It is clearly stated in Article 3, Section 7 of the Code of Divine Relics:
"Anyone who is cursed by the abyss is not allowed to step into the holy realm. Violators will be killed without mercy."
Lorenzo Gray not only stepped in, but fell down on the altar in front of the opponent.
As a "shadow descendant" assimilated by the abyss, his existence itself is a blasphemy against the gods. According to the rules, the acting bishop Elian should purify him immediately. However, facing Lorenzo who was dying, Elian stretched out his hand and handed him a glass of water mixed with the highly poisonous antidote.
"The snowstorm will close the mountain in three days. Before that, you must leave here alive." Elian's voice was as light as falling snow. "In exchange, please help me conduct an experiment - an experiment on whether 'curse' and 'divine grace' can coexist."
Lorenzo sneered, but every night he coughed up blood, the other party wiped the dirt off his face with cold fingers.
They both knew it was a losing gamble.
Elian attempts to use Lorenzo's curse to break the church's hypocritical rules, while Lorenzo attempts to witness the truth of the miracle before his death.
When the bell rang on the seventh day, Lorenzo finally pulled out the dagger stuck in his chest, only to find that——
All the struggles are just the only way to the predetermined ending that Elian has already calculated.
"Don't hate me, Lorenzo."
"This is the last lie I weave for you."
Short story, 15,000 words.
Purpose: To explore the futility and glory of individual will under the absolute rules of fate.