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The group, led by the robot, approached a towering structure that loomed over the cityscape of the Main District. The building, known as The Council’s Hall, was a marvel of architecture, its sleek black surface shimmering with an otherworldly sheen. Advanced technology embedded in its facade pulsed with faint energy, giving the structure an almost sentient aura.
“We have arrived,” the robot announced, its mechanical voice calm and reverent. Its glowing eyes flickered toward Saber. “Anything for you, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you,” Saber replied with a nod. The robot stepped aside, retreating with mechanical precision as Saber and the group ascended the grand steps leading to the entrance.
Inside, the halls were a spectacle of refined elegance, the walls and floors gleaming like polished obsidian. The floor reflected their movements with such clarity that it felt as though they were walking on water. Seraphina opened her mouth to comment, but Saber swiftly raised a hand, silencing her.
“It is forbidden to speak within these halls,” he said in a low voice, his tone firm but not unkind. “Only those who have been judged may speak freely here.”
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, confused but choosing to comply for now. She could feel the weight of the silence pressing against her, the air heavy with an unspoken authority.
They walked through the grand corridor until they reached a pair of enormous doors, standing nearly 50 feet tall. Their surface was adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of balance and justice, the artistry so lifelike it seemed to move under the dim light. Without a word, the doors creaked open, revealing the chamber beyond.
At the center of the room sat The Judge in a massive throne carved from pure obsidian, his presence commanding and overwhelming. He was a giant of a man, standing 17 feet and 8 inches tall, his broad shoulders and muscular frame enveloped in a flowing black robe. His face was strikingly smooth and free of blemishes, yet it exuded an aura of unease that made it difficult to meet his piercing gaze.
Flanking him on either side were the twelve Elders of The Council, each seated in ornate chairs that mirrored the symmetry of justice. Six Elders sat to his left, and six sat to his right, symbolizing the balance of the scale with The Judge as the center.
The narrator (me lol) reveals their names:
Left Side:
- Chair 1: Elder Astris Caldean – Keeper of Peace
- Chair 2: Elder Corvus Myrik – Guardian of Military Affairs
- Chair 3: Elder Arale Veyth – Overseer of Education
- Chair 4: Elder Haldan Vross – Master of Law
- Chair 5: Elder Lythra Vaelin – Protector of Resources
- Chair 6: Elder Caelus Orn – Keeper of Diplomacy
Right Side:
- Chair 1: Elder Rainer Solrenn – Arbiter of Justice
- Chair 2: Elder Miris Keldar – Overseer of Commerce
- Chair 3: Elder Daedric Vorn – Master of History
- Chair 4: Elder Selmira Kaelth – Healer of the Realm
- Chair 5: Elder Thrynn Kaelos – Keeper of Secrets
- Chair 6: Elder Orin Falrik – Warden of Technology
The third Elder on The Judge’s right, Elder Daedric Vorn, spoke first. His voice was deep and resonant, cutting through the silence like a blade. “Son of The Judge, what brings you here?”
Seraphina’s eyes widened in shock. Son of The Judge? She thought back to Saber’s large frame and confident demeanor—it all made sense now. Her gaze flicked to The Judge, and she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of man Saber’s father truly was.
Saber bowed slightly, his tone formal and respectful. “I come bearing a guest of great importance. This is Seraphina, Queen of the Azure Universe.”
A collective gasp rippled through the Elders. Murmurs of disapproval echoed faintly before one of the Elders on the left, Elder Corvus Myrik of Military Affairs, leaned forward. “Saber, why would you bring someone from the universes into the sacred Council Hall?”
“Because her circumstances demand it,” Saber replied firmly. “She and her ally, Elder Aeliana, were attacked by The Eclipse Sovereignty and now seek information.”
The room fell silent. Even The Judge’s stoic expression seemed to darken at the mention of The Eclipse Sovereignty.
Elder Arale Veyth, seated third on the left, adjusted her posture. “The Eclipse Sovereignty? It has been centuries since their name was uttered in these halls. Are you certain this is no deception?”
Elder Miris Keldar, from the second seat on the right, spoke up. “How can we trust her? For over 400 years, The Council has heard nothing of The Eclipse Sovereignty. What proof does she bring?”
Seraphina took a step forward, her voice steady. “This is no deception. I—”
“SILENCE!” Elder Rainer Solrenn of Justice interrupted sharply, his voice echoing through the chamber. He glared at her, his presence as imposing as The Judge himself. “You will speak when judgment allows it.”
Seraphina clenched her fists, frustration bubbling within her, but she bit her tongue.
Elder Thrynn Kaelos, the Keeper of Secrets, narrowed his eyes. “If what you say is true, we will uncover it soon enough.”
The Judge finally moved, his massive hand reaching to the side. From a hidden compartment in his throne, he retrieved an object—a unique scale, unlike anything Seraphina had ever seen. It shimmered with an otherworldly glow, its base etched with ancient runes, and its balance beam seemed to hum with latent energy.
“This is The Judge’s Scales,” Elder Caelus Orn announced. “Through its power, the truth will be weighed, and your soul laid bare.”
The room fell into an eerie silence as The Judge placed the scales before him. The glowing runes began to shift and brighten, casting an ethereal light across the chamber.
The chapter ends here.
ns 15.158.61.7da2
