Thirty years had passed since Nathan first created his world. Time moved steadily in his realm, and the medieval-like era had begun to flourish. Villages had grown into towns, towns into cities, and the seeds of civilization had taken root. Magic had become an integral part of daily life, shaping culture and progress. Among these developments was the rise of a grand institution: the Arcane Academy, a place where the most gifted and blessed individuals came to hone their magical skills and deepen their knowledge.
Nathan had watched with pride as humanity flourished. The people were resourceful, full of determination, and dedicated to building a better world. And yet, despite the successes of his creation, Nathan knew one inevitability loomed on the horizon—something even a god could not prevent: death.
It began when Nathan felt a subtle ripple in the flow of life within his world. A soul was departing, not from violence or illness, but from old age. It was a moment Nathan had prepared for but had never experienced until now.
The soul departing was none other than Roland, a humble farmer who had lived a life of unwavering faith and kindness. Roland was not famous or powerful, but his deeds resonated with goodness. He had provided for his family, helped his neighbors in times of need, and remained devoted to his Creator until his final breath.
Nathan appeared in his astral form, watching unseen as Roland's family gathered around his bedside. The old man's breathing was labored, but there was a peacefulness in his expression.
"Do not mourn me," Roland said softly to his weeping family. "I have lived a full life, and I know our Creator watches over us. I go to a place where I will find peace."
With those words, Roland's eyes closed for the last time. His soul, glowing with a faint golden light, separated from his body and floated upward. Nathan extended his hand, gently cradling the soul as it ascended to heaven.
Back in the celestial palace, Nathan held Roland's soul in his hand, examining it with curiosity and reverence. This was the first time a human had entered the afterlife, and Nathan wanted to ensure it was handled with care.
"Welcome, Roland," Nathan said, his voice resonating with warmth and authority. "You have lived a virtuous life, free of sin. You have earned your place in heaven."
Roland's soul began to take form, manifesting as a younger, healthier version of the man he had been in life. He knelt before Nathan, his expression filled with awe.
"Thank you, Creator," Roland said, his voice trembling. "I am unworthy of such grace."
"All who live virtuously are worthy," Nathan replied. He gestured to the gardens and rivers of heaven, the celestial beauty stretching far beyond the palace. "This is your home now. Rest here in peace."
Roland rose to his feet, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the sights of heaven. Nathan watched as the man walked among the gardens, his soul finally at rest.
Though Roland's soul was at peace, Nathan couldn't ignore the thoughts brewing in his mind. If heaven was the resting place for the virtuous, what would become of those who lived wicked lives?
The System chimed in, as if answering his unspoken question.
"System Notification: A new divine domain can now be established. Would you like to create a realm for the souls of the sinful?"
Nathan frowned. "A realm for the sinful... hell, essentially. But if I create such a place, I'll need someone to manage it. A god or guardian to ensure that the punishment is just and not cruel for cruelty's sake."
The System continued:
"Note: The god or guardian of this realm must align with your principles. Designate their traits and purpose to reflect the balance of justice and mercy."
Nathan leaned back in his throne, deep in thought. He didn't want hell to be a place of endless torment, but rather a realm where sinners would face the consequences of their actions and perhaps find redemption.
Nathan closed his eyes and summoned his power. He imagined a realm vastly different from the paradise of heaven, a place that reflected the weight of sin but also the possibility of repentance.
Hell took shape as a dark and foreboding land, its skies perpetually cloaked in stormy clouds. Rivers of molten lava snaked through jagged mountains, and the air was thick with an oppressive energy. But within this darkness, Nathan also added sanctuaries—places where souls could reflect on their actions and seek redemption.
This was not a realm of eternal suffering, but one of balance. The wicked would face justice, but those who sought forgiveness could eventually ascend to a better existence.
With hell complete, Nathan turned his attention to its guardian. He needed someone who could embody both justice and mercy, someone who could be unyielding to the truly evil yet compassionate to those who showed remorse.
Nathan extended his hand, channeling his divine power into a new creation. The figure that emerged was striking—a tall and imposing figure with crimson skin and golden eyes that burned with intensity. His hair was black as night, and he wore a flowing cloak of dark flames. Despite his fearsome appearance, there was a calmness in his expression, a sense of wisdom and control.
Nathan spoke to his new creation. "You shall be called Malachi, the Keeper of Hell. Your role is to oversee this realm and ensure that justice is served. You will punish those who deserve it, but you will also guide the repentant toward redemption."
Malachi knelt before Nathan, his voice deep and resonant. "I understand, Creator. I will fulfill this duty with honor and fairness."
Nathan nodded. "Remember, Malachi, hell is not a place of cruelty but of balance. Be firm, but do not lose sight of compassion."
Malachi rose, his form radiating both power and solemnity. "I will not fail you, Creator."
Before Malachi descended to his domain, Nathan sent another prophecy to the world below. His voice echoed in the hearts of all people, filling them with a sense of awe and reverence:
"To all who hear my words, know this: Death has come to the world, but it is not the end. Those who live virtuously shall find peace in my heaven, and those who stray shall face justice in a new realm. Live wisely, and remember that your actions have consequences."
The prophecy spread quickly, sparking discussions and reflections among the people. Many renewed their devotion to the Creator, while others began to fear the judgment that awaited them.
Back in his throne, Nathan observed the world with a mix of satisfaction and contemplation. The cycle of life and death had begun, and with it came new challenges and responsibilities. Heaven and hell were now complete, and the balance of his creation was beginning to take shape.
As Nathan watched Malachi descend to hell, taking his place as its guardian, he couldn't help but wonder what the future would hold. Humanity was growing, changing, and evolving, and with that evolution came both light and darkness.
But Nathan was ready. With his servants by his side and his creations thriving, he felt confident in his role as a god.
And so, the story of his world continued, with death now a part of its tapestry—a reminder of the delicate balance between life, virtue, and justice.