Prologue - The Fallen Angel

It was a story about Laurent.

a 12-year-old orphan boy, lived in a low shack in a snowy central church town. Despite his difficult circumstances, he had a passion for creating and tinkering with his tools, often spending hours alone in the dark working on his projects.

One day, Laurent's curiosity led him to accidentally read a book that was meant only for priests. The book contained words and images about what was called 'The God book', and from that moment on, Laurent realized that there was something beyond the realm of this world, something even angels feared to come near.

Determined to explore the unknown, Laurent started learning how to use his tools to unlock the secrets of the universe. However, his experiments were still in the alpha stage and couldn't be used yet because he lacked the right moment, experience, or funding from rich monarchies. He knew that as an orphan boy living on the care of the church, it would be difficult to find the support he needed to pursue his passion.

Despite the challenges he faced, Laurent refused to give up on his dreams. He continued to work on his experiments, hoping that one day he would find the answers he was searching for and prove to the world that even the most unlikely people could achieve greatness.

***Laurent Point of View***

I always find myself in this frustrating situation, where I feel like I'm so close to achieving my goals, yet there's always something missing. This time, I'm trying to create a machine that can save us from the winter plague that sweeps through our village every year. It's a daunting task, but I'm determined to see it through.

As I tinker with my clockwork tool, I realize that I need more materials and energy to produce the device I have in mind. I try to modify the design, but things only seem to get worse. I feel like I'm at my wit's end.

Suddenly, the sound of a big bell ringing interrupts my thoughts. It chimes multiple times with different tones and pitches, echoing throughout the village.

"Oh god damn it," I mutter under my breath, frustrated that I'm being pulled away from my work. But I know I need to investigate the bell's ringing - it could be a matter of life and death for someone in our community. Reluctantly, I put aside my clockwork tool and head towards the source of the sound.

"I must be there for another service, because I was raised by the church I have the liability to perform my duty at least once a month." I went through my closet and chose my clothes. When I finally left the house, I noticed that there weren't many people out and about, unlike the lively autumn streets.

As I walked, I noticed a group of people holding hands and praying while walking towards the city center. "What a bunch of idiots," I thought to myself as I followed them. When I arrived at the city center, I saw the giant cathedral made of stone and marble. I entered the building through a large door and saw lots of old priests and bishops wearing white robes talking to each other in the hall.

As I walked down the hallway, the faces of the old men changed to look at me. "Hello kid. What took you so long?" a priest asked me.

"I told him I'm already late, but he didn't listen to me. I don't know why he keeps saying stupid things like that," I replied.

"A child must obey God and be there on time," he said again.

"Yes, sir. Sorry for being late, sir," I bowed my head.

Then I walked forward to the end of the hallway where the holy council was held. Inside the meeting hall, there were four rows of chairs that surrounded the table. In the middle of the room was a chair for the president.

All the old priests and bishops sat on their chairs, looking at me and treating me like a wonder boy servant of God. I was no matter to them and couldn't do anything to keep away this damn plague from the country.

"I don't know what they talk about when I'm not here. Maybe I should go back home," I thought to myself. But I remembered that I had to stay here until the end of the meetings. I decided to leave midway through and said I had to go to the backroom, but there was a curiosity I wanted to find. It wasn't another forbidden priest book but just something.

I kept walking down the hallway until I reached an odd stair I had never seen before. I climbed up the stairs and finally reached a shrine at the top within a dark cloudy winter sky. It looked like a heaven kept by the church, but it was there. It was a garden filled with flowers and exotic plants and trees on the same floor. In the corner of the garden, I could see a small figure of a girl standing there oddly in a plant pot.

"Who are you?" I asked.

She looked at me startled. "I am Laurent. I used to be raised and lived here. I've never seen you or this room before."

"You're wrong. You should have known me," she said suspiciously.

"I know of Priestess Greta. Are you supposed to be her relative or something?" I asked.

"I don't want to talk about her," she replied.

"Why did you come here then? Why not go back to your room?"

"Because I am curious about what is happening behind this wall."

"And what is that?"

"Nothing. Just a secret thing. Nothing important."

"I want to know you, and these plants. They might have something that could cure the plague that's been infecting people outside in the winter," I said.

She frowned. "Well, if that is the case, I wouldn't mind. Just do as you like."

After I inspected the plants, trees, and flowers, I found one of the trees kind of odd. It was one of the herbs that could be used in potions, but the smell coming off it was like nothing I'd ever smelled before.

"The smell is coming from this tree," I told her

"It's a weird smell, but it's good for healing," she said.

