Mark Removal

After proving that The Mark of The Beast was intrinsic- simply being the representation of the genetic signature of the carbon in the cells of every human on earth- an unusual punishment was concocted. 

In the modern era, this mark could be removed. Such a removal would make one unable to "trade," or interact on such an intrinsic level, thus creating a kind of ghost, like a virtual echo of the living being unbound. The effect was temporary, and was meant to serve as a lesson on what could occur. It was still considered more kind than what the kings of old would do, killing or imprisoning an offender. Still, if advantage was taken in this form- to spy on the souls still living and interacting with one another, for example- when the time for return was reached, the ghost would find their forked path chosen already, and their soul would be destroyed in hell. Justice and mercy reigned during this time, as even well intentioned mistakes and daring narrative pathways were rewarded with an adjusted return, often with amnesia simply applied to the ill gotten memories, but one's intention taken into account. Still, some felt that their intentions were beyond examination. These found, in the moment when they thought that they would return, how cold, exact, and rapid justice could be, even when delivered by a king considered kind.