The first chapter of the Bible is Genesis which means the beginning and the end of the Bible is the Revelations which shows the end of the world through an apocalypse.

This is a story of the end towards the new beginning, a new world where God abandons the humans, he let all hell loose on Earth.

The prayer hall in the Evernight cathedral was as dark as before. Only the holes on the walls allowed some light to seep in, like stars in the night.
Klein sat in a corner that wasn't eye-catching. He took off his tall hat and began praying like a pious member of the congregation.
He simply mentioned how Roselle had revived in his last mausoleum, and focused on the corruption of the Primordial Moon. He deliberately emphasized that, in order to prevent the "crimson moon" within him from being born in the real world, Roselle had chosen to terminate the process of having his Black Emperor Uniqueness and three Sequence 1 characteristics return to him.
At the end of the prayer, Klein pointed out the hidden dangers of the Cards of Blasphemy, and he expressed his concerns about the whereabouts of the Mother card and The Moon Card.
In fact, Roselle only mentioned the need to be careful of the Mother card and didn't mention The Moon. However, Klein knew that the two pathways of Earth and Moon belonged to the Mother Goddess of Depravity. Therefore, to be cautious, he specially added The Moon Card.
This was also the main reason he was worried about Earth Mother Lilith.
Compared to most of the twenty-two pathways, the High-Sequence Beyonders of the Planter and Moon pathway had a huge advantage. That was that they didn't need to worry about the Primordial One from awakening in their bodies. They didn't need to worry about dissociation from approaching the world underground. This was because the Beyonder characteristics they possessed didn't directly come from the Primordial One which led to no corresponding mental imprint. However, if they were to directly go underground and enter the Chaos Sea, no matter who it was, they would encounter corruption. It was just that the extent would be different.
This advantage was very likely due to the fact that the Sanguine Ancestor Lilith was more special than the other ancient gods. After all, "She" didn't need to divert a large part of "Her" energy to resist the will of the Primordial One awakening within her. And back then, the invisible barrier protecting this world was still sufficiently sturdy, separating the Mother Goddess of Depravity and the other Great Old Ones from Earth, making it difficult for "Them" to exert too much of an influence on the situation inside.
But with the passage of time, this advantage gradually became a problem.
As the underground corruption became weaker and weaker, the invisible barrier also became weaker and cracks began appearing. Under such circumstances, Earth Mother Lilith's situation became worse. This was because "She" was facing the intrusion of the Mother Goddess of Depravity that was ever increasing in potency and terror. In this aspect, the original Creator—the Oldest One—who was dead was definitely inferior to the living Mother Goddess of Depravity.
Considering how Outer Deities who had transcended Sequences had an influence on Beyonders from their own pathway, Klein felt that he couldn't afford negligence on such matters.
After he finished his prayer, he waited for nearly five minutes. After confirming that there was no response, he stood up, put on his wandering magician's tall hat, and walked out of the cathedral that belonged to the Evernight.
To him, this was mainly a disclosure obligation. As for what the Evernight Goddess planned to do with it, or if "She" would remind him of certain matters, it was beyond his control.
In short, Klein could only temporarily believe that the Evernight Goddess knew the relative importance of matters.
…
Backlund, at the Harvest Church south of the Bridge.
The top-hatted Emlyn White got off his carriage and looked at the sun covered by the clouds and mist.
On the way to the entrance of the cathedral, he gently rotated the ring on his left hand, as if to flaunt his identity.
The ring was semi-translucent in color, as though it was made from light-red amber. There was a blood-red gem embedded on its tip—a reward Emlyn had received a long time ago—Lilith's Ring.
After becoming a demigod, Emlyn could suppress the effect of bloodthirst from the ring to a certain extent. Every day, he only needed to drink three bottles of human blood to be immune to the corresponding negative effects. Therefore, in order to showcase his special identity as the Ancestor's Blessed, he began wearing this ring permanently.
After entering the Harvest Church, Emlyn automatically removed his top hat.
At this moment, Cosmi, Ernes, and the other Sanguine in Backlund, who were waiting for Bishop Utravsky, stood up one after another. Looking down at the aisle, they greeted softly, "Good morning, My Lord."
Emlyn looked ahead and nodded indiscernibly.
"Is Mistral still not here yet?"
"Count Mistral set up a chapel at home," Ernes simply explained.
Emlyn didn't comment on this. He walked forward and casually said, "He will still have to come when Mass is held."
He looked around before saying, "Where's Bishop Utravsky?"
"The bishop is waiting for you behind. The Church's envoy has arrived." Ernes controlled his facial expression as he answered Emlyn's question politely.
The Church's envoy… Emlyn rotated the light-red ring on his left hand and walked to the back of the cathedral.
Soon, he saw Father Utravsky and the slightly curly black-haired envoy the Church with a tall nose and deep eyes.
