Chapter 44: Investigation

Enrike Bonnalisi is indeed dead.

He himself was seriously injured and not healed, his body weak, he forced intense combat, and was hit by three crossbow bolts, one of which pierced his abdomen, damaging his organs.

Due to the added injuries, Enrike Bonnalisi would vomit blood and die suddenly, with no chance of rescue.

Lin Ke stared at Enrike Bonnalisi's corpse, remaining silent for a long time.

Mo Li took off her cloak, stepped forward, stood beside Lin Ke, her eyes full of worry.

Killing someone is not a small matter.

Unless one is cold-hearted by nature, very few people can remain unaffected by killing.

Lin Ke felt that he had not only killed Enrike Bonnalisi, but also personally killed a part of himself.

Closing his eyes, taking a deep breath, Lin Ke activated the Brain Seal Technique, the wisdom sword cut away distracting thoughts.

"I'm fine."

Lin Ke turned his head to Mo Li, showing a relaxed smile, took the cloak she handed over, deactivated the optical camouflage, draped it over himself, and said, "Let's go, there's still plenty of trouble ahead."

He gestured toward the intelligent law enforcement puppet hovering not far away, Lin Ke led Mo Li, taking a detour toward the administrative building.

The Portable Smart Brain had previously received notice; Lin Ke and Mo Li needed to go to the Campus Dispute and Accident Investigation and Mediation Office to undergo questioning and investigation.

An upright person fears no slanting shadow.

Lin Ke admitted that he indeed had murderous intent toward Enrike Bonnalisi, indeed killed him, but that does not mean his handling violated regulations.

No matter how biased the person, they could not find any major fault in Lin Ke's series of responses after his ambush.

So, Lin Ke entered the Campus Dispute and Accident Investigation and Mediation Office calmly, though not with head held high and chest out, he also did not shrink back timidly.

"Linke Grand, Mo Li Jideman, please each briefly recount the course of events."

In the office, seated behind the desk was an old man with a full head of white hair, wearing a badge on the front of his outer robe representing the identity of a formal wizard.

The old man's hair was combed immaculately, his face expressionless, the corners of his mouth slightly downturned, making him appear extremely stern.

As soon as the two entered the office, without any easing, they were directly asked to give a statement.

Lin Ke showed no panic, speaking: "After dinner, I and my classmate Mo Li went to the library to study as usual."

Entering the tree-shaded path, I sensed a killing intent hidden in the dark aimed at us, so I immediately pulled Mo Li into concealment and relocation, and asked her to report to the academy.

The intelligent law enforcement puppet was long delayed, and the ambushers launched another attack on us.

To escape, I engaged in a standoff with them.

They pursued relentlessly; I had no choice but to counterattack, and in the fight I accidentally killed them.

Mo Li then added: "Classmate Lin Ke only resorted to counterattack after the opponent had repeatedly attacked several times."

The old man gave no comment on their words, asking: "The deceased's name is Enrike Bonnalisi; do you know him? What is your relationship? Any grudge?"

Mo Li responded proactively: "I once joined the Newblood Mutual Aid Society, where I met Enrike Bonnalisi; we had a few brief conversations, but nothing more. As for grudges, there is none directly."

"Is that so?"

The old man turned his head to Lin Ke, saying: "According to investigation, Enrike Bonnalisi, acting on Lifusi Fulansi's commission, threatened you, and you also carried out corresponding retaliation; how do you explain this?"

Lin Ke calmly replied: "I don't consider that retaliation. I merely had honest conversations separately with Mina Ha fuqieke and Lifusi Fulansi, expressing my views on certain matters, and throughout took no retaliatory action against anyone."

After a pause, Lin Ke slightly showed some sharpness: "If you, or the academy, had investigated the whole incident—for example, Enrike Bonnalisi's threats against me from start to finish, Lifusi Fulansi's actions, Mina Ha fuqieke's experiences and covert maneuvers—perhaps a more comprehensive and deeper understanding could be gained."

"Hmm..."

The old man pondered, gazing steadily at Lin Ke, his face expressionless, his eyes calm like an ancient well without ripples, yet captivating.

Lin Ke fully exerted the Brain Seal Technique to resist the old man's intangible pressure and interrogation.

"His disposition is not bad."

After a long while, seeing Lin Ke never retreat, the old man spoke softly.

One does not know whether he is praising or has some deeper meaning.

Shortly after, the office smart brain on the desk received the on-site inspection report sent by the intelligent law enforcement puppet.

This report, presented in the form of text and images plus video, based on traces at the scene, basically reconstructed the course of the fight between Lin Ke and Enrike Bonnalisi.

"Composed and calm, decisive and brave, adaptable appropriately, and his tactical use was also not bad."

The old man glanced at the report, his eyes showing a hint of appreciation, as if muttering to himself, or especially saying to Lin Ke, "He's a good seedling in combat."

Faced with the vague praise, Lin Ke remained silent, his face showing no trace of pride.

When dealing with such a person who looks deep‑schemed at a glance, one must certainly keep several more wits about them.

You might think he is sincerely praising you, but in fact he merely wants you to lower your guard.

Every word, every expression, every movement, every glance of his carries his intention.

A little carelessness, a little lack of defense, and you will fall into the pit he has dug for you.

The old man paid no mind, continuing: "This 'Thorn Entangling' was used marvelously, laid out early, delivering a deadly blow at the critical moment—good, truly good."

Suddenly, the old man asked: "Mo Li Jideman, what role do you think Mina Ha fuqieke played in the incident where Enrike Bonnalisi attacked you and Linke Grand?"

As far as I know, Enrike Bonnalisi had visited Mina Ha fuqieke several times before attacking you.

And Mina Ha fuqieke, before you were ambushed, gave you a rather subtle hint."

This question is a trap; answering even slightly off makes it easy to be caught on wording.

Lin Ke opened his mouth, preparing to answer for Mo Li.

The old man's eyeballs twitched slightly, his peripheral vision sweeping over Lin Ke.

Instantly, a mountain‑like pressure descended on Lin Ke, overwhelming and unstoppable, pressing so hard he could barely breathe, let alone speak.

Mo Li, completely unaware of Lin Ke's ordeal, lowered her head, thought for a moment, then calmly replied: "I don't know what happened between Mina Ha fuqieke and Enrike Bonnalisi, nor do I know what Mina Bonnalisi thinks. But as for the result, I am quite grateful she could give me a hint, even if it was subtle."

"Is that so?"

Upon hearing that, the old man finally showed a faint, barely perceptible smile, and relaxed his pressure on Lin Ke.

He waved his hand, then suddenly proclaimed in a solemn tone the judgment of this investigation: "According to the investigation, Linke Grand acted in self‑defense; in the course of legitimate defense he inadvertently injured Enrike Bonnalisi."

The cause of Enrique Bernalis's death was a recurrence of an old injury.

Therefore, Linke Grand is declared not guilty"

Another extra chapter as an apology to the readers.

(End of chapter)