- Athena -

Five Years Later

It had been millennia since Athena had last been summoned to this chamber.

The vast hall seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions. 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.

But not today. Today was different.

The air was tense as Sovereigns from across the realms stood together. Their auras made it impossible for any mortal to survive between them. 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. There were so many. Some sustained themselves with the power they had obtained in the past. Others, however, continued by placing Pawns within the game and using their crystals.

"Present in this chamber are five Sovereigns. Each of them bears enough evidence to bring charges against the System," a voice explained. Its warning echoed throughout the hall. It was an almost mechanical sound, devoid of emotion yet imbued with undeniable authority.

At the front of the room stood a singular entity.

[The System] itself

Conceived by the will and power of all Sovereigns, it functioned as the ultimate arbiter. In charge of delivering justice, keeping balance in the Game, and ensuring everyone follows the rules. Visually, it manifested as an old man, his long white hair cascading over his shoulders. A blindfold covered his eyes, symbolizing impartiality. He sat at the center, hands resting lightly 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, fiery red hair seemed on fire, and his copper-colored armor bore the marks of countless battles. He settled into the chair beside her, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth. There was a certain ease about him, a quiet confidence that contrasted with the somber mood.

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. It was an unspoken understanding, a shared history written in the stars.

Even during her downfall, Mars had remained steadfastly by Athena's side. His unwavering loyalty only served to drag him down with her.

The atmosphere in the hall grew thicker as the next witness took his place. In the third chair, Cernunnos settled in with a serene confidence. Among all the witnesses, he appeared the most content, a grand smile playing on his lips. His antlered helm was impossible to mistake for 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. His unexpected presence added a layer of intrigue to the proceedings.

In the fourth chair, Morrigan took her seat with an air of regal defiance. Wearing ebony armor, the darkness was broken only by rose-colored ornaments traced along the edges. Her legs crossed elegantly, and she held her chin high, exuding confidence despite her defeat. Her raven-black hair flowed freely over her shoulders, and her eyes held a fierce determination.

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In the last chair sat the witness Athena never imagined would speak against the Sovereign of humankind. Tyr, clad in imposing black armor, maintained an impassive demeanor. His face was a stoic mask, betraying no emotion as he observed the silent crowd around him.

A hushed tension settled over the chamber. The Sovereigns awaited the System's proclamation.

"The five witnesses provided evidence that the accused developed forbidden technology. This tech can speed up the creation of beings who can dominate and control Energy," the System announced. Its voice resonated with a crystalline clarity that demanded attention.

Gasps and murmurs spread among those unaware of the unfolding events. The notion of manipulating life to such an extent was a severe affront to the natural order established within the Game. The Sovereigns exchanged uneasy glances, the implications of the accusation sinking in.

"As an aggravating factor," the System continued, "this technology is beyond his control. It has been acquired by other beings, not under the dominion of the Sovereign. Thereby endangering other Sovereigns and the Game itself."

The revelation struck like a thunderbolt. The Grand Game was a delicately balanced structure maintained by the Sovereigns. It was facing a threat not from within but from rogue entities. Worse, they had obtained powers they should not possess from a Sovereign itself.

The System paused, allowing the weight of its words to reach everyone in the assembly.

"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's gaze sharpened as she watched the Sovereign of Humans 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.

With deliberate steps, the accused made his way toward the solitary chair positioned beside the System. The assembly of Sovereigns watched intently. Their faces were a mixture of curiosity, disdain, and apprehension.

"Deliberation complete," the System proclaimed, its tone devoid of emotion. "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. Punishment among their kind was rare and severe, reserved for the gravest of transgressions.

"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."

Gasps and whispers erupted among the Sovereigns. 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. Her grin revealed her satisfaction at seeing her primary rival brought low.

However, Athena knew that even with Odin's power diminished, the Ork Sovereign would find no rest. Others would surely vie for control over her territories. Ambition among the Sovereigns was unrelenting.

"This is the boy's chance," Athena thought to herself as the chamber began to dissolve around her.

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