"This is the archbishop, His Grace Loreto," Father Utravsky introduced the envoy to Emlyn.
He stood by the window, blocking most of the light.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Emlyn replied with the etiquette of the Church of Earth.
Loreto smiled and spoke in rather awkward Loenese.
"There's no need to address me as Your Grace. Although you aren't an archbishop, you have the status of an archbishop. From today onwards, you will be a hierophant, a high-ranking deacon of the Church. You will be in charge of the Sanguine matters in Backlund."
Without giving Emlyn any time to digest this information, Loreto continued, "I came to Backlund under the Holy See's orders. I'll tell you everything that needs to be taken note of within the Church."
"Please speak," Emlyn suppressed his glee and said politely.
Loreto's expression immediately turned serious.
"First of all, the most important point is that, be it the clergymen of the Church or the believers of the Earth Mother, as long as you claim that you have obtained a revelation, they are individuals who have been enticed by demons—with no exceptions.
"If anyone reports something like this to you, or if you have obtained a revelation personally, please inform Bishop Utravsky as soon as possible and report it to the Church."
Father Utravsky didn't mention this before… This request sounds very strange, as though there's some suspicion… Emlyn frowned as he looked at Father Utravsky who was standing by the window.
"The bishop never said anything about taking note of such matters…"
Before he finished his sentence, Emlyn suddenly realized that he came off as criticizing Bishop Utravsky, but he couldn't find any better explanation in his haste.
Almost at the same time, he understood what was odd about what Archbishop Loreto had said.
This was telling everyone that the Earth Mother you sensed isn't the real Earth Mother!
This is saying that a large number of the revelations us Sanguine received from the Ancestor are fake. It's from demons or evil gods… The look in Emlyn's eyes sank as he tried to maintain his composure.
At this moment, Loreto didn't mind and smiled.
"Bishop Utravsky didn't tell you because he didn't know either."
Father didn't know… In that instant, Emlyn actually felt a little sympathetic towards Bishop Utravsky. He felt that as a Feysacian, a hierophant who had changed faith in his later years, he had been ostracized by the other members of the Church of Earth.
Sensing the change in his gaze, Loreto added, "That's because he's a Blessed. He doesn't need to care about the temptation of demons and evil gods."
Bishop Utravsky nodded and said calmly, "The revelations of Earth Mother are in 'Her' Holy Bible, in those lines of teaching. Anything other than that is heresy."
Emlyn was somewhat puzzled, but he couldn't think of any question. He grunted and said to Loreto, "Then what is the second point that needs paying attention?"
Loreto made his expression turn serious.
"If you receive a revelation, don't blindly believe it. Please immediately seek confirmation from Bishop Utravsky."
"Why?" Emlyn was puzzled.
This was basically telling him that the only response he would receive was either from evil gods or demons.
Loreto deliberated over his words and explained in detail, 
"In this world, there are many evil existences. 'They' will pretend to be deities, and bewitch the clergyman in an act of enticing believers.
"That's because the two main pathways of the Church of Earth Mother are related to life. Therefore, the effects they receive are more severe than the other Churches. From time to time, there are people who will take the wrong path and attempt forbidden life experiments; thus, slowly degenerating.
"In order to prevent such a development, we reorganized the Church a long time ago under the guidance of the Mother's will to establish the system of a Favored and Blessed."
Favored and Blessed… Emlyn's understanding of the Church of Earth was limited to the Holy Bible and part of the scriptures. He was momentarily at a loss.
He had never taken the initiative to ask Father Utravsky about the Church of Earth Mother.
Loreto glanced at Emlyn and nodded slightly.
"The Favored are clergymen who have won the Mother's favor and are from the two pathways of Earth and Moon. The Blessed refers to people who have obtained the Mother's blessing and are from other pathways.
"The latter is less affected by the demons and evil gods. It can help us verify the authenticity of the revelations.
"Under such circumstances, even if it's a decree issued by the Holy See, there has to be at least a second-in-command Favored. Otherwise, it can be regarded as null and void."
As he spoke, Loreto took out a document and unfolded it in front of Emlyn. Apart from what the archbishop had just said, it included the details of him accepting the mission and appointment as an envoy.
At the end of the document, there were a few names. The first was from the Holy See of the Church of Earth, Matriarch Roland, and the rest were all names that Emlyn didn't know. He barely recognized the last one to be Father Utravsky.
Father Utravsky's handwriting is really ugly… As Emlyn mumbled to himself, he began to have a strong sense of doubt regarding the Blessed and Favored system.
Why were the Blessed less enticed by evil gods or demons?
Why were they able to verify a revelation, but the Favored couldn't?
As his thoughts raced, Emlyn suddenly noticed a detail:
The Blessed aren't from the two pathways of Earth and Moon!
Therefore, the problem didn't lie in the Favored, but the two pathways themselves? Emlyn vaguely felt that his guess was the truth.


