Author's Note:

Hello Author-san here, it's my first original fantasy book I'm creating. So please go easy on me, anyway I do hope that you all enjoy it.

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My name is Elijah. I am Afro-European, a mix of cultures that has shaped my perspective on life. My journey hasn't been easy—I've faced loss, hardship, and doubts that nearly shattered me. There was a time I abandoned my faith in God, feeling lost in the darkness of despair. But by His immense grace, I found my way back. Now, as a born-again Christian, I'm determined to live my life according to the will of my Heavenly Father, even when the path is challenging.

After a grueling day at work, I arrived home exhausted. I took a quick shower, hoping to wash away the fatigue. When I opened the fridge, I found only a can of sardines and a few slices of bread. I sighed, took them out, and set the table with a pitcher of chilled water. I knew my meal was modest, but I gave thanks for the provisions before me.

As I sat down, I reminded myself of the words from Matthew 4:4: *"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."* Even in scarcity, I felt reassured. My faith was more than enough to sustain me, no matter the circumstances. I ate my meal with gratitude, knowing that as a child of God, I could place all my worries into His hands.

After dinner, I retreated to my bedroom and closed the blinds. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of my bedside lamp. I picked up my Bible and sat down, ready to spend time with God. As I settled into a quiet space, I opened the Bible to Psalm 23, a passage I had memorized since childhood. I began to read aloud:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever, Amen."

Closing the Bible, I felt a profound peace settle over me. The weariness of the day melted away as I prepared for bed. I lay down under the covers, feeling the presence of God comforting me. Before drifting off, I whispered a prayer:

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings sleep to my eyes, slumber to my eyelids. May it be Your will, Lord my God and God of my ancestors, that I lie down in peace and that I arise in peace. Let my sleep be undisturbed by troubling thoughts, bad dreams, and wicked schemes. Amen."

As my eyes grew heavy, I surrendered to the peaceful embrace of sleep. But tonight was different. I felt a profound warmth envelop me, and the familiar confines of my room began to dissolve. I was being lifted away from the earthly realm, and a sense of serene exhilaration filled me.

I found myself standing in a realm of breathtaking celestial beauty—a vast expanse of shimmering light and divine tranquility. The air pulsed with a transcendent energy that filled me with awe. Before me stood two majestic figures. The first was cloaked in a brilliance beyond words, embodying the essence of God, the Creator whose presence I had always known but never fully understood. Beside Him stood Jesus Christ, whose gentle yet powerful presence radiated both grace and authority.

As I stood in reverence, Jesus stepped forward, His voice resonating with eternal love. "Elijah, My child," He said with compassion and purpose, "Your journey of faith has brought you to this very moment of divine appointment."

I knelt, my heart overwhelmed with humility and awe. "Lord Jesus," I said, "I am unworthy to be in Your presence. How may I serve You and fulfill Your will?"

Jesus' gaze was filled with kindness and encouragement. "You are to be My apostle in a world that has fallen into darkness. This realm, which I created with wonder and balance, now suffers under the deception of a false god. Your mission is to restore faith, reveal the truth, save their sinful souls from eternal damnation, and bring My light to this world."

A vision of the fantasy world unfolded before me—an expanse of ancient forests, grand cities, and looming shadows. I saw the struggle between truth and falsehood, hope and despair. For a moment, doubt crept into my heart. *How can I, a mere man, bring light to such a world?* But as quickly as the doubt surfaced, it was met with reassurance. I recalled Jesus' promise in Matthew 28:20: *"I am with you always, even to the end of the age."*

"How shall I achieve this, Lord?" I asked, seeking guidance.

Jesus smiled gently. "You will not be alone. The Holy Spirit will guide you as a gentle wind, whispering wisdom and providing the strength you need. The Scriptures will be your sword, and your faith will be your shield. Trust in Me, and you will find your path."

The vision of the fantasy world became clearer. I saw myself dressed as an orthodox bishop, with a silver cross necklace and a finely crafted robe that shimmered with holy light. A sturdy leather satchel hung by my side, its contents glowing with a sacred aura. Inside, I found a Bible similar to my own but radiating with divine energy. There was also a map, a compass imbued with spiritual significance, and a small vial of sacred oil.

"I am ready to go, Lord Jesus," I said with determination. "Grant me the strength and courage to fulfill this mission."

Jesus' eyes were full of assurance. "Remember, Elijah, I am with you always. Go forth with My blessing, and let My peace guide you on this sacred journey."

As the divine light began to recede, I felt myself being gently transported to the new world. The celestial realm faded, replaced by the vibrant sights and sounds of the fantasy land. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the mission settle upon me. *This is it*, I thought, *my faith has led me to this moment*.

