The city had returned to peace.
No blood stained the streets.
No broken homes remained.
The cries of despair had been replaced by the ordinary voices of merchants, craftsmen, mothers calling their children, and travelers continuing their journeys.
Only one unusual sight remained.
A small child sat quietly in the middle of the road.
Upon His lap rested the unconscious man He had just forgiven.
God slowly lifted His gaze.
From every direction...
People were gathering.
Soldiers lowered their weapons.
Guards cautiously approached.
Citizens whispered among themselves.
Some stared in awe.
Some remained frozen in fear.
Others looked at the child with admiration.
A few simply smiled without understanding why.
And among them were hearts beginning to believe...
Though they did not yet know in whom.
God looked upon every face.
His gentle smile slowly faded into a quiet sigh.
"...Not yet."
He softly raised His right hand.
Then—
Snap.
The sound was almost too quiet to hear.
Yet the entire city stood still for the briefest moment.
Then God spoke.
"All of you forget everything you saw and heard."
Instantly...
Every memory disappeared.
The brilliant light.
The restored city.
The battle.
The monster.
The miracle.
The voice.
Everything.
It was as though none of it had ever happened.
One by one, confusion spread across the crowd.
A merchant scratched his head.
"...Why am I standing here?"
A woman carrying bread looked around.
"I thought I was going home..."
Several soldiers glanced at one another.
"Weren't we... training?"
One guard frowned in confusion before his eyes landed upon the child sitting in the middle of the road.
"...Huh?"
He adjusted the straps of his plated armor before walking toward Bereshith.
"Hey, Kid."
God looked up.
"Yes, Sir?"
"You're sitting in the middle of the road."
The guard pointed behind him.
"Move."
God blinked innocently before smiling.
"My apologies, Sir..."
He gently looked down at the unconscious man resting against His lap.
"...But this person needed help earlier."
He carefully adjusted the man's position so he would not slip.
"And somehow..."
God smiled sheepishly.
"...he fell asleep on me right now."
The guard stared at the sleeping man.
Then sighed deeply.
"...Looks like he drank too much."
God nodded earnestly.
"I believe so too."
The guard rubbed the back of his neck.
"Alright..."
He crouched before the child.
"Where are you staying?"
Without waiting for an answer, he carefully lifted the unconscious man from God's lap and rested him over his armored shoulder.
God stood up and dusted His clothes.
"Thank you very much, Sir."
The guard nodded.
"It's fine."
"So?"
"Where do you live?"
God answered cheerfully.
"I am staying at the Manor of House Ascirick."
The guard froze.
"...What?"
"I am staying at the Manor of House Ascirick."
The guard's eyes widened.
"What?!"
"You're staying at Lord Ascirick's manor?!"
God nodded happily.
"Yes, I am."
He smiled.
"In fact—"
Before He could finish—
A familiar voice interrupted.
"Pardon me for interfering, Mister."
Both the child and the guard turned.
Walking toward them was Lucas.
His clothes were torn from battle.
Dust clung to his boots.
His face showed signs of exhaustion.
Yet he carried himself with the dignity of a seasoned knight.
He stopped before them and politely bowed his head.
"But this child is my son."
He gently rested a hand upon Bereshith's shoulder.
"I am his father."
Lucas then glanced toward the unconscious man.
"And that gentleman..."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"...is my drunk friend."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"If you would permit me..."
"Allow me to ease your burden and let me carry my friend."
God immediately smiled brightly.
"Daddy!"
Without hesitation He hugged Lucas' right leg.
"You're finally awake!"
Lucas looked down.
His expression stiffened for only a heartbeat.
He understood immediately.
That was not Bereshith speaking.
Not now.
So instead of questioning it...
He simply smiled.
He gently patted the child's head.
"I'm sorry."
He laughed awkwardly.
"Daddy was drunk."
God giggled.
"I forgive you."
Lucas almost laughed.
The guard, however, narrowed his eyes.
He studied Lucas carefully.
Something about this man seemed strangely familiar.
His brow furrowed.
Then realization struck him.
His eyes opened wide.
"S-Sir Lucas?!"
Lucas gave an embarrassed smile.
"...Yes."
"That's me."
He glanced around the busy street before leaning closer.
"But could you keep your voice down?"
"I don't want everyone to know I'm here."
The guard immediately straightened.
"I-I apologize, Sir Lucas!"
His voice instantly became a whisper.
"I didn't know you had returned."
Lucas chuckled softly.
"I only arrived recently."
The guard carefully transferred the unconscious man onto Lucas's shoulder.
Lucas wrapped one arm securely around the man's waist, effortlessly supporting his weight.
"Thank you."
The guard bowed respectfully.
"No, Sir."
"Thank you."