"Yes, it's a good herb to have," I told her. "The one that smells so bad is the most important herb we can have, and it's called anise."

"What's anise?"

I smiled at her innocence. "Anise is what makes potions taste funny. You wouldn't like them if they didn't have it in there."

She smiled back. "You're right."

I spent all day lurking around the herbs and gathered some little samples for each of them for the experiment at night. Later the girl frowned and looked at my face.

"What are you going to do with those?"

"I am going to use these to find a cure for this bad cursing winter we had. It killed many of the village people and it's horrible."

The girl was silent and didn't say any single word again until I didn't notice it was already close noon. I tried to say goodbye to the little girl, but I just noticed that she was already gone.

I sneaked out and left the church garden until I went to the central hall of the church. In the blue dim lights and the statue of Marie, I saw her sight. She was sitting on a chair in front of the statue with her eyes closed.

"Greta? Are you awake?" I asked her.

I heard her sigh. "Yes, who is it?"

"It's me, Laurent. How are you feeling?"

"Not much better than before, but thanks to you, I will be fine."

"That is very kind of you."

"What are you doing here late at night?" Greta asked me.

"I was doing a task from the great father," I brutally lied in front of the up of the holy church. Forgive me, dear God.

"Oh! Is that true? Then why did you have to come here?"

"Well... I have something that I want to show you," I answered.

"Oh? What is it?" Greta asked me.

"I don't know if you will like it or not. I have no idea about how you feel about this stuff."

"Whatever it is, I have to see it. So please tell me what it is," Greta said.

"Okay. Here," I took the bag I kept hidden under my shirt and put the small blue vials inside my hand. I gave it to her, and she took it carefully.

"What is this? Where did you get this?" Greta asked me.

"It was a secret. Now try to eat it," I said and took away the vial.

She opened her mouth and took a sip from the glass. She coughed and spat out the liquid into the floor.

"What is this? It tastes like... Like nothing I've ever tasted before."

I smiled. "This is an elixir, the drink for the gods. This can heal any sickness and even death. Only those who have the blessing of the goddess can make this. And only God knows where it can be found."

"Why did you bring this here? Why can't you keep it to yourself?"

"Because I don't know if the goddess wants me to do this. So, I would like to ask for your permission first."

"Laurent... You didn't change at all. You're funny."

I laughed. "Yeah, maybe you're right. But still, I want to help you. I want to save you and everyone else too. The Goddess doesn't need to curse us anymore. Please forgive me."

"No, but I thought that you might not like it. I mean, you are a priest

"I am a priestess, yes. But I'm also human," I said, my cheeks red from embarrassment. "I am really ashamed of what I have done. As I was distancing myself, Greta has come closer to me."

"It's been 12 years, Laurent," Greta said. "Hmm... really?" "12 years since the Gods sent you here to the rooftop of the church. It was truly what we call a miracle. We were so happy when we saw you. Even though you were just a child, it was like a glimpse of hope made real."

I had heard the story of how I was found here. There was an enormous light and flourishing crops were grown that day. That's why I was called the child of hope. Even though I am not special or anything. Years later, the church decided to raise and keep me in as a sign of gratitude.

"Greta, do you know about the garden at the top of the church? And the little girl with white hair?"

I asked her. "Yes, I know. The plants are made from our blessings, and the girl is, in fact, related to me by blood."

"So, she is, in fact, your sister?" I asked.

"I might recall her that... I never see you with her, what a cold relationship you have.

What was she called?"

"She is not ready for her baptism name. But we called her 'Little Colette'. Because of how she sounds so tingly sometimes."

"It makes me wonder, how many sisters do you have?" I asked. "I don't know. There are so many of us. We are spread in each region. Sometimes we never meet at all." "That's kinda sad though..." I replied.

"Anyway, what are you doing here so late at night, Greta?"

I asked her curiously. "Oh... I actually wanted to surprise you.

But since you are here, here you go," Greta said, giving me a little cake with a flickering flame of a candle on it.

"Happy birthday, dear Laurent~"

"It's my birthday?"

"Yes. It's the 12th for you.

May God bless you with good luck and fortune."

"Thank you very much. But I think you should celebrate alone because I don't have any gift for you." "Don't worry. I already got you something," Greta said, hugging me tightly.

"You shouldn't hug me. I am still a boy," I said.

"I don't care. I like you too."

"Really? Then please let me go," I said. Greta smiled.

"I will take you up to the garden. Will you come?" I nodded.

