Chapter 12: A Place To Stay [1]

Zain, compelled by an urgent purpose, swiftly made his way through the open windows, as if driven by an invisible force. With determination in his eyes, he hastened towards a revered shrine, its significance beckoning him with an undeniable calling.

After a brisk journey spanning approximately 20 minutes, Zain arrived at the nearest shrine. Sensing the urgency of his mission, he cautiously approached the entrance, stealing a glance to assess the shrine's interior.

Fortune smiled upon him as he discovered the absence of any priests or visitors within its hallowed halls, granting him the solitude he sought.

'I promised not to believe in God anymore…'

'He didn't intervene when I suffered from injustice…'

The scars of his suffering etched deep within him, questioning the existence of divine intervention.

'But now, if due to him, I can bring them back, then I am more than ready to pray.'

However, in this pivotal moment, as the possibility of resurrecting what was lost loomed before him, he found himself willing to set aside his skepticism.

With a cautious gaze, Zain surveyed his surroundings once more, ensuring he was truly alone.

"Ya, this place is good," Zain whispered, as he entered the shrine.

Aware of the shrine's purpose as a sacred space for supplication and wish fulfillment, he carried within him a glimmer of hope, nurturing the belief that his deepest desires might be answered within these sacred walls.

Like mortals who sought solace and blessings within the sacred confines of a shrine, angels too recognized the significance of such revered places. Understanding that these ethereal beings also yearned for divine guidance and spiritual fortification, he sought solace in the shrine's embrace.

Just as Zain concluded his heartfelt prayers and prepared to depart, a sense of tranquility washing over him, a hushed voice resonated from behind.

Startled, he turned to find a priest materializing as if from thin air, his countenance serene yet firm. The unexpected arrival caught Zain off guard, causing him to pause in his tracks, curious as to what message this enigmatic figure held for him.

As Zain's bewildered gaze met the priest's eyes, he sensed a profound energy emanating from the celestial being. It was then that he realized this priest was no ordinary mortal, but a 1-star angel, bestowed with extraordinary powers that transcended the physical realm.

The priest's eyes held a mesmerizing glow, a radiant testament to the wisdom and insight that dwelled within. In a rare recognition of kinship, the priest, with a gentle smile, acknowledged Zain as an awakened human who had ascended to the celestial realm, transforming into an angelic being.

"Oh my god!" the priest exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe and reverence, as he beheld the magnificent manifestation of Zain's celestial powers.

His eyes widened in astonishment, for it was indeed a sight that surpassed any he had witnessed before. The priest, well-versed in the celestial realm, recognized the rare and extraordinary nature of Zain's abilities, acknowledging that this encounter marked an unprecedented moment in his spiritual journey.

As the priest continued to gaze upon Zain in disbelief, the intensity of his scrutiny became palpable, enveloping Zain in an otherworldly aura. The priest's eyes bore into his being, as if trying to unravel the enigma that Zain embodied.

An indescribable sensation began to wash over him, a peculiar blend of warmth and unease that tingled along his skin.

"I... I'm leaving," Zain stammered, feeling an overwhelming urge to escape the weight of the priest's intense gaze.

In an instant, he vanished from the very spot where he stood, his departure akin to a streak of lightning that eluded even the keenest gaze of the astounded priest. The sudden disappearance left the priest momentarily stunned, a mix of bewilderment and awe painting his features.

The priest, now standing alone amidst the hallowed sanctuary, pondered the significance of Zain's swift departure, realizing that this celestial encounter held far more profound implications than he could have ever imagined.

"N-no! Wait!" The priest's voice cracked with urgency, desperation evident in his plea as Zain vanished from sight.

In that fleeting moment, the priest's heart brimmed with an insatiable curiosity, his soul hungering for further glimpses into the extraordinary existence that had graced his presence. Regret tinged his expression as he realized the missed opportunity to unravel the mysteries held within Zain's body.

Just as the priest's yearning gaze lingered in the place where Zain had vanished, a young woman, radiating an aura of compassion and curiosity, appeared by his side.

