Book 11

Thus, humbled and broken, they stood there, praying. A wave of grace - like, serious grace - had washed over them, softening their hearts and giving them new life. Their sighs were deep, unexplainable - like, beyond words.

The Spirit of prayer fueled them, sending their prayers soaring to Heaven, faster than any fancy speech ever could.

But they weren’t just begging; they carried themselves with dignity. Their request felt important, just as important as the prayers of Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, who begged to save humanity after the flood, way back when.

Their prayers shot upwards, straight to Heaven, not messed up by jealous winds. They passed through those heavenly doors, into a space filled with incense, where the golden altar glowed. And there, before the Father’s throne, stood the Son - their advocate - ready to speak.

"Father," the Son began, presenting them, "look at the first fruits of your grace on Earth. These sighs, these prayers, I bring to you, mixed with incense in this golden censer. They're sweeter than anything man could have grown, even from the trees of Paradise before the fall."

So, please, hear their plea, even though they can’t find the right words. Let me interpret for them. I’m their advocate, their offering - I take on all their works, good or bad. My merit will perfect them, and my death will pay for them.

Accept them, and through me, accept the scent of peace toward mankind. Let him live before you, reconciled.

"His days may be numbered and sad, but until death - which I’m trying to ease, not erase - he’s headed toward a better life, where he can live with me in joy and bliss, just as I am one with you."

The Father, calm and radiant, replied, "All that you ask for mankind, Son, is granted. It was my decree. But Paradise, as I gave to Nature, forbids him to linger there."

Those pure, immortal elements can’t tolerate any gross, discordant mixture - they reject him, purge him, like a sickness to the air, and to mortal food. It's the best way to prepare him for the dissolution that sin brought.

I created him with two gifts: happiness and immortality. He foolishly lost the first, and the second served only to eternalize his suffering. So, I provided death - his final remedy.

"And after this life, after facing trials and being refined by faith and good deeds, he’s headed to a second life, reborn in a renewed Heaven and Earth."

"But let’s call the Blessed to council," the Father continued. " I won’t hide my plans from them. They saw how I dealt with the rebellious Angels, and their resolve is stronger now."

The Son signaled to his bright minister, who blew a trumpet - a sound heard in Oreb since God descended, maybe even to sound at the final judgment.

The angel’s blast ripped through everything. From their perfect gardens, shaded by amaranth vines, by the shimmering waters of life, wherever they gathered in joy, the sons of light rushed to answer the call. They took their seats, and from his throne, the Almighty spoke his will.

"Oh, my sons," he said. "Man is like one of us now, knowing both good and evil, ever since he tasted that forbidden fruit. But let him brag about his knowledge of the good he’s lost and the evil he’s gained. It would have been better if he’d only known good, and never known evil at all."

Now he’s sorry, he repents, he prays - my influence moves him. But his heart is fickle and empty, left to himself. So, I decree that he must be removed from the garden, sent out to till the ground from which he came - a more fitting place for him. Michael, take charge of this.

Choose your fiercest warriors from among the Cherubim, so that the Fiend, or even in behalf of Man, can’t cause any more trouble or invade this empty space. Hurry, and banish the sinful pair from the Paradise of God, without pity.

Drive them from this holy ground, and tell them - and their descendants - that they’ll be banished forever. But, lest they collapse under the weight of this harsh sentence - I see them softened, weeping over their mistake - hide all terror from them.

If they obey patiently, don’t send them away in despair. Tell Adam what will happen in the future, as I will enlighten you. Mix my promise into the seed of the Woman - renew it. Send them forth, though they’ll be sorrowing, yet in peace.

And on the east side of the garden, where it’s easiest to climb out of Eden, place a Cherubic guard, with a sword of pure fire that waves wide, frightening away anyone who approaches. Protect the tree of life.

"I don't want Paradise to become a haven for evil spirits, who’d steal my trees and trick Man again with stolen fruit."

He stopped, and the archangel Michael prepared to descend, with his bright cohort of Cherubim. Each had four faces, like a double Janus, their forms sparkling with more eyes than Argus ever had - more watchful than anyone could be.

They were charmed by the pastoral reed of Hermes, like a magical pipe or sleeping potion.

Meanwhile, to greet the world with sacred light, Leucothea woke, covering the earth with fresh dew. Adam and Eve had finished their prayers and found strength from above - new hope blooming out of despair, joy mingled with fear. Adam renewed his welcome to Eve.

"Eve, just trust me on this - everything good comes from Heaven. But, for us to send anything back to Heaven, something powerful enough to affect God’s mind or influence his will... that’s hard to believe. Still, a prayer or even a single breath can reach the seat of God."

Because I sought to appease the offended Deity, I knelt and humbled my heart before him. I thought I saw him placable and mild, bending his ear. Persuasion grew within me - I felt heard, favored. Peace returned to my chest, and to my memory, his promise that your seed will crush our foe.

"I didn’t think much of it in my panic, but now I know the bitterness of death is over, and we will live."

Hey, Eve, seriously - Mother of everyone? Mother of all living things? Like, because of you, humans live, and everything lives for humans?

Eve looked at him, totally bummed.

"Seriously? Me? I don’t deserve that title. I messed up - I'm the one who broke the rules. I was supposed to be your help, but I ended up being your downfall. I deserve all the blame, all the shade."

But then she paused. "But... my Judge was super generous. I brought death to everyone, and still I’m considered the source of life. And you’re giving me this huge title? You deserve way more credit."

"We need to get to work," Adam said, gesturing to the fields. " It's a tough day ahead, even after a sleepless night. Look, the sun's already up, totally unbothered by our drama. Let’s go! I’m never leaving your side again, no matter where we need to be or what we have to do."

"It’s gonna be a grind for now, while we’re living like this. But honestly, how bad can it be, wandering around these beautiful places? Let’s just chill here, even though we’re in a rough spot."

Eve nodded, humbled. "That’s what I want, too."

But something felt off. Nature was giving signs - weird stuff was happening with the birds, the animals, and the air. Suddenly, the sky went dark, even though it was morning. Above her, she saw Jove’s bird, swooping down with two brightly colored birds ahead of it.

Down the hill, a beast - the first hunter - chased a beautiful deer and a doe, straight towards the eastern gate.

Adam noticed it all. "Eve," he said, watching the chase.

"Something’s coming. Heaven is dropping hints through nature - warnings, maybe? Or a reminder that we’re not totally out of the woods, even though we escaped death for a few days. How long will that last? What’s next? We’re just dust, remember? We’ll go back to it eventually."

"Why are we seeing this double chase, both in the air and on the ground? Why is it getting dark in the east, while the morning light is brighter in the west, like a glowing cloud hanging over the sky? It’s like something heavenly is coming."

He was right. Heavenly beings descended from a sky shimmering like jasper, stopping on a hill. It was an amazing sight, but Adam's doubt and fear dimmed his eyes.

It was even more spectacular than the time the angels met Jacob in Mahanaim - a field glowing with his guardians. Or the time a camp of fire appeared on Mount Dothan, against the Syrian king who tried to assassinate one man.

"The leader of the angelic hierarchy left his forces to take over the garden, while he alone went to find Adam and Eve. Adam saw him coming and spoke to Eve: "Eve, get ready for some big news. It might decide our fate, or give us new rules to follow.

I see a blazing cloud on the hill - one of the heavenly host! And he’s not just anyone - a major Power, or even a Throne from above. He’s got serious majesty. But he’s not terrifying, and he’s not super friendly like Raphael, who I’d trust. He’s... solemn, and impressive.

"We need to show him respect, and you should step back."

He finished, and the Arch-Angel arrived soon. Not in his heavenly form, but as a man, dressed to meet another man. A military vest of deep purple flowed over his arms - more vibrant than the cloth favored by kings and heroes of old, worn during times of peace. Iris had dyed the fabric.

His starry helmet lay unbuckled, revealing a man in his prime, where youth ended. A sword, Satan’s worst nightmare, hung by his side, like a glittering constellation. And in his hand, a spear.

Adam bowed low. He, a king, didn't stoop, but declared his arrival: "Adam, Heaven’s command needs no intro. Just know your prayers were heard. And Death - the sentence you earned when you messed up - has been defeated."

You’re getting grace, a chance to repent, and maybe cover one bad choice with a whole lot of good ones. So, your Lord is appeased, ready to redeem you from Death’s grasp. But you can’t stay in Paradise any longer.

"I’m here to send you out of the garden to till the ground - the soil you came from - a better fit for you now."

He didn’t add anything else. Adam stood frozen, hit with a wave of sorrow that paralyzed his senses. Eve, who’d been listening without being seen, soon revealed her hiding place with a cry.

"Oh, this is unexpected - worse than death! Do I have to leave Paradise? Leave this home? These happy walks and shady spots, fit for the gods? I’d hoped to spend the rest of my days - sad, but peaceful - here."

Oh, flowers, that will never bloom anywhere else, my first visitors, and my last at dusk, which I nurtured with my own hands, from the first bud, and gave you names! Who will raise you to the sun, or organize your groups, and water you from the ambrosial spring? And you, my wedding bower!

"I decorated you with everything beautiful to see and smell. How will I leave you, and where will I wander into this lower world? How will we breathe in this unfamiliar air, so much less pure than what we're used to, after tasting immortal fruits?"

The Angel gently interrupted. "Don’t mourn, Eve. Accept what you’re losing, and don’t cling to what isn’t yours. You’re not going alone. Your husband is coming with you. You're bound to follow him. Think of where he goes as your home."

Adam, shaking off the sudden chill and gathering his scattered thoughts, turned to Michael.

"Celestial, whether among the Thrones, or the highest of them - a prince above princes! You’re being kind in delivering this message, which could easily wound and destroy us. What else can our fragile hearts endure? Leaving this happy place, our sweet refuge, the only comfort we know!"

"Everywhere else seems cold and empty; unfamiliar and unknown. If I could change God’s will through constant prayer, I wouldn't stop pleading. But praying against his absolute decree is useless - like trying to hold back the wind."

I give in, honestly. What hurts the most is that I’m leaving. I’m going to be hidden from his face, cut off from seeing his blessed presence. Here, I could go from place to place, worshiping where he showed himself.

I could tell my sons, "He appeared on this mountain; he stood visible under this tree; I heard his voice among these pines; I talked with him at this fountain. I would build so many altars - piles of grassy turf and shimmering stones from the brook - to remember him, a monument for all time.

I'd offer incense, fruit, and flowers on them. Where will I find his bright appearances, or trace his steps, in the world below? Even though I fled him in anger, and was brought back to life and promised a race of descendants, I’m glad to see even the edges of his glory now.

I’m far off, but I adore his steps.

Then Michael spoke, his expression kind.

"Adam, you know that Heaven is his, and all of Earth. Not just this rock. His omnipresence fills the land, the sea, and the air, and every living thing, fueled by his power and warmed by his grace. He gave you all of Earth to possess and rule - no small gift."

Don’t think his presence is limited to Paradise, or Eden. This could have been your main base, from which all generations would have spread, coming from every corner of the earth to celebrate and honor you, their great ancestor.

But you’re losing that power now, brought down to live on the same level as your sons. Still, don’t doubt that God is present in valleys and plains, just as he is here.

"You’ll find many signs of his presence, always surrounding you with goodness and paternal love, showing you his face and the divine path of his steps."

"To help you believe this, and to confirm it before you leave," Michael continued, "know that I’m sent to show you what will happen in the future - to you and your descendants. Expect to hear about both good and bad things."

Expect supernal grace contending with the sinfulness of men, so you can learn true patience, and temper joy with fear and pious sorrow. You’ll need to be equally prepared to face both prosperous and adverse times.

"That’s how you’ll lead your life safest, and best prepare to endure your mortal passage when it comes."

"Ascend this hill," Michael instructed.

"Let Eve sleep below; I’ve already drenched her eyes with tears. You, wake to foresight, just as you slept while she was being formed."

Adam gratefully replied, "Ascend, I follow you, safe guide. I submit to the hand of Heaven, however it may chastise me. I’ll turn my obvious breast to evil, arming myself to overcome it. I’ll earn rest from labor if I can achieve it."

So, both ascended into the visions of God. It was the highest hill in Paradise, from which the entire hemisphere of Earth stretched out in the clearest view.

It was not a higher hill, nor a wider view, than the one where the Tempter set our second Adam in the wilderness - to show him all Earth’s kingdoms and their glory.

His gaze could sweep across everything - ancient cities and modern landmarks, the heart of empires.

From the walled city of Cambalu, the throne of the Cathaian Khan, and Samarchand, Temir’s seat of power, to Paquin, ruled by the kings of Sinaea; then down to Agra and Lahor, the domains of the great Mogul, all the way to the golden Chersonese.

Or where the Persian sat in Ecbatan, or later in Hispahan; or where the Russian Ksar reigned in Mosco; or the Sultan in Bizance, born in Turchestan.

His eye could also see the empire of the Negus, stretching to his furthest port, Ercoco, and the less important coastal kingdoms of Mombaza, Quiloa, and Melind, and Sofala, known as Ophir, all the way to the realm of Congo and Angola, the furthest south.

From the Niger River to the Atlas Mountains, he could see the kingdoms of Almansor, Fez, and Sus, Morocco, and Algiers, and Tremisen. Then across Europe, to Rome, the place that once ruled the world.

Maybe he even saw rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume, and Cusco in Peru, even richer, the seat of Atabalipa; and unspoiled Guiana, whose great city Geryon’s sons called El Dorado.

But Michael turned Adam’s gaze away from those sights, back to a more important reality. The false fruit, promising clearer vision, had blurred his sight. Michael purged the visual nerve with euphrasy and rue, because Adam had so much to see. He instilled three drops from the well of life.

So powerful were these ingredients, they pierced even the deepest part of Adam’s mental sight. Adam, now forced to close his eyes, sunk down, and his spirits became entranced. But the gentle Angel soon raised him by the hand, recalling his attention.

"Adam, open your eyes," Michael said.

"First, behold the effects of your original sin, seen in some who descend from you - people who never touched the forbidden tree, nor conspired with the snake, nor committed your sin. Yet, their sin leads to corruption, bringing forth violent deeds."

Adam opened his eyes and saw a field, part arable land with newly harvested sheaves, and part sheep-walks and folds. In the middle stood an altar, a rustic landmark made of grassy sod.

Soon, a sweaty reaper from his tillage brought first fruits - the green ear and the yellow sheaf, as they came to hand. Then, a more meek shepherd came with the choicest firstlings of his flock.

He sacrificed the inwards and their fat, scattering incense on the cleft wood, performing all the necessary rites.

His offering was quickly consumed by propitious fire from Heaven, releasing a grateful steam. But the other’s wasn’t sincere; whereat he inwardly raged, and as they talked, he struck him in the midriff with a stone, beating out his life. He fell, groaning out his soul with gushing blood.

Adam was deeply dismayed by the sight and cried out to the Angel in haste.

"Oh, Teacher, some great mischief has befallen that meek man, who well had sacrificed! Is piety thus and pure devotion paid?"

Michael, moved by Adam’s distress, replied, "These two are your brethren, Adam, and they will descend from your loins. The unjust has slain the just, driven by envy that his brother’s offering found acceptance from Heaven."

"But the bloody fact will be avenged, and the other’s faith, approved, will lose no reward. Though you see him die here, rolling in dust and gore."

To which our sire - oof, major feels. Both for what happened, and why. But...is this it? Am I, like, returning to dust? Seriously? That was terrifying. So gross to look at, impossible to think about, and beyond painful to feel.

Michael spoke, "You’re seeing Death in his first form, for humans. But there are so many forms, so many ways to end up in his gloomy cave. They all seem worse at the beginning. Some, like you saw, will die suddenly - by fire, flood, famine, or because they went way too hard on the food and drinks."

"That’s gonna bring some seriously nasty diseases. You’re gonna see a whole crew of them before you go."

Suddenly, a place appeared before Adam’s eyes. It was awful, dark, and smelled terrible - like a hospital, but way worse. People were everywhere, sick with everything imaginable.

Spasms, torture, agony, fever, seizures, catarrh, kidney stones, ulcers, stomach cramps, madness, depression, and wasting away. Pestilence, dropsy, asthma, and aching joints.

People were tossing and groaning in pain. Nurses bustled from bed to bed. Death stood over them, shaking his dart - ready to strike, but holding back. People begged for help, seeing him as their last hope.

"What heart of stone could watch that without crying?" Adam asked, wiping his eyes.

He wasn't even a woman, but he felt so much compassion. He broke down in tears for a moment, before pulling himself together.

"Seriously," he continued, "why is this life even worth living? Why is it given to us if we'll just have it ripped away? Wouldn't it be better to never have been born? Who would even want this?"

"The image of God in Man," Adam continued, "created so beautifully and upright - even with our flaws - how can it be degraded to such awful suffering? Why can’t we, still bearing some resemblance to our Maker, be free from these deformities? Shouldn't we be exempt, for the sake of God's image?"

"You abandoned that image when you chose to serve your own desires," Michael replied.

"You took on the image of what you served - a base, animalistic craving. That's why your punishment is so severe. It’s disfiguring your image, not God’s."

"You defaced it yourselves, twisting natural health into sickness - and that’s a fitting consequence, since you didn’t respect God’s image within yourselves."

"It’s just," Adam conceded. "I submit."

He paused, then asked, "But is there no other way to die - besides this endless suffering? How can we return to the dust that’s natural to us?"