We walked through the dark corridor. There was no light at all except for the faint blue glow of the moon. I felt like I was being watched by someone. I looked back, but I couldn't see anyone.

"Laurent?" Greta whispered.

"Hm?" "I think I hear something. Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yeah. I am fine."

The two of us continued down the path. We walked out into a small courtyard. There were a lot of flowers blooming on the ground. A fountain was running water in the middle of the yard, and there was a door on the wall of the church.

Greta opened the door, and we stepped inside. She lit a few candles around the room. The warm yellow light filled the whole place. In the center of the room, there was a large table with a red cloth over it. On the table, there was a glass bowl full of water.

"What's that?" I asked. "This is a wishing well. You can make wishes here."

"How does it work?

"This is a wishing well. You can make wishes here"

"Just throw a coin in there and say whatever you wish. The coins will be given to you after you leave. If you succeed, you get three wishes. But if you fail, you only get one."

"And what do you get if you succeed?"

"Nothing really. Just a coin. But sometimes people gives you other things"

"Like what?"

"Well, i won't tell you that. So don't ask me. Now, shall we begin?"

Greta put the coin in the water.

"Alright. First thing first. Let's start with something easy. Go ahead."

"Ok. I want to heal much more people"

I threw a coin in the water.

After a while, I heard a loud splash.

"No. That wasn't what i wished for. Next"

I tossed another coin.

Another splash.

"No. Not again. Alright, next"

I tried again.

Splash.

"I didn't want this either. Okay, next"

I threw the last coin in the water.

-----

"It's your turn now. Go ahead. Throw the coin in the water. Say whatever you wish."

I took a deep breath. I knew I wouldn't

succeed. I tossed the coin into the water.

The water swirled violently. I could barely see anything as it splashed against the walls. It seemed like the water was rising higher than usual.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash and I jumped back. A bright, shining light covered the sky, like thousands of thunderbolts painting the sky. The light was eerie and scary. It seemed like the final judgement had arrived.

"Greta, did you see that? Where are you...?" I yelled, searching for my companion.

Suddenly, the lights scaled down, and it crashed on the north of the forest. It crashed so hard that it almost broke my body and eardrums. I was astonished at what I saw and silently stood there.

I tried to find Greta, and she was passed out beside me. I grabbed her and took her to a bench where she would be safe. She was still breathing.

I tried to figure out where the lights had headed, and it was a mystery to me. Had God itself landed on Earth, or was it some extraterrestrial thing that I didn't understand?

I went back to my home and grabbed my investigation backpack and my self-made compass. I set it to follow the lightest light to try to figure out what had happened. It was a cold winter, so I wore the thickest fur coat and prepared to venture into the forest.

I had been to this forest before, picking up old woods for a campfire, but I had never walked through it so darkly. I felt that something was wrong, that something was waiting for me. I slowly walked forward, using the light of my compass.

After some time, I found myself in the middle of the forest. There was a small clearing with a big tree at the center. I walked closer to the tree and saw the biggest hole in the ground. I couldn't believe my eyes.

I ran to the hole and jumped inside. Then, I saw what looked like a feather, or a big feather of those hummingbirds depicted in old church graffiti. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"An angel?" I said, standing in front of the hole. I was stunned by what I saw, and I felt something strange. I touched it, and my hands burned hot. I was surprised and didn't know what to do.

"But the angel looks like it was burned, like some kind of force. I can't see its face, and it doesn't look as graceful as I can imagine. It looks like it was dragged to death from heaven itself down to this major hole," I said to myself.

I was silent, thinking about what I had seen. Then, I realized that this was my chance to investigate more deeply. I gathered some of the called blessing herbs from the church garden and reckoned something insane.

"There is no way I will make the elixir for the corpse of an angel," I muttered.

I tried to make a campfire on the side of the forest, near but far from the corpse. Should I report it to the church? I didn't know what they would do to an angel. The church was not the best authority to handle such matters. They were full of headless people who wanted to have a safe position in their livelihoods.

I reckoned the herbs' blessing. As you can see, it was rumored that the Greta bloodline, the Sinclaria, had some of their blessings from their bloodline heritage. It was known as the first miracle on Earth, where a man was given a blessing to cure not only sickness but even death itself. I didn't know if it worked in spirit or other causes. The plants were made from their blessing, and I suspected they experimented on a little girl named Collete whom I had met before.

"Well, it turns out my first subject is going to be the corpse of an angel. I hope it's not Satan himself," I thought.

In the camp, I tried to concentrate on creating a new herb. I got the idea after reading a book about how to make a concoction to give the dead back their life. It was a great book, but also a great challenge.