With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs into our ears?

Waking up to be faced with a string of mysteries, Zhou Mingrui finds himself reincarnated as Klein Moretti in an alternate Victorian era world where he sees a world filled with machinery, cannons, dreadnoughts, airships, difference machines, as well as Potions, Divination, Hexes, Tarot Cards, Sealed Artifacts… 

The Light continues to shine but mystery has never gone far. Follow Klein as he finds himself entangled with the Churches of the world—both orthodox and unorthodox—while he slowly develops newfound powers thanks to the Beyonder potions.

Like the corresponding tarot card, The Fool, which is numbered 0—a number of unlimited potential—this is the legend of "The Fool."

Part 6:
Picture the sun rising on a beautiful, clear morning. We see it slowly peeking out over the 
horizon. As time passes it becomes more noticeable, the heat increases, the light becomes 
stronger until it is fully visible, a ball of light casting its intense glow over everything. 
The earth awakens each day to this light; plants grow and life is sustained. In much the same 
way, the Son rises in our hearts. We accept him into our lives and he progressively over-
comes the darkness of our old lives, lives without him and full of self. As bits of this dark-
ness are forced away through our increasing knowledge of him, the Son blazes forth, in ever 
greater intensity, into our everyday lives. We become partners with him as we become more 
and more aware of his power in us.
I believe the Bible calls us to this progression of experienced power when it says, 
"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14, NIV). 
We see in this verse a wonderful promise of seeing Jesus Christ work in and through our 
lives and circumstances. When Christ shines on the life of the believer, things happen!
Our focus here is on spiritual power. There are many kinds of power: secular, po-
litical, physical, informational, and even personal. However spiritual power, God's power 
imparted to us by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, trumps all other power whether it be 
earthly power or other supernatural power. 
More and More
The Son-powered life is Christ, the power of God, living in and through us. However, know-
ing this fact and experiencing the reality of that relationship are two different things. The 
Son-powered life begins at the moment of spiritual birth and develops as we cultivate ourrelationship with Christ. We learn to trust Christ daily to live his life in and through us.
As I've spent time studying God's Word, I have found that many Scripture verses re-
late to one another even though they may be from different places in the Bible (this is one of 
the key principles of the Sonburst diagrams). One verse may tell us one thing and another 
verse amplifies that thought, principle, or picture of who God is or what he desires for our 
lives. When we actually put these verses together, we can see how God has woven his mes-
sage throughout the Bible. Here are several verses that illustrate this principle, particularly 
as it relates to experiencing Jesus Christ as our power.
In the Old Testament we read:
Lord … may those who love you rise like the sun in all its power!
 —Judges 5:31
"But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing 
in his wings. And you will go free." 
 —Malachi 4:2
And then Paul tells us in the New Testament:
I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in 
human wisdom but in the power of God.
 —1 Corinthians 2:4–5
But to those called by God to salvation … Christ is the power of God and the 
wisdom of God.
 —1 Corinthians 1:24
In these verses, we see a demonstration of God's power being brought to those that 
love him. As an added bonus, we also experience healing and freedom and salvation and 
wisdom. This is Son Power actively working in us and through us!
Paul tells us that this power, from God's unlimited resources, begins internally. A 
work must be done on the inside of us in order for this power to be properly operational. 
Our inner person must be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, so Christ can more fully possess 
our hearts and lives as we trust in him to do so. In this way, the roots of our spirit beings 
can grow deeply into the soil of God's love. As this happens, God can bring to perfection in 
us, the "fullness and power that comes from God." 
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creatorof everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimit-
ed resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then 
Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will 
grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to 
understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how 
deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to 
understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and 
power that comes from God.
 —Ephesians 3:14–19
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your 
hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus 
Christ.
 —1 Peter 1:13, ESV
As we grow in our relationship with Christ Jesus we experience not only more and 
more of him, but more and more of his love and power and grace in our daily lives.
Less and Less
As we experience more and more of Jesus in our lives, we also can start to happily experi-
ence less and less of self. In the book of John we read these words spoken by John the Bap-
tist, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30). This 
process can take place without us noticing, but eventually we should see evidence of this 
occurring in our lives as we cultivate our relationship with Christ. This is literally the power 
of Christ beginning to permeate our entire life.
The object of our faith is critical. If we trust in the power of self to live the Christian 
life, we will fail. Self is always ultimately powerless. Self relies on the old "try harder self-ef-
fort" model and is intent on meeting the demands of the law through works. We try and 
try to do and be what God wants, but unfortunately, the flesh is incapable of satisfying the 
perfect, exacting demands of the law. However, when Christ is the object of our faith, we 
trust him to live his life in us and we accept his power to achieve it. As we learn to become 
less and less, Jesus Christ becomes more and more. 
Paul wrote to the Colossians, "For you died to this life, and your real life is hid-
den with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). As our life becomes more and more "hidden in 
Christ," he takes increasing control. This happens while we progressively focus our attention 
on Jesus and his desires for us. The true ultimate goal for each one of us is to have a life com-
pletely hidden in Christ.Just as the sun rises daily to full strength, our desire as Christians is for the Son to rise in his 
full strength during our daily lives. This can only be accomplished by understanding and 
applying the truths of Scripture to our lives. Only God can command this light to shine out 
of our heart as we learn how to die to the three amigos of Me, Myself, and I. Only then can 
the life of Christ rise in us, bringing forth his power and beauty.
This is in harmony with the spiritual truth that he must become more and more, and 
I must become less and less.
Let's begin with the relationship verse: 
Lord, … may those who love you rise like the sun in all its power! 
 —Judges 5:31
Do you see that key word right in the middle of the verse? Love. It is such a relation-
ship word! We love God … and he loves us as well. And it is because of his love that we have 
the promise that we can rise in power. God also uses his love as a vehicle of change in the 
life of a believer. He loves us, and when we accept his love, it creates in us a desire to knowwho is doing the loving. Wow, the Creator of the universe loves me! This love is what mo-
tivates us to do what God wants us to do. It is cultivated by sowing into our hearts the idea 
that God loves us, and allowing his love to grow into our lives, the new life which Christ has 
given us.
What we learn about our relationship with God leads us to a new revelation about 
what he is and how we are to interact with him:
"But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing 
in his wings. And you will go free."
 —Malachi 4:2
One key principle we learn from this verse is that because of our relationship with 
God, we fear him. But what does it mean to fear God? One of the ways to describe it is to 
say that we become in complete awe of our heavenly Father. We respect and revere who God 
is and his authority over all of creation. 
As we embrace God's authority over us, we also experience freedom. How can this be? 
It is precisely because of Christ's power rising more into our everyday lives, that we are free. 
We embrace Christ in us and God's authority over us, and we experience the freedom that 
God so graciously gives us. Free from the past, free from the law, free to experience all that 
God has for us, free to make a difference in the world. 
This leads us to reflection:
Prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in 
the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the 
world.
 —1 Peter 1:13
Prepare your mind for action and exercise self-control … think about those words for 
a moment! What would happen in your life if you really applied those words to your life? 
Because of your freedom in Christ, you are not only free, but also full of the power of the 
Holy Spirit. Look at the verbs in this verse: prepare, exercise, hope, come, revealed. As you 
fix your mind on the gracious salvation of Jesus Christ you will be empowered to go out and 
do the work God has for you.
And this leads us directly to redemption:Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message pro-
claimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for 
their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and 
Christ the Morning Star [Jesus] shines in your hearts.
 —2 Peter 1:19
This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible because it is filled with potential for 
both this world and the world to come. We pay attention to the Word of God because it tells 
us how to achieve our ultimate goal. We live in a darkened world. When we pay attention to 
the Word of God it provides light in a world that desperately needs it. The sun scatters the 
darkness. 
As Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts, he scatters the darkness revealing 
what needs to be corrected in our lives. In addition, he imparts his life and empowers us to 
overcome wrongful desires and pursue his goodness. The Morning Star symbolizes hope 
and guidance. The morning star is the brightest star in the sky at dawn. I like to think that 
as Christ, the Morning Star, rises in our hearts, he brings healing to our inner person, 
strengthening us, enlightening us, showing us where we need to conform more with his 
will, and showing us just what it is he wants us to do. Such revelations bring joy and peace 
to us as we bring our lives in conformance with his will. The Son rises in our hearts and 
continues to empower us to not only grow in our relationship with God but to accomplish 
his will.
This brings us full circle to relationship where we in-
crease our love for God and desire to have him rise in our lives 
like the sun, fully powerful and fully effective.
It is important that our hope rests on the gift of grace 
that is brought to us by the revelation of Christ. He will illu-
mine things for us both in this world and the world to come as 
we pay attention to the Son Power at work in us.
Son Power at Work
1. Think for a moment, what kind of power is most often your source of strength? 
 What steps do you need to take to make Jesus your source of power?
2. In what ways is Jesus becoming "more and more" in your life?
3. In what area of your life do you need to become "less and less"?

