CHAPTER -1 A FETUS WITH STRONG WILL
In ancient times, on a serene evening, the king of Meriot rode his majestic white horse through the dense forest, accompanied by his cavalry regiment. The king, an elderly man with wrinkles and pale skin, led the procession, followed by his queen in a carriage. As they journeyed back to Meriot, the queen suddenly screamed, pointing to a fetus lying under a tree.
A soldier carefully lifted the fetus, revealing a baby boy with rotten brown skin, on the verge of death. Yet, despite his fragile state, the baby seemed to radiate a strong will to live. The king gazed up at the cloudy sky and pledged, "Oh god, the king of heaven, you have blessed us with a child after so many years. We accept this gift with gratitude and humility."
The king and queen, overcome with emotion, took the baby to a nearby temple dedicated to Lucas, the human deity revered as the king of heaven, hell, and earth. As they entered the temple, the queen cradled the baby in her arms, and they both prostrated themselves before the grand bronze statue of Lucas. "Oh lord, ruler of all three worlds, please bestow your blessings upon this child," they prayed in unison.
***
The scene shifted to Meriot, where the kingdom celebrated the arrival of their new prince. The king, with the baby in his arms, stood on the balcony of his castle, addressing the gathered crowd. "With the blessings of our ancestors and in the name of god Lucas, I name this child Judas." The crowd erupted in cheers, welcoming their new prince.
***(timeskip)
Five years passed, and Prince Judas grew into a prodigious young boy, excelling in academics and physical pursuits. He was a curious and eager learner, quickly mastering the basics of sword fighting. His parents beamed with pride.
One evening, Judas sat on his mother's lap as she recited stories. "Mom, who is Lucas?" Judas asked, his eyes wide with wonder. "Why does everyone call him god? He's human, just like us."
His mother's expression turned fearful, and she whispered urgently, "Judas, never doubt the greatness of Lord Lucas. He is omnipresent, and his power is beyond our understanding. Do not compare him to us mere mortals."
Judas began to protest, but his mother interrupted, "Shh, it's late. Sleep tight, my son." She kissed his forehead and gently stroked his hair, and soon Judas drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Judas trained in sword fighting with his master, Wing, a seasoned swordsman with a bald head and long, hanging mustache. Later, Judas studied academics with his teacher, Mona, an elderly woman with glasses who treated him like her own son. Mona taught Judas about history, politics, laws, and mythology, including the stories of Lord Lucas.
"Lord Lucas was our liberator," Mona explained. "He vanquished the cruel gods who ruled our world, freeing humanity from their tyranny. 100 years ago, his name spread across the land, and we came to revere him as our savior."
Judas regarded Lucas as his idol, but doubts lingered. "Teacher Mona, if Lord Lucas is truly a perfect god, why does our world still have slavery, poverty, and hunger?"
Mona's expression faltered, and she hastily concluded the lesson. "Class is ended, Judas. I have important matters to attend to. Remember, this world is perfect because Lord Lucas has his reasons. Those who suffer are being punished for their past transgressions."
As Mona departed, Judas remained lost in thought, questioning whether Lord Lucas was truly a benevolent deity.
---{end of chapter 1}