Three-Cave Plane, mortal world, Antoli.
At this moment, Orian, his clothes soaked in blood, was walking through the central temple of Antoli, a city-state that did not worship martial power but protected itself with city walls, laws, and a reputation for justice.
Inside Antoli, the white-robed high priest, holding a golden scepter of kingship, looked at Orian with a kindly smile, paying no attention to the blood and sweat covering his body.
"When you came to Antoli and asked us to uphold justice for you and defend the rights you deserve as the lord of the Trella City-State, I knew you had come to the right place."
"This is the Red Copper Hall of the God of Kingship. It is made entirely of red copper, representing majesty and power. You may enter, but before you do, you must leave your weapons outside the hall."
A trace of hesitation appeared on the high priest's face.
"Don't misunderstand."
He smiled kindly. "It's only because, as the temple of the God of Kingship, the Red Copper Hall cannot be entered while carrying weapons. Of course, you may also choose not to enter."
Orian glanced at the high priest, then bent down and drove his dagger into the ground.
He forced back the guards who wanted to approach with a look and said, "Don't touch it. When I come out, I'll take my dagger from the ground."
The high priest nodded kindly.
"Come in with me. The God of Kingship is waiting for you."
Orian followed the high priest into the great hall made entirely of red copper. Inside stood a red-copper stele, its surface covered with the laws that the gods of the Ringed Mountain had established for humanity.
In the distant past, when the gods had still been willing to descend the