Her youthful presence exuded a sense of wisdom beyond her years, her eyes brimming with genuine concern as she addressed the perplexed priest. Sensing the lingering turmoil within him, she gently inquired, "Is something wrong?"

Startled by the unexpected arrival, the priest turned to face the young woman. The priest gaped at her with wide eyes.

"Eh!? What happened? Why are you in such a state?" the girl inquired, her eyes widening as she observed the bewildered expression etched upon the priest's face. The priest, momentarily taken aback by the girl's presence and her genuine curiosity, finally found his voice amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

"An angel... an angel whose rank cannot be determined..." The words escaped the priest's lips in a trembling murmur, his voice laden with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

Fear coiled within him, a primal response to the unfathomable nature of Zain's celestial essence. The priest's gaze flickered between reverence and apprehension, torn between the deep-rooted respect he held for celestial beings and the overwhelming realization of encountering a celestial entity whose power surpassed his comprehension.

"Priest...?" The girl's voice trailed off as she noticed the priest's trembling form, lost in a haze of fear and uncertainty. Without hesitation, she gently took hold of his trembling hand, her touch offering reassurance and comfort. With a compassionate gaze, she led him to the shrine's peaceful resting spot, recognizing the need for comfort and serenity.

Silently, they walked together, the girl leading the priest into the serene depths of the shrine.

"Rest here, priest," she spoke softly, her voice laced with empathy. "Allow yourself a moment to breathe."

She swiftly retrieved a soft piece of cloth from a nearby alcove, soaked it in cool water, and approached the priest with a gentle demeanor. Her soothing touch provided a comforting interlude, allowing the weight of the situation to momentarily recede.

As she wiped away the sweat, her actions spoke volumes of her empathy and nurturing spirit, creating a sense of comfort and serenity within the sacred sanctuary.

"Did something happen? Why are you..."

Concern etched across her face, the girl was about to inquire further when she caught a faint murmur escaping the priest's lips.

His words seemed almost rhythmic, as if he were reciting a prayer or an incantation. Intrigued, she leaned in closer, straining to catch the meaning behind his whispered utterances, seeking to unravel the enigma that had captivated his attention within the shrine.

"Evil... An evil angel... strong..." The words spilled from the priest's lips, his voice trembling with a mix of dread and urgency. The girl listened intently, her eyes widening as she absorbed the weight of his words.

"What is he saying? Angel? Evil? Strong?"

Perplexed and unsure of how to comprehend the priest's cryptic utterances, the girl found herself overwhelmed by a surge of confusion. Sensing the futility of further inquiry, she chose to remain silent, allowing the weighty revelations to settle within her.

In an effort to bring some respite to the priest and alleviate the lingering tension in the air, the girl gracefully excused herself and ventured deeper into the shrine. Guided by the gentle flicker of candlelight, she sought out a nearby chamber where a small basin of cool water awaited.

"Unbelievable... How can a human possess such an immense amount of power? And how can that power be shrouded in darkness?"

MEANWHILE…

"I somehow managed to escape but it seemed as if the old man saw something..."

Exhausted from his hasty escape, Zain came to a halt, his breath ragged as he leaned against a storefront. Weariness etched across his face, he couldn't help but ponder the priest's intense gaze, which seemed to penetrate to the very depths of his being.

Glancing at his reflection in the polished surface of a nearby shop's glass, Zain sought solace in the familiarity of his own visage.

"I am a human, right...?" Zain murmured to himself, his gaze fixed upon his own reflection. The question lingered in his mind, a flicker of uncertainty clouding his thoughts.

In the midst of his internal contemplation, he realized that dwelling on this question alone would yield no definitive answer. With a determined exhale, he made a choice to leave the shadows of doubt behind.

As the day waned and evening descended, Zain set his sights on finding a temporary sanctuary—a hotel or lodge where he could seek respite and prepare for the upcoming journey into the towering unknown.

Determined, he navigated through the bustling streets, guided by the faint glow of welcoming lights.

"Hmm... but I don't have enough money," Zain whispered, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

Undeterred, he knew he had another option—a person who had been a guiding presence throughout his years at school. The doctor, a trusted figure who had always been there to offer care and guidance, now became his beacon of hope.

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