P0.2 - A Symphony of Sorrow

The Birth of the Unborn

1.1 - Echoes of Destiny

1 - Battle in the Twilight

2 - Battle in the Twilight (2)

&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;img src=&#x22;https://i.ibb.co/R98wpHH/maxresdefault-1684492411619.jpg&#x22;&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The waiting room, nestled within the heart of the Holy Church&#x2019;s stronghold, exuded an atmosphere of quiet anticipation and subdued sorrow. Its walls rose tall and imposing, adorned with intricately woven tapestries depicting scenes of bravery and devotion. Soft candlelights encapsulated the space in a gentle glow, casting dancing shadows upon the polished marble floor. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;As grieving parents gathered, their melancholic expressions and somber gazes reflected the weight of their shared sorrow. The room was adorned with comfortable, yet modest furnishings, providing a semblance of solace amidst the anguish. Plush velvet chairs and wooden benches were arranged in small clusters, allowing for quiet conversations and mutual support.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;A large, ornate window stretched across one wall, overlooking a courtyard where white roses bloomed, their petals a stark contrast against the bleak backdrop of sorrow, while the other windows&#x27; stained glass&#x2019; panels displayed scenes of hope and salvation, serving as a reminder of the righteous purpose the fallen Knights served. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Amidst the sea of mourning parents, Eldric stood out, a figure of profound sorrow. His long, dark brown hair cascaded down his slim face, framing his somber brown eyes that seemed to hold an unfathomable depth of melancholy. His slender frame mirrored the heaviness in his heart, as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;In the midst of his fellow grieving parents, Eldric appeared detached from the realm of emotions. On this particular day, however, it was as if the very concept of feeling had been drained from him entirely. His eyes, once vibrant, now held a profound emptiness that mirrored the void left by the loss of his sons, Donathan and Serpio.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Clad in a black robe, Eldric and the other grieving parents wore the shroud of mourn that wrapped around their souls. The darkness of their attire matched the depths of their grief, as they prepared to partake in the solemn ceremony known as the Knights&#x27; Requiem. It was a ritual of remembrance and reverence, a sacred occasion where the fallen Knights were honored and their spirits blessed by The Light, guiding them on their journey through the ethereal Continuum.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;As the minutes ticked by, the solemn Requiem commenced, casting a haunting veil of melancholy over the gathering. With measured steps, a young woman with a slender frame entered the chamber, her presence almost ethereal. Her pale complexion seemed to blend with the pallor of sorrow that clung to the air. Eyes closed, she held a delicate flute to her lips, coaxing forth mournful melodies that danced upon the somber notes of the atmosphere.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The haunting harmony woven by her skillful fingers reached out, embracing the hearts of all those present. Each note carried the weight of grief and longing, resonating deep within the souls of the grieving parents. The music&#x27;s lament filled the chamber, echoing through the air like whispers of forgotten sorrows.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;At either side of the open door, two towering guards stood watch, their imposing figures a stark contrast to the delicate melody that floated in the air. They served as sentinels, their presence a solemn reminder of the sacredness of the occasion. With a silent nod, their unspoken permission granted the grieving parents access to the revered Shrine of the Dead.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The vast Shrine was adorned with towering marble columns, their surfaces etched with intricate carvings depicting symbols of divinity. Faint sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting a dim light on the polished marble floor.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;At the heart of the Shrine lay the nave, rows of wooden pews filled the expanse, providing seating for the mourning parents. The air was thick with burning incense, its tendrils magically weaving through the air, creating an ethereal ambiance.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Amidst the hushed whispers and stifled sobs, Eldric&#x27;s attention was drawn to the anguished figure of Cassius&#x27; mother. Overwhelmed by the weight of her loss, she collapsed to her knees, her cries echoing through the hall, carrying the raw essence of despair. Though those around her reached out in futile attempts to console her, their words seemed to dissipate in the air, unable to mend the shattered fragments of her heart. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;As the mourners sought solace in their shared sorrow, the atmosphere shifted with the arrival of the Herald of Remembrance. Flanked by two guards, their somber presence commanding respect, the Herald was accompanied by the enigmatic lady with the haunting flute. Together, they made their way toward the front of the nave, their measured steps mirroring the solemnity of the occasion.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;At the pinnacle of the nave, an altar stood as a focal point of reverence. Adorned with pristine white lilies, their petals representing purity amidst the darkness, and flickering candles that cast dancing shadows upon the platform, the altar exuded a sense of sacredness. Resting upon it was a golden symbol, a humanoid statue representing The Light, its radiant surface glimmering softly in the gentle illumination. