As Aric stood before the mysterious force, an overwhelming presence that seemed to embody darkness itself, a torrent of thoughts cascaded through his mind. The very essence of the being before him was an enigma, a manifestation of sin and malevolence. It was as if the shadows had taken form, a sentient darkness that sought to expose and exploit the deepest recesses of his soul.

In the core of his being, Aric grappled with a tumultuous inner monologue. He questioned the worthiness of his claim to the throne and the righteousness of his cause. The haunting images of his past misdeeds replayed relentlessly, each one a testament to his failures. The echoes of hurt inflicted on Agape, the rejection of Seraph's support, and the painful memory of his parents' demise fueled the maelstrom of self-doubt within him.

Aric felt an overwhelming sense of remorse, recognizing that the darkness he faced was not just an external threat but a reflection of the shadows within his own heart. The struggle between his aspirations of nobility and the undeniable reality of his flaws raged on, and he grappled with the weight of guilt and unworthiness in the face of an adversary that seemed to lay bare the very core of his being.

As Aric confronted the mysterious force, his gaze fixated on the ethereal being before him. The daunting memories of what happened the last time he faced the darkness flashed before him as he noticed the burn on his hand. It served as a visceral reminder of his past failure, a symbol of his inability to conquer the darkness on his own.

A shiver ran down Aric's spine as he contemplated the consequences of reaching out once more. The instinct to back away, to escape the impending danger, surged within him. Yet, with every step backward, it seemed the force drew nearer as if this was his destiny. The realization struck him with a profound weight – he couldn't evade this trial. Confronting the very embodiment of sin was his fate, a destiny he must face head-on for the sake of Celestia and all humanity.

At this moment, he realized as he looked in once more that this was his punishment. He hadn't realized it before, but seeing his deeds and how he had broken ancient moral law play before him sparked the realization. "This is what I deserve!" Aric said without hesitation. This was his turn to repay his debt. As Agape gave his life for him, he had to give his life for others. 

What didn't make sense was how his life could be valuable enough to save a multitude, but he had no choice. This is what the scribes had told him about, and what was prophecised.

Grim determination overcame his initial hesitation. Clenching his jaw and steadying his resolve, Aric approached the force, hand outstretched. The echoes of his past failures reverberated, but in the face of certain death, he prepared himself for the impending confrontation that would define not only his own fate but the fate of an entire realm.

In the midst of the otherworldly darkness, Aric extended his hand, feeling no pain as he touched the mysterious force. As he examined his hand, he looked around for the first time and was surprised to find himself still at the battlefield, exactly where he was before being transported into this surreal realm. However, he now perceived the events unfolding around him differently – as an observer unseen by others.

Aric witnessed the chaos of war: the vivid tapestry of death, suffering, courage, and cowardness painted across the battlefield. Amidst the tumult, he focused on Seraph, standing alone as guards rushed to protect John and Pippie. The Havenite forces, realizing their leader's demise, faltered, losing purpose and cohesion. In contrast, the Celestians and their allies began to celebrate.

As Aric locked eyes with Seraph, he believed that she couldn't see him, yet an inexplicable connection seemed to form between them. It was as if Seraph sensed him, and in that shared gaze, Aric felt a reassuring presence. The guards eventually pulled her away, but not before Seraph's words reached him like a distant echo.

"You aren't alone, Aric. You can face this!" Seraph's words lingered in the air as she vanished from his sight. Turning away from the battlefield, Aric took a deep breath and stepped further into the encompassing darkness. His purpose, his destiny, awaited him, and he embraced it with a sense of determination that eclipsed the shadows around him.

Aric descended into the abyss, feeling an endless fall until, abruptly, he came to a halt. The profound darkness enveloped him, almost palpable in its intensity. Yet, within that consuming blackness, a distant light emerged, drawing him closer. As he focused on the light, his being was irresistibly pulled toward it, and everything shifted into blinding white.

In the midst of the brilliance stood an indescribable force, simultaneously warm and just. Aric sensed an impending judgment, an evaluation of his deeds, and a sense of disappointment that he willingly accepted. There was no anger, only a profound understanding of the justice meted out.

Then, from seemingly nowhere, a figure approached. Aric, initially defensive, soon recognized the man—it was Agape! Overwhelmed with emotion, Aric sprinted toward him, embracing Agape as tears flowed freely. Words failed him in the presence of this familiar figure, and he wept upon Agape's shoulder, a flood of emotions coursing through him.

Aric struggled to regain his composure, the overwhelming emotions slowly subsiding. The transition from darkness to an otherworldly realm was seamless, and Aric found himself walking alongside Agape. In the hallowed atmosphere, Aric's voice carried a mix of awe and confusion. "Agape, am I... dead?" The question lingered in the air, awaiting Agape's response.

With a serene smile, Agape acknowledged, "Yes, Aric. You have passed from the mortal realm." Surprisingly, Aric felt an odd comfort in this revelation, as if the knowledge brought a peculiar sense of understanding.

Their journey continued through the celestial landscape. Aric couldn't contain his gratitude and curiosity. "Agape, why did I have to die? Wasn't I supposed to face the darkness?" Aric's words echoed with a genuine desire to comprehend the mysteries that surrounded him.