The three lights of the triangle merged to become a swirling grey color. When you looked at the symbol from one side, the grey color shifted to black, and if you looked from the other side, the grey turned white.
The triangle seemed to pulse with that mystic grey. The color stained Han Meng'er's power grey, as well.
Han Sen could sense a frightening presence radiating from the power, and it seemed as if all that energy was going to explode.
Han Meng'er held the Bible comfortably in one hand, as if she hadn't noticed any of the power surging around her. Her other hand flicked through the Bible's pages. From what Han Sen could see, there were many images and sections of text within. It was like he was watching a 3D movie flicker past on the pages.
Although Han Sen couldn't open the book himself, he had no trouble seeing the book's content now that someone else had opened it.
The images were so impressive that they made Han Sen feel like he was watching a supernova. The universe began; the universe was destroyed. Life was started; life was ended.
"Born from the Destroyed. Live for the Destroyed. Survival is the Destroyed." Han Sen examined the first line of the Destroyed Bible.
The Destroyed Bible was a deified treasure, a holy book of the Destroyed race. It recorded the practices of their alpha's geno arts, his experiences, and the understandings he had come to throughout his entire lifetime.
As Han Sen read the Destroyed Bible, it was like he could hear the Destroyed Alpha explaining geno arts. He could see the true meaning of it all.
Han Sen was delighted. Destroyed geno arts required the user to possess all three powers, but Han Sen did not have chaos power. Because of this, he lacked the ability to cast Destroyed powers.
But the Destroyed Alpha's explanations clarified a whole host of things and filled Han Sen with inspiration. He was able to understand Break Six Skies much more deeply because of it.
The Destroyed were a part of the Breakskies, and they even claimed to be the royalty of that ancient race. No matter what the case might have been, the geno arts the Destroyed alpha left behind had a connection with Break Six Skies.
The things Han Sen had learned from the Destroyed geno arts gave him a vat of additional knowledge that he could apply to Break Six Skies.
Han Sen had been stuck in the first tier of Break Six Skies. Now he was able to understand more. Proficiency with the geno art allowed access to the second tier. And as he learned more, he would be able to keep climbing.
Break Six Skies was not a technique that could be practiced to gain greater strength. It forced a student to teach themselves to utilize their powers more effectively. However, progressing with the art required a lot of understanding and knowledge.
As he studied Break Six Skies, Han Sen sometimes felt like an ancient swordsman trying to understand how bombs were made.
The geno art required understanding rather than raw strength. If a student understood how the geno art's powers worked, then they could control the power and unleash its full potential. And that was more than enough.
Whether the practitioner was a Baron or a deified elite, they could still access all tiers of Break Six Skies. The level of power output would be the only difference between the skill being used by someone weak and someone strong; the techniques themselves would remain unchanged.
Low level Nobles did not really understand that power, though. It was difficult for them to make use of Break Six Skies.
Han Sen was still in the beginning phases of learning these techniques. Or at least, he had been. By reading the Destroyed Bible, he was able to understand more about how its power worked. Break Six Skies improved greatly in a short amount of time.
By merely watching as Han Meng'er flipped through the Destroyed Bible, Han Sen's Break Six Skies was able to progress and reach the third tier.
As the content of the Destroyed Bible was revealed, the grey power seeped into Han Meng'er's body. She stared at the Destroyed Bible with an unreadable expression. The Destroyed Bible began to morph in her hands. Not long after, the Destroyed Bible had transformed into a grey arrow. The grey Destroyed power sank into her hands and subsided.
If Han Sen hadn't actually watched it happen, he never would have believed that the stone arrow she now possessed was actually the Destroyed Bible. He couldn't detect even a trace of Destroyed power radiating from it.
Han Meng'er lifted the Destroyed Bible and looked at Han Sen. "Father, thank you very much for this arrow."
"Oh, I'm glad you like it," Han Sen stumbled. Luckily, Han Meng'er was rather naive, so she didn't notice his awkwardness over the whole affair.
Han Sen was on the third tier of Break Six Skies, and as he realized that, he quickly tried to recall everything he had seen from the Destroyed Bible. If he had any more breakthroughs, that would be the greatest reward.
Aside from Super Spank, Break Six Skies was the strongest geno art Han Sen had in his arsenal. When he wasn't using his Dollar identity, Break Six Skies was effective enough as a killing power to be depended on.
It was a shame that Break Six Skies was so powerful, though. If he used it in close-quarter combat, there was every chance he could blow himself up.
It was fortunate that Spell provided him with three different weapons. Their range meant that they were the perfect tools to pair with Break Six Skies.
"Meng'er, stay with me for a little while. I have a geno art I would like to teach you." If Han Sen could teach her Break Six Skies, then she could have those destructive powers as well.
Although many problems could not be solved through violence, they still needed to be able to unleash violence and overwhelm any force that happened to be aimed at them.
So, Han Sen spent some time teaching his daughter. When he was done, he went to Cold Palace to accept the benefits of being the Guardian. Jadeskin leveled up quickly. It would definitely reach Duke in two years.
It was difficult to level up any geno art from Marquise to Duke. Even if there was an abundance of resources available, it would still take a while. Higher races could usually become Dukes within the space of ten years. If a race was of poor quality, though, they could end up taking an entire century.
Han Sen was only progressing so quickly because he could absorb the deified toad's force of ice. Such an opportunity was extremely rare.
Han Sen wasn't too worried about his Jadeskin, but he was concerned about how things would go with The Story of Genes. There were no special resources for him to consume, so all he could do was slowly practice it by himself. And despite his efforts, he couldn't feel The Story of Genes improving.
Han Sen paid attention to what happened after the Destroyed Bible incident. And just as he thought, the searching races eventually found those shapeshifting foxes and confirmed that the Destroyed Bible had been taken by one of the Extreme King. After learning that, no one dared to continue the investigation. Even the Destroyed weren't brave enough to ask the Extreme King for the Bible.
Han Sen thought there might be some trouble, but the entire matter just came to an end. It was as if the Destroyed came to terms with the loss of their deified artifact, and that was that.
"It looks like I underestimated the effect the Extreme King have on people. They don't even dare bark." Han Sen rolled his eyes.
It looked like that unlucky Extreme King woman had become the perfect scapegoat for the affair. But Han Sen knew he had to be extra careful to avoid giving the Extreme King any hint that Han Sen was actually Dollar.


In the magnificent interstellar era, mankind has finally developed teleport technology, but when trying to teleport, they are not sent to the future, the past, or any land known to men...

This mysterious space is called God’s Sanctuary, where lived numerous unknown creatures. Here, humans will make the greatest leap in their evolution to create the most glorious epoch in history.

"Sacred-blood creature black beetle killed. Beast soul of sacred-blood black beetle gained. Eat the meat of sacred-blood black beetle to gain 0 to 10 geno points randomly."

MORE OF A REALIZATION OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN THIS WORLD!

It all began in small drips of fear. 

It didn't happen like the movies where hordes of people experienced a monumental shift in their lives in a matter of minutes. There was nothing dramatic about the little changes that happened in troubled spots around the globe. Terror moved like the sloth. Slowly and patiently yet decisively and absolute.

When the fires in Australia and California broke out, the fear was localized only in those areas. When Covid-19 spread, the fear was focused on a single race: The Chinese. The military confrontations in Syria, Africa and elsewhere affected only as much as it affected the global supply chain. When the freedom of the people in Hong Kong was threatened by an encroaching police state, there were no International Police force that came in to save the day. People on Reddit moved on to the next "viral" thing after. It was the cult of forgetfulness that laid hold of every 5 minute keyboard warrior. 

Change happened gradually. Fear happened locally. 

It wasn't like the movies at all.

"7 Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. 10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth."

Revelations 11:7 
The Christian Holy Bible

But for some, preparations were already underway. Some people say that what the public knows is only less than 5% of what is really going on. Nobody does research anymore and everybody consumed news on their Twitter and Facebook feeds. If the news moved them, they make a comment. If it somehow made them feel a little bit more than "meh", they gave it a like. If they felt that other people should do something about it, they gave it a share or a retweet. How this behavior would play out in the grand scheme of things, one can only speculate. 

"Things are unfolding as planned." said the young Chinese man to the man in the dark. The two were in an obscure corner in one of the dirty streets of Manila, the Philippines. The man in the dark slapped something on the chest of the Chinese man's white shirt. 

It was a newspaper. 

The young Chinese man took affront at the gesture, but checked himself emotionally to stave off feelings of physical retribution. He fought against this instinct as he gradually looked at the piece of paper. 