Lucas simply nodded before turning away.
"Come along."
God happily walked beside him.
Father and son quietly began their journey back toward the manor.
Neither hurried.
Neither spoke.
For several minutes only the sound of footsteps echoed through the streets.
Then—
Neigh!
A horse emerged from the corner of a nearby alley.
Its ears perked the instant it recognized Lucas.
Without command...
Without hesitation...
It calmly walked beside him.
Lucas smiled.
"So..."
"You're back."
He affectionately stroked the horse's neck.
"Good."
Then he looked toward the unconscious man resting upon his shoulder.
"I've got another job for you."
The horse gave a soft snort.
Lucas carefully lifted the man from his shoulder and laid him gently across the horse's back.
The animal stood perfectly still, almost as though it understood the importance of carrying its passenger safely.
Lucas took hold of the leather bridle.
"There."
He smiled.
"That's much better."
God watched the scene quietly.
Then, after several moments, He looked toward Lucas with a gentle smile.
"You have always treated even the smallest of God's creatures with kindness."
Lucas glanced down at Him.
"I suppose..."
He smiled faintly.
"...they remember kindness better than people do."
God's smile grew warmer.
"That is why they trust you."
Lucas said nothing.
He simply continued walking.
One hand held the horse's bridle.
The other rested gently upon Bereshith's shoulder.
And together—
the knight,
the child,
the redeemed stranger,
and the faithful horse—
made their quiet journey back toward the Manor of House Ascirick beneath the golden light of the afternoon sky.
The journey back to the manor was quiet.
Lucas walked while gently holding the horse's bridle, allowing the animal to carry the unconscious man upon its back.
Beside him, Bereshith skipped along the stone road with the carefree steps of a child, occasionally humming to himself as though he had not a single worry in the world.
Neither of them spoke.
The morning breeze gently rustled the trees lining the road.
Birds chirped overhead.
The peaceful sounds almost made it impossible to believe that only moments ago an entire city had stood on the brink of destruction.
After several minutes...
The towering gates of Ascirick's manor finally came into view.
The entrance stood completely empty.
No guards.
No servants.
No maids.
No butlers.
Only silence.
Lucas looked around before smiling faintly.
"They're all still hiding."
Bereshith simply nodded.
"Mhm."
The great wooden gates remained open, allowing the three of them to enter without obstruction.
The horse quietly followed Lucas into the courtyard while Bereshith suddenly looked toward the eastern wing of the manor.
His golden eyes brightened.
"They're waiting."
Before Lucas could answer—
Bereshith suddenly ran.
His little feet echoed across the stone courtyard as he hurried toward the farthest building within the manor grounds.
Lucas chuckled softly.
"Slow down..."
But the child was already gone.
Lucas simply shook his head before continuing toward the stable, leading the horse carrying the unconscious man.
Meanwhile...
Inside the safest chamber of the manor...
Everyone remained gathered together.
Servants.
Maids.
Butlers.
Children.
Nurses.
Even several elderly workers sat quietly against the walls.
Some prayed.
Others comforted frightened children.
Many simply waited.
No one understood why they had all gathered here anymore.
It felt important...
Yet none of them could remember the reason.
Only that somehow...
They had been told to stay.
Suddenly—
Soft footsteps echoed outside.
Bereshith stopped before the closed door.
Without hesitation...
He raised one small hand.
The transparent barrier surrounding the room shimmered into view.
Like sunlight reflecting upon still water.
Then...
It slowly dissolved into countless tiny particles of light before disappearing completely.
The invisible prison was gone.
Bereshith gently grasped the doorknob.
Click.
The wooden door slowly opened.
Warm afternoon light flooded into the room.
Standing against that light...
Bereshith smiled.
"Everyone..."
"You can come out now."
"Everything is alright now."
His gentle voice washed over the room like a calming breeze.
For a moment...
Nobody moved.
Then one maid cautiously stepped outside.
She looked around.
"...Why..."
She frowned.
"Why were we all inside here?"
A butler scratched his head.
"I... honestly don't remember."
Another servant blinked repeatedly.
"It feels like something happened..."
"...but I can't remember what."
Soon the rest slowly followed.
One after another.
Everyone wore the same confused expression.
The memories of terror...
The battle...
The miracle...
All of it had vanished from their minds.
Only an empty feeling remained.
Like waking from a dream they could no longer recall.
Not everyone had forgotten.
Maria remembered.
Ascirick remembered.
Levanah remembered.
Little Yareach remembered in the innocent way only a blessed child could.
As soon as Maria saw Bereshith standing safely outside the doorway...
Her shoulders relaxed.
Without realizing it...
Tears gathered in her eyes.
She walked toward him.
Stopped before him.
Then bowed her head.
