《The Fallen Eden. (Story collection)》


 Eternity Forever

    It started with a small bug or that''s what I remembered. It was short but a very fulfilling life, never in my life again would I ever feel that a week would be so long.


    In my second life I was a fish that feeds on insects. This life was longer than my previous life, but it also made me experience being killed. The one to kill me walked on two legs were large and had fur covering their head and some other parts of the body.


    My third life was that of intelligent creatures which are bipedal underwater and quadrupeds on surface. Our head were covered by tentacles and claws sharp enough to chop trees. We lived as tribe under the rivers that were close to forest. We build curved tunnel-like underground structure with air pockets for the newborn. As the newborn can''t breathe underwater they spend a majority of their time in the structure. Our species gave birth asexually so there was no concept of gender. But, according to your affinity gender were assigned. This life made me feel the pride of being a parent. My child though, was smaller than other newborns was the most energetic. According to chief she had the affinity to become a water Elf. Water Elf were a sub species of Elf and High Elf but, it was still a higher species of us Merlock. And if enough records were collected she could even become a half Elf.


    I FELT PROUD, SO PROUD AND HAPPY THAT MY DAUGHTER COULD BECOME A HIGHER SPECIES A SPECIES BETTER THAN US.


    Yes, she could have become a higher species. If, only those bipedal being from my previous life didn''t attack us.


    They were similar to Elf but had round ears and were ugly, in other words they were humans.


    While fighting to protect my child I was killed by the hands of a human. I realized how short a life could be, though I learned the pride of being a parent, I also felt the bitter sadness and regret of seeing my child death. But, the most intense of them all was the feelings of despise. I despised them.


    THE HUMANS WHO ATTACKED US,


    THE MAN WHO KILLED ME,


    THE MAN WHO KILLED MY DAUGHTER,


    ALL OF THEM, I DESPISED THEM ALL.


    WITH THE VOW TO KILL THEM ALL I ETCHED THEIR FACES IN MY MEMORY.


    I spend my 4th, 5th, 6th, ........., and 16th rebirth killing all the people responsible for the attack at my tribe and people related to them. Whether it was a close friend, relative, family, enemy, children every one connected to the death of my daughter was killed, wiping out their entire bloodline till no one to remember them was left.


    Those rebirths were the most lonely rebirth. Even though, since the 3rd rebirth I have been reincarnated into species with higher intellect similar to humans, I, never formed a true bond with anyone. After feeling the pain of losing someone I didn''t want to experience it again.


    In my 17th life I was reborn in the ''Wolf Tribe'' of the anthr¨°potherian species ''Puca'' or that''s what humans called them.


    Puca starts as a lower species each lower species unique to different tribe, slowly rising in ranks by collecting records until we can transform into demi-human called beast man.


    My mother was the leader of this tribe, both caring and strict. When she was taking the role of a mother she was more caring than strict. But when she played the role of a leader she was the strictest leader easily among all the leaders who came before her, though it has not been that long since I was reborn ed again I was still fond of her.


    But yet again humans attacked the village of our tribe. I came to an understanding through my rebirths that humans are monster, monsters driven by greed to kill, to betray and to attack others. So much so that they don''t even care about their own species.


    I was the last to survive. Surviving due to my small build of a pup. But, it was only to extend the inevitable. I was wounded badly if not by being killed I would die again due to heavy blood loss and continue this heinous cycle of life and death, or, so I had thought.


    Before I lost my consciousness I saw a human, though smaller than the one attacking our village the one in front of me was unmistakably a human with a weird red hood covering the face.


    ''So that''s how it is. Again dying by the hands of a hu.....''


    Before I realized I was already unconscious.


    In my dream I felt warm just like how most of my rebirths have been. Starting from the warmth of the womb to the painful birth process.


    But, something felt different, a hand was softly brushing my head. From my senses I could feel that the heart of the person brushing my head was full of warmth and care.


    ''Just like my mother from my 17th rebirth.''


    Few days later when I could move and see again I found myself in a small cottage.


    ¡°Ah, ob udzil¨¦s sie.¡±


    I heard a high pitch voice coming from behind me. I turned around and saw a small built human with weird red hood.


    ''Isn''t she the human I saw before I fell unconscious.''


    I looked around checking my body to find it all parched up.


    ''This human........... Did she help me? Why?''


    She suddenly started to come closer to me, I was scared and took a step back. In the end she was the faster one. She looked at my wounds and patted my head showing her teeth.


    ¡°Teraz, teraz, nie ruszaj sie za bardzo.¡±


    Though I didn''t know her language, her body language told me what she meant.


    *Stay still or you will die.*


    ''Huh! Die? What does she think of me.''


    (A cute animal probably.)


    (Writer: she actually meant stay still so that the wounds doesn''t open again.)


    ¡°Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!¡± I growled at her in the most intimidating way but, she just kept showing her teeth.


    It started to scare me, so I tried to take a step back but all my strength was gone, immediately collapsing on the ground and slowly losing my consciousness.


    The human looked flustered and scared. I blacked out.


    When I woke up she was taking care of my wounds and bandages.


    ''Feels weird.''


    What I knew about humans was indeed true, they were selfish and greedy being but, ...


    Then.....then how? How can those greedy and selfish being had such warm and loving care to them.


    I was confused, disgusted and doubtful, why was she helping me? The human I knew can kill their own kin to save their kin, so why? Or did I ever tried to learn more about the human?


    Soon those questions were left behind. Ironically the sense of happiness I lost due to humans was reawakened by another human. Her name was Raphi (Peace).


