Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 796: Is This Truly Justice?

"Based on my understanding, the Vympir toxin eradicates a victim's soul, leaving them vulnerable to the Grim Reaper. However, I can sense that you still possess your soul, albeit faintly. How can we be certain you were even afflicted if your soul remains intact?"

Jason hummed, a flicker of irritation crossing his face as he looked up at Rak'hael. He understood that Rak'hael was searching for any loophole to invalidate his assertions. Perceiving this, Jason decided to decisively end all speculation. He closed his eyes, exhaled gently, and an palpable tension immediately permeated the entire hall!

DOON!

The assembled spectators shifted uneasily in their seats. The council members narrowed their eyes, feeling an oppressive, predatory aura descend upon them. When Jason reopened his eyes, they blazed a blood-red, piercing through the onlookers as if with daggers. His long canines subtly protruded from his lips as he spoke, his voice imbued with an enigmatic allure. "I can assure you, I am indeed a Vympir. As for my soul, I have dwelled in close proximity to Death for a considerable time. Let us simply say that Death and I reached an... understanding."

Jason's grin widened, taking on a sadistic edge, causing some individuals in the room to instinctively reach for their concealed weapons as a palpable bloodlust radiated from him. The Faceless Keepers remained poised in the room's shadows, patiently awaiting the unfolding events. C'thlyanu prepared to interject to de-escalate the situation, but before matters could escalate further, Jason expertly suppressed his Vympir Gene. His eyes reverted to their natural black, and the oppressive tension in the chamber vanished instantly. A collective sigh of relief swept through the room, and Jason calmly observed, awaiting the council's next inquiry. This time, it was Hesabeth who addressed him.

The entire hall turned towards the Prideful Queen. Hesabeth gracefully employed her fan to obscure the lower half of her face from the common folk as she spoke.

"There is no need for such desperate questioning of Jason's claims. After all, I personally witnessed Jason dispatch Gillian, and I held Gillian's lifeless body in my own arms. Jason is not fabricating his account."

"And what of the massacre?"

C'thlyanu inquired with curiosity. Hesabeth scoffed in response, her tone conveying irritation. "Do any of you truly believe that Queen Gillian, a woman I considered my closest confidante and the former leader of the Vympir race, was so feeble as to be incapable of enslaving the mind of any creature she desired? If Jason was indeed bitten by Gillian and infected with her toxin, there is no doubt she would have exerted control over him. His ability to retain his soul is a testament to his own ingenuity, but his claims of innocence are beyond reproach."

A murmur rippled through the hall as the attendees seemed swayed by Hesabeth's words. Rak'hael, observing from the side, let out an irritated scoff and spoke in a subdued voice, audible only to the council members. "Naturally, you would defend him, Hesabeth. Having spent an entire week with him in Morive's Paradise, and considering the dramatic entrance you made earlier, we are all aware of the nature of your relationship with Jason. Are we certain the two of you haven't struck some sort of clandestine agreement?"

"You would be wise to mind your words, Rak'hael. This is your sole warning." Hesabeth directed a sharp, penetrating gaze towards Rak'hael. The very air in the building seemed to tremble, a manifestation of Hesabeth's escalating anger. Rak'hael met her stare with an equally potent scowl, yet she understood the grave peril of antagonizing someone capable of world-altering power. She discreetly shifted her attention to the individual seated silently beside Hesabeth. Leaning forward in her seat, Rak'hael addressed Queen Lamina.

"And what of you, Queen Lamina? You have remained remarkably silent throughout this proceeding, despite the significant implications this trial holds for your realm. Or perhaps you are simply incapable of speaking against your new sovereign?"

Queen Lamina, who had been quietly observing the proceedings, frowned the moment Rak'hael spoke and countered in an irritated tone. "I see no reason to involve myself in this trial. Gillian was no longer the Queen of Nox when she initiated the attack on the Machina, therefore any actions she undertook were by her own volition."

"And what of your own free will? Are you entirely certain you are capable of rendering impartial judgment when the individual on trial is the very wielder of your Blood Oath?" Rak'hael remained unyielding, introducing another critical point of contention. Lamina's eyes narrowed in anger as she turned towards Rak'hael with a sneer. However, before Lamina could voice her retort, Jason interjected.

"I have already released Lamina from her obligations to me and reinstated her authority as the leader of Nox. While I possess Gillian’s Blood Oath, my intention is not to utilize it for ruling Nox or any Vympir within it. Henceforth, any decision Lamina makes will be entirely her own."

The council members observed Jason intently as he spoke, and a ripple of surprise went through them when the rune beneath Jason failed to activate. This confirmed Jason’s truthfulness, prompting Rak’hael to lean back with a huff of annoyance.

"Easier said than done."

Rak’hael’s irritated mumble was largely ignored by Jason. He had anticipated her being one of the more difficult individuals to deal with today and resolved not to let her remarks affect him. As a semblance of order began to return, C’thlyanu addressed the assembly once more.

"Very well, it seems we have been provided with a substantial understanding of the events surrounding the Machina Massacre and the true culprits behind the atrocity. It is my considered judgment that Jason Marc was not in possession of his faculties during the time of the massacre, and as such, he cannot be held entirely accountable for the killings. However, while not wholly responsible for the event, this does not absolve him of all wrongdoing. Therefore, I put forth the following penalties: Jason Marc, being the sole surviving participant of the massacre, shall bear the responsibility for the event and be obligated to pay a fine of five hundred million gold coins to the survivors of the Massacre, to assist them in the reconstruction of their world. Furthermore, in accordance with the Primordial Treaty, Jason Marc’s actions shall be classified as an interworld crime of the first degree. Consequently, the world designated PDM-235213-Alpha, known also as Earth, will be required to designate a suitable residential zone where the surviving Machina from the massacre may find refuge until their homeworld is restored."

"WHAT!?"

Sexes abruptly stood, his voice booming with fury upon hearing C’thlyanu’s decree. He fixed his glare upon the council, shouting,

"Is that all you deem just!? This is your definition of justice!? My people were annihilated! My kin! My friends! Innocent children witnessed their parents murdered in cold blood! And you expect us to accept a monetary fine and a mere reprimand as punishment!? What kind of justice is this!?"

Sexes’s displeasure was palpable. For once, Varon made no move to restrain him from voicing his outrage. Varon himself felt a powerful surge of anger erupting from within his chest upon hearing C’thlyanu’s judgment, an urge so strong he considered storming the stage and plunging a blade into Jason’s heart. Murmurs began to spread amongst those seated near Varon and Sexes, many questioning whether such a lenient punishment was truly befitting a crime of this magnitude.