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Breaking the silence, the Herald stepped forward, his voice resonating with solemn authority. &#x22;Today, we gather to mourn our fallen Knights,&#x22; he declared, his words carrying a weight of both sorrow and reverence. &#x22;Let us turn to Him, who comprehends what our mortal minds cannot. In the depths of our sorrowful hearts, we shall guide the departed souls along the sacred Flow of Luminosity, leading them into the eternal embrace of the Continuum, where they shall forever watch over us.&#x22; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;With these words lingering in the air like whispered prayers, the Herald signaled the commencement of the Knights&#x27; Requiem. The chamber held its breath, embracing a hushed stillness. And then, as if summoned by the very essence of grief, the lady with the flute began to sing.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Her voice, ethereal and angelic, soared through the chamber, intertwining with the currents of sorrow that saturated the atmosphere. Each note she unleashed carried the weight of their collective loss and remembrance, an elegy of longing and acceptance. Her mournful melodies washed over the grieving parents, wrapping around their hearts like a comforting shroud.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Through her melancholic yet serene song, she channeled the pain and yearning of those present, creating a bridge between the realms of the living and the departed. Her voice, like a beacon in the darkness, guided the souls of the fallen Knights, resonating with their spirit as they embarked on their eternal journey.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Amidst the congregation, the Herald closed his eyes in deep prayer. His voice resonated with authority and conviction as he offered the final prayer, beseeching The Light for solace and guidance. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;As the Requiem reached its crescendo, a profound sense of earnestness filled the sanctuary. The Knights and grievers bowed their heads, their hands clasped in prayer, joining their voices in unison. Their whispered prayers blended together, a chorus of sorrow and gratitude to the lost Knights. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Eldric&#x27;s heart remained shrouded in the suffocating grip of melancholy, seemingly impervious to the solace offered by the Requiem and the collective prayers. The haunting melodies and whispered supplications, though meant to console, seemed to falter in reaching the depths of his grief. His gaze remained fixed upon the ground, his eyes cast downward in a silent, desolate contemplation. It was as if his very essence had retreated into an inner realm, disconnected from the world surrounding him. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Within the sanctuary, where the melodies of lamentation intertwined with the fervent prayers, Eldric stood as a silent figure, absent in both body and spirit. The weight of his loss had rendered him distant, as if his mind had wandered into a realm where pain and memories intertwined, leaving him emotionally detached from the present moment. His gaze, devoid of its former light, held no focus, as if it gazed past the tangible world and into the realm of his own profound sorrow. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Minutes passed until finally, a subtle shift occurred. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he lifted his head, his gaze shifting from the ground to fixate upon the golden humanoid statue that symbolized The Light. The statue, bathed in the gentle glow of flickering candles, seemed to radiate a faint warmth, yet it failed to penetrate the depths of Eldric&#x27;s grief.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;In the recesses of his mind, a quiet voice whispered, a melancholic thought that echoed through the emptiness within him.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E; (My purpose...)&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;(...has gone...)&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;These words echoed silently within the chambers of his heart. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The profound absence of his sons had left him adrift, untethered from the sense of purpose and direction that had once guided his steps.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;As the hour of the Requiem&#x27;s lament drew to a close, Eldric&#x27;s stillness gave way to a wordless resolve. Rising from his seat, he navigated through the sea of grieving parents, their desperate embraces and feeble words of solace barely reaching his ears. He moved past them, a ghostly presence amidst the sorrowful congregation.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;img src=&#x22;https://i.ibb.co/qCWPJ4W/508685-arches-architecture.jpg&#x22;&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Passing through the door that marked the boundary between the Shrine and the hall, Eldric found himself bathed in a dim, filtered light emanating from the adjacent door. Its feeble glow held a strange allure, captivating his attention. Within that subdued illumination, a malevolent serenity seemed to stir within him, a paradoxical blend of darkness and peace. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The atmosphere in the hall outside the sanctuary mirrored Eldric&#x27;s disconnection from the physical realm. A palpable stillness settled over the space, as if the very air whispered silent elegies in response to the profound loss that lingered within Eldric&#x27;s heart. The world around him appeared faded, distant, as though he had become a mere observer of his own existence, detached from the realm of tangible emotions. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Without uttering a single word, Eldric traversed the threshold of the hall, stepping forward on his solitary path. Each footfall carried him further away from the collective mourning, as he embarked on a solitary journey towards his abode. The weight of his sorrow remained with him, an indelible companion, as he moved with a quiet determination through the hall.