Judgment

"...Are you sure about that?"

"About 90% sure, though I need to check something. Come with me."

"Where?"

"Where I reincarnated. If my theory's correct, there should be proof there - and I already know what that proof is."

"What about dinner?"

"Forget about that." Cain made his familiar grabbing motion and pulled two sandwiches from thin air.

"People work to buy food and then have to cook it. Isn't this unethical?"

"If it's not illegal, it's legal. Besides, we're hungry and can't waste time on irrelevant things."

"If you say so..."

Edward suspected the man just didn't want to cook since he couldn't even work the stove, but kept quiet because he was hungry.

...

In a place of near-total darkness, illuminated only by a torch held by a hooded figure wearing a robe with intricate stellar patterns.

An apparently human figure, surrounded by darkness that swallowed light, stood atop an altar encircled by pews stacked haphazardly.

Upon the pews sat blurred figures, only partially materialized.

The figure on the altar spoke loudly:

"Brothers and sisters, today we gather to pass judgment on this criminal."

"She has committed blasphemy against the sacred scriptures decreed since the Primordial One ascended the divine throne."

The figure placed a star-shaped totem on the altar.

"Before signing this sinner's sentence, I believe it just to allow her defense. Though nothing will change her transgression against holy writ."

The hooded torchbearer approached the altar's center where the other figure had stood.

"Dear brothers and sisters, I acknowledge my crime. I accept blame and its consequences."

The other figure listened carefully before responding:

"Very well, having heard her guilty plea, we shall now proceed with senten—"

The hooded figure interrupted:

"However, though guilty, I believe I deserve pardon - for I had just cause."

The seated figures began whispering. Some showed skepticism, others waited patiently, while some glared in disgust at this defense.

"How dare you make excuses after what you've done?!" shouted one figure.

Others roared in agreement.

"Yes, brothers and sisters, I know this criminal's words may sound absurd. Yet we agreed to hear her defense - let her speak," said the darkness-shrouded figure.

The hooded figure stepped forward and whispered unintelligible words.

The totem blazed so brightly it instantly illuminated the void.

"Here lies irrefutable proof of my claim."

Words materialized midair (floating in the dark space), stating:

"By decree of the Primordial One on [illegible] date at [illegible] hour: Whenever humans or abnormals act against the Graceful Ones' existence, one or more may indirectly interfere with humanity and abnormals, whether negatively or positively."

"In this case, humanity and abnormals - specifically the corrupted human Cain and the abnormal General - have committed acts directly affecting the Graceful Ones. Therefore, they have authority to interfere."

The pew figures gasped and whispered fervently.

The hooded figure declared:

"As you see, according to the Primordial One's scriptures, my intervention was justified. Therefore, I declare myself innocent."

The shrouded figure observed the reactions before announcing:

"Very well, evidence suggests the accused is innocent. However, evidence can be falsified."

"Thus we shall verify these claims' authenticity. Any objections?"

Most figures nodded agreement, though some still doubted.

"Then this trial is adjourned until [illegible] date."

"By vested authority, I conclude this session."

The figure gestured, and the dark space shattered.

...

In a cosmic-like void, the hooded figure materialized without her torch.

"Seems everything went as planned" she said.

The darkness-cloaked figure materialized nearby and replied:

"No. We must still see if they detect irregularities in the link."

"If everything was arranged properly, there should be no issues" said the hooded one.

"I hope so." The shrouded figure dissolved into the void.