    She didn''t treat me like a pet but like a companion, her family. If only her brother was also as truthful to his feelings like his sister. Heriam (devoted to God)the elder brother of Raphi would act all tough in front of his sister saying stuff like ¡°Cute things are for kids.¡±


    But he sure did love playing with me when no one is around. He talked with me about various things. Like how the red hood Raphi wore was from their grandmother was being helped by a wolf who could turn into a human but, the man wolf failed in the end or that how Raphi always used to sneak out into the forest saying that she will find the legendary wolf tribe of ''Puca''. How her favorite food is apple pork pie which according to his is absolutely disgusting. How he wanted to leave this small village, Kakiri (green). Wanting to settle in the capital of The Fallen Eden, Ekaref (to line or draw well) also called the City of Depictions.


    It''s weird how he mostly talked about his sister but, I suppose that''s how brothers are.


    Like that 15 years had passed, Heriam now entering his mid-thirties and Raphi just celebrated her 22nd birthday.


    Heriam already married at the age of 25 had twins. Now around the age of 14.


    According to the Priest of our village, the twin have high affinity for being a Priest as they both have strong soul Priest were a luxury job for commoners like Heriam as the cost of education was high. But as long as the candidate was promising the fees could be reduced or even be free of cost.


    According to the book Raphi read me, Elanor and Abdiel (the twins, Elanor=sun and Abdiel=dark moon).


    At the beginning humans used to have immortality, living happily in Heaven more precisely ''Eden The Land'', the lowest Heaven. Being immortal they didn''t age nor got killed by normal means. But, as time passed they grew ambitious and arrogant. They wanted more, so they attacked ''Zamari The Mountain'', the middle Heaven where Angels resided.


    Trying to complete the ritual of Eclipse, so they could become similar to God. The ritual required for them to eat both the Forbidden fruit and the Symbolic fruit.


    The Forbidden fruit would give them immense wisdom and knowledge in exchange for their morality or getting their view on good and evil distorted and their immortality stripped away but the Symbolic fruit would return their immortality.


    In the end they failed, only able to acquire the Forbidden fruit. Losing both their immortality and the right to live in Heaven.


    That''s the day when Eden The Land fell from Heaven and was renamed, The Fallen Eden.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Since making contact with Heaven was now impossible for normal human. Priest thus became a luxury job, since only they had the right and ability to deliver Heaven''s will and could easily be of a higher status than nobles, even The King has to pay respect to the middle rank Priest and above.


    Due to this reason Heriam seemed overjoyed. Well even if they couldn''t become a complete Priest, even Priest in training have the same status as the highest of the lower rank nobles.


    Suddenly I felt someone watching me from above I looked up at the sky but nothing was there '' Could it be The Great Eye.''


    I wondered for a bit then abandoned the thought. Come to think of it I am already an adult and have collected enough records, so why I still can''t transform into demi-human.


    '' I wanted to surprise Raphi.''


    I was drifting in my thoughts Heriam was packing stuff.


    ''Well he needs to give his children better education after all, so like he said to me years ago he is going to settle at the capital of The Fallen Eden, Ekaref.''


    PAT.


    I felt two pairs of hand hugging me. They were the little twins.


    (Actually I am just too big.)


    ¡° Dad I don''t want to leave Kukiri village, I want to live here with Raphriam.¡±


    Yeah, Raphriam is my name. It is the mixture of Raphi meaning peace and Heriam meaning devoted to God. My name on the other hand means To Praise, To Worship, To Fear.


    ¡°Elanor don''t be like that aren''t you wanting to learn arts. Ekaref is also known as The City Of Depictions.¡±


    ¡°What about me, I only like the forest.¡±


    ¡°Not this again Abdiel.¡±


    ''Must be tough raising children at this age. Well, I like these children. In fact, they remind me of my daughter. She ....... Didn''t even go through a naming ceremony.''


    Like that without me realizing 5 more years passed. The children were doing well in the capital and Raphi was now a mother of a handsome baby boy named, Ewan. His father passed away when he was just born. Being a tough woman Raphi somehow managed to recover from the shock but could not do heavy work anymore. This their income and supply of food was cut off. So to help her in this situation I started hunting animals.


    Our life was going peacefully again but, humans had to ruin it again.


    One day returning from my hunt it saw our house being burned down by the villagers.


    "Kill her and her child, she is a Baldm witch. The source of all our miseries."


    "She killed her husband to acquire more power from the devil. BURN HER TO ASHES!!!"


    "She is the reason for the drought in our village. We must burn her down."


    WHY?WHY?WHY?WHYWASTHISHAPPENING?


    What was going on with the villagers. Some accusing her of being a witch while some of her killing her husband and the Priest from the rear was instigating them.


    I rushed towards the burning house to save Raphi and Ewan.


    "It''s the Baldm witch''s familiar. KILL IT!!"


    I didn''t care about any of them, after killing some villager the mob stopped chasing me. I wanted to save my family.


    When I reached there I was late. Raphi was bleeding severely with burn marks all over his body, it was already too late for her considering she was a normal human. Ewan who was unconscious in her arms looked fine.


    She raised her head and looked towards me smiling, smiling like everything was fine, like this is just a bad dream and when I wake up she would be there smiling like always. She was still wearing her red hood though now it was tattered on the edges. Raphi smiled and asked.


    "Why..are you crying? Don''t worry I am fine. Just take Ewan and run away from here."


    She was not ok.... She was dying and no Priest could or would help her. I silently walked towards her. The records I have collected were crying and burning themselves up bringing a change in my body.


    It first started with my front paw then my face, soon it occurred in my whole body. I was being recreated into a higher species. I realized why I couldn''t turn into a demi-human up until now, I never felt that much hatred towards someone after losing someone dear to me after my 3rd rebirth, never felt the need to kill somebody to help or save someone, but now when I realized whom that someone was, it was already too late.


    Opening my mouth slowly to imitate how humans speak for the first time I talked with Raphi in actuality. My words were genuine thanks for helping me and treating me like a family and I ended my talk with a wishful sentence knowing it would not be true.