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Within the confines of Eldric&#x27;s abode, as rain cascaded down upon them, a haunting encounter awaited him at his doorstep. Standing before him, drenched by the downpour, was a young man whose golden blonde hair clung to his face, concealing his features. His tattered attire merged seamlessly with the gloomy atmosphere that encapsulated the air.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Eldric&#x27;s internal equilibrium shattered upon locking eyes with the silent figure before him. Words escaped him as he stood transfixed, momentarily paralyzed by the weight of the encounter. With a heavy sigh, he averted his gaze once more and wordlessly passed by the young man, their footsteps resounding on the rain-soaked ground. &#x22;Come, Gratien.&#x22;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Crossing the threshold into the dimly lit abode, their wet boots stained the floor, leaving traces of their somber entrance. Eldric reached for a relic of the past, Serpio&#x27;s old sword, its blade marred by a few lingering specks of blood. With a mixture of resignation and determination, he extended the weapon to the young man, Gratien, breaking the oppressive silence with his monotone voice. &#x22;It is time to take your revenge.&#x22; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Gratien, his face still veiled by the strands of wet hair, nodded silently in understanding. Without hesitation, he struck Eldric&#x27;s heart with a swift, chilling motion. Eldric&#x27;s eyes drifted away, his body collapsing onto his knees, his grip desperately clinging to the sword. As Gratien withdrew the blade, a visceral sound accompanied by Eldric&#x27;s gasp. Eldric&#x27;s frail form quivered as Gratien readied himself for another strike. With a resolute determination, he plunged the sword into Eldric once more. Crimson lifeblood spilled onto the floor, intermingling with the profound sorrow that saturated the room. A strained grunt escaped Gratien as he, too, fell onto his knees, his hands stained with Eldric&#x27;s crimson blood. His broken voice shattered the silence that enveloped them.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x22;See, Serpio, I did it... I killed your Devil... Why, why are you not here with me, Serpio... My hands, my knees, my attire is now covered by your father&#x27;s blood. Would you be angry at me if you knew about this? What would you do if you saw me in this very position, Serpio? Why did you not ask me for help? This... this is your fault. Yes, your... fault... Serpio, are you proud of me? Please, be proud of me, Serpio...&#x22; &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p class=&#x22;ql-align-center&#x22;&#x3E;Eldric, a father plagued by his own demons, had subjected his sons, Donathan and Serpio, to severe mental and physical abuse. The trauma inflicted upon them reached unimaginable depths, forged by the anguish of their mother&#x27;s tragic demise and Eldric&#x27;s descent into madness. Within the twisted confines of their shared existence, the boys yearned for their father&#x27;s approval, convinced that earning his fleeting validation constituted their sole purpose in life. Eldric&#x27;s instability rendered him incapable of providing the love and guidance his sons so desperately craved, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that seemed inescapable. In the face of his relentless torment, Serpio&#x27;s closest friend, Gratien, yearned for a life free from Eldric&#x27;s clutches, recognizing the depths of their shared suffering. But Serpio&#x27;s own distorted perspective led him to believe that enduring his father&#x27;s abuse was a just punishment he deserved, an insidious belief carefully cultivated by Eldric&#x27;s manipulative control.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p class=&#x22;ql-align-center&#x22;&#x3E;Now, in the aftermath of their tragic demise, Gratien perceived Eldric as the catalyst for their suffering, the embodiment of all their pain. The opportunity for vengeance, long harbored within his heart, had finally presented itself. With each blow struck, Gratien believed he was fulfilling a destiny intertwined with Serpio&#x27;s, a release from the shackles of their shared torment.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p class=&#x22;ql-align-center&#x22;&#x3E;In this final act of haunting, somber darkness, the abode bore witness to the culmination of a tortured existence. The blood-soaked floor mirrored the culmination of a lifetime of anguish, as Gratien&#x27;s final act played out amid the echoes of silence and shattered dreams. Eldric, consumed by his own demons, now lay lifeless, a vessel for the collective pain he had inflicted upon those he should have loved and protected. The mournful shadows enveloped the room, their melancholic embrace offering a bleak testament to the tragic legacy of a family, long broken, fallen into the depths of the abyss.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;strong&#x3E;Where The Light is worshipped in a world full of darkness.&#x3C;/strong&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;In the world of Aradon, the Child of Darkness had been incarnated out of the womb of the Mother of Desolation. He is not entirely human, as he was the destined manifestation of humanity&#x2019;s worst desires and sins, which led him to become the one to salvage humanity, by being killed with the Sword of Virtue. The banished Child of Darkness seeks vengeance against Vaelen, the formidable leader of the Holy Church. The Child&#x27;s existence itself is an enigma&#x2014;a contradiction of the Light, yet destined to play a crucial role in the grand tapestry of fate.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Amidst the clash of ideals, his relentless pursuit of Vaelen, the charismatic leader of the Holy Church, becomes a dance of shadows and illumination. His journey, intertwined with the fate of Aradon, blurs the line between hero and villain, for his existence both opposes and serves The Light.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;