Solar Calendar
Day 28, Month 12, Year 1500Pueblo Noche Nueva
At night
"There are four gods scattered throughout the world: the Goddess of Light, the God of War, the Goddess of Life, and the Demon God. Each one has a name, but of course, we have no idea what it is. Even though these names serve to create a connection with them, only a minimum number of people can form such a bond.
Similarly, it is known that each god has a church and great influence within the Empire. For example, the Solar Empire, located to the north of our village, is divided into three domains. In this kingdom, there are three churches: the Church of Light, the Church of War, and the Church of Life. I don't understand how the power is divided, but that's how things are. From what I understand, the stability of the Empire is thanks to the Academy, which was founded by the three representatives of the gods a thousand years ago."
Old Colder explained with a serious look. In his hand was what seemed to be a stick, and he looked at his students, who were the younger siblings of Nox. They were all sitting on the ground, listening attentively to Old Colder's lessons.
"The Goddess of Light represents hope, joy, purity, and wisdom. She is the main deity who maintains the balance between light and darkness. She is compassionate but relentless against those who seek to extinguish hope or plunge the world into absolute darkness. Her presence is comforting for the righteous and scorching for the corrupt.
According to legends, the Goddess of Light descended to Earth."
Old Colder's eyes shone.
"She walked among us, mere humans! It is even said that her kingdom was on Earth, but those are just legends. No one knows if it's true or not. What we do know is that the gods exist. All, absolutely all of them, have sacred lines to pray for their blessings."
Old Colder sighed.
"We don't know. In fact, I don't have deep knowledge about the gods. I understand that this knowledge is taught at the Imperial Academy."
Old Colder paused for a moment before continuing:
"Her emblem is a sun with a core shaped like a lotus, representing purity and enlightenment. She is often depicted holding a crystal chalice containing a golden flame, the essence of divine light."
Old Colder picked up a book and opened it slowly.
"Although we don't have an exact image of Her, there are some references to keep in mind. Fortunately, I managed to jot down a description when I was studying in the Empire:
'She is a radiant figure, wrapped in a robe of pure light that changes color according to the time of day: golden at dawn, silver at noon, and sky blue at dusk. Her long, floating hair shines like strands of sunlight, while her eyes reflect the glow of all the stars.'"
Old Colder gently caressed the description in the book.
"There is a statue at the Academy with these details. I hope one day you all get to see it."
Anna's eyes shone faintly. She clenched her small fists.
"I will see it!" she said, raising her hand.
Old Colder smiled kindly.
"Of course, you will."
He then put on a solemn expression and continued his explanation.
*****
"The God of War represents war, blood, discipline, brutality, glory, pride, blacksmithing, conquest, and honor. He honors both conquerors and those who fight to defend what is theirs, believing that conflict is the driving force of evolution and the ultimate test of will. However, he despises cowardice and betrayal, considering that dying with honor is the greatest tribute a warrior can offer him.
Similarly, it is said that he once descended to Earth. Some also say he was once just a man.
His emblem is a winged helmet pierced by a spear, representing both strategy and fury in battle. He is often depicted wielding a colossal sword, said to resonate with the cries of all the fallen warriors."
Old Colder once again picked up his old book.
"He is an imposing figure, his skin marked with scars that glow like incandescent iron. His armor is forged from the remnants of weapons destroyed in ancient battles, gleaming with a crimson shine. His face is solemn, with eyes that burn like embers and a mane of fire that waves like a banner in the storm. His presence shakes the earth, and his voice echoes like the roar of a thousand war drums.
Similarly, there is a statue of him at the Academy."
******
"And finally, the Goddess of Life."
Old Colder paused.
"She represents life, rebirth, wisdom, compassion, and generosity. You can think of her as a kind and loving mother..."
Old Colder went silent. He looked at the children before him and sighed quietly.
"She is the protector of births and the restorer of what has been wounded. Her essence is in every breath, in every seed that sprouts, and in every creature that awakens to existence. Though she is compassionate and generous, she is not naive; she knows that life and death are parts of the same cycle, and she is not afraid to take back her blessing from those who corrupt the natural balance.
Her emblem is a tree with deep roots and branches that reach the sky, symbolizing the cycle of life. She is also depicted with a golden bowl from which flows luminous water, the Vital Essence that gives rise to all forms of existence."
Old Colder picked up the book and continued:
"She is a goddess of serene beauty and comforting presence. Her skin has the hue of dawn, with golden veins that pulse as if the sap of creation flows through her body. Her hair is a mantle of leaves and flowers that change with the seasons, and her eyes reflect the greenness of forests and the vastness of the ocean. Sometimes, she is seen with translucent wings formed by the light of the sun, and as she walks, plants and crystal-clear springs emerge."
Similarly, there is a statue of her at the Academy."
****
Old Colder smiled.
"Each god has followers throughout the world. For example, most of the believers of the Goddess of Light are humans. The believers of the God of War are mostly beastmen and dwarves, and the believers of the Goddess of Life are her descendants, the elves.
However, there is no established rule for being a believer of a god. A beastman can follow the Goddess of Light or the Goddess of Life, just as other races may follow any deity."