Dxd: The Primordial Judge

The Opera Epiclese was silent, the air thick with the weight of Neuvillette's pronouncement. Every eye was fixed on Neuvillette and the glowing scroll in his hand as he finished speaking.

Soon murmurs began spreading. They started off small, but quickly evolved until the entire courtroom was filled with the hushed discussions of various parties. Neuvillette allowed this for a short while, waiting patiently until the room became quiet once more.

Then, he spoke, Zaorama Nebiros," Neuvillette said, his voice steady as the still waters of an unbroken sea, "It is the decree of this court that the manner and time of your death will not be decided here."

As Neuvillette finished his sentence, he looked towards Yasaka and continued, "Instead, this judgment is reserved for the victims of your atrocities. Yasaka, leader of the Youkai Faction and representative of the nekomata clan, you and those who suffered under his deeds shall determine the form of retribution."

Yasaka stood slowly, her golden aura still shimmering faintly around her as she had a resolute expression, finally getting a sliver of justice for her people. She gave a curt nod and responded, "I accept this responsibility, Chief Ludex."

Neuvillette nodded, "Don't sit down yet, Madame Yasaka." Neuvillette spoke, and his gaze slowly turned to Hargrove Belial, who was now standing frozen in place, his face paler than a vampire's.

The once-proud and cunning lawyer seemed a shadow of himself, his confidence eroded by the weight of the court's judgment, and the other actions that had recently transpired.

"Hargrove Belial," Neuvillette continued, his tone colder now, "You have violated the sacred oath of this court. You knowingly perpetuated lies in an attempt to shield the guilty and undermine justice. For your collaboration in these crimes, your punishment will likewise be determined by Yasaka and the victims."

Belial's head dropped, and his hands trembled at his sides. He offered no objection, knowing full well the futility of resistance under Neuvillette's unyielding authority. Besides, it was more important to scheme on how to survive.

Belial knew better than anyone that Yasaka would submit him and Zaorama to the cruelest, more gruesome death imaginable as revenge for their actions, and he didn't want to be on the receiving end of that.

Meanwhile, Neuvillette's gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of the gathered parties, from Devils, Youkai, Gods and others alike, "Please let this sentencing serve as a reminder that Justice will not be swayed by power, wealth or deceit. The truth will always come to light, and Justice always prevails."

With a deliberate motion, he raised his hand. "This court is now adjourned."

The heavy echo of Neuvillette's voice adjourned the court, and the various parties slowly stood up from their seats, beginning to filter out while discussing what happened.

~The Devils~

With the sentencing complete, the four Satans had returned to the Underworld, convening in a private room far away from the murmurs and rumors of the others. They sat at a circular table, their expressions varying as they sunk in thought.

Sirzechs was the first to break the silence. He leaned back in his chair, his crimson eyes focused on the polished surface of the table, "Zaorama's conviction does take away one of our potential enemies down the line, but it's a spark in a powder keg. The Old Satan Faction won't take this lightly."

Ajuka nodded as he traced an absent-minded pattern on the table with his finger. "Indeed. Zaorama was a prominent figure among their remnants no doubt since he convinced persons to continue his massacre plans. His trial and sentencing have exposed their vulnerabilities, and they'll view this as a direct threat to their dwindling influence. They'll retaliate."

Falbium let out a tired sigh, "We've already seen what happens when they feel cornered. They'll stir up trouble where it hurts most, our alliances with other factions. They'll exploit tensions and distrust, especially now that the Youkai Faction feels more confident with Neuvillette backing them.

"True, but let's not overlook the other side of the coin. Neuvillette's presence in this trial sent a message. If the Old Satan Faction steps out of line too brazenly, they'll risk the same fate as Zaorama." Serafall brought up.

Sirzechs raised an eyebrow at her, "You're suggesting they might become more cautious?"

Serafall nodded, her cerulean eyes sharp. "Exactly. They've seen what happens. Neuvillette doesn't care for politics or power struggles, only the truth. They'll think twice before orchestrating anything too overt. It's a double-edged sword for them. If they make any moves, it'll be incredibly secretive, nothing to massive to draw attention."

Ajuka leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued, "You have a point, Serafall. They won't act recklessly, but they might become more insidious. We'll need to monitor their movements carefully."

Falbium groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, "More covert operations, more subterfuge. Just what we need, more work."

Serafall crossed her arms, her expression unusually serious, "We need to capitalize on this moment. The Old Satan Faction's influence has been shaken, and their allies will think twice about backing them openly. If we can use this opportunity to strengthen our alliances, we can consolidate our position."

Sirzechs nodded, "After what happened with Zaorama and Belial, people will be a bit apprehensive. Let's slowly reaffirm our relationships. We don't want another war after all."

Ajuka allowed himself a small chuckle. "True. For now, we focus on the aftermath. We'll need to reassure our allies, quell any unrest among the clans, and prepare for whatever the Old Satan Faction decides to throw at us."

The other Satans nodded in agreement, and prepared to leave the room.

~West Youkai Faction~

In the heart of the West Youkai Faction's headquarters, Yasaka convened with her most trusted advisors and influential clan leaders. The room was warm yet heavy with tension.

Yasaka stood tall with a confident aura, finally having gotten justice for her people. For the past two decades, Youkai all over had suffered under the cruelty of various other parties without Neuvillette to bring order to the world, and now they could finally fight back.

"Thank you all for gathering here," Yasaka began, her voice steady and resolute, cutting through the murmurs. "As you all know, Chief Ludex Neuvillette has entrusted us with the judgment of Zaorama Nebiros and Hargrove Belial. Their punishment must reflect not only the severity of their crimes but also serve as a message to those who would dare harm us in the future."

A tall tengu with sharp features and dark wings stepped forward, his crimson eyes gleaming with a mixture of anger and reverence. "Lady Yasaka," he said, bowing slightly, "Justice demands that their punishment be as brutal as the pain they inflicted upon us. Zaorama and Belial should suffer as our kin suffered. Let their end be a warning carved into history."

A Youkai warrior, clad in armor and with fiery eyes, stepped forward, "Lady Yasaka," she said, her voice quivering with controlled emotion, "my family was among those slaughtered by Zaorama's forces. I seek no mercy for him. But for Belial... perhaps there is a different path. He is a coward, a schemer, and while his betrayal is unforgivable, his suffering might be greater if he were stripped of his power and status, left to wander the realms as a pariah."

The room devolved into continuous chatter after that, with various persons giving their own opinions on how best to punish Zaorama and Belial, with Yasaka keeping track until finally,

"Okay...I've made my decision."

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Give some suggestions for how Zaoarama should be killed, and what should happen to Belial.