    "Raphi I am sure you will be alright so....." It was hard to continue speaking " So please don''t die Raphi."


    She just kept on smiling and joked. "You know how the man wolf was not able to save my grandmother, maybe this was my fate so help Ewan get out of this mess. I have lived my life to the fullest so, now I want to give up this life for my son. My only regret is not being able to see my son grow and ........not being able to talk with you some more."


    I swallowed back all the words I wanted to say after hearing her words. But, her feeling that I could sense we too dark to comprehend, too sad to understand, too regretful to experience and the wish for wanting to live a longer life.


    ''She doesn''t want to die.''


    "You don''t want to die."


    Though I expressed her inner feelings even she knew that it was a miracle that she could even speak. I took Ewan from her arms and stared to leave, I stopped and proclaimed without looking back.


    "I will surely take revenge on the person who caused this, I promise."


    "I''d rather prefer you live your life peacefully."


    I couldn''t see her expression, but I am sure she must be making a smile. But her emotions were telling me something different, she wanted to take revenge but did not ask me as it was dangerous.


    I left. After walking some distance inside the forest the heavy emotions coming out of Raphi came to a halt.


    SHE DIED.


    I fell on my knees while holding the unconscious Ewan. I couldn''t control my emotions but, I couldn''t express it either. After leaving Ewan in a safe space that I made few months ago for the temporary storage of hunted animals I went towards the direction of the burned down house.


    The dead bodies of people who tried to kill me were taken away a while ago. I reached near the body of Raphi and devoured her flesh.


    The wolf tribe once they become a demi-human could access the memory of the dead individual we consumed. Though it was mainly used for passing down information that should not be recorded this method could also be used for investigation.


    *********


    After Raphriam left and my death was around the corner I wanted to embrace death peacefully but, life was not a fairy tale. I wanted to talk with him some more, I wanted to see my son grow up, I wanted to give the Priest who frame me to have the most horrific death...........how much I wanted to live with my family.


    "A-ah I don''t want to die." Those words took a lot of my energy to say out loud.


    ''Why did this happened to me I just rejected that fucking pig of a Priest. Why?! Why was it me?! Please, I want to live........ I want to live with my family. I don''t want to .........''


    *********


    " Bleghhh argh ah-ah-ha ha ha"


    Her last memories were to concentrated oh her dark emotions for me to endure, it was too painful for her to not do anything wrong but still being persecuted.


    "Raphi, that Priest will die the most horrific death. I promise."


    That''s how I got my first names record '' The Value Of Life Before Death.''


    The next day the dead bodies of the Priest and his people who helped him were found in their house.


    Their skin completely peeled off, with chili powder and salt sprinkled on their body. All of their teeth and fingers were cut off and the genitals of the Priest was grounded to paste. His face without his skin showed a horrified expression. According to the doctor his ultimate cause of death was high rush of adrenaline causing heart attack.


    The walls of their room had the same message written on them.


    ¡° I will be praised for I do not discriminate.


    I will be worshiped for I can be anywhere but cannot be found.


    I will be feared for I return evil with evil and good with good.


    Bow, for you are mortals who pretend to be a god in front of a God."


    The news of God descend and punishing of the Priest and his people for false accusations of Raphi being a witch spread like wildfire.


    Their dead bodies never got a funeral and were left hanging outside to rot and be gnawed by crows.


    '' Using the high and mighty tone of a God was effective.''


    I then left the village with Ewan on a journey. He is a real talent for sword but, for some reason he chose spear. The record '' The Value Of Life Before Death'' created by my life story, after fully absorbing I managed to recreate myself into an even higher species of beast man called Little Giant.


    Competitively they were one of the strongest half-blooded species but, they had a life span of a normal human. I also obtained an unknown prophecy while being recreated.


    Ewan became the greatest noble of The Fallen Eden and the right-hand man of the King. I wish she was alive to see all of her son''s achievement.


    I died naturally at the age of 77. This might be a happy ending to this life. This might be my last rebirth, or, so I had wished for.


    But the cycle kept going on and On And ON AND ON AND ON AND ON.


    Till my 2000th rebirth I somehow managed. Sometime born as a present, soldier, farmer, musician, Noble, descendant of Ewan the Great, Prince of Evil, I lived every life possible but after 118,980 years after my rebirth, on my 2001st rebirth I gave up all my memory. I was tired, tired of this life, tired of this gaze following me at my every rebirth, tired.........tired............tired.


    My parents of this rebirth were archaeologist.


    Surprisingly my name for this rebirth was Raphriam. And something that never happened in this land since the fall of Eden occurred. The descent of an Angel.


    I also witness the Angel''s descent. I-I d-don''t know how to describe it, that being been so beautiful yet so hideous, so young yet so old, human like but not so human. That being could not be expressed in words but, if you ask me how I would describe it I would say '' It was full of contradictory essence, full of chaos.''


    The Angel, at whom whoever looked would become crazy and lose control, looked at my direction and gave an expression that seemed to be a wide smile. It was a smile of joy, a smile of pity but above all it was a smile of mockery. And then something flooded my mind, an unknown memory of a past long forgotten by all humans.


    *********


    A man wearing white robe made for the Saints with a halo of fire behind him, holding The Sword Of Perpetual Flame was standing above me. He had a face so beautiful and brilliant that it felt like I was looking at the brightest moon, a voice so sweet that it gave the illusion of savoring the world''s best honey, his eyes were cold yet fierce like they were forged from starlight.


    His voice but was anything but warm. " Eternal is your life not as blessing but, as a curse. Repeat the cycle of life and death for you have committed a grave sin of completing The Eclipse. I curse you in my name that though you might be immortal your body shall die, repeating the cycle of life and death and only if ''HE'' wills, then only can you become an Angel. So repent for ''HE'' whom I serve is benevolent and kind."


