(MalexMale) The Crimson Immortal [Crimson Immortal Series: Book 4]

3: Fate's Betrayal II- Eternal Punishment

TW: GORE, TORTURE

The news of Mysia's death spread throughout the Immortal Realm like wildfire. Not a single Immortal left was unperturbed by Seran's actions. Most were furious, some demanded immediate justice, others were left distraught, and only a few expressed no feelings at all.

A sense of unease blanketed the Immortal Realm as they struggled to deal with the Fate Immortal. Because it was taking so long to bring Seran to justice, there were several instances an Immortal attempted to snatch Seran's sleeping body so they could inflict their own sick torture on him. When they couldn't, they set their eyes on Adasi. Fearing their repeated attempts, Kathal suggested Adasi flee for the time being.

In the aftermath of Mysia's death, Seran was confined to a single room and kept in a deep slumber in Lieren's home. Weeks had passed since the incident, and Lieren and Kathal had been taking turns to watch over him. Adasi only visited to maintain the sleeping spell. Altercations with various Immortals continued to increase because of their continued delay. Worry grew on the Immortals protecting a murderer and forced Kathal to decide what to do with Seran.

"We can't just have him sleep here forever. He must be punished." Lieren bickered for the umpteenth time.

Kathal glared at him, "Do you think I don't know that? For now, be patient. The renovations to Seran's manor will be done soon. He'll be encased in his home along with his blade, never to wield it again."

The truth of their delay was two things. The first was the renovations. Seran's home was undergoing construction to turn it into a tomb for his eternal punishment.

Lieren looked at the sleeping Seran, brow scrunched in obvious disbelief, "How will that keep him there? You and I both know he can waltz out with ease and do whatever he wants. As long as he has that blade..."

"Maiz has figured it out," she interrupted. "She will render him mortal. It'll be torturous for him. A justice fit for his crime. It's with hope that when he's finally mortal, he kills himself after realizing his wicked deeds. If not, he'll live in a state of starvation until his mind devours itself." It was a cruel and unjust punishment but one deemed fitting for the murderer of the most beloved Immortal.

Maiz not only could heal any ailment, but she also had a unique ability just for the Immortals. She could render an Immortal human again. With their returned humanity, they maintained partial immortality and would not perish due to old age. But could still die by mundane things. They also could no longer use the inherited Immortal magic.

The second delay was the construction of the magical bindings. Magical tools were always a delicate process that took a long time. Seran would keep his Immortal magic and strength with how Maiz planned on draining him. Therefore, the bindings had to be expertly crafted. After consulting the Forge Immortal, a gentleman who specialized in creating magical tools and weapons for the Immortals, he began working non-stop to find the supplies to fulfill the job.

"What about Adasi? How do we know if he wasn't a part of it?" Lieren's eyes narrowed, staring at the sleeping Seran. "I can hardly believe Seran took out one of the most powerful Immortals without help? I don't believe he could have done it alone. And I don't trust him."

Kathal clicked her tongue, "You've seen the way he grieves. There's no way. Adasi is innocent."

"Without the Virtue Immortal, how can we tell? He's too good at hiding his emotions. Plus he's been hiding away all this time!"

"Even a woman like me, who doesn't know much empathy, can see the sadness he carries when he walks these days. He hasn't even come to comfort him. He's in pain, Lieren, leave him alone." It was rare for Kathal to express concern or stand up for another Immortal. She was one of the few who believed in Adasi. She didn't need to rely on her judgment magic to know Adasi was innocent. Adasi shadowed Mysia like a lost puppy and looked at her like she was his savior.