Where did this earthquake suddenly come from, out of nowhere?
The young gentleman stood frozen, his heart racing as the ground beneath him trembled violently. The intensity of the quake jolted him into a desperate search for something—anything—to steady himself. But then, as abruptly as it had begun, the earthquake ceased, leaving him in a bewildering stillness.
Where am I? he wondered, lifting his gaze to the horizon.
As he looked up, words failed him. He found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions: surprise, panic, and an inexplicable gratitude for this unforeseen change. The landscape around him was no longer the crumbled ruins he had known; instead, he stood amidst a different devastation, one so starkly contrasting that he could only describe it as heaven and earth.
This new ruin bore the scars of an ancient cataclysm, remnants of a great war that felt almost celestial in nature. It was clear that neither humans nor monsters were responsible for this destruction; it was the work of Higher Beings. In the distance, mountains lay shattered, their peaks crumbled into the earth, while vast valleys yawned open, evidence of a battle that transcended mortal comprehension. The land stretched flat, devoid of life, save for two towering pillars flanking a colossal gate that seemed to defy the very laws of nature. This gate, immense and imposing, appeared as if it had been forged by giants, standing resolute and enigmatic, guarding secrets of a realm unknown.
Intricate symbols adorned the gate and its pillars, their meanings obscured to the young man. They shimmered like distant stars, but his vision blurred, as if a veil of obscurity concealed the truths hidden within. What exactly is this place? A battlefield for gods? What am I doing here?
A sigh escaped his lips, heavy with confusion and dread. I can't linger here any longer. I don't know what dangers lurk in the shadows.
With trepidation, he approached the massive gate, each step echoing in the eerie silence. As he drew closer, the enormity of the gate dwarfed him; he felt like a mere speck of dust before its grandeur. He craned his neck, trying to glimpse the top, but it vanished into an abyss of darkness.
Summoning his courage, he extended both hands, pressing against the cold surface of the gate. He hesitated, unsure if it would yield to his touch. Just as he half-joked about its immovability, a surge of energy coursed through him.
"Ahhhhhhhh!" he screamed, a visceral cry of agony. Pain exploded in his head, as if his very veins were on the verge of bursting. Blood spilled from his mouth, eyes, ears, and nose, a grotesque testament to the force that gripped him. Dizziness enveloped him, and he could hear the cacophony of ravings from an unseen source, their volume overwhelming and their intent maddening.
I'm going to die.
Desperation clawed at him. I can't lose consciousness here; if I do, I will perish in this torment.
"Ahhh! Someone… anyone!" he groaned, caught in the relentless pull of the gate, feeling it siphoning his very essence. The agony intensified, and he knew that if nothing changed, he would meet a fate more horrific than he ever imagined.
Creak!!
In that moment of despair, the gate, which seemed impervious to human touch, cracked open just a fraction. From within, an insatiable force surged forth, pulling him relentlessly into its depths. As he was drawn toward the abyss, his condition deteriorated. His vision blurred, and as his body began to slump backward, he caught a fleeting glimpse of something he wasn't meant to see—a dense darkness racing toward him, swift and merciless.
Blood obscured his sight, but he fought to regain his senses, barely managing to open his eyes. Just as he was about to confront the darkness behind him, his vision erupted in a blinding flash, as if his very eyes had detonated. All he could see was an all-consuming void, and his face was drenched in blood.
Eahhh!!
He could not comprehend the chaos unfolding within him. The explosion of his eyes was followed by a violent rupture of his veins, the pain unlike anything he had ever endured.
In that moment of sheer agony, as the unknown force ravaged him and blood flowed freely, his breath faltered, his heart stilled, and the world around him faded into a haunting silence.
Creak! Thud!!!
And then, the gate closed.
---
Meanwhile, outside the ruins of the unknown…
The afternoon sun bathed the land in golden rays, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded. People bustled about, engrossed in their daily lives—some hurried to their destinations, while others relaxed in outdoor inns, savoring lunch as children laughed and played in the streets.
The sea lay tranquil, its waters shimmering under the sun's embrace, promising a bountiful harvest for the fishermen. It was a day that whispered of peace, a day everyone wished to hold onto.
But then, without warning, the weather shifted with an unnatural ferocity. Winds roared across the sea, conjuring storms that churned the waters into a frenzy. A thick fog enveloped the coastline, waves crashing violently against ships, tossing them like mere toys.
On land, an unexpected darkness descended, thick and suffocating. People could no longer see their hands in front of their faces as the sun, once bright, was swallowed by an unseen force. Above, a blood moon hung ominously in the sky, casting an eerie glow that filled hearts with dread. This phenomenon was unlike any eclipse; it was as if both sun and moon conspired to create a celestial spectacle that defied explanation.
For several agonizing minutes, the world held its breath, suspended in a moment of dread. Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the darkness receded. The sun reemerged, illuminating the land once more, the sky restored to its azure splendor. The sea calmed, the fog dissipated, and life resumed as if nothing had transpired.
Children laughed, merchants continued their trade, and carriages rolled along the streets as if the wild phenomena had been nothing more than a fleeting dream.
———
Somewhere atop the mountains, beyond the chaos, stood a colossal cathedral, grander than any castle. Atop its bell tower, a young man with medium-length, light blonde hair, clad in dark robes embroidered with golden silk, gazed skyward. His eyes were closed, yet he seemed to see the disturbance rippling through the fabric of reality. After a moment, he lowered his gaze and retreated into the church, hands clasped behind him, his expression resolute and contemplative.