Chapter 34: "Our Shared Demise"

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Being inside the iron maiden, I lost all notion of time. I felt that I was transported to another dimension, to a distant world.

This is the magnitude of the power of the Gods: plotting histories that exceed human comprehension. I was transported to such an immensely magnificent place that my perception was unable to comprehend it.

A sharp pain penetrated my skull, as something melted into it.

It is the Wound on my forehead. It seems that the patience of Zenith is running out.

I felt how the dry blood flowed from my forehead. My body rejected that brand; I wanted to remove it.

Although, I thought that having the Wound is not a bad thing. Now that I search to reconcile and I am willing to forgive Zenith, maybe this hurt on my head is proof. Yes, proof that I deserve her indulgence.

In search of the Feather, I wandered through the surrounding chapels, the cloisters, and even the bell tower. I entered the most critical areas of the Order of the Unconquered Sun: the confessionals, the chancellery, the inner courtyard where they trained.

Even so, there was no one. Neither priests, nor priestesses, nor Knights.

I have to continue following the advice of Lumen: I have to change my life, I have to forgive her. So I will find the redemption I've been looking for, a new kind of redemption.

The desolation of the place was beginning to terrify me. Not even during the most devastating scourges had the headquarters been so empty.

Once I have the Feather and clear my mind, I will right the wrongs of my past. Was it I who betrayed her, or she who betrayed me? Which of my memories were altered, and by whom? I will use this artifact to find out.

I entered the Hall of the Fallen, a vast hall displaying statues of those Knights who demonstrated complete devotion and faith to Zenith. They not only fulfilled their punishment and the Ultimate Penitence, but also gave their lives for her.

At the back of the chamber, a throne made of sharp shards of obsidian. Whoever sat on it would have a tortuous reign. It was empty, awaiting its new king.

I've been told thousands of legends about that throne. Some say only a Knight capable of killing a God can occupy it. Others say that Zenith's descendant, once she perishes, will take her power.

I stood in front of a statue, admiring its nobility. It was that of a man whose face had been covered in scars.

They weren't made in battle. Rather, he inflicted them himself. That's what Zenith values in its Knights: how much Punishment they're willing to endure.

It's a perverse system. But who am I to judge? After all, I come from another world.

Firm footsteps echoed off the walls of the room. Their rhythm was steady, without a hint of fear or doubt.

Who is it? Why has this place been so desolate, and now someone finally appears?

The door behind the throne opened with a loud bang, shaking even the statues themselves. With determination, Zera shattered the tranquility of the cathedral, her movements heard throughout Aurethys.

It's her. This is my chance to tell her how sorry I am, that I'm willing to change, to do things differently.

She shot me a withering look, brimming with contempt. I felt like, in that instant, our relationship had collapsed: we had become complete strangers.

“Zera. Please listen to me. I realized my mistake in getting involved in this game. The Gods used me, like a puppet, confusing my mind, telling me what to do. That's why I decided to change...”

“No.” She interrupted, sitting on the throne with a graceful movement, unworthy of the Zera I knew.

Her voice was sharp, dry, and implacable, making it clear that her words were absolute law.

"What do you mean? What do you mean, no? Please, I promise I won't do any more harm. With the Feather, I'll find out what's going on and…"

“Darek, you don’t understand: the Goddess has dictated your destiny, and I will be the one to sentence it.” She extended her hand in my direction and made a fist.

I felt my chest tighten and I fell to the floor. A yellowish light, like fog, spread over the statues until it embedded itself in the ground. Then it began to shake.

The air grew thick and heavy, pressing down on my shoulders with a deadly pressure: it was the Sacrum element. Through Zera's will, she manipulated the objects around her.

How did she acquire that power? Only members of the Order possess it. Did Zenith find her? He claimed her as his own, and she accepted?

“Wait! Whatever you’re doing, it’s wrong. Don’t do it! Please, as your friend throughout this entire journey, I beg you.” I screamed desperately, pleading for mercy.

I was unable to move. Its overwhelming power humbled my physical strength. Then the ground shook like an earthquake.

Why, why, why again!? Why are you doing this to me, Zera? What happened? Why did you change your mind about me so quickly? I knew you hated me, but how did it come to this?

The ground fractured beneath my feet. Above me, the sky unfolded: the Hall levitated hundreds of meters above the ground, defying my understanding.

“You’ve caused enough suffering for everyone, Darek. You deserve to rest.” She exclaimed.

The cold air hit me with an overwhelming force, penetrating my soul. I felt the muscles in my body twitch in panic.

How is this possible? Where’s the kind Zera I knew? Gentle and sweet, willing to help others. Does she think I’m unworthy of such treatment? That I don’t deserve it?

Then I fell into nothingness, stripped of all hope. Once again, the world betrayed me.

No, it was Zera who did it.