"Are you saying that I shouldn't come back if I didn't find the Inheritance?" Gabriel still didn't bother accepting.
If he wanted, he could possibly annihilate everyone here. However, he had no interest in that, even though these people had revealed their greed so openly.
He still wanted to salvage the situation if possible, since these people hadn't yet attacked him. Moreover, there weren't many clans who shared the same thought as him, especially when it came to the King.
"I came back because even without the Inheritance, we share the same goal," he further explained. "And the reason I went to see the Golems is because I saw something similar inside the Shadow Garden, blocking my path. I wasn't able to pass through them and was forced to return."
"When I came here, I went to your Golems to see the similarities between the two sides."
Even now, he didn't tell them the truth. Even though the Method of creating the Goldems was crooked, he wasn't sure if the Stein Clan still wanted to go through it.
At the moment, revealing the truth was no different than creating more enemies for himself, especially ones that weren't enemies in the open.
"I believe you." The Head of the Stein Clan nodded, surprising every Elder.
But just before the Elders could say something, he continued, "However, I can't force the Elders to trust you. They'll always be doubting you, which isn't good for our cooperation. So how about you let them have some peace of mind? Allow a simple Soul Search on you..."
"Father...?" Ulesis was taken aback by her father's request.
Even Gabriel was frowning. A Soul Search was a method that could be used by powerful beings in the Upper Realm, which allowed them to go through all the memories of a person!
If the method was used with the other person's permission, it allowed them to read every single memory of that person. The only flaw was that it was something that slightly weakened the soul of the person it was used on.
However, this method could also be used without the other person's permission. Unfortunately, in that case, the process was way more painful! Moreover, there was also a risk of the entire soul being destroyed!
Even though it appeared as if he was doing this to convince the Elders, it was clear that the Stein Clan Patriarch was doing it for himself, to make sure that Gabriel actually didn't have the inheritance!
The Patriarch of the Stein Clan was the person who wanted the Inheritance the most after all. It was his obsession!
Gabriel hadn't expected this kind of request coming from the Stein Clan Head. In an instant, all the positive impressions he had of the clan were destroyed!
"Would you like to rephrase your words?" he asked.
However, the Stein Clan Patriarch was still perfectly calm. Even though Gabriel was strong, he didn't feel any threat. If anything, he felt that he was being a bit too nice for Gabriel, to the point where the young man was becoming more and more arrogant.
"Why are you hesitating? It won't take much time. And it'll be the easiest way for you to prove your innocence." The First Elder chimed in, grinning.
"That's right. If you're not a thief, then go through with it!"
"Are you finally accepting that you're a thief? You still have time! Hand over the inheritance!'
All the Elders became active. No matter where Gabriel looked in the fall, he only saw extreme greed in the eyes of these people, which was very different from what he saw with the Beast Monarchs.
Only one person was different in the entire hall, and was Ulesis. Unfortunately, she couldn't do anything either.
"May I ask, what gave you the impression that I need to prove my innocence to the likes of you?" Gabriel inquired, finally having enough.
Just as Gabriel tried to stand up, a heavy pressure descended on him, forcing him down. It was as if the heaviest mountain was pressing down on him.
Gabriel's eyes also turned dark, as he glared at the Patriarch of the Stein Clan, who had finally moved.
"I didn't want to force you, but your insistence is becoming more and more suspicious! I have no choice but to force you."
The Patriarch of the Stein Clan stood up.
"Father, stop!" Ulesis tried to stop him. However, Shackles came out of the group, trapping her wrists and her ankles, making her unable to move at all
"Stay right there. I promise I won't kill him!" The Head of the Clan patted the head of his daughter gently before he stepped down the steps.
"You should've listened while I was being nice," he stated, stepping closer to Gabriel.
"If you think your shadows can protect you here, then you're in for a surprise. Did you think we wouldn't do anything in this hall after seeing your display last time?"
Above the hall, a majestic formation circle became visible. The formation circle made it impossible for any Shadow Warriors to be formed. Since that was supposed to be Gabriel's biggest strength, that formation made him essentially useless, especially since he couldn't move.
At the same time, more shackles came out of the group, trapping Gabriel's ankles and his wrist. One of the shackles wrapped around his neck, and another around his forehead, to keep his head straight for the Soul Search.
Gabriel's entire visage had changed. His eyes weren't calm anymore. Instead, traces of bloodlust were visible in his eyes that had turned pitch black.
"You will have time. Stop while I'm giving you this opportunity. If not, then I won't have any choice either..."
"That's the thing I find most fascinating about you. Even when you can't do anything, your arrogance is still at the peak. Unfortunately, that can't change anything."
The Stein Clan Patriarch stopped just a few inches away from Gabriel. His eyes revealed a look of pity as well, as if he wanted to have Gabriel as one of his own people if possible, since the young man was talented. However, he had no choice! He wanted inheritance most!