In his mind, he knew he was capable of - or at least had the skills and training to take on the man in the dark. He graduated at the top of his class before joining the People's Liberation Army. He got recruited by the MSS 中华人民共和国国家安全部 (Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó Guójiā Ānquán Bù) or the Ministry of State Security of the People's Republic of China barely a month after training. He particularly excelled in military intelligence, social engineering, political destabilization and of all things, cyber propaganda. Still in his late twenties, Huáng Fēijin, knew better than to assault his temperamental handler, whom he only knew as "Hong". 

He opened the newspaper and tried to read with the ambient light. 

Huang grew up as a poor kid in one of China's poorer provinces but teachers noted his remarkable intelligence and keen observation skills. When Huang was 10, the Communist Party embarked on a "Western Immersion Education Program" that immersed promising Chinese students in Western Culture. They watched endless movies, got taught by American teachers English and most of all was sent to one of China's "model cities" designed specifically to look like an exact replica of their Western counterparts. By virtue of Huang's intelligence and skills, the People's Republic deemed it fit that Huang move in with an American couple in a replica city that looked like downtown Chicago. The product of China's successful counter-intelligence operations, the "converted" American couple brought him up as their own child. 

The newspaper's headline read, "Senate Inquiry on Chinese Online Gambling launched."

"Measures are underway." said the man in the dark. 

"But this is a part of the plan." replied Huang. "This was anticipated."

"Changes have been made in the plan." retorted the man in the dark. "Our local dog is too fearful. The money may not be enough to dissipate his fear." 

"The operation is too big to change. This was anticipated." repeated Huang. 

"The decision is mine. It has been made. I made it. We are going to proceed with Dead Lotus." the dark man was growing impatient. 

"Make the appropriate preparations. Assemble your team from the pool. You have your assets. The dice is rolling." added the man in the dark. 

"Do this for the Republic. Do this for the Party." 

Huang understood what this meant and the anticipation gripped his being. They were going to proceed with a thin-line operation that could alter their operational efficiency. Although this was part of his training, he personally haven't executed this type of operation before. He knew the repercussions, he knew what it meant and he knew most of all, what the price will be for failure. 

They were going to assassinate a top level foreign senator.

7 Lives. 7 Wars. Each with their own craft. Each with their own destinies.

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WELCOME 

Have you ever read the entire Bible at least once? If you have, share how this experience affected your relationship with God & others. If you have not share what hinders you from doing so & what will you do to overcome that starting this week.

WORD

Acts 17:1-15 New International Version (NIV) says

In Thessalonica

17 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah," he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.[a] 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

In Berea

10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

13 But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. 14 The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

One can make an eternal impact in the lives of others by studying the Bible, applying what you learned & teaching this to others.


2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV) says
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

that all Scripture is inspired by God & is useful teaching, rebuking, correcting & training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be equipped for every good work. This is why we need to study God's word, not merely for knowledge but for transformation.

STUDY GOD'S WORD

As we continue to study the Book of Acts, we follow Paul into chapter 17 where he engaged with all kinds of people that he encounters in his travels. The first place that Paul often went to in different cities was the synagogue. Here in Thessalonica, he gives an account of the Messiah, the promised deliverer of the Jews. Paul refers to the Old Testament to create a 'dialegomai'(Greek) or dialogue from the Scriptures. He explains that the Jesus Christ had to suffer & rise again, as written 


in Isaiah 53:5 New International Version (NIV) says

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.


& in Psalm 16:10-11 New International Version (NIV) says
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful[a] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Obviously, Paul studied Scriptures & knew what it says about the promised Messiah. Paul related ancient prophesy from Scripture to the historical event of Jesus death on the cross & His resurrection. Paul proclaimed Jesus with boldness & trusted the Lord for the outcome. Indeed, Paul would preach in the synagogue & would get beaten up after, yet he would do the same thing in the next city they would go to. He was not discouraged even if he faced opposition. He knew what his calling was, to preach the good news first to the Jews & then to the Gentiles. His calling was sure & getting beaten up & opposed to his face did not stop him from continuing on his mission. When you have an impact, you will have an uproar. In the things you are doing for God, are you experiencing an "uproar"? Doing God's work  might mean facing hostility from the very people you are trying to reach out to.

APPLY GOD'S WORD 

We must also check our eagerness in approaching God's word. Do you find the Bible bland & boring? Are you excited to encounter God in His word? 


Psalm 1:1-2 New International Version (NIV) says

BOOK I

Psalms 1–41

Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.

Though the Bible does not promise a life without problems it is a deep source which God uses to guide you in making wise decisions as you face life's difficulties & challenges. Apply what you learn from the Bible in your life even before you attempt to share it with others!

TEACH GOD'S WORD  

The next group of people that Paul engages within Acts 17, were the Bereans who were more open to Paul's teaching compared to the Thessalonians. In matters of discernment, we must be like the Jews in Berea who not only studied the Scriptures but also used this to examine what was being preached to them. In listening to preachers, we must have an unbiased eye & be opened to the truth that a preacher teaches but always go back to Scripture & check for ourselves what we heard from the preacher against what the Bible says. Is this how we view the speakers we encounter? With an unbiased eye but a discerning spirit? We need to be careful because there are many false teachers & many more will arise. Like Paul, are you willing to take a beating for something you believe in? It is so hard to teach what you do not believe in, so make sure that you know why you believe what you believe & teach. One of the greatest hindrances to God using you to teach others about the Bible is your unwillingness to apply God's word. Have a self-check, is your Bible knowledge making you arrogant? Beware that it does not, as 


1 Corinthians 8:1 New International Version (NIV)

Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

8 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that "We all possess knowledge." But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

As one grows deeper in the knowledge of Christ & the Bible, one should be more understanding, loving & humble. Is this true for you? The Thessalonians did not accept Paul's teaching the first time & yet even with the initial resistance, a church was established in Thessalonica. Paul's commitment to teach God's word no matter the personal consequence to him, eventually bore much fruit. The Thessalonians became an example of how lives surrendered to Jesus can become a vibrant church. We too can be an example of how a surrendered life that studies, applies & teaches the Bible can be transformed because of Jesus Christ.

DISCUSSION QUESTION (PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANYMORE HERE YOUR PAST EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE WE ARE NOW AT THE PRESENT TIME)

1. Which part in this process you excel in & where you need help to improve on? 

Mia's answer: In this process I excel in teaching God's word, I need to help to improve in my studying God's word

Kathy's answer: I would excel in encoding in QuickBooks and Excel.  I also excel in issuing invoices.  I also excel in following up dues from the customers or clients.  I need to improve my character skills.  I should be more patient towards other people.  I should learn to control my emotions. 


2. How will you apply our lesson STUDY, APPLY & TEACH  to your next week of your life? 

Mia's answer: i will apply our lesson to my next week of my life

Kathy's answer: I would apply my lesson to my next week of my life by first reviewing my lessons and then study what's my weaknesses and strengths so I could improve them. 


