Three Years Later
It had been millennia since Athena had last been summoned to this chamber.
The vast hall stretched in every direction. Towering pillars of obsidian rose from the floor, disappearing into the ceiling above. For many, it was their first time within these sacred walls. Typically, any issues were settled quietly among the Sovereigns themselves.
Not today.
Sovereigns from across the realms stood shoulder to shoulder, their auras a silent pressure no mortal could survive. Many had arrived to voice their complaints against a specific Sovereign. There were so many that it became impossible not to convene them all in one place.
Athena's eyes swept over the room. Among the faces, she recognized those Sovereigns still active in the Grand Game. It was hard to remember everyone's face among those who had lost. Some sustained themselves with the power they had obtained in the past. Others, however, continued by placing Pieces within the Game and using their Crystals.
"Five witnesses are present in this chamber. Each of them bears enough evidence to bring charges before the System," a voice explained. Its warning echoed throughout the hall. The sound was almost mechanical, empty of feeling.
At the front of the room sat [The System] itself.
Conceived by the will and power of all Sovereigns, it was the Game's arbiter. It had taken the shape of an old man, his long white hair falling over his shoulders. A blindfold covered his eyes. He sat at the center, hands resting on the arms of his throne.
"Be seated, witnesses," the System commanded.
Athena was the first to move. Clad in blue armor, she stepped forward with grace. The crowd parted before her as she approached the foremost chair. Her expression was resolute, blue eyes fixed ahead as she sat.
Her brother, Mars, followed closely behind. His short hair burned red as an open flame, and his copper-colored armor bore the marks of countless battles. He settled into the chair beside her, smiling as if the hall had not gone still.
They were born of the same spark of life, twins in a way no other Sovereigns could claim. This unique bond forged a connection between them that transcended the usual solitary existence of their kind.
Even in her downfall, Mars had stayed. Loyalty had cost him the same fall.
In the third chair, Cernunnos settled in, grinning. Among all the witnesses, he looked the most content. His antlered helm was impossible to mistake for that of any other Sovereign. The expressions of surprise from the assembled Sovereigns amused him. Many had believed he was still in a deep slumber, withdrawn from the Game's affairs.
In the fourth chair, Morrigan sat in ebony armor, the darkness broken only by rose-colored ornaments along the edges. She crossed her legs and held her chin high. Her raven-black hair fell loose over her shoulders.
In the last chair sat the witness Athena never imagined would speak against the Sovereign of Humanity. Tyr, in black armor, watched the silent crowd and gave it nothing.
The chamber went silent. The Sovereigns awaited the System's proclamation.
"The five witnesses provided evidence that the accused developed forbidden technology. This technology accelerates the creation of beings capable of manipulating Energy," the System announced.
Gasps and murmurs spread among those who had not known. The Sovereigns exchanged uneasy glances.
"As an aggravating factor," the System continued, "this technology is beyond his control. It has been acquired by other beings, not under his dominion, endangering other Sovereigns and the Game itself."
The System paused.
"If there is no further evidence or counterarguments, I will start deliberation," the System announced.
A heavy silence settled over the assembly. None of the Sovereigns moved or spoke. Sensing no opposition, the System continued, "Let the accused enter."
From the shadows at the hall's edge, a figure materialized near the witnesses' seats.
Athena watched the Sovereign of Humanity materialize before them.
He was bound in chains forged by the System itself. His wrists and ankles were encircled by gleaming shackles that pulsed with a dull light. Each movement was labored; the chains emitted a faint hum that seemed to sap his strength.
The accused Sovereign turned to face the witnesses, a dangerous smile curling his lips. His single exposed eye burned with barely contained fury. The other eye was concealed beneath a dark eyepatch that matched the deep purple hue of his armor. Despite his restraints, he projected an air of defiance. The five witnesses met his seething glare with unwavering resolve.
Slowly the accused made his way toward the solitary chair positioned beside the System. The assembly of Sovereigns watched him, some curious, some afraid.
"Deliberation complete," the System proclaimed. "The accused has been found guilty."
"Odin, Father of Humanity," the System continued, "you shall be punished."
A hushed murmur swept through the gathered Sovereigns.
"For the next one hundred years, these chains will remain upon you," the System declared. "They will limit your power, diminishing your [Myth]. Thus, over the next century, you will be mortal."
Whispers broke across the hall. The very concept of one of their own rendered mortal was nearly inconceivable. To strip Odin of his [Myth] was a punishment unparalleled.
Athena's eyes flickered toward the Sovereign of the Orks seated across the chamber. The fearsome figure let out a guttural laugh.
Even with Odin's power diminished, the Ork Sovereign would find no rest. Others would vie for her territories.
This is the boy's chance, Athena thought as the chamber began to dissolve around her.