Dxd: The Primordial Judge

TWO DAYS LATER!

Time had quickly passed by and Neuvillette had been swept into a flurry of trials. Currently, the grand halls of the Opera Epiclese hummed with a subdued tension as the final moments of an ongoing trial unfolded.

 The audience present was far smaller and less illustrious compared to the gatherings for the trials of Zaorama Nebiros and Hargrove Belial. Today, none of the big hitters of supernatural factions filled the seats.

Instead, the gallery consisted primarily of the family members and friends of the persecutors and defendants, Fatui Agents and other minor unimpactful Supernatural being who just came to see the spectacle.

Neuvillette sat atop his elevated bench, his figure imposing as always. His silver-blue eyes surveyed the courtroom, calm yet piercing, as he listened to the final statements of the defendant, a Devil accused of embezzling funds meant for the Youkai.

The defendant's voice cracked as he pleaded for leniency, his arguments weak and devoid of true remorse.

When the defense attorney concluded, the room fell into a heavy silence. The rain outside began to intensify, a familiar patter against the stained glass dome of the Opera Epiclese.

Neuvillette's eyes shifted to the prosecutor, who gave a respectful bow, having nothing further to add. The Chief Ludex stood, his tall and dignified figure demanding the attention of every soul in the room.

Neuvillette's voice rang out, clear and authoritative, cutting through the tension like a blade, "Henrik LaCroix, your actions have not only betrayed the trust placed in you but have also directly contributed to the suffering of the most vulnerable in our society. While the crimes before me today are not as grievous as others I have judged, their impact is no less reprehensible."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the defendant, whose head hung low. "For your crimes of corruption and embezzlement, I sentence you to seven years in confinement within the Aquatic Bastille. Furthermore, you will repay the full amount stolen, along with an additional fifty percent as restitution."

Neuvillette said, his voice echoing throughout the room as he finished speaking. In a trial this small, there was no need to use the Oratrice, as he himself was more than enough.

As Neuvillette finished speaking, a wave of murmurs spread throughout the courtroom, with the defendant left in tears as his once composed demeanor shattered as he learned of his sentencing.

The Aquatic Bastille is the first and lowest level of the Fatui's three-tier prison system, designed to house small-time criminals and offenders whose crimes, while not insignificant, do not warrant the harshness of higher-level sentences.

Neuvillette had come to understand early that housing hardened criminals like murders and terrorists in the same space as persons who committed light or white collar Supernatural crime wouldn't create a good environment.

Thus, the Aquatic Bastille was created, serving as as a correctional facility for individuals guilty of offenses like embezzlement, fraud, minor corruption, or other crimes that do not directly result in significant loss of life or irreparable harm.

It is located within a vast, self-contained oceanic dimension created and overseen by Neuvillette's most trusted associates. The dimension existed outside of physical space, accessible only through portals guarded by the Fatui's enforcement units. 

Soon enough, bailiffs stepped forward and began escorting the guilty man away, and with a final bang, the trial was concluded.

The courtroom emptied swiftly, the echoes of footsteps fading into the grand halls beyond.

Neuvillette lingered behind, standing at the edge of his bench and gazing out through the tall, arched windows. The storm outside showed no signs of relenting, the rain cascading down in heavy sheets.

Alfred entered the room quietly, his presence as calm and composed as ever. He approached with a slight bow, carrying a clipboard and several files, "The sentencing has been recorded and will be disseminated to the appropriate offices."

Neuvillette gave a small nod, his gaze still fixed on the rain.

Alfred stepped closer, his voice lowering slightly, " Chief Ludex, I have confirmation regarding the information Ophis provided about the Khaos Brigade."

At that, Neuvillette turned, his expression sharpening. He trusted that Ophis would tell him the truth, but it never would hurt to validate things this important, "And? Has the validity of her intelligence been confirmed?"

Alfred nodded gravely. "Yes, sir. Multiple sources corroborate her claims. The Khaos Brigade has been establishing strongholds in several key regions, including the fringes of Kyoto's supernatural territories. They've been operating under a shroud of secrecy, but their activities are becoming increasingly bold. It seems they are attempting to rekindle their previous ambitions."

Neuvillette's expression darkened, his features set like stone. "The Khaos Brigade..." he murmured, his voice almost a whisper, "An organization built on chaos and bloodshed, with no regard for the balance of this world. They cannot be ignored."

He turned fully to face Alfred, his silver hair catching the dim light of the courtroom, " Begin coordinating with the appropriate factions, our special enforcement units, and any other allies who can be trusted. Ensure that these criminals are apprehended and brought to trial."

"Understood, Chief Ludex," Alfred replied with a deep bow. "Shall I also inform Yasaka and the Youkai Council of this development?"

"Yes," Neuvillette said firmly. "Her territory has already seen enough pain at the hands of Zaorama Nebiros and others like him. She must be informed, and her forces may prove invaluable in dismantling these strongholds. Make the necessary arrangements, Alfred, and keep me informed of every development."

Alfred straightened, his expression resolute, "It will be done, Chief Ludex."

Before Alfred could turn to leave, Neuvillette's voice, calm yet commanding, stopped him in his tracks, "One more thing, Alfred."

The steward paused, glancing back over his shoulder, his usual composed demeanor betraying a flicker of curiosity towards his master

"Contact Ophis," Neuvillette instructed, his silver-blue gaze sharp but carrying an unusual softness at the edges. "I have prepared an isolated, silent dimension for her as I promised, a sanctuary akin to the Dimensional Gap she so fondly inhabited."

Alfred's brows rose slightly, though his surprise quickly gave way to understanding, "I had thought you would've outsourced the creation of the dimension. I never expected you to create it yourself. How thoughtful."

Neuvillette nodded, turning to gaze at the rain-streaked windows once more, "Ophis has always been quite naive, but she has been pivotal in the cleanup of the Supernatural world thanks to her information. Creating this sanctuary for her is a gesture of trust."

"Shall I arrange for her to be escorted there immediately, once contact is made?" Alfred inquired.

"No escort will be necessary," Neuvillette replied. "Simply inform her of its existence and extend my personal invitation. She will decide for herself when and if she wishes to reside there. Ophis values freedom above all else, and I will not impose upon her agency."

Alfred bowed deeply, clutching his clipboard tightly. "Understood, Chief Ludex. I will see to it at once."

With that, Alfred took his leave, his footsteps echoing faintly as he disappeared beyond the grand doors of the Opera Epiclese. Neuvillette stood alone in the silent courtroom, his figure framed by the dim light filtering through the stained glass windows.

The rain began to slow, the patter against the glass softening until it became little more than a faint whisper. Neuvillette closed his eyes, drawing in a steady breath. The road ahead would be long, but justice, true, balanced, and unyielding, was worth every step.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the dissipating storm clouds, Neuvillette allowed himself a brief moment of reflection before he too departed, his mind already planning the next moves to dismantle the Khaos Brigade and bring order back to the fractured supernatural world.