Chapitre 13: Congratulations You Are Now Level 1!
In the city hall's lobby, Drake observed Aunt Beck and his lawyer, both looking anxious as they conversed with the police officers.
"What's going on, Aunt Beck?" he asked.
"They only managed to apprehend Marcus Lee. The others have already left the country, and tracking them down will be incredibly difficult," Aunt Beck explained, frustration evident in her voice.
"Can money not help find them?" Drake inquired, prompting everyone in the vicinity to exchange uncertain glances.
"What do you mean, sir?" one of the police officers asked.
"I can offer a cash reward to help catch them. Ten million dollars per head should be sufficient," Drake proposed, his determination evident.
The police officers were taken aback by the generous offer but quickly recovered.
"Well, it could certainly help, sir. We will make a public announcement for you," one of the officers responded.
"Thank you, sir," Drake said as the police officers left in a hurry.
As Drake, Aunt Beck, and their lawyer awaited the trial in the lobby, Aunt Beck couldn't help but express her concern. "Are you going to be alright, Drake? You'll have to see those people again."
"I'll be fine," Drake assured her. "In fact, it's satisfying to see them finally facing the consequences of their actions."
After a few moments, they were asked to enter the courtroom. As they walked inside, Manager Lee's shrill voice welcomed them.
"Drake Chwe, you bastard! How dare you do this to me!" he yelled, his voice brimming with anger and frustration.
The courtroom was packed to capacity, with spectators, lawyers, and reporters eagerly anticipating the high-stakes trial of Marcus Lee. Marcus sat at the defendant's table, his face contorted with anger and defiance, while his high-priced lawyer, Mr. Aderson, stood beside him.
On the opposite side of the courtroom, Drake Chwe sat resolute, flanked by his legal team. The judge presided over the trial, and the atmosphere was tense as the proceedings began.
"Order in the court! Mr. Lee, you will have your chance to present your case, but for now, we are here to hear the evidence against you."
Marcus clenched his fists, his face turning red with rage. He couldn't contain his anger any longer.
"This is a travesty! I'm innocent! Drake Chwe is the real criminal here! He set me up!" Marcus shouted.
Drake maintained his composure, but his eyes narrowed in disbelief at Marcus's audacity. He responded, "You cannot deny the truth anymore, Marcus."
"You're one of us too! You're a criminal too!"
Marcus's outburst drew gasps from the spectators, and the judge banged the gavel to restore order.
"Mr. Lee, I will not tolerate any further outbursts. Let the evidence speak for itself," the judge sternly warned.
The trial proceeded with damning evidence presented against Marcus, including financial records and the viral video depicting his mistreatment of Drake. As the case built against him, Marcus grew increasingly desperate.
"Your Honor, we maintain that this evidence is fabricated, and we have witnesses who will testify to that fact!" Mr. Aderson defended.
Drake's attorney, Ms. Carter, stood to address the court. She confidently stated, "Your Honor, we have irrefutable evidence, including security camera footage and multiple testimonies that corroborate Mr. Chwe's claims."
The courtroom was on edge as the legal battle escalated, with emotions running high. Marcus's insistence on his innocence clashed with the overwhelming evidence against him. Drake watched Marcus with a sense of vindication, knowing that justice was finally within reach.
"The court will take a brief recess. When we reconvene, Mr. Lee, you will have your opportunity to present your case. But remember, this court values truth and evidence above all else," the judge sternly announced.
As the courtroom emptied during recess, Marcus and Drake exchanged intense glances.
"Do you think you can get away with this?" Marcus growled.
Drake snorted and calmly replied, "How about you? Do you think you can get away with this?"
"You were just a piece of sh*t. You will remain the same," Marcus said.
"Nah, I’m not. Not anymore," Drake retorted. "I am not as consistent as you. You were trash before, and you're still filthy trash now."
Drake's lawyer and Marcus's lawyer noticed the intensifying conversation and urged the two to separate, guiding them to their respective waiting rooms.
"What's wrong with him? Why does he act like he's the victim?" Aunt Beck grumbled.
"That's just how shameless he is, Aunt," Drake remarked.
Drake's group hoped for a moment of peace during the recess, but to their surprise, an unexpected visitor arrived.
"Hello, Mr. Drake Chwe," Director Rox greeted.
"Oh, Director Rox, what brings you here?" Drake asked.
"I would like to personally apologize for everything."
Drake fell silent for a moment. He had seen the public apology that BellRox Corp. had posted, but he didn't quite know how to feel about it. On one hand, he was glad that the company that had tormented him for years was finally receiving the punishment they deserved. But on the other hand, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about the apologies and the attempts at making amends by the BellRox Corporation.
"Oh, okay. I heard the apology," Drake replied.
"W-we sincerely apologize, and we certainly want to make amends for all the things we oversaw and failed to do. Please accept our apology," Director Rox responded, taken aback by Drake's blunt reply.
"Okay."
The room fell completely silent. Director Rox offered an awkward smile, not knowing what else to say, while Drake maintained his straight face.
"Please let us enjoy our break time, Director Rox," Aunt Beck finally broke the silence.
"Yes, yes. I'll be going," Director Rox said as he left.
"Good job, Drake," Aunt Beck said.
"Good job at what?" Drake inquired, looking at Aunt Beck, awaiting her response. She simply smiled in return.
A few minutes later, the recess ended, and the trial resumed. Marcus Lee continued to insist on his innocence, despite the mounting evidence against him.
After a careful review of the evidence and testimonies presented in the trial, the court found Marcus Lee guilty of embezzlement, fraud, and harassment.
The room erupted in whispers and murmurs, but the judge continued, "Mr. Lee, you will be remanded into custody pending sentencing. Your actions have caused significant harm, and you will be held accountable for your crimes."
The judge's words echoed in Marcus's mind, and he couldn't accept the reality of his impending punishment. His hands shook, and his breathing became erratic. Drake Chwe, sitting nearby with a composed demeanor, became Marcus's sole focus.
"This can't be happening! I won't accept it!" Marcus shouted hysterically.
Suddenly, Marcus lunged at Drake, propelled by a mix of anger and desperation. His arms flailed as he tried to reach his nemesis, but before he could get far, the bailiffs swiftly intervened.
"Stay back, Mr. Lee!" the bailiffs yelled.
"Calm down!" another bailiff urged while restraining him.
Drake, still in his seat, watched in disbelief as the courtroom descended into chaos. Marcus continued to shout and struggle against the bailiffs, his grip on reality slipping further.
"This is your fault, Chwe! I'll make you pay!" Marcus yelled as he was dragged away from Drake. He yelled even louder when he saw Drake draw a triumphant grin on his face.
As the chaotic revenge of Drake came to an end with a favorable outcome, he found some sense of satisfaction, even though David Cheng and the others were still on the run. He could finally feel a measure of peace. However, his moment of respite was interrupted when the holographic screen of the tribute system suddenly appeared in front of him, displaying the message: "Congratulations! You are now Level 1."
"Huh? There's a level?" Drake blinked his eyes twice, trying to comprehend the system's message. "What does this mean? Is there a goal?"
The tribute system remained silent, leaving Drake puzzled and curious about the new development.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone