Chapter 1 — The Seed of Chaos
The desert burned under an unrelenting sun. Life here was harsh, fragile, barely clinging to existence. Yet the people of God endured, surviving on what little mercy offered—food to ease hunger, water to soothe parched throats, shelter after days of toil.
Even simplicity demanded sacrifice. Every prayer, every act of devotion reminded them that God watched. And He did not abandon them.
But humans are flawed. Even in the light of divine mercy, darkness can take root in the heart meant to protect.
A soldier, sworn to defend his people, let greed take hold. Half the village turned against itself. Blades clashed. Shouts echoed across the desert. Swords shattered in hands that once fought for peace. Chaos devoured everything.
And then he awoke.
His chest heaved. Sweat ran down his temples. The ceiling above stared back at him, cold and unyielding. Sunlight pierced through the window, stabbing at his eyes. He turned away, pulling the blanket over his head, desperate to escape the morning.
He hadn't realized he was late.
The door slammed open with a sudden crack.
His body stiffened. Fear shot through him as if an unknown presence had slipped into the room.
"Waking up late again, huh?"
"Grow up, kid."
His mother's sharp voice cut the air. That was enough.
He leapt from the bed, heart racing for a reason entirely different now. Clothes were thrown aside, yesterday's mess shoved into corners. Every movement hurried and clumsy. From outside, he could hear the sound of footsteps—neighbors heading toward the church.
Soon, he and his family joined the flow of people down the street. Smiles rested lightly on their faces, as if struggle had never touched them. Families passed each other, greeting with nods, soft laughter spilling into the morning air.
The church doors stood wide and open.
And there they were—the Wardens.
Standing near the entrance, cloaks flowing like shadows against the sunlight. Even from a distance, their presence made the crowd pause—silent, unwavering, as if the weight of every danger they had faced clung to them. The boy's chest tightened with awe. Without thinking, he ran forward.
"I want to become a protector like you," he said, breathless. "I want to save people too."
The Warden's gaze softened for only a moment, then he smiled—a warm, genuine smile carrying years of understanding.
"I'll be waiting for you, then."
The boy's face lit up. He nodded eagerly and hurried inside, steps light, heart full.
The Warden watched him go. Slowly, the smile faded. His gaze lingered, heavy with unspoken knowledge. To walk that path was to carry a burden few could endure.
From inside the church, voices rose in song.
Outside, the weight of daily struggle lingered on the people's faces. Smiles hid exhaustion. Silent tears traced lines along worn cheeks. Bodies were weary. Spirits thin.
Yet inside the church walls, for this fleeting moment, all burdens lifted. Strength returned. Faith filled what exhaustion had hollowed out.
Enough to face another day.