Professor Stoker stood tall, not a trace of fear in his eyes as he faced the five looming figures. The shadows of the grand hall made them appear almost like colossal beings of darkness.
But Stoker knew who they truly were—generals of the Belmon Empire, each entrusted with the defense of a great city. For all five to gather in the capital as judges for a single trial was unheard of.
The judge seated in the center started questioning the professor.
Q. Professor Stoker, How many men are now helping you with this research?
A. Twelve researchers.
"We have found evidence that you are conducting research against the interests of the Empire and His Majesty the Emperor. Explain this research and its purpose."
The professor adjusted his glasses and spoke with confidence.
"My research uses a method called Histometrics. By using vast amounts of historical data from civilizations across the ages. And by applying mathematical with statistical theories, I can calculate the reasons empires collapse and predict when they will meet their end.
For example, by using a MANOVA instead of a simple ANOVA, we can analyze multiple factors together, reducing the likelihood of a Type I error. And by setting the alpha level to 0.01 instead of 0.05, we achieve a 99 percent confidence coefficient with helps condu—"
"Stop!" shouted the judge as his voice echoing through the chamber.
The hall fell deathly silent. No one dared to move a muscle, though many were more bewildered than fearful; few understood the professor's academic terms.
"Explain it simply, professor," the judge commanded.
"Ah, of course," Stoker replied, almost amused. "We were researching when and how the Empire might one day fall—so that perhaps we could prevent it."
"This is treason," the judge shot back. "By conducting such research, and by involving others in it, you spread dangerous ideas—that our glorious Empire is not eternal. Your theories plant seeds of doubt, and doubt breeds rebellion. You undermine faith in our Emperor."
"Objection!" the professor countered, his voice sharp.
"A great empire does not collapse from rebellion alone. It crumbles from within—shortages, corruption, small fractures that grow until chaos consumes it. That is how power is truly lost."
Another judge leaned forward, his voice like steel. "That does not change the fact that your work aims at the downfall of the Empire—and of the Emperor himself."
Stoker chuckled lightly. "If that's the case… tell me, is it too late to request a lawyer?"
"Enough!" barked the judge. "There is no escape for you."
Axel, watching silently from the crowd, clenched his fists. He's in serious trouble… and he's still making jokes.
Then the third judge spoke, his tone low and sinister. "What were the results of your research?"
Professor Stoker inhaled deeply, his expression grave."We discovered that throughout history, great empires have always risen and fallen. Every century, one dominated the world—until it collapsed. Each fall ushered in a dark age, not only for the neighboring kingdoms but for the entire planet. A time of brutality and savagery, where survival was all that mattered."
One judge tried to interrupt, but the professor pressed on.
"Worse yet," he continued, "the stronger each successive empire grew, the longer the dark ages that followed. And now, with the Belmon Empire having ruled for nearly a millennium… when it falls, the catastrophe will be beyond anything the world has seen. I call it the Cataclysmic Age. My goal is to minimize the effects of that destruction"
Gasps echoed through the chamber. Every soul present was shaken by the weight of his words. But one question still hung heavy in the air—was Professor Stoker really trying to save the Empire of Belmon… or destroy it?
The judge who had been silenced earlier finally spoke again.
Q. And what do you exactly mean by that?
A. To explain it in simple terms. The coming downfall of Belmon is not an event itself. Isolated in the scheme of human develemopment. It will be the climax to an ongoing drama which has begun centeries ago and which is accelerating in a faster pace.
Q.You realize that you are talking about the Belmon Empire that is know for it's might for centeries and through generations, billions of people have contributed their love and strength to it.
A. I am aware of both the present and past history of the Empire. But without disrespect, I must claim a far bettter knowledge of it all than any in this room.
Q. And you realy predict it's ruins?
A. It's a prediction calculated through mathematical and statistical equations. The fall of the Empire is a massive thing, however it is not easily fought.
Q. Are you really sure about this, because the Empire is stronger then it ever was?
A. The Empire will vanish and all its good with it. But if I can continue my research, we could find a way to prevent it.
Q. You contradict yourself. You said earlier that you couldn't prevent the destruction of Belmon.
A. No, if you let us continue my research. We can use all our knowledge to find out all factors that result in the Empire's fall and shorten the dark ages with it. With that the Belmon Empire can be reborn again.
The five judges started chat with each other but nobody could hear them form how high up they were.
Q. You're allowed to continue the project. But because the trust is not certain, you and your team have to move to another city to further conduct the research. Where you will also be monitored.
A. All this sounds like banishment.
Q. You that you got a choice in the matter professor?
A. Alright I accept, because I'm doing this for the Empire and it's people.
The five dark figures judges disappeared. Professor Stoker left the stand an took a seat next to Axel.
He laughed and said, "How did you like the show?"
"You stole it. But what will really happend to you us now?" Axel asked.
Professor Stoker looked at him. "We have to move to the city that they banished us to, but you can stay here. Achieve your goal and join me in my research later."
"Really is that possible?"
Stoker replied "I'm not 100 procent, even though I have studied the laws for years and used my Histometrics equations. Yet I have hopes that it's possible.