Chapter 5: Destiny.

After a long night, I woke up at dawn next to the campfire, where only a few charred logs remained. I got up, stretched my muscles, and headed behind some bushes to urinate. Upon returning, I saw that Miss Elena was sitting next to Finan and Leofric, conversing quietly. The tranquility of the dawn contrasted with the tension of the previous night, and for a moment, I felt that we could find some peace amidst all the chaos.

—I see you all are up, we should get ready to go out—. I said while yawning.

—Good morning, Orion. I see you have already rested. I was here to thank you for what you did yesterday. Without you, we would have been annihilated —. Miss Elena replied, her tone serious but full of gratitude.

His gaze rested on each of us, giving us a sense of relief amidst the tension that still lingered in the air.

—You're welcome, we just fight to survive—. I replied with a slight smile, still feeling the tension in my shoulders from yesterday's battle.

—We should wake up in a bit to get moving and reach Columba during the day—. He suggested, looking towards the horizon. He suggested, looking towards the horizon. I knew the journey would still be long, but the idea of reaching a safe place at least gave us some hope.

After waking everyone up and gathering what we could, we set off. Miss Elena requested that we accompany her in her car so we could talk during the journey. There were no inconveniences on the way, and finally, I took the opportunity to ask a question I had been wanting to ask for days. With a mix of caution and curiosity, I asked what they were doing when God spoke.

—I remember I was at the Lord of Esperion's mansion—. Miss Elena began, looking towards the horizon as she spoke. Miss Elena began, looking at the horizon as she spoke. —When God spoke, everything turned into chaos. That god... is truly evil. After hearing his message, I decided to return to Columba to see how my home was. But just before we left, we were attacked.

—Leofric, what was the first thing you thought when God spoke? —. I asked, in a low but firm voice.

—I was at the market, buying what I needed for the farm... when I saw how chaos was unleashed. I never imagined everything would change so quickly. I was paralyzed, not knowing what to do. It was as if the entire world crumbled in an instant. I tried to return home, but when I arrived, everything was destroyed: my farm burned down, and my family inside it —. He paused, his face reflecting deep bitterness. — I couldn't react... I couldn't react... I couldn't protect what I loved most from those damn vandals.

Finan, who had been silent until that moment, spoke in a grave tone.

—I was near the main square when it all started. That's when I decided to go home with my family. But when I arrived, it was already too late. Only my mother was left, but she couldn't save herself because of me…—. Her voice broke for a moment, but she quickly recovered, looking at the ground.

When it was my turn, I simply mentioned that I was on the street when everything happened, that after God spoke, I went home hoping to find my mother. She was there, so I went to my room to rest, not thinking that something could happen. But, when the attacks began, she went off on her own, leaving me behind in that chaos.

The words floated in the air, creating a dense atmosphere, as if the weight of all the revelations had become more palpable. At that moment, I realized that all of us who were there had lost something important, but somehow, the act of sharing that pain united us.

—Changing the subject, so we don't all stay so sad... —. Miss Elena interrupted, trying to lighten the mood. —What is the reason you wear that mask when you fight?

The question surprised everyone, and for a moment, the spotlight was on me.

Miss Elena's question left me silent for a moment. I didn't know whether to tell the truth or come up with some convincing excuse. Telling them that Lucifer had given me the mask and that it helped me fight better, showing me a path... I don't think it would have been the most appropriate thing to say, especially considering that I was expected to meet with Lucifer and the Archangel Gabriel in Columba to become his champion. That was a truth I couldn't share without causing confusion and perhaps fear.

But, on the other hand, I didn't want to lie to them. I was caught between a rock and a hard place. Lie or reveal a truth that could be even harder to believe. For a moment, I felt the weight of the decision on my shoulders, knowing that every word I said could change how they saw me, or even how they saw the future that awaited us.

I took a deep breath and, with a slight smile on my face, tried to respond without revealing too much.

—Do you remember that when God spoke, He said that His seven archangels would seek a champion?—. I asked, to change the subject a bit and divert attention to something more important.

—And what's the deal with that? —. Said Leofric, disinterested, just like the rest of the group.

