eyes. "But where is Zachary now? He should have shown up by now, if he is still alive."

The next day, Celestial College announced its decision to punish Zachary to the entire Enigmatic Kingdom. At the same time, Sophie and Katrina also made private statements, expressing their doubts about the murder case as well as their support for Zachary. Such a dramatic change shocked everyone. No one would have thought that the Supernal Continent's two most famous female warriors of the Sage Level would join hands to protect Zachary and choose to side with him, when he had been universally condemned. Their electing to believe in Zachary, naturally made people feel that there was something fishy going on.

Even so, Zachary didn't show up, as if he had a guilty conscience. No one knew where he was after the murder was committed, which made the case even more mysterious. As no one knew the truth, and as Zachary did not appear, he remained a suspect in everyone's eyes.