I stood among the crowd, watching as Seraphinus preached his heresy with a confidence that made my stomach churn. His words were honeyed poison, dripping with promises of freedom and pleasure without consequence. I could see the cracks forming in the faith of those gathered—some faces lit up with hope at his promises, while others twisted in confusion or disgust.

  Seraphinus stood tall, his presence commanding. He gestured grandly, his voice resonating like a false prophet’s call to arms.

  Seraphinus: “Why should you suffer under rules that bind you? Why should you deny yourselves happiness when it is within your grasp? I offer you liberation! Freedom from guilt, from sin, from the chains of morality! You deserve to live as gods, free to indulge in every desire!”

  The crowd murmured, divided. Some nodded eagerly, their eyes wide with longing. Others looked to me for guidance, their doubt evident.

  I stepped forward, my heart heavy but resolute. I locked eyes with Seraphinus, his grin both mocking and predatory.

  Yam: “You know this will only lead them to ruin. They may not see it now, but your words will bring destruction upon them.”

  He tilted his head, feigning innocence but unable to hide the flicker of annoyance in his expression.

  Seraphinus: “Oh come now, Yam. Is it so wrong to want joy? To want pleasure without fear or judgment? What harm is there in living freely?”

  I clenched my fists. His words were sharp daggers aimed at the hearts of those who were vulnerable, those who wanted something more than their simple lives could offer.

  Yam: “What use is it for a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?”

  His grin widened as if he relished the debate.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Seraphinus: “Ah, but what if they don’t lose their souls? What if they ascend beyond this mortal flesh and become divine? Isn’t that what you preach—that flesh is sinful? I merely offer them a way out.”

  I could feel the crowd shifting—some leaning toward him, captivated by his promises of divinity and indulgence. Others stood firm beside me, their faces etched with doubt and fear.

  Yam: “Stop lying to these people! You’re damning them to destruction! There’s no divinity in what you preach—only corruption.”

  He turned back to the crowd, spreading his arms wide like a benevolent savior.

  Seraphinus: “Tell me, everyone—would you rather follow him? A man who denies you happiness, who binds you with rules and guilt? Or join me—a man who will give you everything you desire? A man who will show you how to rise above this mortal suffering?”

  The murmurs grew louder. Some people looked at me with distrust—memories of my past failures clouding their judgment. Others looked at him with awe and hope. My heart sank as I saw nearly half the crowd step toward him.

  One hundred souls were lost to deception.

  I sighed deeply as those who remained gathered closer around me. Their faces showed uncertainty but also determination. They had chosen faith over temptation, truth over lies—but for how long?

  I turned back to Seraphinus one last time.

  Yam: “You’ll regret this. You’re leading them down a path that only ends in pain.”

  His grin didn’t falter; it grew wider as though he thrived on my frustration.

  Seraphinus: “Perhaps. But pain is just another step toward enlightenment.”

  He turned away from me then, addressing his new followers like a king speaking to his court.

  The divide was clear now—faith against heresy, truth against deception. And I knew this was only the beginning of the battle between us. i began drinking water as I was very disappointed in this knowing they'd be against me when I was telling the truth as they left to go to some other area of the town which I questioned if I was doing the right thing as it reminds me how the church excommunicated me.

  Flashback

  The people,were screaming at me yelling at me some,called me freak some called me child of the devil and of all else they threw even metal objects at my head causing me to leave as I was forced to take a train to this town.

  Yam:"Oh lord jesus christ why must they force me out....

  it saddened me honestly, like the fact even after everything i'd be kicked out.

  Flashback Ends.

  Yam:"maybe their be ways to help them but who knows....i best find ways to help the people here at least...

  to be continued