Taken in what appeared to be a towering building, I was made to kneel and shackled in case of any unnecessary movements—bounding me to the ground. The scent of aged amber wood touched my nose as I glared up at the three elderly men who looked like they could barely even see.
Their eyes held a bit of discoloration around the sclera, their hair thin as a blade, while their physique made it seem so frail a single gush from the winds would turn them to dust.
Glancing at Lilith, who did not seem the least bit bothered, she tilted her head and shot me a tender smile.
"I am the Blade of Order, Jul'fe," The judge on the far left, just over two greatswords crossing, uttered, with the yellow sclera and azure eyes.
"I am the Blade of Justice, Corr Yelm," Said the middle judge, whose bones were far small than the other two. He had small hands, showcasing a mouth that lacked bearly any teeth.
"And I am the Blade of Retribution, Li Min," The right-sitting judge declared grimly, with skin that looked ghastly like he was on his death bed. "If the other presiding two has no further remarks, I will begin." He calmly said, with longwinded wheezing. "Asura and Amilia Bloodgrave, you two have been charged with Desertion and Aiding and abetting with one another. How do you plead?"
Narrowing my eyes, I frowned, glancing around, at the dozen or so people within this courtroom watching curiously. I knew nothing if this was a simple court hearing or a trial. I don't think these people believe in a 'jury of your pears.' God, I hope not.
"I'm a little confused. Why are we being charged?" I firmly announced.
The Blade of Justice narrowed his sickly eyes and grunted."How do you plea? You will answer the question." he barked, as the chains around Lilith and me lit up, shimmering in golden light, the runes etched into the unknown metal hissed.
Amazed, a sudden jolt of some strange energy ran through me, heading towards the misty void around my soul.
I chuckled, watching the burst of energy devoured, filling me with a warming force, watching the world grow brighter. A contemptuous smirk touched my lips, and I turned to Lilith, who remained cold as ice. Showing no discomfort, I could all but see. She was not in the least bit affected.
"We are waiting," Said the Blade of Order grimly. I was sure he could tell whatever they had tried to do failed.
Sure I could show humility, lower my head, and allow them to keep face. But I was never one for modesty. Arsene Snow doesn't bend a knee. Keep that shit for the Angels.
Closing my eyes to the very world till all that was left was darkness, an invisible domain raced from my soul formed around me in a slight bobble. I opened my eyes, allowing reality to be consumed by the weave.
Contracting my muscles in an almost robotic manner, I effortlessly walked out of my chains, flicking my finger, a ray of divinity shot towards Lilith's chains weakness in the runes. Turning them to ash, she smiled and rose to her feet in an instant.
"Now that is better. Would you not agree?" I coldly mocked, shooting the ugly faces of the Blades trying to mask their astonishment. Cracking a smile that didn't meet my eyes, I continued, " My wife and I are far too talented for you to kill or seriously punish."
"Boy! You will learn to show humility and Respect!" The Blade of Retribution thundered, shaking the realm sending a powerful gush of winds towards us.
I arched my arms, blocking the powerful gush of wind that blew heavily over my body. Having never heard of such a stupid statement, I rolled my eyes and fixed my scarlet robes I don't remember dressing in.
"Rules are meant to be broken." I coldly declared, "Now, what is our assignment, or would you like to call it punishment?"
Jul'fe trembled, but of course, he would. I could only guess this title was more than a title. He was probably a lord of order. He is responsible for having this sect running smoothly.
"Can we sterilize him?" Said Li Min seriously.
My brow twitched and turned to Lilith, who shrugged with a smile as she tried not to laugh.
Coughing smoothly, I spoke, "Before we talk sterilization. Let's talk about our punishment. As it stands, I am a new disciple that was never told any rules—a failure on your part. So instead of trying to trap us in some hole, let's talk settlement before things get out of hand."
"You have no leverage," Said Justice. He pulled back in his chair and held me in a contemptuous light.
"Agreed. You have nothing we want." Order chimed in after calming his building anger.
"Then do something stupid," I challenged. Crossing my arms and waited. These idiots were trying to prove something. Maybe it was to show me they have all the power, but it is my very power they will be needing. If a hundred years have passed and the angels have yet to strike back, there is something brewing. I am sure everyone is growing rather anxious as of late.
I will not beg as they expect. If this court wishes to punish me, I cannot change that. But they had best make damn sure they don't push it. There are far more sects out there that will take me in. I know it, and they know it as well.
There was an eerie silence when the doors to the chamber opened, revealing a Nox Chosen walking in. Finding a seat without making another sound, Kurt stared coldly at me. Somewhat intrigued, I shifted my gaze back to the Judges, whose faces slowly grew darker.
"You really cannot allow a person to keep face, can you?" Said, Lilith. Shaking her head, she stepped out, "How about we go on a few missions and don't collect a commission?" she suggested, which had me a little curious. We had commission?
The three judges eyed one another. There was a bit of resistance on Li Min and Jul'fe. Nevertheless, that soon passed, as they Soul Whispered amongst each other. Chuckling, a cold shiver ran down my spine. Unsure why my lips curled down.
"There is an assassination that recently came up." Said Li Min," in The Kingdom of Gallreum, located in the Western Supercluster. You are to hed there and kill a devil cultivator. The details will be explained in your dossier.
Turning to Lilith, she smiled," This is just great!" She claimed before crackling in laughter. Holding her stomach, I turned pale, knowing I was about to die if she squealed.
I have changed a lot since then. I'm sure he can't recognize me. Right? No way in hell. I am even disguising myself now.