The sealed folder hit the evidence table with a soft thud, and the entire courtroom seemed to freeze on that sound alone. Connor's eyes stayed locked on it. His chest felt tight, not because he feared what was inside, but because of how confident Steel Khyber looked sitting there. Calm and relaxed. Like the trial had already ended in his favor. Rhys Langford adjusted his glasses and spoke first, his tone controlled but sharp. “Your Lordship, this is a certified compilation of early development records belonging to Mr. Steel Khyber’s research team. We request permission to unseal and present it.” Judge Harland leaned forward slightly. “On what basis is this different from what you’ve already submitted?” Rhys didn’t hesitate. “Because this contains primary source design files, not summaries or presentations. Original schematics. Timestamped system data. And hardware extraction logs from the prototype disc drive.” A low murmur spread through the courtroom. Marvin Sterling

The courtroom was so quiet that even the faint hum of the LED screen could be heard.Judge Harland's hand remained on the gavel.“The time has come,” he repeated.Before the judge could continue, Connor suddenly rose from his seat.“Your Lordship!”His voice cut through the silence.Every eye turned toward him.Connor's expression was firm despite the pressure crushing down on him from every direction.“Evidence should not be the only yardstick in this matter, as Mr. Sterling and I have repeatedly stated.”A ripple spread through the gallery.Judge Harland frowned slightly.Connor continued before anyone could stop him.“My father spent years developing the solar-electric vehicle designs. I never personally saw his original sketches and plans. Records show that they disappeared suddenly during his lifetime.”The courtroom listened carefully.“The original design books, development records, supporting documents, storage drives, and technical materials vanished without explanation.”Con

The evening sun cast long shadows across the steps of the Federal High Court.Connor had already stepped outside.He stopped and turned.Marvin quickly caught up to him. His breathing was slightly uneven from rushing, but determination filled his eyes.For a few seconds, neither man spoke.The courthouse behind them was slowly emptying.Reporters had already left.Lawyers were departing.The excitement of the verdict was fading.Only reality remained.Marvin looked directly at Connor.“Mr. Wood, I know today was painful, but please don't lose hope. What happened inside that courtroom was shameful.”Connor's eyes narrowed slightly.Marvin shook his head and sighed heavily.“Steel Khyber's lawyers are manipulative. I won't deny that. They used manipulation, technicalities, and carefully crafted tactics. They created a narrative that sounded convincing. They made assumptions look like facts. And because we don't have the original evidence, the court accepted it.”Connor listened quietly.

For a brief moment, the sounds of the moving convoy faded into the background. Then he answered. “Kaelen.” The voice on the other end immediately became respectful. “Good evening, Master.” Connor leaned back slightly against the leather seat. “What is it?” There was a trace of excitement in Kaelen Voss’s voice. “Master, we have good news. Seven of the attackers have been captured.” Connor’s gaze sharpened. “Captured?” “Yes, Master. Shadow Security personnel successfully apprehended them at the expansion and restructuring project site.” A faint smile appeared on Connor’s face. “Explain.” Kaelen responded immediately. “The two Quantum Shadow Detection Networks identified and tracked five of them. The remaining two were caught through additional detection technologies launched by few other subsidiaries under Wood Group.” Connor listened quietly. Kaelen’s tone became colder. “They were caught around midnight yesterday.” Connor’s eyes darkened. “The exact same time of

Minutes later, the black Rolls-Royce Spectre entered Eagle District.Connor sat quietly inside as the scenery changed around him.The area was vastly different from the commercial sections of Caesaria.Military power dominated everything.Rows of M1 Abrams battle tanks stood in formation across secured compounds. Several Stryker armored fighting vehicles and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles were parked nearby. Military transport trucks moved along designated routes while armed personnel patrolled every corner.Above the district, the sound of aircraft occasionally echoed through the sky.Connor glanced through the window.Several UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters flew across the horizon. An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter hovered in the distance while two F-22 Raptor fighter jets streaked through the clouds far above.The entire district radiated authority.It was a place ordinary citizens rarely entered.A few minutes later, the headquarters finally came into view.The enormous Eagle