    After finishing his monologue he slashed me with his sword. My whole existence was crumbling but for some reason I felt ecstasy instead of fear and pain, like my mind was being corrupted just by hearing his voice. It was like the final call of a devil. Sure I was dying, but I was not gone from this world. I was born as a bug, a fish, a Merlock,............................., a puca,................................................., And finally the current me.


    The overflow of memories that were either forgotten made my head hurt like it was dipped in hot water. Not being able to control my nausea I vomited. It hurt so bad I''d rather not remember that moment ever again. I looked around but nobody seemed to mind me. No it was more like they couldn''t mind my insignificant action they all looked like they were lost in their own dream world the feelings that my senses detected from them was exactly like how I felt after hearing the Angel''s voice. But, why was I not affected?


    I felt chill running down my spine. I on that moment felt someone watching me, I looked up and felt that I saw something.


    ''You'', ''The Presence'',''The Great Eye''. All the Ancient Past that they consisted of, the existence beyond record. I felt their gaze for sure.


    The prophecy that I got after I became Little Giant in my 17th rebirth was now all clear to me.


    Soon the gaze were diverted and the Angel whom I have forgotten about came to me. " Came to complete our promise. Will you become an Angel to escape this cycle."


    I replied hesitantly. "No thanks, I''ll wait here for the Chaos to end."


    The Angel looked flustered by the information but soon gained his composure and inquired back. " Do you know what you just said? If you do don''t you know the consequence? The span of Chaos is almost an eternity, you may well Just become an Angel."


    I was still firm on my choice. The Angel gave up and left with the people who were in a dazed state, and I was left all alone. Soon even the concept of time left this world. But, for some time I wasn''t actually alone, there was still there ''The Great Eye'' who watched me for a long time. But soon, even ''THEY'' left this world.


    Now in the truest sense I was all alone, it wasn''t actually that bad it was more calming than I thought or maybe I just lost my sanity during this long cycle of life and death.


    I looked up at the sky, slowly closing my eyes waiting for the Chaos to end. I don''t know how much time have passed but I do know that as my acquired record told me it was an ''Eternity Forever''.

 Forbidden Paradise "where the world leads me"

    Forbidden Paradise. "Where the world leads me"


    Chapter: 0 "My thoughts on life"


    "In the embrace of eternal oblivion, one finds solace from the monotony of life''s repetitive dance." - Sylvia Evergreen


    It was a chill-inducing winter evening. As always, the streets of the northeastern part of Ekaref were covered in snow, trampled on by travelers and merchants passing through the capital, all in pursuit of paintings and perhaps some good time with the street girls.


    Walking through the streets, I traversed a dark alleyway filled with the pungent smell of stale beer and steak. I met the gaze of the people passing by, their eyes were far from alive, as though all their dreams of a bright future and great opportunities had long been lost in the repetitive day-to-day life.


    For them, no colors remained in this dull world to enjoy, nor the leisure to stay up late at night to gaze at the Moon and its subjects. All that was left for them to gaze upon was a large, emotionless factory building spewing smoke and dumping waste into the river.


    Ahead of me, a young lad, not even twelve, was collecting withered leaves and discarded newspapers. He appeared cheerful despite having a skinny and small build, likely a new scavenger hired by wealthy men or the local government for minimum wage to clean the neighborhood. I was convinced this lad would not live past his mid-twenties if he continued working as a scavenger.


    Looking below the bridge, I saw mud-larks collecting valuables among the piles of garbage on the banks of the Vaisa River. Once a beautiful sight to behold, an inspiration for many famous artists who came to Ekaref, she was now nothing more than a dumping site.


    It was disappointing and depressing to see humans destroying nature to gain whatever conveniences they needed and all I could think of was how similar of a life I have led. Doing anything to gain a better position at work, that was how I lived.


    But having a better-paying and more stable job than those factory workers, who looked like they had risen from random graves, didn''t mean I was enjoying life. In fact, no matter how well-paid I was, enjoyment and life never seemed to fit well in one sentence for me. Being middle class didn''t mean escaping the repetitive daily schedule.


    The only escape for me from this colorless world was books, one of the luxuries us middle class could afford.


    In the end, even they started to feel repetitive.


    Chapter 1 "The book of past"


    When even books started to get repetitive, a change was brought to my life for better or for worse, I didn''t know for sure.


    It was a small book, "The Forbidden Paradise," which I found among the pile of garbage. The cover looked like it was assembled by joining small bricks, trying to mimic a tower. But what raised my curiosity was its title.


    Among youngsters nowadays, novels about religious conspiracies and weird sorcery stories are getting popular. And by the design alone, this book looked similar to most of them.


    After secretly picking it up from the garbage pile, I headed toward my house. After checking the mailbox and confirming that it was empty, I entered my humble abode.


    It was a two-story apartment I shared with my close friend. The second floor belonged to me while the first floor belonged to my friend. Both of us paid half of the bills, thus making the price affordable for both of us.


    I never understood why more people didn''t try this method.


    After entering my room, I lit up the gas lamp on the study table and started reading the book I brought home.


    The book begins with the words of the author.


    *********


    Farewell, dear readers, as I bid goodbye to the world we have traveled together. With gratitude as boundless as the horizons we have painted with words, I thank you for accompanying me through this land of our imagination, both wondrous and mysterious. The time shared shall linger in our halls of memories, where characters danced and dreams took flight.


    And now, as the curtain falls on one chapter, a new narrative begins. Behold, dear friends, a tale rooted in the most ancient of history yet to be observed by the curious eyes of humans.


    Within these pages lie secrets whispered by time itself, waiting to be unveiled by those bold enough to tread the path of yore.


