Jenkins's question sent Hoyland into a silence that lasted a full ten minutes.
He then gave a helpless, bitter smile and answered:
"I don't know... The truth is, I'm not afraid of the Judgment Court. I have many ways to ensure I stay alive. I'm not attached to my power or status, and I'd be willing to live a life of seclusion. What I'm truly afraid of... is my Mentor."
"I don't know how to describe his power and his terror. I don't even dare to mention his name. I only know that if he wants me dead, then there is no place in this world that is safe for me."
He then began to recount an experience he had before setting off for the Eternal City.
Before his departure, under orders from his terrifying Mentor, he had helped settle in a junior. The two were on good personal terms. This junior was also an outlaw who had come into contact with the Taboo System. Like Hoyland, he had even founded his own Association, and he was more favored and highly regarded by their Mentor.