I started with the last ingredient, trying to find the right amount of each plant. I gathered the dried leaves of the plant, poured water over them, and boiled it until the water turned clear. I cooled the mixture, strained it, and added the next ingredient. I mixed the whole thing and poured the herb liquid on the angel's face. It's not something I recommend to anyone.

The liquid was bubbling and turned black. I waited for it to stop. I watched closely, and finally, I saw the angel's face come alive. It opened its eyes and looked around. I ran and climbed into a tree, scared. When I looked down, I saw the angel move. I jumped down from the tree and rushed to the angel.

I saw the angel was standing up. It looked like a ghost, black and dark. It tried to come to my face, but I held it away. I was shaking all over, not knowing what to do.

"You...you are here," I said.

It tried to squeeze my cheeks into my skull, but I held its hands off and stood up to defend myself. "Know your place...I just saved your life."

I knew I didn't have the power to withstand the angel, but it was like I was wrestling with it. I could feel its strength, and I couldn't get free. I had to do something fast.

"Hmmm...hahahaha...silly fool of me. It turns out I was just a messenger for you,"

He said. He laughed and moved his hands again.

"I think i should give you a message"

I

He said, laughing as he moved his hands again. "I think I should give you a message."

I stopped laughing, knowing he was dangerous. "What is the message?"

"It was true after all... the dumb man just put all the power of creation down into a little chunk of meat. What a foolish plan."

"What do you mean...?"

"You have a special kind of power, kid. The source of all creatures in the universe. It can even be called the God Creator itself. It was in your blessing, after all."

I groaned in agony. What did the angel mean? That I was a god? Or the creator itself?

"Don't doubt yourself too much yet. Your power is not really that great. It's more like a light to create in the world. It's nothing if you have nothing. Now, I guess that was the message I had to deliver that I was thrown at this abyss of the earth."

I stared at him, and he seemed to be telling the truth. "So I guess you won't kill me anymore, huh? You'll let me go then?"

"Are you dumb or something? I could have killed you in a smirk. But it would be such a waste. I'll let you go. You should be grateful." The angel let go of me, and I felt weak. I fell to the ground, exhausted. My body ached, and I lay there, trying to catch my breath.

"But I have one question. Why did you save me? You don't need me. I was nothing. Just a small thing. If you wanted to kill me, why bother saving me?"

"It's nothing. I was just curious, that's all."

"Hahahaha..."

The angel laughed loudly in his dark spirit aura. "I didn't expect you to be so naive...."

"I want to ask, why someone would give me this power? And what is the purpose of all of this? Since I don't know how to use it."

The angel was silent and thought for a while. "I can tell you about it, but it will break the law of the universe and its secrets. So I'll just give you a slight hint."

Laurent was surprised that there were more things kept in the universe and above itself. "As you can see, the world, even the earth itself, is living in chaos. It makes even the creations, plants, living beings, and creatures, die somehow in tragic manners."

I knew about it because I saw it every day. Plants or cats dying. Or even children dying in illness.

"Apparently, someone also put the chaotic energy into some meaty little person down in this earth. The power can destroy anything. Even the tiniest little bit. Spirit. Even god itself. I'm just afraid it fell into the wrong hands..."

"....?!!"

"So you're saying that there is the opposite of me lying around in this world?"

"Apparently, yes. I guess that's why I was thrown to death here, to give you this message from above."

"Aren't you coming back then?"

"I don't know how to come back. I can't see my way back home because the universe's knowledge has limited me now. I can't bypass them."

"I see..."

"I am a spirit here. I can't survive long in this world without a meat body. I need an empty hollow, like a puppet."

"Do you think I can create a human? Like the god itself?"

"Well, maybe. I don't know. It won't last long..."

"To create a human, it needs a womb or some sort of fertilization. It's a biological work..."

"So what you're saying is that I need some sort of a mother...?"

Laurent turned to Angel and said, "Yes, you need a woman. A fertile female body. You can make it look like anything you want."

Angel responded, "Oh well, we need find ourself a romance to get a body."

Laurent replied, "But the I remember that the first human was made from the land of clay?"

Angel shook her head and said, "I don't know if it's possible now. It was an old biblical story."

The silence was interrupted by the sound of the church bell ringing. It was the first night Laurent hadn't slept.

Angel noticed Laurent's exhaustion and said, "You should get some rest, boy. You've been through a lot today."

"It's been a bizarre birthday after all," Laurent replied.

Angel smiled kindly and said, "Happy birthday, then."