    So, join me once more as we embark on a journey where truth and imagination intertwine, where the past meets the present in a haunting waltz of intrigue and sorrow. Brace yourself, for within these words lies a tale of loss, where every triumph is shrouded by the specter of tragedy, and every step forward carries the weight of inevitable sorrow.


    Let me guide you, not as Raphriam the writer, but as Raphriam the one who happened to tread the path before you.


    (Year of the Elves.)


    *********


    "Did I accidentally steal an antique?!" I exclaimed.


    The Year of the Elves was almost 250 years ago.


    If my memory serves me right, it was the year when the first recorded interracial marriage occurred between the High Priest Abdiel the Dark Moon (a human) and Nilaitha the Guardian of the sea (an extinct humanoid species Elf).


    But, it was named the Year of the Elves 50 years after the marriage. As for this author named Raphriam........... I''ve never heard of him before.


    I was going to continue reading when I heard a shout.


    "Vergil, get down here. There is a letter for you," shouted Nicole Aniston, my housemate.


    I immediately organized my study table, turned off the lamp, and went downstairs only to see the confused expression on Nicole''s face.


    "What''s with your face, Nicole?" I asked in a concerned voice.


    "Who might this Raphriam Abraham and the walker of yore be?" She asked while walking towards me to hand the letter.


    "Raphriam?" My mind went blank for a second.


    CHAPTER 2 "I saw an old story unfold"


    My mind went blank for a second. Wasn''t the author''s name Raphriam? Is somebody playing a trick on me?


    "Why are you dazed? Here''s the letter," Nicole said, handing me the letter.


    I took it from her and carefully removed the wax seal. The letter stated the following:


    [Dear reader, as I see you have brought my book to your humble abode and read up to my final words. I congratulate you for treading the path of yore.


    Though a difficult and horrifying path, it will make you understand the value of the past and the weight of the unknown future. May we meet soon enough at the start of Chaos.


    ¨C Raphriam Abraham, the one who trod the path of yore.]


    The letter was weird, and the contents sounded like nothing more than a bunch of gibberish.


    "Nicole, did you see who sent the letter? Maybe it''s a joke or something," I inquired.


    "No, I don''t know," she protested. "It was there in your mailbox when my parcel arrived." She pointed at the stack of old books kept neatly on her work table. Since she was a historian, she had many old books sent to her for translation purposes. She was pretty knowledgeable too, so I took the chance and asked awkwardly.


    "Um, so if there was..."


    "Was what?" she asked, seemingly excited.


    "Well, if there was a book which had the year of Elves written on it, what could be the reason behind it?"


    "Oh, that. Well, who knows," she replied in an annoyed tone. She paused for some time then continued, "Maybe it''s a fake to scam people into buying it or a translation of a record written or found during the year of the Elves." She didn''t explain further. I was thankful because if she did continue, it would have taken hours before she stopped babbling.


    "Thanks, Nicole." After thanking her, I ran to my room to continue the book.


    *********


    Elves and Giants, the two races being the origin of many magical creatures like the Merlock and the beastman, are a well-known story. But where did ''they'' originate from, and what was this world like before these human-like races, along with humans who fell from Heaven, populated this world? These questions shall be answered in this book.


    Chapter 1: Origin before Genesis.


    Let''s start with the dawn of time, in the age of fire, when Eden still danced in the Heavens. Our world lay barren, devoid of life or even a whisper of a cloud. Humanity, then immortal and towering amidst the celestial splendor, dwelled in a realm beyond our comprehension.


    They celebrated festivals with higher beings on a regular basis. Amidst a festival of revelry, the daughters of man caught the eyes of Angels, beings of divine grace. They took mortal brides, a union that was both a celebration and a tragedy.


    From this union, born of heavenly desire and mortal flesh, came forth a calamity veiled in the guise of fortune.


    As the angelic offspring tore from their mothers'' wombs, spilling forth blood that birthed the witch, a darkness unfurled.


    These children, blessed with celestial might yet bound by mortal frailty, became known as Nephilim ¡ª creatures neither wholly angelic nor wholly human.


    Witnessing this abomination, the Angels cast out the Nephilim and their kin, condemning them to the mortal realm. With them came the Baldm Witches, born of the resentful blood of their mothers. The first of the Nephilims and Baldm Witches were vile, steeped in corruption from the Great Eye, but a second generation emerged, clinging to sanity amidst the Chaos.


    ********


    KNOCK! KNOCK!


    "Vergil, want to have dinner at my place?" I heard Nicole shout, inviting me to dinner at her place. I closed the book and went to have dinner. The next chapter had a pretty good name. "Birth of a Hero," I muttered softly.


    CHAPTER: 3 "The Imaginary Paradise"


    As the dishes were served by Nicole, the air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of roast beef, lamb, goose, and more. Nicole''s eyes sparkled with a look of pride as she took in the feast spread out before us, her smile radiant with affection.


    "Doesn''t it all look wonderful? How do you find my cooking?" she exclaimed, her voice soft with affection. "I''ve been looking forward to this evening for so long. I wanted this evening to be special."


    I nodded absentmindedly, my attention drifting toward what story would unfold next. I watched the flickering candlelight dance across the table, my thoughts wandering as I picked at my food. The flavors seemed to be non-existent as I struggled to focus on the food in front. Above all the romantic settings was not to my liking.


    "Isn''t the roast beef amazing?" She complemented her cooking on and on. "And the lamb, it''s so tender and flavorful. Everything tastes even better when we''re together, don''t you think?"


    I forced a smile, my mind still preoccupied with flickering thoughts. Even though I nodded in agreement, my words felt hollow, my responses lacking the same enthusiasm as her affection.


    As the evening went on, her efforts to express her love became increasingly apparent, her gestures filled with tenderness and care. Yet, my mind was filled with topics related to work and the small book. I knew she liked me but wasn''t sure how I felt about her.