3. To whom will you teach the Bible this week? 

Mia's answer: I will teach the Bible this week to the workshop I will volunteer

Kathy's answer: I would teach Bible to my online network in Toluna PH and webnovel by sharing our own ideas in this Devotional Time Session.


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Lists of thoughts... Random thoughts... (considered as communion to God Almighty!)

What exactly is a demon?
The topic once more returned to this. However, ZERO had been avoiding giving the answer no matter how harsh Yao Yuan was. In the end, he only managed to squeeze out a sentence through her tears.
"It's not that I don't want to tell. Unless I am completely free from the illusory space I am in, the UFO's self-defense will automatically activate if I reveal certain sensitive information to you humans… You humans must find the answer to this question on your own, I cannot give you the answer unless you wish to die."
When she said that, the trio broke out in cold sweat. Indeed, ZERO was ZERO, and the UFO she was in was an isolated entity; the two were not one and the same. If ZERO was telling the truth, and the UFO would destroy the Hope if she revealed certain information, then it was truly frightening.
"Therefore, I can only say this: demons are not living creatures, they are an existence, they are not unlike the demons mentioned in your human bible…"
The trio got into their own thoughts after hearing that. In reality, this was not the first time Yao Yuan heard that description, but he didn't have time to ponder about its implications before. At the time, he hadn't even met an actual demon, but now that he was reminded of it, many different observations formed in his mind.
First, the demons in the bible were created by God. Let's assume this God was a figurative existence, like the Dao in Daoism. In any case, for the sake of this thought experiment, it is not the "God" in the common understanding, that was merely a lifeform with a grasp of higher power, not something ZERO was talking about.
In that case, demons originated from nothingness and not something with form, a form which then created the universe just like how God used seven days to create the universe in the bible… wait!
Yao Yuan, who was piloting the shuttle, suddenly turned around, surprising the other two who were deep in their thought and ZERO, who was just blanking out. He ignored them and said, "When you say the demons are similar to their depiction in the bible, then… what about the other depictions? Or should I say, the bible also writes about God creating the world, humanity, and angels. So what about those? Are they real as well?"
ZERO was stunned. She sat there quietly and started to think. After a long while, she replied, "You're basically right… they are real, but there are no angels because the angels are the demons."
"Is that so?" Yao Yuan took a deep breath and said, "Then let me conclude and categorize what you've said so far. You are trying to implicate that there exists an ultimate thought which created the world and the demons?"
"Wrong!" ZERO immediately retorted. "That's wrong because the universe is the universe, its creation and operation follows the foundation of physics according to force, energy, space, and time. It is not controllable by a thought; the universe itself is a formless existence and it doesn't come from an ultimate thought. In fact, there is no such thing as an ultimate thought. The universe is the universe, just like 1 plus 1 equals to 2, it is the real formless existence."
Yao Yuan sighed, but he added with confusion, "But didn't you just say that Genesis and the demons in the bible are real… or I have misunderstood it?"
This time ZERO didn't say anything. Yao Yuan added after a moment, "Since the western bible contains clues to the demons' existence, is there a similar example in eastern philosophy?"
ZERO added, "Of course there is. The Pangu [1] is a perfect example, the myth of Nu Wa is another. Also, think about the stories of cultivation where people turned into demons as their hearts caused them to stray from the righteous path, that is also a manifestation of the demonic energy. I cannot say anything more than that."
This time Yao Yuan was even more confused. They had more clues to go on with, but they were all half-clues. There was not one unifying thread that strung them together, so how could they possibly get to the correct answer from these?
He reverted back to the question that started it all: what is a demon? All of the clues seemed to point towards this question, so if this question was answered, then the rest of the clues would make sense.
So what is a demon?!
Yao Yuan was using his Thinker power so much that he felt some measure of pain in his brain. However, he could not come up with nothing, not even the shadow of an answer. Finally, he gave up. After all, humanity was currently a level 2 space civilization, they were simply too far away from talks of demons and the universe. At least until they became a mid tier space civilization, they wouldn't have to worry about demons, so thinking about them now was pretty useless. Perhaps the answer would reveal itself when humanity reached a certain level.
The group continued on their journey. As they moved forward, the feeling of slowing down got more pronounced. In the end, it felt like they had returned to Earth's speed and their surroundings were moving away at several hundred kilometers per hour. The group started to get impatient.
Regardless, at least they were still moving forward, and finally a bright mist appeared down the horizon. It was probably the entrance to the central control. The group was excited, but the feeling of something being amiss was getting stronger. They realized that no matter how fast they travelled, the mist still remained at its original position; it didn't seem like they were getting closer to it at all. It felt like… their transport shuttle had gone immobile.
The group was extremely sensitive to this, so they realized that something weird was going on immediately. However, when questioned, they couldn't put their finger on what was wrong. Without a better knowledge of stuff, they could only conclude that either the rules of the illusory space had changed once more or some of high-end technology was preventing them from moving forward.
As the transport shuttle continued moving forward, the group finally realized what was wrong. Their surroundings had suddenly become huge, making them feel like they were looking from the perspective of a bug.
"This isn't right, we have gotten smaller." Yao Yuan suddenly stopped the shuttle. They looked out the window and realized with a start that the spaceships around them had become unusually big. Even though it was hard to get an accurate reading of size from sight alone, the difference between now and before was so obvious that one didn't need a device to tell the difference.
Yao Yuan gritted his teeth and jumped out of the shuttle. He ignored the curious gazes of his crew and walked towards the mist. He merely moved ten steps away, but in the eyes of the group, he slowly grew bigger, and he was already 8 to 9 meters tall, looking like a typical metallic giant.
The group was shocked. Yao Yuan turned back to look at the shuttle, which was the size of a model car, and sighed. When he walked back to the shuttle, he shrunk. Then he explained, "The space has changed. The closer we get to the central control, the smaller we become, and that's not all… I fear the shrinking is proportional, as in related to the distance. The closer we get to the central control, the smaller we will become, so technically, we will never get to the central control, because this short distance is essentially the size of a universe."
This was a simple math calculation. This type of scaling down meant that even a distance of a meter could be as large as a universe. They were still so far away from the mist, and perhaps the transport shuttle would need to go on at maximum speed for a billion years before it could reach their destination.
Everyone turned to look towards ZERO. After all, she was the most knowledgeable regarding this.
"There is of course a solution," ZERO said in a tone that implied that she needed some begging and praises before she would say anything.
Yao Yuan didn't say anything, but the nervous Jay piled on the praises immediately. ZERO eventually nodded satisfactorily and said, "That will depend on you. Your Homo Evolutis power is as powerful as the Immortal after all. For you, the power of deception affects more than… the human heart."
Jay was confused. He pointed at himself and said, "Me? I know I can spin some lies, but what does that have to do with this situation we're in?'
Yao Yuan, though, seemed to have understood something. He pulled Jay aside and said, "Do you still remember the things that happened on the meteorite base before you collapse?"
Jay nodded and Yao Yuan continued, "I believe I understand what ZERO means. Your power of deception belies scientific explanation… but it is true that you can deceive even non-living things. You still remember how you lied to the crystal reactors, right? I believe ZERO is referencing that as well…
"You have to lie to this illusory space, to trick it into making this space normal again."
This order was so curious that Jay took a long time to process it before he finally said, "Wait, you want me to lie to a space? Hello, Yao Yuan, have you lost your mind? How am I supposed to do that? You want me to yell to this space, saying 'please return the rules of this place back to normal?'"
When Jay finished that, the transport shuttle grew in size at a speed that was noticeable to the naked eye. In fact, the group also slowly returned to their original sizes. Yao Yuan retracted his shocked gaze and said seriously,
"Yes, exactly, just like that!"


