The Illusion Of Life

On Saturday morning, Marlin and Ryan prepared to attend the Mass of the God of Darkness at the grand cathedral. The cathedral was located in the heart of the city, and it was considered an important spiritual and cultural center for the residents.

Upon their arrival, Marlin was struck by the cathedral's grandeur. The towering spires reached toward the sky, and the stained-glass windows reflected sunlight in vibrant colors throughout the vast nave. The massive columns and intricate decorations displayed the craftsmanship of the artisans who built it.

The mass began with the sound of ringing bells, followed by the entrance of the priests and priestesses in their dark robes adorned with silver symbols. Candles were lit everywhere, casting a peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The chants echoed in unison, speaking of the balance between light and darkness, and the protection of the god over his followers.

During the mass, Marlin felt a mix of awe and contemplation. The concepts presented challenged his previous beliefs, prompting him to reflect on the meanings of light and darkness and how they balance in life. Memories from his past life crept into his mind, especially those related to his search for belonging and meaning. He found in the atmosphere of the cathedral an opportunity for reflection and reconciliation with both his past and present.

As the mass continued, something that particularly caught Marlin's attention was the reverence in the eyes of the worshipers around him. Every person in the church seemed to be immersed in a sense of devotion, as though they were all part of something larger than themselves. He was even more surprised when a cardinal, a person of high rank, ascended a raised platform to speak of the greatness of the God of Darkness. His words were filled with power and inspiration, and Marlin found himself questioning how someone of the cardinal's status could be present in such a remote place like this city.

After the mass concluded, one of the priests approached them and began discussing the teachings of the God of Darkness. The priest was tall, with a thick beard and dark eyes, and his facial features seemed to be immersed in the shadows.

The priest spoke in a calm voice, yet it was imbued with authority: "Praise the darkness, for it is the true source of power."

Ryan quickly responded, smiling slightly, "Praise the darkness."

Marlin then looked at him with anticipation and said, "But how can we praise the darkness? Is it truly power? Or is it just the absence of light?" Marlin's tone was filled with doubt, yet he felt there was something deep that he needed to understand.

The priest smiled gently and answered, "Darkness is not merely the absence of light, as some might think. It is a world of infinite possibilities. In the darkness, the boundaries of things disappear, and the mystery that gives life its meaning emerges. Darkness is not simply stillness; it pulses with a power that we only see when we dive into its depths."

The priest looked at Marlin and Ryan with a kind gaze, tinged with a bit of pity. His eyes held a mixture of sympathy for their struggles, but also a more complex look, as if he knew something he could not express. This gaze hinted at a truth that might be beyond their understanding, something greater than their perceptions of darkness and existence itself.

"Fear is but a fleeting reaction. When you accept darkness for what it is, it does not bring fear, but peace," the priest continued.

Marlin responded, thinking carefully about the words, "But if darkness brings peace, how does one distinguish between the darkness that brings comfort and the darkness that deepens despair? How do we know where to set boundaries?"

The priest spoke with the tone of ancient wisdom: "The boundaries are not set by the darkness; they are set by you. When you accept the darkness within you, it does not mean you surrender to weakness or despair. It means you learn how to deal with the mystery. You know when to emerge from the darkness and when to remain in it. Darkness gives us the ability to choose."

Ryan looked at Marlin, then said with confidence, "I've been through that moment too, when darkness felt like a fear. But once I understood it, I realized it wasn't an enemy to fight. Darkness is a part of life, just as the night is part of the day."

The priest concluded, "Yes, and darkness is inseparable from light. Light cannot exist without darkness. They are two sides of the same coin."

He then added in a calm, decisive tone: "In the end, you are the children of darkness."