The Radiant Light - [English Version]

On an island in the heart of the vast, deep blue ocean, a castle with unique architecture and enormous size, covering thousands of square meters and towering hundreds of meters, was slowly taking shape. The castle resembled a Christian church with four glossy black walls. At its four corners stood four large towers. Long columns extended from the base of the walls up to the top, and there was a gigantic door facing southwest adorned with golden decorations. On either side of the gate were massive columns similar to those lining the walls, but larger and with their bases extending forward. Above the gate was something resembling a window with unusual, hard-to-understand symbols. From the base of the gate to the ground, about 1 meter high, was a black material resembling bricks forming a pathway. The remnants of a past battle had been flattened, perhaps to prepare for the construction of more structures.

The sky and air here were fresh and breezy, bright and completely contrasting with the castle. Inside the black walls, something was being built: another, smaller yet still gigantic structure. It connected to the black outer walls, but its colors were beautiful, magnificent, and pure. Surrounding the white walls were colorful crystals, very different from the black walls enclosing them. Gazing at this scene felt like sinking into an indescribable piece of art, truly magnificent. To envision it, it resembled a sparkling gem hidden beneath a layer of raw, rough stone. Those who built this structure were meticulous and careful with every single detail. They were still constructing it; on top of the walls of the white building were workers. Hundreds were present, some had fins at their ears and gills on their necks, while others were vibrant crystal figures of seven colors, along with a few other things. All were working diligently, ensuring no mistakes occurred. A figure was supervising them; it was Helm, standing atop the black walls, looking down like a true construction manager in armor instead of laborer's attire.

In a fairly large room, there was a large door taking up half of one wall, standing about two-thirds the height of the wall it was set in. Inside the room, a red carpet approximately 2 meters wide stretched from the door to a higher platform with six steps. The entire lower and upper floor was white, similar to the surrounding walls. On either side of the red carpet were six columns about 1 meter in diameter made of crystal, and on the walls, six windows were installed with colorful stained glass. At the center of the high floor, at the end of the carpet, after stepping up the six stairs, was a white table with golden veining and a long bench that could be reclined on, with a cushion that was also white and very smooth, matching the table's colors and patterns. A man was sitting there, his eyes tightly shut, his hands gripping a golden cross hanging around his neck. Suddenly, the large door opened, and a figure entered, resembling a demon with black horns on his head and eyes of yellow with blood-red pupils.

**Diego**: Are you lost in dreams again? Each time, you seek that false belief, Zebraem?

Zebraem slowly opened his eyes. In front of him stood Diego, questioning him.

**Zebraem**: It's none of your business.

**Diego**: You have no belief in that. You know it, don't you? Each time, you hold that cross only because it was left by your father and because it was what he taught you.

Zebraem fell silent, not responding to Diego's words.

**Diego**: I once heard the Lord say He gave you something. So, how have you used it? I really want to know.

Zebraem remained silent, but his body gradually transformed, a demonic mask appearing on his face. The entire body dissolved into dust and blew away, revealing a black figure with sharp claws and muscular build—a demon, except he had no horns, but twelve fingers on his hands.

**Diego**: Not bad; you look quite impressive. I don't like painting your former human form, and probably everyone here feels the same, so don't revert to that shape. The Lord has changed your race, hasn't He? Just to let you know, He granted me that power.

**Zebraem**: He gave it to you?

**Diego**: Yes! The power to change races. You should understand what that means.

**Zebraem**: I don't like this.

**Diego**: Haha, why be so tense? I'm just informing you. What happens next is up to you. (Diego said with a laugh)

**Zebraem**: You surely didn't come here just to say that.

**Diego**: Of course not. I came to summon you to enter the back door of Renacer to train yourself.

**Zebraem**: Why are you in such a hurry?

**Diego**: We need to prepare for negotiations with the Dragon Clan and use the Walls to divide this entire world into different territories. But the Walls don't stop there.

**Zebraem**: Elaborate.

**Diego**: The Walls will divide the world with indestructible auroras. They will only disappear when the two pillars connected to them are conquered.

**Zebraem**: Conquered?

**Diego**: Yes! Conquered! Each pillar is a challenge; if anyone conquers it, they will receive worthy rewards. The Walls collect all treasures and valuable items from around this planet somehow and place them into the pillars. We need you stronger to gather those treasures for many purposes. We need power, Zeb.

**Zebraem**: I understand now. I will go soon.

**Diego**: Renacer is not easy, so prepare yourself to face death! Hahaha.

**Zebraem**: What did He say to you?

**Diego**: He told me about how you are trained when entering the back door of Renacer.

**Zebraem**: Tell me.

**Diego**: Are you confident you can defeat yourself?

**Zebraem**: Don't be evasive and act mysterious!

**Diego**: Alright. I'll tell you. Inside the back door of Renacer is a mystical space. In there, it's just the two of you.

**Zebraem**: Just the two of us? (Zebraem interjected)

**Diego**: Don't interrupt! One is you, and the other is a perfect copy of you. That copy has your form and all your abilities; the only difference is it can utilize everything you have at maximum and employ methods you couldn't even think of.

**Zebraem**: If that's the case, can't I learn from it?

**Diego**: That's right, but it also has some flaws depending on the abilities you retain.

**Zebraem**: What flaws?

**Diego**: Go find out for yourself. I don't have enough time to point everything out. I'll also inform the others so they can enter Renacer when they have time.

Diego turned to leave; as he reached the door, he paused.

**Diego**: I know of a new faith that might suit you better. This faith comes from the south.

Zebraem looked toward Diego.

**Diego**: A doctrine encouraging us to do good in this world. Buddhism, the faith in the Dharma. You can learn about it. I'll leave it at that; how you understand it is up to you. (Diego slowly stepped away from the room, the large door gradually closing)

**Zebraem**: Encourage me to do good? How ridiculous!

Zebraem slowly stood up, leaving the room and heading toward the door of Renacer.