Endless sky and infinite space, the cosmos isn’t some paradise waiting to be found, it is full of darkness and danger, death and terror of the great unknown. However, for that glittering swath of blue, we have no fear! For the longevity of men, we have no regrets! Nothing shall stand in our way because it is finally our time, our age! The age of cosmos exploration! 


Jean wore his Sunday's best early in the morning. He looked in the mirror. A clean-shaven, porcelain-like face stared with its piercing brown eyes and its somewhat thin eyebrows raised.

Jean checked his mouth for any remnants of the eggs and rice he ate almost half an hour ago. Then, he turned off the bathroom lights, ignoring his dirty clothes wrapped in his towel on the hamper at the door.

Jean opened his filing cabinet with his keychain and looked at his accounted expenditures. He wondered briefly about future purchases and profitable investments. Jean shook his head and locked up the cabinet.

Eventually, Jean slipped on his shoes and the standard-issue black clergy cassock. 

It was time. He had deacon duties to do.

The drive to the Renningberry Catholic Church took only minutes. Jean stepped out of his neat and tidy blue Ford Bronco. Although it was getting old, he took diligent care of it.

Jean jingled his keys and opened the rusty doors of the Church. Its noise brought peace to his mind. Even with all the tweeting of birds, it was nice to hear noises that could alert Jean.

Jean held his duties with solemn dedication and maintained the aging organ among many other things. Hours passed and soon, he was done.

Jean laid a Bible in his lap as he sat in front of the organ. His fingers danced across the keys, practicing different arrangement of Gothic music.

A loud thrum of a sputtering transmission broke into the melody, but Jean did not stop. Soon, Pastor Nick arrived. His large form comically contrasted his position, yet his aging appearance showed he did not lack experience. He was a decent-looking man in his fifties, after all.

"Jean! You're here early, like always, huh? You're such a good kid. Are you going to lead the liturgy again?" Pastor Nick called, walking towards the altar.

"Yes, Brother Nick. 'For the Lord Grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.' Proverbs 2:6." Jean replied. He stopped playing.

"I still don't know why you come in so early. A talented and good-hearted kid like you should be sweeping the entertainment industry!" Pastor Nick chuckled. "You play music like a Heaven-sent angel, you know that, Jean?"

"I have faith the Lord guides me to help others. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.' Proverbs 3:5." 

"Jean! You don't have to be so stiff. Why do you need to quote the Scriptures when both of us are well-read?"

"We must stay true to our teachings. 'Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.' What better advisers can there be than the Scriptures themselves?"

"Well, I knew I shouldn't have argued with you. You keep drowning me in your faith. Lighten up a little, huh?" Pastor Nick scratched at his stubble.

"I'm just joking with you! I'm young but lacking experience. If I want to enjoy the world, I have to make my own fun, right?" Jean winked at Pastor Nick.

Pastor Nick jarred in his step as he was walking to his office in the basement, suitcase in hand. "Y-yeah. Life's too short to worry so much about. Just don't go overboard. You keep reminding me of old Pastor Francis."

"Fine, Brother Nick. I'll see you at Mass."

Jean continued playing the organ until the main congregation filed in.

Jean rang the bell as Pastor Nick stood behind him. They went through the Rites lethargically. When the hymns came up, Jean lively led the Choir and congregation. Jean preached for the sermon and homily about truth and happiness. He noted the tragic end of William and Veronica, with their children. The Profession of Faith and the Prayers passed quickly.

Small baskets were passed around for donations as offertory began. Soon, the end neared.

Pastor Nick only offered Natalie the pitiful amount of wine left in the chalice. She was recently accepted by Yaler, long served as a volunteer for the homeless and needy, and always had good behavior. 

After the drink, she became a little flushed so Pastor Nick helped her sit on the side. Pastor Nick blessed the congregation but said Natalie told him she wanted to confess her sins privately before leaving on Tuesday.

Members of the congregation shuffled out, slightly tired but invigorated by the teachings of Deacon Jean and Pastor Nick. Their cars slowly pulled out and left only three behind.

Jean softly smirked. He cleaned up the pews and after the Mass methodically. Today was special.

Jean stretched and decided he took long enough. Pastor Nick closed the Church doors for his private session with Natalie. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he was doing.

Jean tucked his thick, hardcover Bible under his armpit. He slowly walked down the steps, appreciating the history of the stone foundation. At the door, he heard muffled noises. Jean unlocked the door and then knocked.

"Brother Nick? It's getting late. Shouldn't Natalie get home soon?"

Jean opened the door mid-sentence.

There, Pastor Nick stood, half-way thrusting into the sprawled form of Natalie. Her hands were bound by taut rope to sconces on the wall and her mouth was filled with a ball gag. Her legs similarly were spread apart, tied, and weakly moving in resistance.

Pastor Nick's arm was drawn back, with a riding crop in hand. It fell out of his grasp. Already, long red lines drew across Natalie's skin, slightly bleeding.

"Jean, wait!"

Jean stood in place, imprinting the memory. How many years had he known this was going on? Too many, that's how many. Father Francis didn't go to the grave willingly, and Jean knew this too...

"Jean, I can explain! This is… yes. She wanted this! We're just having adult fun! There's no need for you to be here!"

"Brother Nick," Jean said, coldly. "I was going to debate the Scriptures with you. 'My eyes are red with weeping; dark shadows circle my eyes." Job 16:16. Is that not what I see from Natalie? 'Shouldn't someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking?' Job 11:2. Can I trust you anymore, Brother Nick? Shouldn't I trust the words of Natalie?"

Pastor Nick slowly pulled up his pants and walked over to the door.

"Jean. Forget this ever happened. Next time--"

"NEXT TIME?!" Jean thundered.

"Jean!" Pastor Nick bowed to Jean for forgiveness. "Please!" They stood in silence.

Jean began mumbling quietly.

"What was that, Jean?" Pastor Nick asked. Another moment of silence passed.

"I called the police. They're going to arrest you."

"What?! NO! I CAN'T END LIKE THIS! HOW DARE YOU, UNGRATEFUL WHELP!! I WILL KILL YOU!!"

