Chapter 324: Trial - 2
Her words died in her throat as a figure strode into the courtroom. The assembled witches and wizards gasped, some rising to their feet in shock, others shrinking back in their seats.
Through the open doors walked a man whose very presence seemed to bend the fabric of reality around him. He was tall and imposing, with eyes that held the wisdom of centuries and power that crackled in the air around him. His robes, a deep midnight blue adorned with a sword symbol on the back.
Jaegar's eyes widened in recognition and disbelief. He knew this man, or at least knew of him – a figure of legend, whose name was whispered in all of the empire. A figure of both reverence and fear, known to every individual of the empire.
Blade Sovereign Gawter Mersius.
The imposing figure of Gawter Mersius, the Blade Sovereign, entered the courtroom with an air of undeniable authority. His presence sent shockwaves through the assembled crowd, their reactions a mixture of awe, fear, and disbelief. The very atmosphere of the room seemed to shift, becoming heavy with an almost tangible magical energy.
Just his presence was enough to make them crumble to their feet, and his oppressive aura spread through the entire room, making everyone shudder for a brief moment.
Jaegar Ambrose, despite his precarious position as the accused, found himself uniquely capable of meeting the Blade Sovereign's penetrating gaze. Years of study at the academy had familiarized him with tales of Gawter Mersius, but nothing could have prepared him for the reality of standing before one of humanity's most formidable beings.
Jaegar's mind raced, recalling the legends and historical accounts he had pored over during his academic years.
The Blade Sovereign was said to possess the sword abilities that defied comprehension, his power rivalling that of entire magical councils.
As Mersius approached, Jaegar steeled himself, drawing upon reserves of inner strength he scarcely knew he possessed. The young wizard's composure in the face of such overwhelming power did not go unnoticed by the keen eyes of the Blade Sovereign.
"You are Jaegar Ambrose?" Gawter Mersius's voice carried the weight of mountains, each syllable resonating with barely contained power.
Jaegar managed a nod, his throat suddenly dry. He couldn't help but wonder why someone of Mersius's stature would take an interest in his case. Was this a fortunate turn of events, or had things just become infinitely more complicated?
To the astonishment of all present, Gawter Mersius then calmly strode to the back of the courtroom, settling into one of the empty seats in the audience section. The sight of such a legendary figure sitting among the common chairs meant for spectators was almost comical, if not for the palpable tension permeating the air.
"Continue with the trial," Mersius commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "I am just here as an audience. Don't mind me."
A ripple of disbelief swept through the courtroom. The three judges exchanged bewildered glances, their carefully cultivated air of authority shaken to its core. How could they possibly ignore the presence of the Blade Sovereign? His very existence in this room changed everything, upending the delicate balance of power and protocol they had so meticulously maintained.
The council members, too, were also stunned by this sudden development. Why would such a figure of his stature come here, right now? But they couldn't stop now.
Judge Amelia resolved herself and thought she would see through the trial. She had unusual air around her as she composed herself.
Judge Amelia Blackthorn, the stern-faced woman who had been presiding over the trial, cleared her throat nervously. "Of... of course, Lord Mersius," she managed, her usual commanding tone reduced to a near stammer. "We shall proceed as planned."
The other two judges nodded in agreement, though their eyes kept darting back to the imposing figure seated at the rear of the courtroom.
Ewen, who had been prepared to present damning evidence against Jaegar, found himself jolted from a daze when Judge Blackthorn called his name. "Mr. Mortel, if you would present the evidence as discussed."
Shaking off his stupor, Ewen stepped forward, his earlier confidence noticeably diminished. The presence of Gawter Mersius had thrown him off balance, and he fumbled with the magical artifacts he had brought as a proof of Jaegar's alleged crimes.
As Ewen brought forth the shimmering orb, the courtroom fell into a hushed silence. All eyes were fixed on the magical artifact as it began to glow with an ethereal azure light. Suddenly, a vivid projection emanated from the orb, filling the air with moving images that captivated everyone's attention.
The scene that unfolded before them was one of intense atmospheric disturbance. The sky above the imperial capital darkened as ominous clouds gathered, swirling and coalescing into a threatening mass. The very air seemed to vibrate with tension, a prelude to the momentous events about to unfold.
As the magical recording continued, the focus shifted rapidly to the edge of the magical world, where the barrier between realms stood as a shimmering, gossamer-thin veil. The barrier itself appeared to be under immense strain, rippling and shaking as if buffeted by unseen forces.
The projection then moved with dizzying speed, as if searching for the source of this disturbance.
It came to an abrupt halt, revealing a group of figures dressed in distinctive turquoise robes. A collective gasp echoed through the courtroom as the image zoomed in on the leader of this group.
Jaegar's gaze focused on the particular person in the image as he squinted his eyes. There, at the forefront of the turquoise-clad figures, stood what appeared to be his own image.
The Jaegar in the projection was facing the barrier, his lips moving in what seemed to be an intricate incantation. As he chanted, the barrier responded, its surface rippling and shimmering with increasing intensity.
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The young wizard's mind raced. How could this be possible? He had no memory of such an event, yet there he was, apparently at the epicentre of this catastrophe. Confusion and disbelief warred within him as he struggled to make sense of what he was witnessing.