I could tell that everyone was confused by my comment, but I wasn't sure how to continue the conversation without revealing too much. I didn't want to tell them what Lucifer had said about the archangels and their interest in me. However, the curiosity in their eyes was palpable.

—That has to do with the mask—. I said, hesitating. —Something came to visit me the night of the attack, it told me that if I wanted the power to kill God, I would have to go to Columba, and before disappearing, it gave me the mask and the sword.

Silence reigned for a moment as everyone processed my words. Finan was the first to speak, his face a mixture of surprise and distrust.

—Killing God?—. He said, unable to believe what he had just heard. — What are you talking about?What are you talking about?

—Who told you that? And why did he give you those objects? —her voice trembled slightly, the uncertainty clear in her gaze.

I took a moment before responding, aware of the weight of my words.

—If I told you the whole truth, I couldn't guarantee that you would be safe. This is the path I have chosen, one that seeks a world where God does not exist—. I paused, feeling the growing tension. —But each of you has your own path, your own destiny—. Once we reach Columba, I will take mine.

No one said anything, as if the words I had just spoken were suspended in the air, impossible to process immediately. It was understandable, after all, it wasn't something easy to digest: I had revealed my intentions to challenge God, to find a way to end Him.

—Even though I don't know them very well, I don't want to put them at risk. This is a very dangerous road. I added, perhaps looking for a way to ease the tension, to let them know that my intentions were not malicious towards them.

But, despite my efforts, the silence persisted. No one said a word, and that only increased the weight of the doubt that was beginning to grow within me. Had I done the right thing by telling them the truth? Maybe it would have been easier to stay silent and let the journey unfold without mentioning my plans, but something in me needed to share it, needed them to understand the path I had chosen.

Thus passed the rest of the journey, with the only sound being the creaking of the wagon wheels on the ground. Each one was lost in their own thoughts, probably processing what had just been said to them.

When we finally arrived in Columba, I felt more confused than ever. The question of whether it had been a good idea to tell them the truth kept lingering in my mind.

As I got out of the car, I felt a mix of relief and uncertainty at finally being in Columba. The city seemed completely different from what I had left behind in Esperion, much quieter, almost idyllic compared to the chaos and despair I had known. It was hard to believe that both places shared the same world. Columba had a serene beauty, a palpable peace that strongly contrasted with the turmoil she had experienced in Esperion.

—How is this possible? This is so different... There is no chaos, no shouting... It doesn't compare to Esperion —. I murmured aloud, without realizing the tone in which I was saying it, truly surprised by the contrast.

Miss Elena's response surprised me even more.

—That's because we expelled the church from here. A long time ago, my grandfather realized that the church was bringing chaos to Columba through bribery and corruption. Once they were expelled, tranquility returned —. He explained to me, with a serious expression on his face.

I kept thinking about his words. The church, which controlled the vandals in Esperion along with the Lord, had been expelled from here, and that had brought peace to Columba. What did that mean for me?

Before I could respond, Miss Elena spoke again, interrupting my thoughts. Her tone was lighter, as if she were trying to ease the tension that still hung in the air.

—How we have arrived safe and sound... or almost—. He added with a slight smile as his eyes drifted towards the minor wounds that some still had. —I invite you to the family mansion to celebrate.

He took a brief pause, then looked directly at me.

—Can you do that, Orion? Stay a little longer before you go?

His words took me by surprise. I had been so prepared to part from them that I didn't expect this invitation. But there was something in their gaze, a mix of gratitude and genuine warmth, that made me hesitate. Although my path seemed clear, maybe staying a little longer wouldn't be a bad idea... Or would it?

—Sure, I can go, it would be a pleasure—. I replied with a smile, trying to relax a bit.

The road to the mansion was peaceful. As we made our way through the main square, I marveled at everything Columba had to offer. There were weapon and armor shops, food stalls, apothecaries, and other businesses that made it impossible to ignore the difference with Esperion. Everything seemed so orderly, so vibrant, that it was hard to believe both places existed in the same world.

When we finally arrived at the mansion, I was left speechless.

It was like a castle, immense and majestic. Calling it a "mansion" seemed almost like a joke.

—Is this the mansion?—. I asked, my eyes wide open. I asked, with my eyes wide open.

