Tarthocas: Chronicles of the Transmigrating Scribe Chapter 54: Exile [1]

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The Central Hold was a colossal structure, much like The House, though the latter dwarfed it in size. Understanding its layout was perplexing at first glance, unless one viewed it from above. From that vantage point, it became clear—the entire complex was an immense circle, with smaller circles strategically arranged throughout the interior. The Central Hold served multiple functions. It housed the majority of Paradise's population, functioned as a massive storage facility, and, most importantly, was the seat of The Council. It was also said to be the place where The Deities themselves resided. As Amadeus appeared alongside Wilford in the innermost region of The Central Hold, chains materialized and immediately bound Wilford . He wasn't surprised—this was how The Council always handled things. As the chains wrapped around him, an individual appeared, their head covered with cloth inscribed with writings. "I'll take it from here," the figure said. Amadeus nodded and vanished. The masked individual glanced at Wilford . "You've got bad luck, you know that? Follow me." With that, the masked figure headed off toward another region, Wilford following behind. Despite the tone of casual friendliness, Wilford knew better. These were merely pleasantries, spoken out of tradition. He wasn't following by choice—he was quite literally being dragged by the chains. As Wilford followed the masked individual, he searched his memory for more information on the latter and found quite a bit. The Kanaan, as they were called, were beings who originated from the Wildlands. Typically, they served as captains or lieutenants under a General of the Sovereign, charging into Paradise to wreak havoc. Most of the time, they were exterminated, their remains converted into materials for Paradise's use. However, there were occasions when the Council spared them from death, binding them to at least a million oaths, essentially making them extremely loyal servants. The Kanaan were incredibly powerful, their strength on par with Saints who possessed a Complete Animus Flower. Suddenly, the Kanaan leading him stopped. "We've arrived," it said as the scenery in front of them shifted. They were now in a grand hall, gilded in gold, with towering pillars. Wilford , who had been brought to the ground, had to look up to see the individuals before him, yet he could make out none. "The guilty has been brought, O Lords!" The Kanaan announced, kneeling on the floor. A voice, dripping with contempt, echoed from above. "Get lost." With that single command, the Kanaan vanished, leaving Wilford alone. Wilford knew the customs of how to proceed with The Council, traditions spread far and wide to all powerful figures in Paradise—perhaps an intentional move to inflate the Council's collective ego. "I praise The Council of Paradise, who are mighty and revered! Accept my gratitude, O Supreme Ones, for protecting us!" With this, Wilford swiftly dropped to his knees. A sudden wave of pressure assaulted Wilford, forcing him to collapse to the floor. THACK! A dull sound echoed as his body slammed into the ground. "You dare to not bow properly to us?" Several voices resounded, their intensity increasing as the pressure mounted. Wilford could feel his already damaged Animus Flower begin to crumble. "No!" He was horrified as his power diminished, dropping from Jade Sapling to Iron Seed in mere moments. Just as he was on the brink of losing even that, the pressure suddenly lifted. "I hope you've learned your lesson," a voice boomed in his ears, causing them to ache. "Yes, my Lords. I have learned my wrongs," Wilford managed to utter. "Good. Now let us begin with the trial," another voice said, as the pillars high above began to shimmer in seven different hues. "In the name of Kuao, The Deity of Judgment! We shed all impartiality!" "In the name of Akaratos, The Deity of Cardinality and Truth! We hereby bring forth our judgment only through the Truest Truth!" "In the name of Raos, The Deity of