The 2nd Radiant spoke, her voice firm. "According to the Law of Ezkanur, Chapter 3, Article 2, any foreigner who breaks our laws shall be subject to our justice. The Champion's, or rather, Kojo Atari's actions are clear: his transgressions are that he trespassed on a forbidden area and assaulted our guards. He must be punished."
Kojo countered, his voice rising. "But the Gospel of Light teaches us to show compassion and understanding. Chapter 5, Verse 3 of your Gospel, it is written, 'Let not the stranger be judged harshly, for all are children of the Light.' Surely, this applies to me, a foreigner in your land?"
The 28th Radiant scoffed. "You twist the scripture to suit your purposes, Atari. The same Book, Chapter 10, Verse 5, warns us, 'Let not the wicked go unpunished, lest the land suffer.' Your actions are wicked, and you must face the consequences. Why would you attack those knights, the ones charged with maintaining peace, if you weren't wicked to begin with?"
"Oh? You're quick to condemn me for that incident? Well, I do not deny it," Kojo said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "But what about the assault on that boy when he attacked the guards? You conveniently forgot that part of the case? The Gospel of Light teaches us to show compassion and justice, yet your actions seem barbaric. In Chapter 19, Verse 6 of the Gospel, it is written, 'The strong shall protect the weak from injustice.' I acted in accordance with this scripture, defending the boy from your Knights' brutality. If you know I assaulted some Knights, you should know why. Or have you chosen to ignore that part of the truth?"
The 17th Radiant interjected, her voice sharp. "The context of that verse is clear. Your actions were not meant to 'defend the weak' as you claim. If they were, where is the boy in question? Why did you not give him care for the injuries he survived from this... brutality? Do not sully our scripture in trying to hide from accountability. Your assault on the knights were deliberate transgressions."
The 45th Radiant snorted. "If you continue reading from Verse 7 of Chapter 19, there is the mention of lost sheep. The Lost Sheep refers to those who stray from the path of righteousness, not those who deliberately break the law. Your actions are not those of a lost sheep, but of a willful transgressor."
The debate raged on, with each Radiant presenting their interpretation of the law and the Gospel. The 57th Radiant, Elara, argued that Kojo's actions, while a breach of the law, were simply due to him not understanding the meaning of what was going on, while the 32nd Radiant agreed, stating that the law must be applied with compassion and understanding.
As the argument continued, the chamber grew more heated, with the Radiants and Kojo trading verses and counter-verses, laws and provisions, each side passionately defending their interpretation of the law and the Gospel. Syld watched the debate unfold, his expression unreadable.
In the midst of the debate, Kojo paused, his voice calm. "Perhaps we are all misinterpreting the Gospel. Perhaps the true question is not whether I broke the law, but whether your actions are in line with the teachings of the Undying Light. Are you seeking justice, or are you seeking to condemn?"
The chamber fell silent, the Radiants exchanging uneasy glances.
Kojo's jaw clenched. "I understand that my actions had consequences, but I'm willing to make amends. However, I'm not convinced that this entire trial fits the crime."
The 17th Radiant raised a pointed question. "Champion, if you were truly unaware of our laws, why did you not seek guidance from the Church or our authorities upon arriving in Ezkanur? Your lack of effort to understand our customs is telling."
Kojo sighed. "You're dodging my question. I relied on my own judgement, and perhaps I should have been more aware about my position in a foreign land. Nonetheless, I believe that my actions were not malicious. So please answer my question."
The 25th Radiant pressed on. "Malice or not, the consequences of your actions remain. You must take responsibility for those consequences and face the judgment of the Church."
The 27th Radiant added, "Furthermore, Champion, your defense relies heavily on your interpretation of the Gospel. However, the Church's interpretation is what guides our laws and actions. We cannot simply disregard our traditions and teachings."
Kojo's eyes locked onto the 27th Radiant. "I'm not asking you to disregard your traditions, but to consider the context and circumstances of my actions."
Syld leaned forward, his voice firm. "We've heard your arguments, Kojo Atari. Now, it's time for judgment. We'll deliberate and render a verdict based on the law and the teachings of the Undying Light."
Kojo's brow furrowed in frustration. "This is why I don't like old people. They're just a bunch of inflexible fossils. How's it going, Sysia?" he thought.