    "Nicole, you seem more excited than usual. Have you fallen in love or something?" I inquired, feigning ignorance toward her feelings.


    "Ummm ... Vergil, how is your work on the delivered documents going?" She asked, clearly dodging my question. I didn''t mind her reaction and replied.


    "Very bad, my supervisor keeps demanding more and more productivity. That pig hogs all of our work, taking all the credit. Well, I am not one to complain, as I too sometimes do that to my juniors." I exaggerated a little bit about my work stories to make the atmosphere more fun, before I knew it, the plates were empty, leaving only oil stains to identify what food was placed there.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "Oh, can you excuse me? The desserts are still in the kitchen." She said while gracefully raising from the table


    "Sure, but may I ask what is the occasion for organizing this luxurious meal?" I asked, curious about what might have made her want to celebrate.


    Nicole flinched at my question, but it was subtle enough for me to not notice it easily.


    "Well, isn''t it normal to have good food once in a while? You looked so tired these days. I just wanted to treat you to a good meal, yes, a good one, since I am your friend and neighbor." She was good at making stuff up, but it was not entirely false either. I have been straining myself just so I could raise my standing in my job.


    "Well, I am pleasantly surprised by your generosity for the friend whom you used to call a creepy bastard a few years ago." I chuckled, while gazing at her.


    "Twice a decade is not a few years, Vergil." She said before pausing then continued. " It''s enough time to change a person''s heart, mind, and soul. Even turning a creepy little bastard like you into a fine gentleman." She joked back.


    "Well, I''ll take that as a complement." The tension from before and her vain attempt to woo me slowly subsided.


    "Hah, you are still so dumb, just like how you were two decades ago."


    "Well, one thing has changed for sure over these past few years." I grinned.


    "What?" She asked, seemingly expectant.


    "Well, for starters, I am richer than you."


    SLAPP!!


    After hearing my answer, she slapped my back. It was painful, so much so that I was gasping for air and the food I ate was trying to exit from the wrong hole.


    "Gasp ha ha ha, what was that for?" I asked her, shocked by her slap and the disaster of what the slap could have caused.


    "Well, I don''t know, it just moved on reflex." She defended, trying to act cute.


    "If trying to kill someone is a reflex, then you sure have one hell of a reflex." I retorted unable to keep my calm.


    "Thanks for the compliment." She spoke cheerfully.


    "That was not a compliment. Please, can you go and get the dessert while I try not to puke on your table." I had to make some space to breathe before I could keep my cool.


    "Sure thing." She replied and left like a wind and returned like a squirrel.


    ''Wait, is this Angel''s tear?'' the teardrop logo on the box of sweets looked familiar.


    "Did you rob a bank or something? How did you afford this?" I inquired, seriously questioning the character of my friend.


    "That is not the case. I just got a decent amount for the translation of one of my clients'' books." She said while putting on a disappointed look.


    I took one of the sweets from the box and tasted it.


    ''Ohhhhhhhh!! Who under Heaven could bake something so delicious?''


    "I am happy you like it." Nicole laughed while looking at me.


    "Was I that obvious?" I asked seemingly confused by her ability to see through others.


    "Come on, you are literally crying tears of joy." She exclaimed pointing my eyes.


    I rubbed my face and found tear rooling down.


    "That''s the reason why it''s called Angel''s tear, I guess." I tried to sound funny only to make a joke out of myself.


    There was a short silence and after a while, we both burst into laughter releasing all the tension between us.


    CHAPTER: 4 "Work"


    It was dark, it was cold. There was nothing in this vast space no matter where my eyes gazed. It was an eternal darkness. I couldn''t feel my body, nor could I tell if my eyes were open or closed. I was there, but I didn''t have proof that I existed.


    Then, in this vast expanse of nothingness, I saw a light¡ªa bright light. But instead of warmth, it gave an eerie coldness. I looked closer and realized that the light was not from flames or Sun, but came from a giant distorted...


    "Fuaaaaghhhh!!!!!!" I sprang up from my bed, awake and covered in sweat.


    "What was that dream?" I questioned myself, but the memory of the dream had already faded too much to remember.


    As I staggered to the bathroom my heart still beating at a fast pace due to fear, I wiped the sweat from my brow, I quickly washing myself in the bathroom.


    Knock! Knock!


    "Vergil, are you alright? Hey, Vergil, what happened?" Nicole shouted while banging on the door.


    I opened the door after wearing a formal shirt and black pants.


    "Ah, sorry for making you worried. Well, you see, I just had a nightmare and nothing else." I apologized to her feeling the regret of making her worry while searching for my long coat, hat, and leather satchel.


    "Oh, is that it? I thought you got food poisoning from eating my food. I''m glad that''s not the case." she laughed it off, though there was a slight disappointment in her face.


    "Well, I gotta go for my work then. See ya in the evening. And thanks for checking after me. " I bid her farewell for now.


    *********


    As the misty dawn broke over the cobbled streets of Ekaref the snow which covered the streets yesterday now completely vanished, I emerged from the narrow alleyway. Putting a sturdy bowler hat atop my head and hanging a worn leather satchel over my shoulder, I set off briskly towards my place of employment.


    My occupation as a document clerk at the esteemed firm of Ewans & Co. was a position of moderate importance, situated just below the upper echelons of the office hierarchy. While it did not afford me the fancy lifestyle of the city''s elite, it provided me with a respectable income and a sense of pride.


    Approaching the imposing red-brick facade of the Ewans & co. Building, I paused for a moment to admire its grandeur. Tall arched windows loomed above, their panes glinting in the early morning light. No matter how many times I see this sight I never get tired of it. But, despite its imposing exterior, the building buzzed with activity, a testament to the industrious spirit of Ekaref''s commerce.


