The Central Hold was a colossal structure, much like The House, though the latter dwarfed it in size. Understanding its layout was perplexing at first glance, unless one viewed it from above. From that vantage point, it became clear—the entire complex was an immense circle, with smaller circles strategically arranged throughout the interior.
The Central Hold served multiple functions. It housed the majority of Paradise's population, functioned as a massive storage facility, and, most importantly, was the seat of The Council. It was also said to be the place where The Deities themselves resided.
As Amadeus appeared alongside Wilford in the innermost region of The Central Hold, chains materialized and immediately bound Wilford . He wasn't surprised—this was how The Council always handled things. As the chains wrapped around him, an individual appeared, their head covered with cloth inscribed with writings.
"I'll take it from here," the figure said. Amadeus nodded and vanished.
The masked individual glanced at Wilford .
"You've got bad luck, you know that? Follow me."
With that, the masked figure headed off toward another region, Wilford following behind. Despite the tone of casual friendliness, Wilford knew better. These were merely pleasantries, spoken out of tradition. He wasn't following by choice—he was quite literally being dragged by the chains.
As Wilford followed the masked individual, he searched his memory for more information on the latter and found quite a bit.
The Kanaan, as they were called, were beings who originated from the Wildlands. Typically, they served as captains or lieutenants under a General of the Sovereign, charging into Paradise to wreak havoc. Most of the time, they were exterminated, their remains converted into materials for Paradise's use. However, there were occasions when the Council spared them from death, binding them to at least a million oaths, essentially making them extremely loyal servants. The Kanaan were incredibly powerful, their strength on par with Saints who possessed a Complete Animus Flower.
Suddenly, the Kanaan leading him stopped.
"We've arrived," it said as the scenery in front of them shifted.
They were now in a grand hall, gilded in gold, with towering pillars. Wilford , who had been brought to the ground, had to look up to see the individuals before him, yet he could make out none.
"The guilty has been brought, O Lords!" The Kanaan announced, kneeling on the floor.
A voice, dripping with contempt, echoed from above.
"Get lost."
With that single command, the Kanaan vanished, leaving Wilford alone.
Wilford knew the customs of how to proceed with The Council, traditions spread far and wide to all powerful figures in Paradise—perhaps an intentional move to inflate the Council's collective ego.
"I praise The Council of Paradise, who are mighty and revered! Accept my gratitude, O Supreme Ones, for protecting us!" With this, Wilford swiftly dropped to his knees.
A sudden wave of pressure assaulted Wilford, forcing him to collapse to the floor.
THACK!
A dull sound echoed as his body slammed into the ground.
"You dare to not bow properly to us?" Several voices resounded, their intensity increasing as the pressure mounted.
Wilford could feel his already damaged Animus Flower begin to crumble.
"No!" He was horrified as his power diminished, dropping from Jade Sapling to Iron Seed in mere moments.
Just as he was on the brink of losing even that, the pressure suddenly lifted.
"I hope you've learned your lesson," a voice boomed in his ears, causing them to ache.
"Yes, my Lords. I have learned my wrongs," Wilford managed to utter.
"Good. Now let us begin with the trial," another voice said, as the pillars high above began to shimmer in seven different hues.
"In the name of Kuao, The Deity of Judgment! We shed all impartiality!"
"In the name of Akaratos, The Deity of Cardinality and Truth! We hereby bring forth our judgment only through the Truest Truth!"
"In the name of Raos, The Deity of The Beginning! We commence this trial!"
Three sparks of light materialized from nowhere. Just observing them caused Wilford immense pain.
"What are they?" Wilford wondered, struggling to endure the searing agony.
The Council remained silent as the lights floated around the hall before dispersing to different corners, eventually vanishing.
"Now, Wilford Aguarias Darrow, son of Amelias Darrow. You were born in the 2654th Year of The Third Paradise Cycle. You belonged to House Darrow, a Great House of Paradise, with several elders in The Saint Stage. Is that correct?" one voice recounted, pausing only briefly before continuing.
"You were an illegitimate heir of the House, born of infidelity, and thus cast out upon reaching Elite Stage due to The Laws of Legitimacy. Eventually, through sheer talent, you manifested your Animus Flower and, with your allies, brought about the downfall of House Darrow. From then on, you renamed yourself Aguarias. Is that correct?"
At that moment, Wilford felt the voice compel him to respond.
"Yes, my Lords," Wilford answered, his voice strained.
"Very well then, Wilford Aguarias Darrow. You are charged with the familicide of a Great House, as well as negligence in ensuring the protection of Akarius Morth. Your sentence is Kanaan Transfiguration, is that acceptable?"
The weight of those words hit Wilford like a hammer. Kanaan Transfiguration was exactly as it sounded—you became a Kanaan, a servant bound to the Council, stripped of your identity, your will molded into obedience.
His chest tightened at the thought.
Yet the following words uttered by the Council significantly eased Wilford 's tension.
"I propose another punishment!" Another voice from one of the pillars resounded.
The voice that had been about to mete out Wilford's punishment paused before asking, "What?"
"I propose that instead of reducing this Saint to a Kanaan, it's better to send him to Akkaris and have him live out the remainder of his life there. In exchange, all his authority is to be taken from him, as well as his wealth. The Council is to erase his achievements, and any accomplishments he makes for the rest of his life shall be void. Is that acceptable?" The voice questioned the other Council members.
There was a moment of silence, and then one voice spoke.
"I agree."
Then a second.
"Acceptable."
Gradually, the rest of the Council voiced their approval.
"Very well. Wilford Aguarias Darrow, is this punishment acceptable to you?" The voice asked, as Wilford felt the pressure urging him to respond.
"Yes, my Lords! I accept this punishment!" Wilford immediately knelt.
With that, the Council had spoken.
"Very well, with the punishment decided, this trial is now adjourned!" As the voice echoed, a spark of light, different from the previous three, appeared.
"In the Name of Ravanor, Deity of Conclusions. The trial comes to a conclusion!" All the voices chanted, and the scenery before Wilford began to distort and shift.
The last thing Wilford saw before he completely disappeared from the hall was a face. Though it was fleeting, he caught a glimpse of an expression on it—one he couldn't quite interpret—before he vanished.