With HE's permission, Michael gathered the Primordials at the highest point in Eden—the Apex. There, he addressed them.
"I will grant you three things," Michael declared, "to fulfill your desires."
First: Space—Eden would be expanded to near-infinite vastness. Second: New Life—beings to dwell within that space. Third: Free Will—the freedom to shape reality without constraint.
The Primordials offered their power, pouring it into Michael. With it, he forged something entirely new.
Thus, the Universe was born.
Eden became More.
Filled with joy, the Primordials scattered across the cosmos, each in pursuit of their own purpose. But a divide soon formed. Those aligned with virtue became known as the Morningstar. Those driven by darker desires became the Dark Star.
Michael returned to HE's side.
Together, they observed from beyond the veil of the Universe.
"They have done well," HE said with quiet pride.
Michael gazed at the stars. "I never truly wanted any of this."
"No?" HE raised an eyebrow.
"I never said I desired creation or dominion. I was just… the first. I named a few things. I spoke with you. I suppose I'll keep doing that, and maybe watch the others—make sure they don't ruin everything."
HE smiled. "Suit yourself."
Then, their gaze turned to Faith.
She had descended into the Universe, seeking out early humans—nomadic, cave-dwelling tribes. She tried to teach them, but her message was too abstract. The humans clung instead to instinct and emotion.
And so, Malice, Greed, and Anger found fertile soil.
Conflict spread like wildfire. Men fought over scraps. Greed consumed their hearts. Anger clouded their minds. Malice whispered in their ears.
But Faith stood alone. And she did not falter.
She painted stories on cave walls in animal blood, hoping symbols would teach what words could not. Slowly, her light took root. The humans, once wanderers, began building homes. Planting crops. Eating more than just meat. Faith guided them silently.
From afar, HE observed.
"This will be a problem," HE muttered.
Michael turned. "What do you mean?"
"If the dark ones root themselves too deeply, this species will destroy itself. War, greed, and hatred will consume them. They will kill their own for pleasure, for pride, for power. At best, they last a millennium."
Michael frowned. "How can we help?"
"I made them to reproduce through union. But they need more—Patience and Love. Send them to aid Faith."
Michael nodded and obeyed.
"But I thought you gave them freedom?" he asked.
"I did," HE said softly. "But I couldn't just leave them. I felt… protective."
Michael chuckled. "I see."
In time, the Morningstar and Dark Star Primordials all settled on Earth. Their essence wove into the fabric of humanity.
And so, the Primordials became more than gods. They became the building blocks of human thought, society, and soul.
Some were cherished. Some, reviled. But all of them… were within us.
---
Time passed.
Humanity advanced. They built cities of wood and stone. Kings and queens rose to power, ruling over others like ants beneath their feet.
Wars were waged.
Yet even as they fought, they grew weary. They came together as brethren, broke bread, and made merry.
Their virtues and vices—gifts from the Primordials—drove them ever forward.
They hungered for knowledge. They studied the plants around them, built boats and carts, explored both land and sea in search of the unknown.
The Primordials watched.
Sometimes, they intervened. Sometimes, they merely observed. But always, they guided.
Humans began to revere them as gods. They gave them names.
Temples rose in their honor. Statues were carved. Scrolls were written. Prophets claimed divine visions. Culture and religion took shape.
The Primordials were flattered.
Even Chaos, for the first time, smiled.
And as time flowed, as the phases passed, they remained vigilant.
---
Meanwhile, at the Apex, HE and Michael still observed.
All seemed at peace.
But unknown to them, beneath the surface of their perfect creation… something stirred.
Cracks formed in the fabric of Eden.
And through them seeped a familiar, eerie darkness.
It seems… peace was not eternal.
The balance was beginning to shift.