fourth week investigation

[thecastle]

At this point it would be naive to assume that Friday will pass quietly, even more so with the incentive hanging over your heads. While you may not mind being here and participating in this challenge, that doesn't necessarily hold true for those close to you. The newly gained knowledge of the sakura tree might be enough to deter some of you, but it's highly unlikely that holds true for everyone. It may be your instinct to tread carefully on Friday mornings, but the rooster crows uneventfully and things seem quiet in the castle. Surely you know better than to trust that silence by now, right?

[♫]

fourth trial

[thecastle]

FOURTH TRIAL

Saturday, Week 4

UNCOVER THE GUILTY PARTY


Some of you who witnessed the crime scene must have had a restless night, tossing and turning as if you were haunted by the memory of what you saw. Sadly, no amount of hoping or wishing can erase what you've seen; this is a memory you'll have to live with and overcome on your own. If there is a silver lining here, it's that when you wake you'll be able to focus your attention on finding the one who brought these nightmares to you. Between the evidence you've meticulously gathered and your one in five chance of guessing correctly, you should have more than a decent chance. After all, it's always been that way before, so why would this trial be any different?

When all twenty of you have gathered in Great Hall those great, majestic doors fly open and allow everyone entry into the trial room.

As always, the empty seats and profiles in the room serve as a callous reminder of the lives already lost to The Sage's challenge. Though, that is not their only purpose. Now that everyone's become more accustomed to the trials, some of you may view the portraits of the living with cold scrutiny, particularly when you regard the suspects. Many of the people with you are capable of far greater cruelty than you would expect—and many have already disappointed you. That is a harsh truth.

As everyone settles into their respective seats at the round table, The Sage's composed voice filters in through the pendants.

"It is time, my warriors, to meet the challenge head on. What conclusion your efforts will bring is yet unknown, but I have great expectations of all of you. I hope the ultimate result of this trial will be everything I anticipate it to be.

May you be blessed with only the best of fortune. You will need it."

As soon as the Sage finishes speaking, five images flicker into sight as if brought to life by a projector. Seeing how there's no such device present, it may not be a stretch to consider magic is at work here.

Soldier on, Warriors.

20 REMAIN

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