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Manhattan.

A vast concrete forest created by humans.

A region filled with towering high-rise buildings built with concrete and rebar, erected to replace the enormous trees they had cut down.

In that place, a group set foot.

People dressed in a hodgepodge of attire, lacking any semblance of unity.

Apart from their commonality of being people, it was hard to find any significant similarities among them. The only bond they shared was their faith and belief, as they revealed themselves in this place once known as Manaháhtaan.

Then, silently, they locked eyes.

As if knowing what each of them planned to do.

With the intent that their attempt would be successful.

Thus, they looked at each other and exchanged glances.

In that fleeting moment.

And then they began to scatter.

One person, dressed as a homeless man, weaved between the beggars, while another, appearing rather unkempt, headed toward an alley as if looking to do drugs. Meanwhile, those in slightly nicer clothes acted as if they were out shopping or on a sightseeing trip, maintaining their expressions as they headed toward their destination.

Among those who dispersed, there was one who reached his destination first.

Before him stood a church.

Or rather, it seemed more like a castle adorned with all sorts of luxury items than a church.

Even if there was an earthquake or if the building next to it collapsed, this building was so solid it might only crack but not fully break—proportionally, it showcased an enormous amount of custom-made reinforced glass used like stained glass, while the massive roof was constructed to resemble that of a medieval cathedral with actual jewels and gold incorporated.

Behind the glass stood a massive figure.

‘How could He, who commanded against idol worship, allow such a lavish idol to be created?’

The Son of God, sculpted from marble.

The statue depicting Him nailed to the cross was carved so delicately that just looking at it felt divinely sacred.

Measuring its length, it seemed larger than three people sprawled out side by side—about 20 feet, give or take? In cubits, it would be approximately 12 cubits, making it quite sizable for a marble statue.

And just when you thought it was marble, it was not.

The crown of thorns that should symbolize suffering was made of various jewels, and the red rubies depicted the flowing blood. Additionally, the high-tech devices installed to protect the statue looked far more expensive than any security equipment found in a museum.

In this world, what kind of opulence is this?

How could those who should follow that Great One, savor His words, and practice His teachings become so mired in luxury and indulgence—!

“Like sons of vipers.”

What’s the difference between them and those rebuked by the Son of God long ago?

Creating idols that He commanded against and adorning them thus.

Loving money instead of neighbors.

Boasting about it without shame, flaunting their wealth around them.

Instead of building a temple always open, they piled walls to protect themselves.

They merely use the teachings as a facade to expand their power.

What difference is there between them and the corrupt, only seeking their own gain?

“Viper. No.”

Therefore, this is a just cause.

This must be done.

Though I have delayed, it is an act that must be performed.

Someone has to do it.

Thus, purifying the corruption must happen—!

“You children of the devil. I have come here resolved to be a martyr, that He may come upon me and bless me!”

The man’s eyes whirl with madness.

His brain seems to be overloaded; it’s not functioning properly, and his breath quickens.

Heavy breaths escape his mouth, and hot gasps erupt.

Overcome with excitement, his body heats up, trembling uncontrollably.

As if the clothes he wore had vanished, he feels no sensation, as if standing naked in this place.

His thoughts are martyrdom.

What reflects in his eyes is the statue.

Ah.

He sets his sight on that pristine statue.

Brilliant light descends upon the world, enveloping him.

Something soft as feathers descends and rests upon his shoulder, and I understand here the angel and spirit have descended.

Feeling life in the statue’s face, I have no doubt that He is there.

His gaze meets mine.

Then He speaks in my mind to cast away the jewels adorning my head, warning against luxury, selling them to buy food to feed my neighbors and speak love to them. Additionally, He commands not to let me serve the statue as an idol, but rather to sing only of faith and love, that the life of the world may flourish and prosper, bringing peace to them—You are now an envoy of my will; you are a seeker of my teachings; you are ultimately wishful to act; you are indeed a saint. Do not doubt my voice and carry out what you have resolved; there must be no hesitation in this; you must have faith in yourself.

You shall be saved.

Ah!

Just uttering it chokes me up.

My lips will hardly part, and my tongue hardens, unable to move.

How could I doubt you?

I shall do what I must as you would command.

“I have come here to tear down your antichrist temple; angel, bestow upon me your blessings! Stand me beside the angel, that I may stand before Him in judgment, saying I have fulfilled my duty!”

Swish!

He tears apart the rags that adorned his body to hide what he carries.

Then he glances at the bags stuffed with clay for a moment.

With a sly grin, he presses down on the trigger mechanism with his thumb.

“Bang—!”

“Stop—!”

What is it like for those who stand on the edge of death to experience this?

It feels as if the world’s time stretches out like a long tape.

His senses sharpen, feeling even what he wouldn’t normally notice.

In the distance, figures in black suits rush forward.

They try to scream something, but as the world’s time dilates, their voices do not reach his ears, and only fragments of their speech arrive, becoming nothing more than meaningless noise.

But he understands.

From their urgent expressions.

That he has done what he should.

In that elongated time, he is resolute and closes his eyes.

And then.

Boom—!

The bomb that appeared to be made of clay detonates.

 

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