Pastor Nick charged at the door. Jean fled, dropping the phone.

They both ran up the stairs, and Jean let Pastor Nick catch up.

Pastor Nick tackled Jean's legs and screamed in fury. They both fell forwards.

"Let go! Let go! LET GO!!!" Jean yelled at the desperate man.

Pastor Nick pummeled Jean's androgenous legs as Jean tried to slip away.

Jean smiled brightly.

His Bible fell like a guillotine. A cold snap broke the air, and with a swift kick, Pastor Nick fell down the stairs like a ragdoll. A sickening thump splattered the end of his fall.

Jean slowly walked down the stairs, enduring the pounding his legs encountered.

At the bottom, Pastor Nick spawled like broken toy, probably looking like what the many women he groomed and tasted felt like. A pool of red began forming.

Jean bent down to feel his pulse. There was none.

Jean stumbled over to Natalie. He removed the ball gag to hear her sobbing and slowly untied her limbs. She cried endlessly, so Jean patted her head.

"There, there. It's all over. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.' Revelation 21:4." he cooed.

Jean hugged Natalie until the police arrived.

The city launched an investigation into the incident. Many women attested to Jean's innocence and Pastor Nick's vile ways. There was enough physical evidence to put Pastor Nick behind bars for life and even more. People whispered rumors and spread gossip about Father Francis. Yet, Jean stayed a devout and proud Catholic Christian who acted in heroic self-defence. 

Jean took over the Renningberry Catholic Church. Pope Jon Paul the Great commended Jean and took measures to condemn the sexual misconduct of the Catholic Church while apologizing to victims.

Jean continued living normally, albeit with more respect and publicity. He removed one more shackle, all in the eyes of the public. He could use even more subliminal messages to imprint his alibi into the mind of the public. Jean smiled more brightly in public. It was all going to plan, after all.

Wasn't the best disguise in plain sight?

The camera views the actions of an aspiring serial killer. 

How far and how close can he come to reality?

(Written on my phone to spite Rebirth of A Serial Killer by Kotrem and because I always wanted to write  a serial killer series. 

Any similarities to real people, places, and works are not to be taken seriously.)

Oh God! 

Catherine nearly dropped the suicide letter...

She can't feel any sympathy towards the murderer's untimely demise but knowing that he inflicted grave pain on her twin sister and sexually violated her, and also killed Dahlia... he deserved to rot in hell. But only God has the right to punish any sinner.

She was confused about what to feel right now, the hatred she felt for her sister slowly evaporated into thin air after the torture she's been through in Joseph's hands. After Caroline seduced her husband, her twin was attacked with Karma, God delivered the punishment right away by putting her in a very traumatic situation in the hands of Joseph. But then God spared Caroline's life and put an end to Joseph's life instead... freeing years of hatred and vengeance in his heart. It's like killing two birds with one stone.

No. She can't continue hating her sister. But their sibling relationship will never be the same again.

Joseph's death tells her one thing, hatred and revenge will never produce a good thing... only more pain and more casualties.

Maybe one day she will finally be able to completely forgive her sister so that they all can move on peacefully with their lives, it will take time and she had plenty of time ahead of her.

" Anything else, hubby?" she asked in a calmed voice.

John released a deep sigh of relief, he was glad that Catherine was not showing any extreme agitation on her face because the two revelations he told her were both traumatic and she just comes from a very scary situation herself due to her very own kidnapping incident. But deep inside he knows that Catherine was always been a brave girl, he was proud of her.

"Your sister got pregnant with my brother's child," he delivered the final nail to the coffin.

Catherine's mouth went agape in shocked! Oh God, she closed her eyes. Right now she wants to hug her twin and tell her that everything will be alright. It's not easy being impregnated with your r-apist baby. The trauma will keep hunting you every time you see your baby.

"And what happened? Did my sister aborted the baby?" she asked.

John shook his head.

"Caroline demanded a few things in exchange for keeping the baby. It's always been my brother's wish that he wants his child to be given a chance to live in this world. So, we decided to give your sister 5 million cash to compensate for the horrifying experience she undergo when she was kidnapped by my brother, then another 5 million cash just to deliver the baby a total of 10 million cash has already been deposited to her bank account before she went to Thailand. Aside from that, she also demanded house and lot on her name, full custody of the child, a brand new car and allowance of PHP 100 thousand monthly for their living expenses, we complied to all her wishes," explained John.

Catherine's jaws dropped after hearing her sister's demand. She doesn't know if she will hate or criticize her sister for the outrageous things she demanded from John's family but since her twin was sexually violated against her will and was about to be killed the psychological trauma was too much for any woman to swallow. She had a mixed reaction to her sister's demands. She had a headache all of a sudden due to information overload.

"I wanted to go back to our bedroom now, hubby. I think I need to lie down and closed my eyes. I need a rest, my head hurts after hearing your revelations, they were a shocker!" she sighed.

"Okay, wifey, let's both have a rest," John replied. "I'm glad that you are not angry with me," he said.

Catherine regarded her husband with a sad look. "Regarding my sister, it's one reason why I don't want her to live with us under one roof. I know her better than anyone else. Now you understand why. But it's all over now, I'm just grateful that you weren't easily tempted by her. Or else, it's something that I can never allow to happen and if you happened to get tempted by her I could never forgive you," she said.

John smiled and caress his wife's cheeks. "I love you so much, wife. I will never betray you ever again," he said.

They hugged each other tightly with full understanding that no matter what kind of storm that will pass on their marriage life, together they will face them head-on, without letting go of their love and trust for one another.

*Love doesn't always bring the best person into your life, sometimes, love brings the worst people into your life.
 ~
Caroline loves money, an ambitious woman who will do anything for money. She come from a poor family background. Envious of her twin sister's good fortune enjoying a happy and secured life with her wealthy husband, Caroline believed that she must also be granted with the same amazing fate as her twin sister.

She knows that money always comes with a heavy price... she's willing to pay any price!

Meet... Mr. X... he's upbringing isn't something that he can be proud of. He had a hard time trusting anyone. He rose to power, fame and wealth not because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth but because it's an inheritance bestowed to him from the wealthy man who adopted him. He paid gravely for that wealth and power throughout his young and adult life.

When these two people meet...
What's gonna happen?
Will there will be sparks igniting between them?
How about attraction, is it possible?
And how about love?
Will love bring the best or worst out of them?


*** As the saying goes, true love does not come easy, it takes hard work and commitment. Some love can be too sweet yet fleeting and won't last a year. Some love grows in time, while some love can be deadly... there are types of love that should never be pursued because they are poisonous. Only true love endures the test of time... in this story all types of love will sprung from the ground and devour anyone who stands near it.

*** My other novel on this site are the following: 

* The CEO's Painted Skin~ 510 chapters~completed.
* The Last Embrace~ 472 chapters~ completed.
* The Tale Of Three Sisters~ ongoing.

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