The Mountain of Seven Virtues was once the site of one of the greatest sects devoted to the One, a sect that upheld the balance and harmony of the world.
But a great battle in the distant past had reduced its magnificent structures to mere ruins.
In the past, this place was revered for its splendor — so much so that even kings would feel ashamed before its majesty.
It was once known as the Mountain of Seven Virtues.
Now, people call it the Abyss of Hell.
Its name has become folklore, its grandeur now legend, its stories mere myth.
After countless years of abandonment, today, this place receives a visitor.
He walked without fear, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
With a tattered cloak, he walked with absolute certainty.
"Once called a mountain, now a valley.
Once called virtue, now hell.
Once revered, now legend."
A deep, dreadful voice echoed from the far end.
"What is your purpose here, mortal being?"
The man finally reached the source of the voice.
His gaze had remained unchanged from the beginning to the end.
They stared at each other.
Silence enveloped the abyss.
After a long moment, the man spoke — with a voice no less heavy.
"Harut.
Once you were noble, now you are wretched.
If you wished, you could have joined them — ruled the world and become a god.
Worshiped and exalted by all beings.
You would have gained endless glory."
His words were not false.
If he wished, Harut could have been like them — exalted and showered with endless glory.
But instead, he chose to remain in the deepest abyss, becoming the most despised of beings.
Silence…
"You are right.
But everything has its time.
When their time ends, they will become far worse than I.
That will be our fate."
"Tell me, what is your purpose?"
Harut was not human.
Once, he had been the most noble of beings — his beauty unmatched throughout the world, leaving even painters bewildered before their own brushes.
But now, if humans were asked one by one what he looked like...
Without hesitation, all would say he was a demon.
His form was utterly TERRIFYING, surpassing every story ever told by the bards.
Not terrifying in a "cool" way, but truly repulsive — to the point where no one could have imagined it.
Like the sins he had committed, for which he fully deserved his punishment.
"Give me virtue."
His eyes burned with determination.
Without hesitation, he asked for virtue.
They had the same eyes.
Eyes filled with suffering and exhaustion, yet with an unyielding resolve within.
"Virtue comes with a burden.
Only those who are truly strong can bear it.
You are worthy to bear it."
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A massive earthquake spread across the entire continent, so powerful that the crown fell from the king's head.
The startled king rose from his throne.
"The world welcomes his arrival."