Episode 3

...Determined, Devyl focused back on the map, recalling the old woman's words about a place that could change his life. The sanctuary of Lucifer, where pacts between humans and archangels were sealed, seemed like the ideal refuge to break free from this desolate existence....

...— I have nothing left to lose. I am destined to perish at any moment because of this illness....

...Carrying everything he needed for the journey, Devyl set off without hesitation. He would not waste any more time. It was his chance to enter that place, whatever the cost....

...The journey was not easy. He had to spend the night in trees and escape from wild animals, but he glimpsed, in the distance, two angels of black stone, their imposing wings seeming ready to take flight, and flaming swords raised as sentinels of the place....

...— I like this!...

...He climbed down from the tree and followed the long road to the gates....

...As he approached, he thought about how to approach the guardians and request permission to enter and speak to the person in charge. However, to his surprise, he arrived precisely on the day of registration. The old woman would be his spiritual guide, he thought....

...The black stone angels, in addition to the flaming swords, watched him carefully as he approached. Gently, they lowered their weapons and knelt in submissive reverence....

...Entering the iron gates, he paused to absorb the unique architecture of the place, starting with the five-pointed star, a symbol of the Adepts of Lucifer, as the rumors said. ...

...Further on, he could contemplate the complex of ancient buildings, erected in stone and metal, replete with arcane symbols....

...A smile of anticipation lit up Devyl's face....

...— So, this is the secret and sacred place for candidates for adepts of the fallen archangels? I feel my life changing just by standing here....

...A man emerged from the main building, addressing the candidates with a polite greeting....

...— Please, candidates, proceed to the smaller building on the east side. There you will find everything you need for today and tomorrow....

...Devyl followed the instructions, grateful to find a place where he could wash himself. A luxurious shower, something he had never seen before, was a surprise to him. He put on the clothes given to him by the old woman, enjoyed the meal offered, and settled down on a soft, fragrant mattress, an unprecedented luxury in his life....

...Almost falling asleep, he whispered to himself:...

...— I'm living like a king!...

.........

...The next morning, Devyl woke up with the first ray of light that entered the room, eager to explore more of this mysterious place. After enjoying the free meal, he went out to investigate, discreetly listening to the conversations of the other candidates as he walked the corridors....

...He acted with dexterity, like a thief, keeping a safe distance from the others. He wished to avoid appearing desperate in front of the other contenders for the Basilica. As he explored, he gathered valuable information about the Sanctuary, its divisions, and purposes...

...The candidates whispered about the various buildings dedicated to the teaching and worship of the fallen archangels. A library held knowledge in the form of ancient and rare books, containing secrets and stories of the celestial masters who had defied the laws of Paradise. A chapel impressed with colorful stained glass windows depicting the images and names of the seven infernal princes: Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, Asmodeus, Belphegor, Mammon, and Azazel. There was also a majestic hall, with a marble altar, where candidates sealed their pacts with the fallen archangels, receiving in return powers and arcane marks....