Zelheim, the Judicial Court of the Eternal Radiance Church, the Confession Chamber.
The heavy doors closed behind him, cutting off all outside light.
The middle-aged Judge knelt on one knee, his head bowed low.
Before him was a vast space composed of shadows.
The only glimmer of light came from the golden sun emblem hanging from the dome. It radiated a cold light, like the indifferent gaze of a deity.
Within the shadows, a larger figure sat enthroned upon a seat carved from Obsidian.
He did not speak.
The silence itself was a form of judgment.
Fine beads of sweat broke out on the middle-aged Judge's forehead, rolling down the bridge of his nose and dripping onto the floor tiles.
"Lord Chief Judge, Leman Klein... I have failed. I was unable to bring him here."
The figure in the shadows stirred.
"I anticipated this."
The Chief Judge's voice echoed through the vast, empty hall.
"An old fox who has lived for over forty years won't walk so easily into such a trap."
