A Story of Evil

Chapter 84: The Barrier

"My dear believers, God thanks you for joining us at this hour."

Within the cathedral situated right beside King Jubilee's castle, Bishop Baron was giving his sermon. Believers continued flocking in it each and every day. With the belief that, it was the only way they could be cleansed from the "evil" that was enveloping the domain.

With the things escalating the way it was, the bishop finally saw an opportunity to overtake King Jubilee. Anger with the king was already widespread within the Void Domain and, the only reason why nobody has ever revolted was because there wasn't a strong enough catalyst before. 

Yet, with all that happened and, with Jubilee being the ringleader of it, a window of opportunity finally opened up for Bishop Baron. And he wasn't planning on wasting it. Not for the world.

"It is in this time that we must gather up courage in our God. He will bless this holy mission of ours and all we need is the strength to stand up! The courage to face the evil that is the tyrannical Void King!" 

Peer pressure was also a helpful catalyst at that point. It helped the believers stay on a one tracked mindset. Thinking that everyone agrees with the bishop where in fact, there were those which doubted his cause.

"We must act! Now is the time for the church to lead and who better to start this revolution than us of a holy cause?" The sermon turned into a speech of rebellion and, everyone began screaming. Cheering for the bishop. Raising their shovels, spades, swords, and other makeshift weapons while others were equipped with guns.

It would've been a bloody day. The people were just about to leave the sacred grounds and march towards the castle. They were ready to fight and, knew that others would join in once they started. Unfortunately, this whole plan crumbled to the ground. 

A person slammed the doors of the cathedral open. It was too bright outside to make out who he was. There was also a cloak hiding his features. But his words were clear. This was all that mattered.

"Everyone come outside! The king is making an announcement! Everyone is gathering!" He shouted.

The people moved to this command like they were hypnotized. The suddenness was able to catch them off guard. They followed while bringing their weapons. All without realizing that it was a knight who barged in. One who also disappeared as quickly as he showed himself.

In all this commotion, there was a single infuriated person. None other than Bishop Baron. He griped on the podium so hard that his fingers clawed through the wood. Thinking that the king has intruded in a "sacred ceremony" yet again. 

"What does that fool of a king have to say now?" Bishop Baron commented. Moving out to see for himself what was happening.

The people were already flocking the streets at that point. Every Void of all ages looked at their king who stood at the top of his castle. With [Image Cores] giving them a feed of what he was doing. 

A single odd ball was also present right beside King Jubilee. While on his back where three people. Two children who were severely wounded and, the second wife of the king; Lilia.

"My dear citizens of the Void hear your king!"

While the church may have its loyal supporters, there were also those on the side of the king. Although not as many as the church goers, they were firmer in their belief in king Jubilee. Especially with all that he said within the programs of the Culling and, all the results that were produced.

The feed wasn't just broadcasted to the Void. It was being broadcasted to all the domains. Including the earth domain which was still in a heated state at that point.

"With my own eyes, I have seen how our people have been oppressed. Within the records of our history, this has never changed and has only continued worsening throughout the years. The corrupt guards and officials. The crimes that happen at a daily basis. Those that die from hunger or sickness. Not a single day has passed without me realizing all the pain that you are in."

"Screw you king Jubilee!" One member of the church shouted.

"You are a devil!" Another said.

Baron was liking what was happening. His forces will be able to gather more individuals to their cause if, Jubilee takes his time. That's why his fury subsided a bit. Igniting the flames of hate on the others who also began cursing. 

Meanwhile, Sol watched intently from the back. He was taking part in the dawning of a new age. Seeing it from the front row seat together with all who kept the king's secrets. Or at least, part of what was revealed to them.

"But all of that will change! This will be the beginning of a new age and I will make sure of it. No longer will you eat from scraps. No longer will you have to fill your bellies with the useless sermons on faith. This moment is our Genesis to a better age!"

King Jubilee stole a momentary glance at Lilia. The researcher gave him a nod, making the King smile as he proclaimed.

"I will take away this curse with my own hands."

Right there and then, the people heard a shattering sound. They looked for where it was coming from; gazing above with their eyes filled with horror as they realized what was happening. The barrier that was covering the Void Domain. It wasn't shattering at that moment. No. 

It shattered at that moment.

Some people were in a state of panic. Calling the king crazy while they began moving in craze. All of them knew how deadly Chaos air was and, just by opening up the barrier, the king allowed this to come inside. 

The people of the church began their march. With Bishop Baron laughing hysterically from joy. Ordering the faithful to step up and, it was only at this point that King Jubilee began his move.

The Void king threw five wind cylinders into the air. With the objects moving at light speed as they scattered into five parts of the domain. With one at the center. And, with a snap of his fingers, the same machineries activated.

"Matt what are you doing! Come on man we're gonna die!" A woman said, tugging on the sleeve of her husband. The man simply stared at the sky, unmoving from his position. 

"Look." He said, making the woman follow his gaze as her heart began calming down.

Sol observed everything that was happening and somehow grasped the king's line of thinking. The Voids are people who welcome death. They are the ones who can accept it calmly. Compared to the other domains, this was a screw loose on them. All being wired by the fact that, being a Void meant starvation, sickness, and constant danger. Courting death no matter what they did. 

Even in the seeming panic of the crowd, one could notice it. That only a few were in this state. Within the slums, this panic was almost nonexistent. Hence the craze only rose momentarily and, within a minute, they have all calmed down.

"Alice, I'm still no match for him." Sol told the girl who stood beside her.

"Oh yeah? I still think you're awesome in your own way."

The scenery was something to behold. Shards of the mana barrier turned into particles, glimmering in the sunlight as they fell. Getting smaller and smaller until they faded. A strong and clam breeze, warm and comforting filled the domain. It was the first time that they had natural air and, their bodies were naturally comforted by it. As if these have always been yearning for the sensation.

"These devices have been made in secret by me and Lilia." The researcher stepped forward, with everyone cheering the king on at that moment. The king also moved the water cylinders around the domain at that point. Making ten of these instead of just five.

"These things cleanse the air, making it safe for even us powerless Voids to breathe. The two of us have invented several kinds of this, including water and earth." The king snapped his fingers again, allowing the water cylinders to release a rain shower on the people. 

The Void citizens were surprised at first. Thinking back on King Jubilee's statement, they knew that there was a chance for it to be clean water. Hence some began tasting it. Sure enough, it was fresh and clean. 

"It's water! IT'S WATER!" 

The people began jumping up, making merry and dancing. To other domains, water may be in abundance but, just like every other resource, the Void had a poor supply of this. Even if rain did fall, it was a bit toxic and deadly when taken in large amounts. That was why they could taste the difference right away. 

The rain at that time didn't hurt their throat. It didn't upset their stomachs. As it touched their skin, they felt like they were being cleaned. These are just simple things. Yet for those who've been accustomed to having nothing, that joy and sensation was everything for them.

The kids played in the rain. Some elders began crying. There was hope and their hearts were warming up. This translated to a look of happiness. Genuine happiness. Drawn on every Void citizen's face. King Jubilee felt this. He felt the hope being restored to his people and continued speaking.

"From this day forth change will begin! If you want to be part of this metamorphosis, then all I ask from you is one thing:" The Void king paused momentarily. With everyone waiting for what he had to say.

"Scream from the top of your lungs and tell me WHAT DOMAIN'S CITIZENS ARE YOU!" There was no hesitation. Even the church goers dropped their weapons. And from the top of their lungs, they all responded:

"WE ARE THE VOID!"

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