    With a polite nod to the old doorman, I stepped into the bustling lobby, the air thick with the scent of polished wood and fine tobacco. The sound of typewriters clicking and bustling footsteps filled the air as clerks hurried to and fro, their tails and top hats bobbing with each hurried step.


    Making my way to the elevator, one of the few pieces of technology I am glad was created, I joined a small group of colleagues, exchanging polite nods and murmured greetings as we ascended to the upper floors. The journey was brief but filled with anticipation, each floor bringing me closer to another day''s work.


    Arriving on the fourth floor, I made my way to the cramped cubicle, which I called mine, nestled amongst rows of similarly appointed workstations. The space was cluttered with stacks of parchment and inkpot, a testament to the ceaseless tide of paperwork that flowed through the firm.


    Settling into my chair, I began my daily routine, meticulously examining each document with a keen eye for detail. My quill dancing across the page with practiced precision, making corrections and annotations with a flourish.


    As the hours passed, the steady rhythm of scratching quills and shuffling papers filled the air, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of crinoline skirts or the distant clatter of a passing carriage. Despite the monotony of the work, I found solace in the routine, a sense of purpose in knowing that I played a vital role in the workings of the firm.


    And so, as the gas lamps flickered to life and the shadows lengthened across the office floor, I packed away my quill and parchment, the weight of another day''s work lifting from my weary shoulders.


    Though my station in life may not have afforded me the lavish comforts of the aristocracy, it provided me with something far more valuable: a sense of superiority among my fellow companions.


    CHAPTER: 5 "Conquest"


    As I haggard down the streets, tired from the whole day of editing documents, my mind kept wandering about the book. The feeling of wanting to know more of what happened in the story rushed over me. Well, after all, that book was my only hobby. As I was rushing towards my home, I saw Nicole exiting the house.


    "Nicole, are you going somewhere?" I asked her, noticing she was wearing a dress meant for traveling in the depths of the forest.


    "Hey Vergil, I''m headed to one of Dunn Agres''s excavation sites. He thinks he''s onto something big." she replied, smiling brightly.


    "Well, don''t stay out for too long. Who knows what other men might do to you." I joked, with a grin plastered on my face.


    "I am confident that I have never met a person more suspicious than you, Mr. Vergil Collins." she retorted before leaving for the site. Well, she is not completely wrong.


    After confirming that my mailbox was empty, I entered my home, organizing my table before turning on the gas lamp to continue reading the story.


    *********


    Chapter: 2 - Birth of a Hero.


    The second generation, though they clung to their sanity, were not immune to corruption. Their sanity was on the verge of collapse all the time. War erupted among colonies of the Nephilim, each vying for dominance over the other.


    In the battlefield, the blood of Nephilim stained the earth, mixing with the soil to give rise to the first plant - a magical being destined to grow into a towering tree, its branches reaching the heavens. Though it was small in stature in the beginning, this magical plant possessed properties that made the earth fertile, giving birth to different flora around the world. Its precipitation formed clouds that bestowed life-sustaining rain upon the land below.


    Then, through the blessings of the tree, a warrior was born in this world of war and bloodshed. A great warrior respected by all, his real name long-lost in the sands of time. Wielding his influence and calling upon the mystical plant, now revered as Perpetual Grace, he quelled the century-old war.


    After the end of the war, whispers of prophecy started spreading, and Nephilims, being of divine descent, had the ability to obtain those prophecies. The warrior, now known as Carnus of End, spoke of the end of the world, the beginning of chaos, and the rise of a new god; proclaiming that the god they served was once a creation like them, he expressed his desire for ascension to divinity and the ambition to claim the heavens as his own domain.


    *********


    As I read the ending line, I felt weird.


    "Calling God a mere creation was too offensive, even in this era. How did the author even lived long enough to write the book?" I muttered.


    And as I checked the time on my pocket watch, I realized it was already half past eleven.


    The soft click of the cap of the pocket watch echoed through the room as I prepared to enter my dreamland. That''s when I heard a loud shout from downstairs.


    "Vergil, you are not asleep yet, right? If so, can you help me carry these books? They are too heavy for me to carry alone," Nicole shouted by the door.


    "Wait for me there!" I exclaimed.


    I quickly went downstairs after putting on clothes decent enough to not make me look like an exhibitionist.


    As soon as I opened the door, my mind went numb for a second.


    ''Was Nicole this beautiful?'' I wondered.


    We have been living in the same house for so long yet I never felt such tension seeing her.


    "Nicole, tell me the truth. You didn''t start doing witchcraft, right?" I questioned her raising an eyebrow.


    "Haha, witchcraft? Where did that come from? No, just hauling some heavy books," Nicole replied, shaking her head with a grin.


    "No, nothing specific ." I replied, trying to push away the intrusive thought in my head.


    Now that I look around properly, was the world this much vibrant? As I helped her carry the books, my mind, for the first time, was not occupied with thoughts about my work and the book; It was as if I was in the present for real.


    "What are you wondering about, Vergil? Or did I disturb you when you were about to sleep?" Nicole asked politely looking concerned.


    "No, actually, I was just overthinking something. Oh, and I think you look more beautiful than usual." I complemented her.


    "Oh! Vergil, is this what those old ladies call a late bloomer?" She was grinning widely then continued. "Well, I don''t think I look different though."


    It doesn''t matter what the problem was, but to me, the world looked beautiful. As we went to pick up the last stack of books, I looked at the sky, feeling someone''s gaze, but couldn''t find the origin of the feeling.


    "Isn''t the moon beautiful," Nicole said while looking at the sky, the full moon was illuminating the night sky with little stars surrounding him, it was beautiful.


    "How long has it been since we got the chance to gaze at the moon and its little subjects?" I replied to her now completely immersed in the night sky.