Agape, walking alongside Aric with an air of tranquility, gestured towards a distant kingdom adorned with gates of opulence. "Aric, within those walls lies the answers you seek." His words were enigmatic, leaving Aric intrigued and contemplative.

As they strolled through this ethereal realm, their conversation ranged from profound discussions to lighthearted banter. Time seemed elusive, slipping away in the midst of laughter. The celestial city, once a distant dream, materialized with an enchanting melody welcoming their arrival.

In the midst of the surreal beauty, Aric, overwhelmed by the moment, expressed his marvel. "Agape, this place is beyond description." The city, once a distant mirage, welcomed them with the melodious notes of enchanting trumpets. Aric, captivated by the surreal beauty around him, marveled at the streets paved with gold and the indescribable creatures that soared through the skies.

Agape, sensing Aric's wonder, sighed with a mixture of fondness and sadness. "Aric, our time here is brief. You have been summoned to meet the great prince who reigns over this kingdom." Agape's words held a weighty significance, hinting at a purpose that awaited Aric.

As they reached a poignant juncture, Agape's farewell was conveyed through a heartfelt embrace. In that silent communion, love, gratitude, and a profound connection flowed between them. It wasn't a sad parting, but a moment of deep acknowledgment.

Amidst their embrace, Aric, yearning for more time, voiced the question lingering in his heart. "Will I see you again, Agape?" The query hung in the air, awaiting a response that held the key to their future encounters.

Agape, breaking the embrace with a reassuring gaze, uttered words of hope and agency. "The choice is yours, Aric. Your decisions will determine our reunion." With a final expression of trust, Agape vanished, and with him, the city leaving Aric standing in a vast field within the celestial realm.

As Aric stood in the vast field, he noticed a solitary figure with the demeanor of a shepherd. The man's back was turned, but his warm greeting echoed with a familiarity that suggested a prior acquaintance. "Hello, Aric," the man called out, his words carrying a genuine sense of connection.

Unstartled by the greeting, Aric approached and asked, "My good sir, you appear to be a shepherd, yet I see no sheep. Why do you stand here alone?" The man turned around, revealing a gentle smile, and replied, "Oh, Aric, I have sheep, just not the kind you might imagine. Their number is grand—billions, Aric."

Perplexed, Aric assumed the man's immense wealth and inquired if he was a king. The man nodded, and as Aric bowed, he noticed scars, holes, upon the man's head. "You must be a king?" Aric questioned with reverence. The man affirmed, "Yes, I am."

As Aric bowed his face to the ground, he asked if the man was the great prince. The man responded affirmatively, and Aric, filled with reverence, asked, "Whom, Lord, who are you?" The man answered, "I am who I am."

Aric questioned why he was there, he explained that he had been sent to fight a force of evil, the embodiment of sin. Aric expressed his belief that he would fail, and the man clarified, "Aric, you were never supposed to face the darkness. That task has already been finished." The man, revealing light shining through holes in each wrist, extended his hands.

Aric, bewildered, asked who the prophecies were about if not him. The man responded, "Those were not about you, my child." As Aric rose, the man continued, "The darkness has already been defeated." Aric, with a heavy heart, brought up the suffering of people, including his parents, and questioned why. The man explained, "Because, Aric, you live in a world destroyed by the free will of man. One day, I will create a new kingdom, but I am giving this world time to leave it before I destroy the broken one."

Baffled, Aric asked why the new kingdom was not created now. The man's gaze penetrated Aric deeply as he responded, "Because I am giving this world time to leave it. Before I create a new world, I must destroy the broken one. These are things I have already told you. You must learn to see it."

Aric, contemplative, then inquired about the prophecies. The man revealed, "I am he." Aric realized that the visions he had seen when facing the darkness were also witnessed by the man before him.

As Aric tried to grasp the profound revelations, he couldn't help but ask the man how the darkness had already been defeated. The man explained calmly, "I have died, Aric. I sacrificed myself for humanity." Aric, still wrestling with the concept, questioned, "But how can one man's life save a multitude from eternal suffering?"

The man responded with reassurance, "Because I am more than a man, Aric. I am the giver of the law, the fulfillment of the law, and, most of all, the embodiment of the law. I am the creator of all things. I know you are very confused right now, and understandably so, but my ways are not your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts. One day, this will all make sense, but for now, I only require one thing from you: faith."

"Faith! That's all? You are a king, and I am an unworthy one at best. Is there nothing else you require of me? What about the darkness that remains? Might I defeat it?"

The man responded with a loving voice, "Aric, my work has already been finished. There is nothing more that I need from you. There is nothing else I can accept from you, my child." His words carried a weight of finality, assuring Aric that the burden he had felt was not his to bear.

Aric looked down, took a deep breath, and replied, "Yes, I can do that." The man explained that Aric was not meant to stay there but go back. In his own world, he had to learn to recognize Him, and as long as he maintained faith, he would find the answers one day. Aric felt the greatest love and warmth he had ever experienced. Before he left, he looked at the man and questioned, "All I need is faith?" The man affirmed, "As long as you have faith in me, you will be fine. I will not leave you, nor will I forsake you. You'll even get to see Agape again."

Aric, filled with gratitude, exclaimed, "Really?" However, his words faded away as he was swept away in a whirlwind, leaving behind the radiant presence of the man who had guided him through the mysteries of existence.