In a time long, long ago, the Supreme Ethereal Dragon created this world and, shortly after, birthed seven holy beings.
They were known as the Seven Origins.
The Supreme Ethereal Dragon tasked them with making the world flourish—and so they did.
But one day, the Origin that governed darkness descended to the mortal world and ruled over the people, who had once lived in peace, through fear and oppression.
The other six Origins saw this as a defiance of the Supreme's will and decided that the Origin of Darkness must be exterminated.
However, they feared that the mortal world might collapse under the might of seven gods descending at once, so they chose a single mortal as their envoy.
This human, blessed by the six Origins, was granted godly powers and drove the forces of the Origin of Darkness to the farthest corner of the world, where they could harm no one again.
"The human, blessed and loved by the gods, was eventually known as the Messiah of Origins and led the world to where we are today."
"The end."
The nun at the front closed the thick book she was holding and smiled at the children, who were staring at her in awe. Well—everyone except one.
"Wooow! So that's the full story of how the Messiah saved the world! I've only heard the short version from my mother and father, but hearing the full story was so much more interesting!"
"Yeah! The Messiah was so cool! I want to be just like him and be blessed by the six Origins!"
"Me too!"
"Me three!"
The sister laughed at the ruckus the children were making and drew their attention back to herself as she spoke.
"My, I'm sure you'll all become just like him when you grow up. Now then, since the sun is about to set, you may all go home—lest you make your parents worry, okay?"
"We got it, Sister!"
"Goodbye, Sister!"
"Bye-bye, Sister!"
"Make sure to go home safely, okay?"
As each child made their way out of the classroom, just as it was my turn, the sister suddenly called out my name.
"Draven, can I talk to you for a little bit?"
She wants to talk to me? That's strange—we've never really interacted much. Could it be because I seemed too indifferent to the story of the Messiah? Shoot… I should have acted a little more excited. Though, that sounds tiring.
First and foremost, I should try to avoid talking alone with this sister.
"Sister Clare, it's getting late. Didn't you say we shouldn't make our parents worry too much?"
How's that for a counterblow? Using your own words against you—now you can't force me to stay!
"Ah… don't worry about that! I already told your parents you'd be staying late, and in exchange, I'll accompany you back home myself!"
"I… see."
Those two! How could they betray their own child like this?!
But… hmm. So she was already planning to talk to me after class? Then what could she want? Well, I'll humor her for now. And even if she finds out anything about who I am, I'll just feign ignorance. That way, she'll just sound like a crazy nun.
A pretty brilliant plan, if I do say so myself.
I walked toward the front of the classroom and stood still as she sat behind her desk. The smile she gave me made it feel like she knew something, so I couldn't help but avoid her gaze nervously.
"Draven, you're about to turn six tomorrow, right?"
"…Yes."
"Then you're going to receive your blessing. Do you feel nervous?"
I see. So that's what this is about. I got scared for nothing.
"Not really."
"Fufu…"
What the—did she just laugh? Did she think I was putting on a brave front? That's kind of annoying.
"Don't worry. I'll be facilitating the Blessing Ritual, so there's no need to be scared. I'll be gentle with you."
The sister reached out and placed her hand on top of my head, gently caressing it.
Although I feel flattered being pampered by a pretty sister like this, I should avoid getting too close to her.
"Sister Clare, it's about time I head home."
"Oh, that's right—it's getting a bit late. Come, I'll walk with you until you get home."
She stood up from her chair and moved in front of me, slightly crouching as she extended her hand toward me, as if beckoning me to take it.
Honestly, she should really stop treating me like a kid.
…
..
.
The two of us walked down the street hand in hand. The only saving grace in this situation was that it was already dark, so no one could witness this embarrassing moment.
A small orb of light hovered along our path, illuminating the way ahead. This was a rather undeveloped village, after all—there wasn't a single lamp or lantern lighting the streets.
If she can manifest light, then she must be blessed by the Origin of Light. I've heard that the Origin of Light is quite selective when granting blessings, so only a few people are chosen every now and then.
Well, she is kind, so I can see why she was chosen.
Hmm… She's unusually quiet since we left the church. She always wears that serene, content expression, but now… it's just blank.
"Is something bothering you, Sister Clare?"
Ah… before I knew it, I had already blurted those words out. I really should stop being so meddlesome.
Though, I'm sure she wouldn't want consolation from a child. It's totally fine if she dismisses my question—in fact, that's what I want!
"Really?! You'll hear me out?! Then please listen to me while we walk, okay?"
This girl… she's more shameless than I thought. Well, I guess since I was the one who offered, I should do my part.
"You see, I've been a little worried about the new doctrine that was suggested by the apostles."
And she's already started. But wait… a doctrine from the church that worships the Origins? I should hear more about this. Let's pry a bit further.
"A doctrine?" I asked.
"Yes… Ah!" the sister suddenly exclaimed. "A doctrine is a kind of law or rule in our church. We treat them as the words of the gods and follow them very seriously!"
"I already know that. There are currently six doctrines, right? Didn't you teach us that on the first day of class?"
"Now that you mention it, I did, didn't I?"
No… why are you asking me? You're the teacher here! This is no good—we're getting off topic.
"S-So, what is the new doctrine anyway?"
There was a brief moment of silence before the sister answered.
"…The moment a Spawn of Darkness is blessed or discovered, they are to be executed immediately."
What?!
.
..
…
Before I knew it, I found myself lying in my bed. From the moment the sister told me about the new doctrine, everything after that had become a blur.
All I remember is my parents seeing the sister off, eating dinner, and then heading to my room.
I need to think.
Spawn of Darkness. According to the sister's teachings, that is what they call people who do not receive a blessing during the Blessing Ritual. They are born very rarely—not even this village, with at least a hundred residents, has ever had one.
And yet, I'm certain.
I won't receive a blessing.
After all…
How could the very person who created the concept of blessings even have one?!
***
At the church north side of the village, a sister knelt with her hands clasped together, her eyes fixed on the statue before her with deep devotion.
"O Bringer of Light, I have completed the mission you bestowed upon me."
"Yes, I have told him about the new doctrine."
She spoke to the statue as if it were a living being. With every word she uttered, it was as though the statue responded in turn.
"Hmm… he was not what I expected. He seemed mature and considerate—completely different from what the legends say. No one would ever guess that that child stands on equal footing with the six Origins themselves."
"I have received your order."
"May your light illuminate the path this world seeks."