"Thank you so much..."
Her voice trembled.
"And..."
"I'm sorry for doubting You."
Bereshith smiled warmly.
"You're welcome."
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
Yet those simple words lifted every burden within Maria's heart.
Levanah approached next, carefully carrying little Yareach in her arms.
The infant reached both hands toward her brother, giggling happily.
"Welcome back," Levanah said softly.
Beside her, Ascirick respectfully lowered his head.
"Thank you, Your Grace."
Bereshith looked at them both.
Then smiled.
"You're welcome."
Silence settled over the courtyard.
It was peaceful.
Gentle.
Almost sacred.
Then—
Without warning—
Bereshith's body swayed.
The smile faded.
His eyelids slowly closed.
Thud.
He collapsed forward.
"Bereshith!"
Levanah cried out.
Maria rushed forward immediately, catching the child before he struck the stone floor.
Yareach instantly began crying from her sister's arms.
Ascirick's eyes widened.
"What happened?!"
There was no answer.
Bereshith remained unconscious.
"Someone call the doctor!"
Ascirick's commanding voice echoed throughout the manor.
"Nurses!"
"Medical ward!"
"Hurry!"
The peaceful atmosphere vanished instantly.
Servants hurried in every direction.
Running footsteps echoed throughout the halls.
Within moments, Karly arrived carrying her medical bag, followed closely by Eva and several nurses.
Karly immediately knelt beside Bereshith.
She checked his breathing.
His pulse.
His temperature.
His eyes.
She remained silent for several moments before finally exhaling.
"His breathing is normal."
"The heartbeat is steady."
"There are no external injuries."
Maria looked at her anxiously.
"Then why won't he wake up?"
Karly gently brushed the child's hair away from his forehead.
"...Complete exhaustion."
She looked toward everyone gathered around.
"It feels as though every ounce of strength inside his body has been spent."
"He simply needs rest."
Relief spread across everyone's faces.
"Carefully."
Karly instructed the nurses.
"Take him to his room."
The nurses nodded.
Together they gently lifted the unconscious child and carried him toward his bedroom with the utmost care.
Levanah followed close behind while holding little Yareach.
Maria walked beside them without leaving Bereshith's side for even a moment.
Ascirick quietly watched them disappear down the hallway.
Then he whispered under his breath...
"May Heaven continue watching over this child..."
Far behind them...
Lucas quietly entered the manor courtyard, leading the horse toward the stable.
He watched the procession from a distance.
Seeing Bereshith sleeping peacefully...
A gentle smile appeared on his face.
"...You always give everything for Your sheep."
He lowered his head in silent gratitude before continuing toward the stable, allowing the others to care for the child who had just carried the weight of Heaven itself.
From then.
The night had long embraced the manor.
Outside, the moon hung peacefully above the quiet estate, its silver light pouring gently through the bedroom window. The distant chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves were the only sounds disturbing the stillness.
Inside the room...
A single oil lamp burned softly upon a wooden table.
Lucas sat quietly beside Bereshith's bed.
His posture was relaxed, one leg crossed over the other as he held a thick fairy tale book in both hands. Every now and then he turned a page, reading silently to himself while occasionally glancing toward the sleeping child to make sure he was alright.
The room remained peaceful.
Then...
Bereshith's fingers twitched.
His breathing changed ever so slightly.
Slowly...
His eyelids opened.
The ceiling above him came into view.
"..."
His eyes wandered around the unfamiliar room before he instinctively tried to sit up.
"...Ugh..."
A sudden heaviness spread throughout his entire body.
His muscles felt weak.
Even lifting his own head seemed exhausting.
Before he could force himself any further—
Lucas calmly closed the book upon hearing the movement.
"Relax."
His voice was gentle.
"And try to get some rest."
Bereshith slowly turned his head toward him.
"Mister..."
His voice was weak.
"...Why am I here?"
He blinked several times.
"What happened?"
His expression showed nothing but confusion.
There was no memory.
Nothing after leaving the safe room.
Lucas quietly looked at him for a moment before gently closing the fairy tale book and placing it on the nearby table.
"God does."
"He saved us all."
Lucas answered calmly.
"For now..."
"Try to rest."
No further explanation came.
Lucas knew the child would not remember.
Nor was it his place to tell him everything.
He slowly stood from his chair.
Walking toward the bedroom door, he rested one hand upon the handle before speaking once more without turning around.
"If you're trying to find your sister..."
"She's safe."
"She's sleeping with Levanah and Maria."
He smiled faintly.
"So for now..."
"Take a rest."
"I'll be back with your dinner."
"So stay here..."
"...and behave."
His tone sounded so ordinary that Bereshith couldn't help smiling a little.
"...Yes, Mister."