With a heart full of faith and a spirit ready for the challenge, I adjusted my robe and took my first steps forward into the world that awaited me. The silver cross around my neck glinted in the light of the new world, and the divine Bible at my side gave me confidence. I embarked on my journey, prepared to bring light to the darkness and fulfill the divine purpose set before me.

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Walking through the dense forest, I marveled at the surreal beauty of this world—ancient trees with sprawling roots, flowers of vibrant colors, and creatures I had never seen before. After some time, I came upon a clearing with a gentle lake. Kneeling beside it, I cupped my hands to drink from the cool water, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Suddenly, I felt a nudge in my spirit, a subtle yet clear prompting. *Get up,* the Holy Spirit urged. Obediently, I stood, though unsure of what lay ahead.

*Move forward,* came the next prompting. I obeyed, letting the Spirit guide my steps.

It wasn't long before I stumbled upon a small village. Farmers tended their fields, children ran about playing, and women gathered in circles, exchanging gossip and giggles. The scene was idyllic, yet I knew that darkness lurked beneath this peaceful facade.

As I made my way closer to the village center, an armored man approached, blocking my path. He was burly, with a scarred face and sharp, wary eyes. "Halt, stranger! Who are you, and what business brings you to our village of Enet?" he demanded.

I met his gaze, sensing no malice but rather a deep sense of duty. "I come in peace," I replied calmly. "I follow the direction my God has pointed to me."

The man's stance relaxed slightly, though his curiosity remained. "A priest, then? It's rare for your kind to venture here, but it's a welcome surprise nonetheless." He eyed my attire and the cross necklace hanging from my neck. "So, which of the gods do you worship? The water goddess Jyusa? The sun god Qaxzul? What is that symbol on your neck?"

My heart ached for the man's ignorance, but I also felt a deep compassion for him. "I serve the one true God—the Creator of all, whose love is eternal and whose word is truth."

The man's brow furrowed in confusion. "You speak with such certainty. But in a land filled with gods, how can one claim to know the true one? And why have we never heard of Him?"

I stepped closer, feeling the Holy Spirit's guidance. "I would gladly share with you the truth of our Heavenly Father. No, I don't worship any false god or creation, but the Creator Himself—the One who formed the heavens, the earth, and all living things. His name is YHWH, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that we may be saved from the curse of sin and eternal death."

The man's expression softened but remained skeptical. "Your words are strange, yet they carry weight. I've lived through many battles and heard countless tales, but nothing like this. Perhaps… perhaps there is truth in what you say. But tell me, priest, what brings you to Enet? This village is small, and we have little to offer in wealth or fame."

I felt the Spirit guiding me as I answered, "I am here to serve and bring light where there is darkness. Though your village seems peaceful, I sense that something troubles it. The shadows of deceit and fear linger here, and I believe I have been sent to come here by his guidance."

The man looked at me intently, his initial skepticism giving way to curiosity. "Perhaps you should speak with the village elder then. He is a wise man and might be open to hearing your message."

Nodding, I followed the man deeper into the village, praying silently The armored man led me through winding dirt paths lined with wooden houses and bustling market stalls. The villagers paused to glance curiously at me, their expressions a mix of suspicion and intrigue. Some whispered to one another, while others offered polite nods, though their eyes remained watchful. I couldn't blame them; in a world fraught with deception and falsehood, trust was hard to come by.

We arrived at a modest yet sturdy building near the center of the village. The man knocked on the wooden door, and after a few moments, it creaked open to reveal an elderly man with silver hair and a long, flowing beard. His eyes were sharp and wise, yet kind. He wore a robe of deep earth tones and held a staff carved with intricate symbols.

"Elder Thamron," the armored man said respectfully, bowing his head, "this traveler claims to be a priest, though he speaks of a God I have never heard of. I thought it best to bring him to you."

The elder's eyes met mine, and I sensed a deep discernment in his gaze. He studied me quietly for a moment before stepping aside. "Come in, both of you," he said, his voice calm and steady.

We entered a room filled with books, scrolls, and trinkets from various cultures—evidence of a man well-versed in the knowledge of many lands. A warm fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft glow that danced along the walls.

"Please, sit," Thamron said, motioning to a small table with chairs. We took our seats, and the elder faced me directly. "You claim to be a priest, yet your garments are unlike any I have seen. And the symbol you bear… it is foreign to this land. Tell me, stranger, who is this God you serve?"

I leaned forward, placing my hands on the table, feeling the gravity of the moment. "I serve the one true God, the Creator of all—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is not bound to elements like water or fire, nor is He a god of nature alone. He is the Almighty, whose power transcends all. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity from the curse of sin and death."

The elder listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "Many here worship gods of the elements, seeking their favor for rain, harvests, and protection. They pray to beings they believe control aspects of nature. Your God, however, seems to claim dominion over everything. If that is true, why have we not known Him?"