Miss Elena let out a light laugh at my reaction.

—Ha, ha, ha, yes. Come on, don't stay outside, come in.

Upon crossing the threshold, I was even more impressed. An endless hallway stretched out before us, decorated with paintings of landscapes and portraits of people I assumed were Miss Elena's ancestors. The walls shone under the light of magnificent chandeliers, and every corner was decorated with an almost unreal care: tables adorned with vases containing exotic flowers I had never seen.

He led us to a hall so large that it could comfortably accommodate more than a hundred people. However, at that moment we were barely twenty, which made the place feel empty, almost desolate.

Miss Elena excused herself to go greet her father, who, she said, was busy in a meeting with some guests. Shortly after, she returned with a warm smile.

—I have spoken with my father. He will come to greet you as soon as he finishes his meeting. In the meantime, I have asked the servants to prepare food and bring drinks. We will celebrate that we arrived safe and sound.

A group of musicians entered the hall with instruments in hand, and soon they began to play a cheerful melody that filled the atmosphere with life. The music was contagious, and little by little, everyone began to dance. The energy in the room transformed; the laughter and dance steps broke the tension that had marked the journey to Columba.

I approached Miss Elena while she observed the scene with a calm smile.

—This is incredible, Miss Elena. I had never been in a place like this.

She turned towards me, visibly pleased by my comment.

—I'm glad you like it, Orion, but... please, call me Elena—. She said with a light laugh, though full of warmth.

I nodded, somewhat clumsily, but sincerely.

—It's okay, Elena.

The formality between us seemed to gradually fade away. The music kept playing, and although my thoughts were still divided between enjoying the moment and worrying about what was to come, I decided to let myself be carried away by the atmosphere for a while. It was the first time in a long time that I felt a glimpse of peace, even if it was fleeting.

A good while passed as we danced and celebrated. Finan and Leofric seemed to have put their worries aside for a moment and immersed themselves in the joy of the party. It was curious to observe how Leofric treated Finan almost like a son; his jokes and the care he showed were sincere and comforting. Seeing them like that, so carefree, managed to bring a smile to my face.

However, the festive atmosphere changed slightly when Elena's father made his entrance into the hall. His bearing was imposing, radiating authority, but what caught my attention the most were the two people accompanying him.

One of them seemed strangely familiar to me. It took me only a few moments to recognize him: it was Lucifer. Although in that strange space where we had met, his face had not been fully visible, there was no doubt it was him. His presence was unmistakable, his gaze penetrating, and his demeanor as serene as it was intimidating.

The other person, on the other hand, was a complete mystery. His figure radiated a peculiar aura, a mix of tranquility and power that could not go unnoticed. I didn't know who he was, but something about him put me on alert.

Elena approached her father to greet him, but I couldn't take my eyes off Lucifer. What was he doing here? Why had he come accompanied by this other person? My mind was filled with questions, and my body tensed almost instinctively.

The destiny I had chosen seemed to be catching up with me faster than I expected.

Elena's father raised his glass as he spoke, his deep voice resonating in the grand hall:

—I'm glad to see that everyone is well. I know you have been through a lot to get here. Many died along the way, but you survived, and that deserves to be celebrated.

The music stopped momentarily, and all eyes turned towards him. As he spoke, I couldn't help but notice how Lucifer was staring at me from his position. His smile had a strange mix of superiority and something that could almost be mistaken for pride. That expression only heightened my discomfort, but I tried to maintain my composure.

Then, Elena stepped forward, with her characteristic elegant demeanor, and pointed towards us.

—Father, I would like to introduce you to these three people. Without them, we wouldn't have made it out alive. Please, step forward, Finan, Leofric, and Orion.

For a moment, I was frozen. I didn't expect him to call us that way, nor to put us in the spotlight in front of everyone present, and even less in front of Lucifer and the stranger accompanying him. I could feel the stares fixed on us as we approached the front.

Finan and Leofric moved forward first, somewhat nervous, but trying to maintain their composure. I followed them, trying to appear calm while my mind processed what was happening.

What did all this mean? Was this another test from Lucifer? Or maybe a game of fate to remind me of the path I had chosen?