The Pillar

In a vast expanse of pure, unblemished white, an endless void stretched infinitely in all directions, devoid of doors or boundaries. Here, a young gentleman lay naked, a solitary figure who had met his tragic fate mere moments ago at the foot of the Giant Gate. 

"Ahhh…" The groans of pain emanated from him, reverberating through the ethereal space, echoing as if the sound was conjured from every corner of this boundless realm. He struggled to rise, his head spinning from the impact of his recent demise.

Did I die? Is this the afterlife?

A shiver ran down his spine as memories of his cruel end flashed before him. sigh… I died such a brutal death. Ahhh, just recalling it sends chills down my spine, even now. 

With a weary sigh, he sought solace in the thought of rest, but as he floated in contemplation, he jolted awake, as if awakening from a vivid dream. His eyes flew open, and panic surged through him as he realized he was suspended in the air, unsupported and vulnerable. 

"Eahhh!!" 

He plummeted, the ground rushing up to meet him. With a thud, he landed hard on his back, the impact forcing the breath from his lungs. For a moment, he gasped for air, the pain sharp and real, before he finally regained his composure.

"Ahhh, why can't the deceased rest in peace? What place is this? And why am I naked?" 

Questions swirled in his mind, but then a sudden realization struck him.

Pain! How can I feel pain if I'm dead?

Am I not dead?

Then what was that before?

And how is it that I have my senses back?

Everything seems restored to how it was before. This is a miracle! I don't know who did it, but thank you.

Calming himself, he began to survey his surroundings. Despite his confusion, the beauty of the place captivated him. Above, a glass-like ceiling revealed a breathtaking view of the cosmos—a celestial tapestry woven with vibrant planets, shimmering stars, and swirling nebulas, all cradled in a vortex of color that danced like ethereal clouds.

He stood transfixed, his gaze locked on the heavens for what felt like an eternity. Finally, he tore his eyes away to explore his immediate surroundings. The room was circular, adorned with colossal pillars that rose majestically to support the glassy roof. Each pillar pulsed with radiant colors—sometimes a deep azure, other times a brilliant gold, and occasionally hues that defied description.

As his eyes wandered, they fell upon a grand throne, solitary and commanding at the front of a massive round table. This throne, hewn from stone of unknown origin, radiated an otherworldly glow, its surface twinkling like a starry night sky. It was supported by two stout front pillars and two towering back pillars, culminating in a resplendent backrest that shimmered with cosmic energy.

Above the throne, a symbol materialized in the air, a mesmerizing projection of a golden sphere intricately woven with delicate webs of shimmering silk that seemed to reach out into the unknown. Flanking the sphere were two magnificent angelic wings, aglow with a golden luminescence, adding an air of mystery and reverence to the scene.

The young gentleman gazed at the symbol, seeking meaning but finding only enigma. Drawn inexplicably toward the majestic chair, he approached it, each step resonating with a silent power that beckoned him to sit. 

Step! Step! Step!

Without hesitation, he settled into the throne, and in that moment, both the throne and the symbol erupted in a kaleidoscope of colors, mirroring the beauty of the universe above. His eyes began to glow, reflecting the vastness of space—the stars twinkling, galaxies swirling, and nebulas unfurling in a cosmic dance. He was awestruck by the splendor, but then, without warning, a sharp pain throbbed in his head, reminiscent of the agony he felt at the Gate. 

"Ahhh! Not again!" he cried, instinctively covering his eyes, which now bled from the intensity of the vision. It's not like I wanted to look; it just happened! 

Frustration surged within him. Why does everything I try to glimpse feel so perilous? Is this what they call magic in fantasy tales? 

After a moment of recovery, he opened his eyes, returning to normalcy. From the throne, he surveyed the room, feeling like a great being surveying his domain. Yet, as he continued to gaze around, he realized that nothing else in this place matched the extraordinary beauty he had already witnessed. 

Curiosity piqued, he rose from the throne, wondering if there was more to this realm than the grand meeting room. Just then, a phenomenon unfolded before him—a mysterious door materialized, flanked by two towering pillars. The door was immense, exuding an aura of intrigue. As he approached, it swung open of its own accord, like a portal to another world.

Stepping through, he found himself in a long, majestic hallway, aglow with an ethereal light. There were no lamps illuminating the space; instead, the walls shimmered as if lit by the sun. Giant pillars supported the hallway, and on either side stood eleven locked rooms, their doors adorned with symbols that eluded his understanding. 

He approached one of the doors, its grandeur captivating. He reached for the handle, but it resisted his touch, firm and unyielding. 

Just as I suspected, I can't open them. 

Retracting his hand, he turned to the end of the hallway, where a luminous space beckoned him. With determination, he stepped forward, drawn toward the glowing light that promised new revelations.