Lucas quietly left the room.
Click.
The door gently closed.
Silence returned.
Bereshith slowly looked toward the ceiling once more.
His brows furrowed.
"...I really don't remember..."
He quietly brought both hands together.
Interlocking his fingers.
Closing his eyes.
He began to pray.
"God..."
"Are You there?"
"If You can hear me..."
"Please..."
"Tell me what happened."
Silence answered him.
The room remained completely still.
Not even the wind responded.
Bereshith lowered his head slightly before smiling to himself.
"I know..."
"You're in me..."
"And You're always with me."
He inhaled softly.
"But God..."
"May I ask You one question?"
He hesitated.
"...Why can't You simply make everyone believe You're here?"
"I'm sure..."
"If You showed Yourself..."
"Everyone would believe You."
The room remained silent.
Then...
A familiar warmth gently embraced his heart.
No sound reached his ears.
Yet the voice echoed clearly within his soul.
"My chosen child..."
"I know what you wish."
"But remember this..."
"Love cannot be forced."
"Faith should not be compelled."
"And will must never be commanded."
"For I made mankind in My own image."
"That they may choose whom they shall love..."
"Whom they shall follow..."
"And in whom they shall place their faith."
The warmth surrounding Bereshith deepened.
Then the voice continued.
"However..."
"Truly, I say to you..."
"All sins shall be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter."
"But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness..."
"But is guilty of an eternal sin."
Silence followed.
Bereshith slowly lowered his head.
He swallowed.
"...Yes..."
"Father..."
"My Lord..."
"I will remember."
The warmth quietly faded.
Leaving only peace behind.
Just then—
Knock.
Knock.
The bedroom door opened once again.
Lucas entered carrying a silver tray.
Upon it rested a steaming bowl of creamy potato soup, freshly baked bread, and a wooden spoon.
The aroma quickly filled the room.
Lucas placed the tray upon the nearby chair before walking toward the bed.
"Come on."
"Let's get you sitting up."
He carefully slid one arm behind Bereshith's back while supporting his shoulders with the other.
Slowly...
Patiently...
He helped the child sit upright, making sure not to strain his exhausted body.
Once Bereshith was comfortable, Lucas picked up the bowl.
Scooping a spoonful of the creamy soup, he paused.
The soup was still hot.
So he gently blew across the spoon several times.
Only after making sure it had cooled enough did he hold it toward the child.
"Open."
Bereshith obediently opened his mouth.
"...Ah."
He quietly ate.
Warmth spread throughout his body almost immediately.
Lucas continued feeding him one spoonful after another.
Neither hurried.
The peaceful silence between them felt strangely comforting.
After several spoonfuls...
Bereshith quietly spoke.
"Mister..."
Lucas looked at him while preparing another spoonful.
"Sure."
"What is it?"
Bereshith lowered his eyes.
"...Mister..."
"I know God chose me..."
His voice became smaller.
"...But..."
"Can I really do it?"
The question lingered in the room.
Lucas stopped moving.
The spoon remained suspended in his hand.
He looked at the child's face.
For the first time...
He saw uncertainty.
Not fear.
Not weakness.
Simply...
Doubt.
Lucas quietly set the spoon back into the bowl.
He thought carefully before answering.
"You may doubt yourself right now."
"But remember this."
His voice remained calm.
"You endured my training."
"You survived alone."
"You protected your little sister."
"You helped others..."
"Long before I ever met you."
Lucas smiled faintly.
"So if you're asking me..."
"If you can do it..."
"My answer is simple."
"Yes."
"You can."
Bereshith slowly looked up.
Lucas continued.
"Maybe..."
"That's exactly why God chose you."
"Because even when you doubted yourself..."
"You never stopped believing."
"You never stopped helping others..."
"Before thinking about yourself."
"You never gave up."
The words settled deeply inside Bereshith's heart.
The uncertainty within his eyes slowly disappeared.
In its place...
A small light returned.
Then...
He smiled.
Not politely.
Not awkwardly.
But with genuine happiness.
"Thank you, Mister."
His eyes glistened softly.
"I love you so much."
For a brief moment...
Lucas simply stared.
Then...
He chuckled quietly.
Reaching forward, he gently patted Bereshith's head before rubbing his soft hair.
"...You're a strange kid."
His smile carried a warmth rarely seen.
"Now..."
"Finish your dinner."
"And get some sleep."
Bereshith nodded enthusiastically despite his tired body.
"Yes, Mister!"
Lucas smiled once more before picking up the spoon again.
He gently blew on another spoonful of warm soup.
And continued feeding the child.
Outside the window...
The moon quietly watched over the manor.
And for the first time since chaos had threatened the world...
Peace truly returned.
If only...
For one quiet night.