A few months later, Maximus, along with Pandora, arrived at the Court of Council.
To uphold fairness and equality, the Court of Council wasn't placed within any territory of the Dimensional Alliance, much less in the Virtual Realm.
Sometimes, even Devourers stood trial here to prove their innocence, hoping to become free men in the Dimensional Alliance.
Arriving at the site, Maximus couldn't help but feel solemn.
The Court of Council wasn't a dimension but one of the top 100 architectural marvels in the Aeon Plane.
The majestic energy it emanated even subtly influenced Maximus's emotions.
"In this place, you should restrain yourself," Pandora advised.
"I can take care of myself."
Initially, Maximus wanted to come here alone; however, seeing him step into a tiger's den, Pandora had no choice but to accompany him.
As ordered by her master, no danger was to befall this hateful man.
"Just be careful."
After undergoing a rigorous check, they were allowed into the court hall.
Inside was a vast, imposing chamber, with each of the Seven Absolutes seated on the high thrones.
Under their gaze, even the faintest hint of casualness in his gait straightened.
"The Seven Absolutes are overseeing this trial? What did you do?" Pandora asked nervously.
Usually, even a fight between two Tier 12 dimensions warranted only a proxy's presence.
Even when multiple Masters of the Ocean of Law were on trial, only one of the Absolutes was typically present.
Only during a major war involving top powers and absolutes would all seven of the Court of Council oversee the matter.
"I don't know. It must be because of the Interdimensional Council; they are an overlord organization, after all."
This trial was obviously a farce, so why had such powers joined it?
To investigate him? To confirm something? An assessment?
Just as he was lost in thought, the Absolute of Righteousness's voice pulled him back to the present.
"Is this true?" the Absolute of Righteousness asked.
Revenge killing was one of the things he despised the most.
"It's true—I killed Kares purely out of spite and revenge. But who can blame me? We were just living our lives peacefully, going into dangerous places to train ourselves. Then, out of nowhere, a hooligan appeared."
"I thought that once we broke free from his clutches, we could continue living in peace. But instead, we were hunted like a dog for thousands of years, with our soul and will tortured."
"After enduring such grievances, it was only natural that I would kill for revenge as soon as I gained the strength." Maximus's voice was serious, filled with the memories of the life on the run they had experienced in the Silent Void Expanse.
"Yet killing is still killing if he—" Akuji began, but the Absolute of Sin raised his hand to silence him.
"I find this little one reasonable. Since he had the power, why shouldn't he kill the pest that was disturbing him?"
"I believe we've heard enough. Both sides have presented their accounts," the Absolute of Judgment said, sounding bored.
They were only here to confirm something; now that it was done, the Absolute of Judgment was eager to end the trial quickly.
"By the decision of this jury, Akuji shall forfeit his demand of ten quintillion origin coins. We find this figure disproportionate to the severity of the claims presented. Maximus, your counter-request for servitude is also extreme. Both claims shall be revised," the Absolute of Purity stated.
"By the power of Oath, Akuji shall serve Maximus for a period of one thousand years. This shall be restitution for his failure to guide a subordinate properly."
"As for the lost ship, the council decrees that ten quadrillion origin coins will suffice as reparation to the Interdimensional Council," the Absolute of Oath declared.
As the power of the Oath settled over them, Maximus felt a sense of dread.
An invisible force wrapped around him, enforcing the decree.
Meanwhile, Akuji slumped to the ground, stunned by the trial's outcome.
"How could this be? I—"
The thought of working for Maximus filled Akuji with despair.