Max looked at Kenji and Kenny with a serious expression. "Heaven and Hell are not what you think they are. This whole notion of Heaven being this otherworldly happy place is completely false."
Kenji and Kenny listened intently.
Kenji and Kenny listened intently as Max continued. "Heaven is far from perfect, and Hell is the same," he explained, his tone grave. "There are five realms," he began, delving into the complexities of their world.
Max's eyes swept over them, ensuring their attention as he described the realms. "Each realm has its own intricacies and challenges. They're interconnected, with a balance that must be maintained.
Kenji and Kenny's expressions grew more serious as they absorbed Max's words.
Max continued, his voice steady and authoritative. "The first realm is called the Astral Plane. It's an area where the first being in the universe inhabited before creating all other realms. No one is able to access this realm."
Kenji and Kenny leaned in, their curiosity piqued as Max painted a vivid picture. "The Astral Plane is a place of immense energy and pure potential. It's where the seeds of existence were sown, a realm beyond ordinary comprehension, filled with both wonder and danger. Yet, it's completely inaccessible to anyone now."
He continued, "The second realm is Heaven, which you humans may be familiar with. But Heaven isn't all fun and games. People can die and live in Heaven as well. It's separate from all the other realms. You could say it's the pinnacle of existence."
"Heaven is in charge of many things," Max continued. "This realm has a lot of similarities to Earth, but do not be mistaken—this realm is one that all residents of the other realms wish to live in."
"The fourth realm is Hell, otherwise known as the Underworld," Max explained with a somber tone. "It's a place shrouded in darkness and despair, where evil reigns supreme and suffering knows no bounds. Demons of unfathomable power roam its fiery landscapes, perpetuating a realm steeped in eternal torment and anguish."
"The fifth and final realm is Earth," Max explained, his tone thoughtful. "It exists below all other realms, a world where mortal beings reside, navigating the complexities of existence with limited knowledge of the realms above."
"Occasionally, maybe every couple of hundred years, one of the demons from the Underworld and some residents of the Nether World will break through our defenses and come to Earth," Max explained, his voice tinged with a hint of caution.
"Most demons hide themselves, discreetly consuming energy from humans. However, some are cocky and get caught when they expose themselves," he continued, emphasizing the risks involved.
"The residents of the Nether World usually lead normal human lives but change their living locations every 30 years to avoid suspicion," Max added, highlighting their cautious approach to integration on Earth.
Kenji asked, "Why don't the residents of the Nether World just go to Heaven? It's closer and better, right?"
Max sighed heavily before responding, "That's where you're wrong. Heaven's residents aren't welcoming to outsiders. Even among ourselves, there's too much concern about rank, strength, and importance."
"And it doesn't help that the residents of the Nether World were banished there by the first Celestial Emperor for supporting the demons in the first Celestial War," Max added, his voice carrying a weight of historical gravity.
Kenji interrupted with a request, "Wait, explain."
Max began to explain, his voice measured and deliberate. "Okay, the First Celestial Emperor was crowned by the celestial being who created everything in existence. All five realms were assigned specific roles: Heaven's duty is to maintain balance across all realms by preventing the Underworld from disrupting the human realm and Heaven itself."
"When the celestial being retreated to the Astral Plane in seclusion, he crowned an emperor to rule Heaven and essentially all five realms," Max clarified, his tone reflecting the weight of the celestial being's decision and its implications for the realms.
"But the Underworld broke the limit and waged war to take over Heaven. The reason behind it was jealousy, stemming from resentment over why they were cast into the Underworld while Heaven enjoyed ruling over all," Max explained, detailing the underlying conflict that led to the celestial war.
"After they lost the war, they were trapped in the Underworld, forbidden from leaving their realm or even feeding on the energy of humans. They were only allowed a limited amount of energy each year to survive. However, after their failed rebellion, the First Celestial Emperor cut off even that right," Max elaborated, explaining the harsh repercussions imposed upon the denizens of the Underworld for their uprising.
"But that led to another war, the Second Celestial War, as they were discontent. This war ultimately led to the death of the First Celestial Emperor," Max explained, recounting the tumultuous events that followed the initial conflict.
"Wait," Kenji interrupted, intrigued. "How can someone so powerful just die like that? I thought he had to be immortal for that title."
"No," Max responded solemnly. "He can die permanently on one occasion."
"What is that?" Kenji asked eagerly.
"When he uses 100 percent of his power," Max explained. "This is true for every being in Heaven. The body can't handle that kind of power, and it slowly disintegrates."
Max added, "All beings in Heaven only use around 80 percent of their power, and even that has repercussions." He emphasized the caution and restraint necessary among celestial beings to avoid the dire consequences of overexertion.
"Hey Max, I think that's enough for now. We're all tired," Zoe interjected, her tone laced with a hint of boredom as she rested one hand on her face.
Kenji and Kenny chimed in, "Hey, come on, Zoe, let's hear it."
Zoe shook her head firmly. "Hell no. If he starts rambling, he won't stop. Plus, we're all tired," she asserted, rising to her feet.
Kenny muttered under his breath, "You don't speak for me."
Zoe shot him a glance, prompting Kenny to quickly say, "Nothing."
Kenji groaned in frustration and stood up, heading out as everyone went their separate ways, the discussion left unresolved for the time being.
Kenji rested his head on his pillow, feeling the day's weight finally settling on his shoulders. The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the window, casting gentle shadows across the room. He glanced over at Kenny, who was already deep in slumber, his rhythmic snoring filling the silence.
As Kenji lay there, the events of the day replayed in his mind like scenes from a vivid dream. Meeting Max, Zoe, and the others had opened a doorway to a world he had never imagined. The tales of celestial wars, realms beyond mortal understanding, and the intricate politics between Heaven and the Underworld echoed in his thoughts.
He sighed softly, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation about the path ahead. The comfort of his pillow and the warmth of his blanket enveloped him, easing his weary body into relaxation. Closing his eyes, Kenji drifted into slumber.