I could sense his genuine curiosity, but also the skepticism of someone who had seen many beliefs rise and fall. "Your people have been deceived by the darkness that clouds this world," I said gently. "False gods, crafted by deceivers, have led many astray. But the true God has never been far. He has been waiting for hearts to turn to Him, and I am here to bear witness to His truth."

Thamron's eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but in contemplation. "You speak with conviction. But words alone will not change minds. Our people have endured much—plagues, famine, and war.

We have sought help from every corner of this land, and many promises have been made by those who claimed to bring truth, only to leave us in despair. Why should we believe you?"

I took a deep breath, praying for guidance. "The truth is not in the eloquence of speech or grand promises. The truth is found in the power of God's Spirit and His Word." I reached into my satchel and brought out the glowing Bible, placing it gently on the table. The elder and the armored man stared at it in awe as the faint light illuminated the room.

"This is the Word of God," I said, opening the Bible to Psalm 46. "Let me read to you the words of the Creator."

I began to read aloud: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."

As I read, a sense of peace and reverence filled the room. The light from the Bible grew brighter, and a gentle breeze, like a whisper from the Holy Spirit, passed through, rustling the pages and bringing a calming presence.

The elder's eyes widened in amazement. "I have felt many forces in my time—powers both dark and light—but this… this is unlike anything I have ever encountered. It is pure, untainted by the corruption that so often accompanies power."

The armored man nodded in agreement, a newfound respect in his gaze. "I can feel it too… something different, something real."

Elder Thamron leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "There is truth in what you say, priest. And if what you claim is indeed real, then perhaps our people need to hear it. But be warned—there are those in this land who will see your message as a threat. The false gods you speak of are worshiped by many with fierce devotion. They will not let go of their power easily."

"I am prepared for the challenges ahead," I replied with quiet determination. "The Lord has sent me not just to speak words, but to demonstrate His love and power. I am here to serve, to heal, and to bring light where there is darkness."

The elder nodded slowly. "Very well. I will arrange for you to speak, to the villagers and my other fellow elders tomorrow at the gathering. But know this—you will be tested. Not everyone is ready to accept change, especially when it challenges long-held beliefs. But if your God is truly who you say He is, then perhaps this village will finally find the hope it has long sought."

I bowed my head in gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Thamron. I am honored by the opportunity."

As we rose to leave, the elder's expression softened. "May your God go with you, priest. For if your words are true, you may be the light this village has long been waiting for."

With a final nod, I stepped out into the cool night air, feeling the weight of the mission before me. The Holy Spirit stirred within, reminding me that I was not alone. I clutched the silver cross around my neck and whispered a prayer, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The journey was only beginning.

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The stars above shimmered like a blanket of diamonds against the deep velvet sky, and the village was now quieter, with only a few stragglers moving about. As I adjusted my robe and prepared to make my way back to the forest, I noticed the guard from earlier waiting outside, his face cast in a mix of anticipation and concern.

"Good evening, priest," he said, his tone less formal now that some trust had been established between us. "I was instructed to offer you one of our spare guest rooms for the night. It isn't much, but it will be more comfortable than sleeping outside."

I smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, I accept your offer. It's a blessing to be welcomed so warmly, even as a stranger."

The guard nodded, but there was something else lingering in his expression—a tension beneath his polite demeanor. He gestured for me to follow, and we walked together in silence, the dirt path crunching under our feet as we moved through the dimly lit village.

Eventually, we arrived at a modest wooden home with a thatched roof. The guard opened the door quietly, and I followed him inside. The interior was simple, with a hearth crackling gently in the corner and a table set with humble wooden plates and bowls. The atmosphere was warm, but I could sense an underlying sorrow in the household.

"My name is Rowan," the guard finally introduced himself. "And this is my home. Please, make yourself comfortable." But even as he spoke, his voice trembled slightly, betraying his attempt to remain composed.

Sensing his burden, I asked softly, "Rowan, is something troubling you? You seem as if there's more you wish to say."

Rowan hesitated, his eyes flicking towards a closed door at the end of the room. His shoulders sagged with the weight of unspoken grief. "It's my daughter," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "For months now, she's been in a deep sleep—a coma-like state. The village healers and herbalists have done everything they could, but nothing works. They say it's some rare disease, and that those who fall into this state never wake again."

He paused, swallowing hard. "My wife and I… we've prayed to the gods, offered sacrifices, but nothing changed. Every day, we watch her slip further away. When you spoke earlier about your God—the one who heals—I couldn't help but wonder… could there be hope?"

His eyes pleaded with me, a father desperate for a miracle. I could see that his heart had been hardened by disappointment, but there was a flicker of faith still alive within him—a hope that maybe, just maybe, there was an answer beyond what he had known.

"Take me to her," I said gently.