    "''Little subjects''. Pffft, Vergil, I didn''t know you were such a childish person." she said, smiling just like usual. But something was different this time; this time I enjoyed seeing her smile like that.


    CHAPTER: 6 "Eclipse"


    Weeks went by like the flow of a river, the Vaisa and the factory building still looked depressing, but there was a change in me that made my life not as colorless as before. I was found happiness my day to day life.


    I no longer felt the need to prove my existence, my purpose of life. I felt free from the monotony of life, but the more free I felt the more empty it was for me. I couldn''t understand what it was, just that the feeling of fulfillment I got by proving my existence day to day wasn''t found anymore.


    Isn''t it ironic? No matter how much a human yearn for freedom, they always find themselves trapped by one thing or another. It''s as though we''re made to seek out our own shackles, willingly trading our liberty for the comfort of familiarity our daily suffering brings.


    Well, that''s what I want to because I am happy right now, happier than I ever was, maybe happier than I ever will be.


    Reaching home, I saw Nicole working on the books her unconventional short hair completely messy, but to me it still looked good, I once again opened the book, this time it was the final chapter of the story.


    *********


    Final chapter- Forgotten conquest.


    The conquest was still a long way, and Carnus surely knew something that other Nephilims didn''t, though burden by the weight he summoned the second generation of Nephilim to build a tower. A colossal tower reaching Heavens, naming it Peniel.


    Despite his ambition he looked not that keen to rush the work and each passing day made him frown even more.


    As days went by the third generation of Nephilim flourished, though small in stature compared to their predecessors, they had the blessings of being immune to the corruption that plagued their ancestor caused by the Great Eye.


    After a span of a century, Peniel neared completion, it''s silhouette a symbol of Carnus''s ambition.


    Before entering the hollowed halls of the tower alongside his loyal kin, Carnus made a decision of leaving behind the third generation. Deeming the involvement of the future generation too dangerous and unjust. Thus, they bid good-bye at the foot of the tower.


    Before entering the halls Carnus felt a gaze from above the sky, the origin unknown to him, but he knew what it was since the gaze was from a being that everyone believes in, a being whom even God revered to ''The Presence'' ''The Great Eye''.


    As the Nephilim''s ascent near completion, The God, discerned their plot. Sacrificing all records of his existence, the God gained the authority of Creator, offering his own essence in exchange.


    In this act of punishment, the tower became a prison trapping the second generation within its confines, transforming them into soulless monstrosities.


    Carnus already transcending mortal bounds, evaded a fate of becoming a mindless monster, but was still trapped within the tower''s grip.


    Atop the unfinished tower, by his desolate throne. He gazed towards the dying God whom he hated, towards Heaven which he sought after. His eyes now fixed upon the divine realm he once coveted, now lack that divine presence he once felt.


    In silent lamentation, he wondered why? Grappling with the futility of his ambition amidts the hole left by the now dead deity.


    "Why go to such lengths only to perish?" He implored, his words echoing in the void, unanswered by the absent God.


    For the only God of this world has breathed his last, leaving Carnus to confront the harsh reality of his lone quest.


    Thus, came his end, his own Forbidden Paradise.


    *********


    As the final words of the story faded from the pages, I realized I have completed the book, I was confused. That''s it? This is the end?


    Suddenly, I felt the world go silent, an eerie silence descending upon this world. Panic gripped me when I realized that the noise of bustling life outside my home had faded into silence. The once familiar sound of people and cabs bustling on the road vanished along with the presence of Nicole working on the book downstairs, leaving no traces behind. I was all alone.


    Looking out of the window, I was struck with horror as the world outside was slowly being consumed by an encroaching darkness, eclipsing the once warm embrace of the sun.


    As I raised my head higher towards the sky a grotesque spectacle greeted my gaze ¡ª a colossal distorted eye composed of writhing mass of maggots and twisting tentacles gazing over this world.


    Attempting to steady my trembling hand, I tried to grab onto anything, almost collapsing from the shock.


    The small book I had recently finished took on a life of its own, it''s pages unfurling to reveal newly forming text, as if inscribing itself real-time.


    [In the quite of the fading world,]


    The text brought shiver down my spine. Frantically I fled, fleeing from this encroaching darkness, a scream full of madness escaping my lips. Desperate to evade both the looming eye and the darkness it heralded, I screamed for help.


    [As our memories slip away, let us cling to hope.]


    Though, the book no by my side I could feel the text.


    I ran as fast as I could but wherever I went darkness followed.


    [Though darkness now reigns, let us believe that the light will return. So do not fear.]


    Wherever I looked no sign of life could be seen. Only the gaze of that large, hedious distorted eye hanging on the sky could be felt over the desolate landscape.


    [For even in the depths of despair,]


    The text persisted, as if mocking me for my futile attempt. Suddenly my will to run vanished.


    While the darkness tried to swallow me, I clunged to the remnants of this shattered world. But with each passing moment, the darkness grew thicker. The Vaisa, the emotionless factory building that was so disappointing and depressing to me few months ago now felt like a part of my life I couldn''t let go of. As the darkness completely enveloped me, I opened my eyes in the empty void. Realizing what I had perceived as reality was merely a recollection, a fragment of a past long gone, the only one left behind being me and that large, hideous eye above me.


    At first terrifying me now it was the only company I had, but even that Eye departed from this void. My mind gave up on living, and as echoes of my memories faded little by little, I surrendered to the darkness, surrendered to my mind which couldn''t bear this loneliness and finally as I closed my eyes, I heard the conclusion of the book.


    [For even in the end of the world, oblivion is our own desired Forbidden Paradise.]


    The conclusion echoed in the plain of nothingness. No one sentient enough to understand the words, but to me it was my conclusion, my end and my own "Forbidden Paradise."