Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 797: You Have No Say Here

A small frown creased Jason's brow as he glared up at C’thlyanu from the stage. Jason found the current situation highly disagreeable, and he certainly considered this judgment to be utterly unfair! Why should Jason be compelled to pay a penalty for something he demonstrably did not do!? It felt akin to demanding child support from a man for a child begotten by another, simply because he had shared intimacy with the mother! Jason vehemently believed C’thlyanu’s verdict was unjust and was on the verge of expressing it, but then C’thlyanu unleashed a minuscule portion of his formidable power. Instantly, a surge of potent energy erupted, sweeping through the hall! Sexes was violently propelled back into his seat, and an unnerving silence enveloped the entire chamber as all eyes, wide with trepidation, fixed upon the head of the council. C’thlyanu's voice resonated, a thunderous boom that sent shivers down every spine present.

"I wish to remind all assembled that this is a convocation of the Council of Nine and One, the paramount authority in this known realm. You are mere spectators, granted audience solely by right. Your input or opinions on the decisions herein have never been solicited, and while your reactions may be understandable, such vocal outbursts will not be countenanced. Should you find yourselves unable to govern your emotions sufficiently to accord this council the respect it deserves, I shall be compelled to escort you from these premises."

Despite C’thlyanu's delivery being calm, almost amicable, the sheer aura radiating from him at that precise moment was so intimidating that every single spectator was instantly silenced! Even Jason and Diane, both TITAN Rank III cultivators, felt an unusual pressure descend upon them! Jason keenly understood that the nebulous gas filling the hall was but a sliver of C’thlyanu’s true might, and the energy he had just released was a mere fraction of that sliver! If such a minuscule display of power could leave Jason feeling so unsettled, he could only conjecture the overwhelming power C’thlyanu must possess in his unbridled form!

’Small wonder he keeps his physical form concealed. No matter how strenuously he attempts to suppress his power, it’s impossible to avoid radiating an aura that instills terror in those nearby when one commands such strength. I imagine his very existence is perceived as a peril to the world surrounding him. So, this is the true meaning of being a Celestial.’

Jason exhaled a slow, steady breath, consciously releasing the tension coiling within him, and he continued to listen as C’thlyanu resumed his discourse.

"Now, regarding the basis for my judgment. It has been established that Jason Marc was not acting under his own volition during the occurrence of the Massacre. He was ensnared by the control of Gillian, an individual whom he subsequently vanquished with his own hands. However, his diminished agency at that juncture does not negate the gravity of his actions against the Machina. The children left orphaned and the families shattered by loss require a path toward recovery. Consequently, Jason will bear a portion of the responsibility for the displaced Machina population. Should any member of this esteemed council deem this resolution unjust or insufficient, I invite them to voice their dissent now. Otherwise, if it meets with unanimous approval, I shall call for a vote."

A profound silence emanated from the remaining council members at that juncture. Both Sexes and Varon clenched their jaws in suppressed fury, realizing that not a single person would step forward to champion their cause! In reality, Sexes and Varon were the sole individuals present who harbored the belief that C’thlyanu’s decision was inequitable. Imposing a modest fine and a minor reprimand upon Jason was, in their view, the appropriate course of action. Yet, this did little to offer solace to the Machina! The Machina would inevitably perceive themselves as overlooked and disregarded, and a significant portion would feel that true justice had not been served! But despite the sentiment that the ruling was not entirely fair, no one was inclined to advocate for the Machina, and the reason for this reticence was exceedingly straightforward. The Machina were universally disliked.

The Machina had long been a source of vexation and a persistent nuisance to many individuals within that hall. Despite their considerable might, they consistently engaged in resource hoarding and adamantly refused to forge alliances with neighboring worlds. Who, then, would champion such a self-serving entity?

As no dissenting voices emerged, C’thlyanu interpreted this as complete consensus among the council members and declared with unquestionable authority.

"By the authority vested in me as the presiding officer of this council, I hereby decree these sanctions upon Jason Marc as restitution for his involvement in the Machina Massacre. Let it be inscribed that the punishment bestowed upon Jason Marc by this council, should it be executed with due diligence, shall serve to absolve him of all transgressions pertaining to the Machina Massacre. All those in favor, please signify by raising your hand."

Nine hands shot up in favor of C’thlyanu’s declaration, though Jason could distinctly discern Rak’hael’s displeasure. She merely conceded to avoid further debate, as Jason suspected a harsher penalty would have been proposed had Rak’hael had her way. C’thlyanu let out a satisfied hum before announcing,

"With the matter settled and all in agreement, let the records reflect this decision. We shall now proceed to the next item on the agenda."

Both Sexes and Varon promptly rose from their seats in the gallery, recognizing there was nothing more for them to accomplish here. Jason felt Sexes’ gaze burning into him like a focused beam, yet he offered no acknowledgment, content to let the two men depart the hall. This encounter was far from their last, and Jason would address their animosity at a more opportune moment. He released a quiet breath as the previously heard official voice resonated through the chamber once more:

[The proceeding concerning the Machina Massacre has officially concluded. The next case to be heard will be that of Jason Marc, hailing from the world designated PDM-235213-Alpha, also recognized as Earth, and Queen Hesabeth, from the world PDM-321243-Delta, known as Minori, versus the Primordial State. The trial is now commencing.]

A ripple of surprised murmurs swept through the hall upon the mention of Hesabeth’s name. Many attendees craned their necks, their curiosity piqued as they pondered how the council would adjudicate a case involving such a distinctive figure as the Prideful Queen.

"What kind of judgment do you anticipate for her?"

"I wager they’ll dismiss the charges without any penalty."

"Are you serious? Did you witness the devastation she wrought upon that world? Reports indicate she was responsible for the deaths of over ten million individuals."

"And your point is? We are discussing Queen Hesabeth. Had she so chosen, she possessed the power to annihilate the entire world during that conflict. Do you genuinely believe the council would impose severe repercussions on someone capable of eradicating us all should she become sufficiently provoked?"

The hushed discussions intensified following this whispered commentary, and Jason made a concerted effort to disregard the chatter behind him. He acknowledged the validity of their speculation regarding the council's leniency towards Hesabeth, yet he found himself questioning the normalcy of such occurrences. How many transgressions had Hesabeth managed to evade repercussions for in the past!?