### Chapter 21: Baal's Origin (Part 1)
Arthur sat down, his back against a tree at the edge of the village. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the landscape. The air was cool, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves above. He took a deep breath, knowing it was time to confront Baal about his past and the powers he possessed.
"Alright, Baal. It's time you tell me who or what you really are," Arthur demanded, his tone firm.
Baal's voice echoed in Arthur's mind, laced with amusement and a hint of arrogance. "Ah, I suppose it's time for a little history lesson, then. Sit tight, boy. This might take a while."
Arthur adjusted his position, preparing himself for what promised to be an intriguing and likely disturbing tale. The anticipation made his heart race, a mix of fear and curiosity.
"I was once a human, much like you. A powerful mage, actually. I had achieved what many could only dream of: I became an Awaken. My lifespan extended for hundreds of years, but even that wasn't enough for me," Baal began, his tone almost nostalgic.
Arthur's curiosity was piqued. "Why wasn't it enough?"
"Because, my dear boy, death is a thief. It robs you of everything you've built, everything you've become. I refused to let it take me. So, I turned my studies toward the ultimate taboo: death itself," Baal explained, a hint of darkness seeping into his voice.
"What do you mean by studying death?" Arthur asked, a knot forming in his stomach. The idea of tampering with life and death was unsettling.
Baal's laugh was cold and devoid of humor. "I dissected living beings, both human and magical beasts, to understand what made them tick. I experimented with their life forces, trying to harness their essence. This was the birth of what you now call necromancy."
Arthur shuddered at the thought, but he remained silent, letting Baal continue. The dusk around him deepened, casting eerie shadows that matched the dark tale being woven.
"With necromancy, I delved deeper into the mysteries of life and death. I became obsessed with finding a way to extend my life indefinitely. My experiments grew more... ambitious. I used the life energy of others to fuel my own existence, but it was never enough. I needed more," Baal recounted, his voice growing more intense.
Arthur interrupted, unable to contain his curiosity. "And what did these experiments involve?"
Baal's voice took on a darker, more ominous tone. "I pushed the boundaries of magic further than anyone had before. I performed rituals that would be considered forbidden by any sane mage. But these rituals were the pinnacle of magic, true masterpieces of arcane art. Today, the weak and envious members of the council have labeled them as forbidden magic."
Arthur felt a chill run down his spine. The night seemed to close in, the air colder. "How did you survive?"
"Luck, or perhaps sheer will. I managed to bind my essence to an amulet that controlled my magical tower. This act of desperation made me the first lich. I was no longer bound by the frailties of a mortal body," Baal said, a hint of pride in his voice.
Arthur's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the implications. "You mean, you became a being of pure magic?"
"Indeed. My body was no longer necessary. I existed as a consciousness within the amulet, controlling my tower and continuing my experiments for millennia," Baal said, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
Arthur couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and horror. "What happened next?"
Baal's tone turned darker. "In my endless pursuit of knowledge and power, I stumbled upon the existence of celestials. Beings of immense power, what you might call gods. I devised a plan to capture one and use its divine essence to further my experiments."
Arthur's eyes widened. "You captured a god?"
Baal chuckled. "Not quite a god, but close enough. It took centuries of planning and countless sacrifices, but I finally managed to subdue one. I used its essence to create an imperfect copy, giving birth to what you now know as demons."
Arthur was stunned. "You created demons?"
"Indeed. My demons were powerful, but flawed. I gave the world a new form of life, a testament to my genius. But instead of being revered, people began to fear and plot against me. They couldn't see the greatness I was offering them," Baal explained, his tone almost casual.
Arthur shook his head in disbelief. "You started a war with the gods?"
"Essentially, yes. The celestials didn't take kindly to my experiments and the abominations I created. They declared war on me, and the resulting conflict devastated the world. My tower was eventually destroyed, and my demons were scattered or killed. But they thought they had destroyed me as well," Baal said, his voice filled with bitterness.
"But you survived," Arthur said quietly.
"Yes, my essence remained bound to the amulet. I was trapped, powerless, but alive. Until you came along," Baal said, his tone shifting to one of amusement.
Arthur sat in stunned silence, absorbing the story. He had expected a dark past, but this was beyond anything he could have imagined. "You tell this story as if you were the hero and the victim," Arthur said, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Baal laughed, a sound devoid of joy. "History is written by the victors, boy. I was neither hero nor villain. I was a seeker of knowledge, and that pursuit led me down a dark path. But now, I have another chance. And so do you."
Arthur couldn't deny the truth in Baal's words. The story was horrifying, but it also revealed a depth of knowledge and power that was beyond anything he had ever known. "What do you want from me, Baal?"
Baal's voice softened. "I want us to succeed where I once failed. Together, we can achieve greatness. You have the potential, and I have the knowledge. But first, you must learn to trust me, and I must learn to trust you."
Arthur knew this alliance was dangerous, but he also knew it was necessary. "Alright, Baal. Let's see where this path leads."
The sun had fully set, and darkness enveloped the village. Arthur felt a newfound determination. With Baal's story in mind, he knew the road ahead would be perilous, but he was ready to face it.
The fire crackled beside Arthur, its light casting flickering shadows on the ground. The night was cool, and the stars began to twinkle above, indifferent to the dark tale being told. Arthur wrapped his cloak tighter around himself, feeling the weight of Baal's words.
Arthur found himself pondering Baal's story late into the night. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease, but there was also a sense of opportunity. The knowledge Baal possessed was vast, and despite the darkness of his past, Arthur knew that understanding it was crucial. He needed to know more.