VEIL OF CONFLICT - "The East" (Book One)

The sky blooms in shades of purple, with light smoky clouds soothing the gaze. No trace of the Sun's rays reaching far, yet the plains glow as always in the dimming daylight, bright green with soil neither uneven nor smooth like a road—just perfection in its natural form. And there, a still lake, standing silently, pristine and unyielding, its surface so clear yet concealing what lies beneath. Perhaps it’s a secret, waiting for those brave enough to dive in and uncover its depths. How fascinating...

A cry of urgency echoes from a near distance.

"Come on, just a few more steps. Please, trust me."

A young man pulls someone’s hand toward the serene plains. But whose hand? A strange creature—vast, towering, cloaked in a blackish robe. Its face is almost entirely hidden, only a single eye visible, sparkling in shades of yellow and tangerine from within the shadows.

Yet it is gentle, obedient, and with a painful groan, it speaks,

"Please, young master, leave me as it is destined. I am nothing but your humble servant. And it is time."

The words fall on deaf ears as the young man continues, leading the creature to the nearest shore of the serene lake.

"What is that?... Who are you?" the young man questions, his voice breaking the stillness.

Before him stands a figure neither too tall to be feared nor too short to be dismissed—a slim, dark silhouette, mysterious and compelling. As attention focuses, a face emerges—so angelic, so radiant, yet undefined. Only the essentials—eyes to see, a nose to smell, a mouth to speak, and ears to hear. Perhaps this is what an angel truly looks like?

A voice, smooth and serene like a woman's, whispers, "Welcome, young man. What brings you here?"

"Apologies for asking, but I am confused. Why wear that dark robe when your beauty could light up the entire place?"

"To keep the balance, as all things must.

So... I ask again... what do you seek here, Mujtaba?"

"I... but how do you know my name?"

"Your book of deeds is open to me, though its pages are closed, with only your name inscribed above."

"I came seeking something for my friend... Here." He pulls the creature’s hand once more as it resists, trying to hold back. Continuing, "Is this truly the Lake of Nihaya? The one that grants any wish I ask?"

"Yes, any wish—once and for all time. But be cautious, for what you wish for may linger, and you might find yourself haunted by its consequences."

"But why would someone lament it? Perhaps they asked for something too strange?"

"No, their wishes were simple. Look to your left. Do you see that man? He appears young, yet he’s burdened, always near the lake, cupping water in his hands. But each time he brings it to his lips, it slips away, unreachable. His wish was straightforward, 'A life of eternity,' he asked. And it was granted. Now he returns, weary, begging for death to release his soul to its final rest."

"...And who is that woman on the right? She seems blurred, not entirely of this world. She too is trying to grasp the water, but her efforts are in vain."

"She once came burdened, overwhelmed by life’s hardships. She wished for a swift death, without regard for what was destined. But she failed to endure with patience and honor for what lay beyond. Her life ended, devoid of meaning, and the future generations—those who were meant to be—blamed her for their very existence, their fate sealed by her act. Now she weeps, yearning for just one more chance, but her soul cannot consume the water. May God have mercy on her.

So, Mujtaba, I see the purpose in your eyes... Whose life have you come to prolong or end?"

"My friend’s. I cannot bear the thought of life without him. I want him to live long enough, so when my own time comes, I can say farewell."

"Strange, nothing for yourself? But be warned... This wish of yours will alter destiny in ways you cannot foresee. The weight of this change will rest on your shoulders. Are you still sure?"

"...Yes. My fear of losing my friend outweighs the unknown. But I will carry your wisdom with me."

"Very well... then proceed, for this chance comes only once."

As his footsteps approach the calm waters, his reflection becomes clear—revealing who he is and the change he is about to invoke. He gently dips his hand into the lake, emerging with a single sip, and whispers his wish.

"A life for my friend, that when death nears me, his presence may fulfill me, and then may death come to him by your favored one."

The sip is taken, and the lake returns to its serene state. The reflection remains unchanged, but as he turns, a shock awaits him.

His friend, once frail and near death, now stands in full health. But there are two others.

"But... Wait... I only wished for my friend. Who are the others?"

"I told you, you have tampered with destiny. Now the consequences are yours to bear. Open your hands."

"What's this? Two lockets, each bearing strange, intricate designs."

"Yes, for the two who stand on your right and left."

"But what of my friend’s?"

"Buried in the soil, waiting for you to uncover it."

And so there were three, just like the three figures before him, each locket holding a mysterious design.

"I don’t understand... Has my wish doomed them? And Is there no hope?"

"Yes, they are doomed, but there will be a hope."

"Then may God have mercy on him or her."