Power of Zero

As Cipher stared up at the cathedral, he analyzed the craftsmanship and architecture of the building. The structure reminded him of the Cathedral of Brasília, with its roof extending upward as if reaching for the sky. It was both beautiful and imposing, the towering stone arches seeming to echo a silent reverence for something far beyond mortal comprehension.

Walking closer, he passed by statues of massive creatures, their forms grotesque and twisted, as if nightmares had been captured in stone. Some had too many limbs, others seemed almost human but distorted with hollow eyes and elongated jaws. The display was unsettling, leaving Cipher to wonder what kind of place would display such terrifying figures.

Reaching the massive wooden doors, Cipher raised a hand to knock—but before he could, the doors creaked open on their own with a deep, resonant groan. He flinched, hand retracting instinctively as the entrance revealed the vast, brightly lit hall beyond.

Standing at the center was a man who seemed to belong in the space as much as the towering arches themselves. His long white hair flowed past his shoulders, and his silver eyes carried a calm, measured intensity. He wore a pristine white robe trimmed with gold, matching the ornate golden wrist guards and the elegant necklace bearing an eight-pointed star with a hollow void at its center.

Cipher hesitated. How was he supposed to greet someone like this? The man's presence felt heavy, not threatening but authoritative, and Cipher had never faced anyone who radiated such quiet power.

The man spoke, his voice smooth but firm. "You must be Cipher Starlight. Our Goddess informed us of your arrival. Welcome. I am Axel Surelight, a Knight of Light, priest of the Void, and caretaker of this sacred place. Please, follow me to the library. There is much to discuss."

Cipher followed in silence, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. Axel continued speaking as they walked. "This cathedral is one of five spread across LODAL. It houses the most expansive library among them, a repository of knowledge both ancient and sacred. Since you are newly reborn here, it is my duty to prepare you for the challenges ahead."

The hall felt endless, the vaulted ceiling stretching so high it seemed to disappear into shadows. Axel continued, "Time flows differently within these walls. For every hundred days you spend here, only one day passes beyond them. You may use this time to learn, reflect, and grow—but understand the gravity of your purpose here."

At the end of the corridor stood a pair of massive double doors. With a fluid motion, Axel opened them both, revealing a library so vast Cipher's breath caught in his throat.

The space seemed infinite, towering shelves stretching from floor to ceiling, with countless tomes and scrolls lining every inch. Light streamed down from high stained-glass windows, illuminating the gold-inlaid carvings on the shelves. The scent of parchment and aged leather filled the air.

Axel gestured to a pair of chairs at a central table. "Please, sit. Place your hand on the table, and we shall begin."

Cipher complied, placing his hand on the smooth surface while Axel seated himself across from him. After a moment of silence, Axel folded his hands and met Cipher's gaze.

"Do you recall the voice that spoke to you before your arrival in this world?"

Cipher nodded slowly. The memory was hazy, like a half-remembered dream. "Yes... but it feels distant. Like a memory I can't quite hold onto."

Axel gave a knowing nod. "That is often the case. The voice you heard belongs to the Goddess of the Void, the source of all creation and the essence of both light and darkness. She is not a goddess of destruction, as some might think, but of balance. From her came both the beauty and the nightmares of this realm. You were chosen because the balance has been disrupted. Corruption has begun to spread unchecked, threatening the harmony of LODAL. Your purpose, as a Knight of Light, is to combat this corruption and restore that balance."

Cipher furrowed his brow. "So... the darkness can't be destroyed completely? Why not just get rid of it all?"

Axel shook his head gently. "The Void birthed both light and shadow, each existing because of the other. Without darkness, light would have no purpose. Without fear, courage would have no meaning. Darkness itself is not evil—it is necessary. What you fight is corruption—when darkness grows twisted, consuming rather than existing in harmony. Your role is not to erase it but to prevent it from overtaking all else."

Cipher fell silent, absorbing the words. The concept felt vast—too vast for him to fully grasp yet—but it stirred something deep within.

Cipher's mind reeled as he tried to process the idea. "So... you're saying darkness can never be completely destroyed?"

Axel adjusted his spectacles, voice patient but firm.

"That's... more complicated. You see, darkness and light are not meant to be enemies. They are two sides of the same truth. To erase one entirely would unravel the world itself. Your role as a Knight of Light is not to eradicate all darkness, but to keep it from overwhelming the balance. Without both, the cycle of creation would break."

Cipher sat quietly, letting the weight of Axel's words settle.

"So, I'm not here to be a hero... just someone meant to keep things in check?"

Axel's silver eyes softened. "You may find, young knight, that protecting balance requires more courage than you realize."