Mid Sector 250—
Inside a massive hall with widely spaced boundaries, beneath a ceiling covered with statues that appeared almost alive, their expressions seeming to shift beneath the changing light, and walls adorned with majestic murals depicting countless ancient eras and legendary figures, there stood a raised platform shaped like an open half-arc facing the entrance of the hall, as though every visitor was expected to stand before it in reverence.
Seated at the very center of that platform was a single man, resting his chin upon the palms of both hands in a relaxed yet imposing posture. To his left and right stood twelve identical seats, each crafted with flawless precision, yet only three of them were occupied while the remaining chairs sat empty in absolute silence.