Unbeknownst to everyone, he had gained insight into the laws and traditions of the Church through an unexpected source: the guard who had tried to gut punch him earlier. When his fists touched his abs, Kojo had secretly attached an arcane thread to the guard, allowing him to draw information from the guard's mind using the skill Info-Data. He then had Sysia cross-reference this information with the provisions found in the Babel Archives to build his arguments.
However, despite his best efforts, Kojo was beginning to realize that he should have chosen a different target, as the guard, in comparison to the Radiants, had limited knowledge of the laws. The Radiants, having studied the laws thoroughly, were presenting hard counterarguments. Moreover, his attempts to argue his case meant that he did know about the laws of the land, making it impossible for him to play the ignorance card should things go south.
(I'm computing the best solution, Kojo. Hold on.)
Just then, Cassandra spoke up, her voice clear and authoritative. "Excuse me, but I think it's time to point out the inadequacy of the rules being used to tie Kojo down." The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her in surprise.
"I cannot stand and watch the Clergy of Radiance continue with this futile funfoolery," Cassandra continued.
Some of the Radiants raised their voices in protest. "How dare you speak to us like that!" one of them exclaimed.
Cassandra's expression remained serene. "It's the truth. And the Gospel of Light itself tells us to walk in truth. In Chapter 33, Verse 7 of the Gospel of Light, it is written, 'Let your words be true, and your actions be truth.'"
The Radiants were taken aback, unable to reply to Cassandra's pointed reference to the Gospel.
Syld's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at Cassandra.
Kojo and Cassandra formed a formidable tag team, their arguments weaving together seamlessly as they presented their case. They were gaining ground, their points resonating with some of the Radiants, when Syld spoke up, his voice dripping with condescension.
"Lady Cassandra, your defense is admirable, but should you really be defending a foreigner?" he asked, his tone implying that Cassandra's actions were somehow unbecoming. "Is it not beneath a woman of your position to stoop to such levels? Have you, perhaps, been seduced by the accused? That won't do at all. His Holiness has invested too much time in grooming you for you to fall that low, am I right?"
The Radiants murmured in agreement, some of them whispering about the need to revise Cassandra's chastity.
Unseen, who had been standing among them undetected, raised her blade to the neck of the Radiant who was suggesting that he lead an investigation into her chastity, her movements silent and deadly, but her killing intent so palpable it sent a chill down the clergyman's spine.
Cassandra's face grew quiet, but Kojo spoke up before she could respond. "Fools," he said, his voice calm and contemptuous. The hall fell silent as his proclamation took everyone aback. "Personal attacks are only used when one is losing an argument. It has now become abundantly clear that you have no points for keeping this so-called 'case' going. You should get your eyes checked, because for a group of supposedly wise people capable of seeing a bright future, y'all lack vision."
With a sudden movement, Kojo broke the cuffs holding him, his eyes locked on the Radiants. "I thought this nation was ruled by wise and experienced people, but if you're just old men and women who raise your voices at a young girl when your points are irrelevant, when we are all trying to have a civil discussion, then Cassandra's word usage was apt indeed. You're indulging in futile funfoolery."
One of the Radiants raised his voice.
"Don't be alarmed, I was just pointing out the facts, referencing the Gospel that said you should walk in truth. Also, shouting doesn't mean you're winning an argument; in fact, it's a sign of low intelligence, so I'd advise you to take note. Now, is there anything else?" Kojo said with a tone of finality and his usual air of nonchalance.
The Radiants fell silent.
Syld was about to respond when the doors opened and a trumpet was blown, and his eyes widened. Acolytes holding staffs arranged themselves in a file, and four more with incense burners walked in. A man clad in white robes with gold adornments stepped into the room, his attire reminiscent of royal regalia was elaborate.
The white robes were intricately embroidered with gold thread, depicting rays of light coming from a wooden disc on his breastplate. The breastplate itself was adorned with several jewels and gems, each of a different type. A golden mitre adorned with precious gems sat atop his head, and a golden staff shaped like a scale gleamed in his hand. The room filled with the sweet scent of incense as the Pope's presence commanded attention.
All the people in the room rose to their feet, bowing in respect. Kojo raised an eyebrow, surprised by the Pope's youthful appearance.
He slowly made his way towards his.... throne? Moving past Syld and taking his seat. An aura of serenity seemed to emanate from the Pope, and the chamber itself seemed to glow with a soft golden light.
The Unseen sheathed her sword and walked past Kojo, who sensed something and turned to his left, but saw nothing. The Pope gaze lingered at the entrance to the hall for a while. He smiled faintly, and looked at the gathering, then opened his mouth to speak.