"There is," Michael said. "If you practice moderation. Don’t overeat or overdrink. Seek nourishment, not just pleasure. Live a full life - until you’re ripe, like a fruit. You’ll drop into your mother’s lap, or be gently gathered. That's a peaceful death, a natural end."

"But then," Adam asked, "I’m talking about living a long time. I’ll have to outlive my youth, my strength, my beauty. They’ll all fade - leaving me withered, weak, and gray. My senses will dull. I’ll lose all pleasure. My blood will grow cold and dry, weighing down my spirits."

"And then...that's it. The balm of life is gone."

To our ancestor. Honestly, I’m not even trying to dodge death anymore, or drag things out. I just want to be done with this whole thing, you know? Get rid of this heavy burden. I gotta hold onto it until my time is up, and just patiently wait for it all to end.

"Michael replied." Don’t even love or hate life. Just live it well, while you’re here. How long you get? That’s up to Heaven. And now, get ready for something else.

He looked, and saw a huge plain, covered with tents of all different colors. Some had herds of cattle grazing. Others were filled with the sound of instruments - harps and organs - playing the most beautiful music.

You could see someone moving their fingers over the stops and chords, their touch so skilled it flowed through every note, high and low.

In another part, someone was working at a forge, melting huge chunks of iron and brass. Where did they find this metal? Maybe it was from a forest fire on a mountain or in a valley, down to the earth's veins. Maybe it was washed away by a stream from underground.

He poured the molten metal into molds and shaped it into tools, and then anything else he could make - weapons or intricate metalwork.

After those, but on the other side, came a different group - they seemed to have come down from the nearby hills. They looked like good people, and their whole focus was on worshipping God and understanding his creation.

They weren't worried about the things that would preserve freedom and peace for people. They hadn't been walking on the plain long when, suddenly, a group of beautiful women appeared, dressed in jewels and fancy clothes. They sang soft, romantic songs and started to dance.

The men, though serious, couldn’t help but watch them, their eyes wandering. Soon, they were caught in the women’s charm, and each one chose who they liked.

And now they were all about love, until the evening star appeared - love’s sign. Then, everyone lit the wedding torches and called on Hymen. It was the first time they’d ever had a marriage ceremony. The tents were filled with feasting, music, and laughter.

"This happy gathering - the songs, the garlands, the flowers, the amazing music - totally captivated Adam’s heart. He was quickly drawn to pleasure, the way nature intended. And he said, "True opener of my eyes, best Angel ever!

"This vision feels so much better, and it gives me hope for peaceful days, than those two I saw before. Those were filled with hate, death, or pain. Here, nature seems to be fulfilling its purpose."

Michael replied, "Don’t judge what’s best just by pleasure, even if it seems right for nature. You were created for a nobler purpose - a holy, pure, and divine conformity."

"Those tents you saw, so pleasant, were the tents of wickedness, where the race who killed his brother will live. They seem to be all about refining life, inventing new things. But they’re totally ignoring their Maker, even though his Spirit taught them. They don’t even acknowledge his gifts."

"Yet, they’re going to have a beautiful offspring. Those fair female figures you saw, who seemed like goddesses, were so cheerful, smooth, and gay - but empty of all the good that makes a woman honorable and worthy of praise."

"They were created and perfected just to satisfy lust - to sing, dance, dress up, gossip, and flirt."

"To these men, a sober race who called themselves the sons of God, will give up all their virtue and fame. They’ll do it willingly, for the smiles and charm of these fair atheists. And they’ll swim in joy - soon to swim even more. They’ll laugh, but the world will soon be crying."

Adam, robbed of any real happiness, burst out, "Oh, the pity! The shame! They started out so beautifully, ready to live well. Now they’re just wandering off course, getting lost, or giving up halfway through!"

The Angel replied, "But the root of all human sorrow still traces back to women. It began with men’s weakness, their lack of control. They were given wisdom and incredible gifts, but they squandered them."

"Now, get ready for this," the Angel said, gesturing. "Look!"

Adam saw a vast territory stretch out before him - towns, farms, and sprawling cities. He saw men’s cities, with tall gates and towers. Armies clashed, faces fierce with the threat of war. Giants, incredibly strong and bold, strode across the land.

Some wielded weapons, others controlled wild horses. Both horsemen and foot soldiers stood ready for battle, not just milling around.

A group drove a herd of cattle - fat beefs, strong oxen, and healthy cows - from a lush meadow. A flock of sheep, bleating lambs trailing behind, was their prize. The shepherds barely escaped with their lives, calling for help, which quickly erupted into a bloody fight.

"Squadrons clashed in a brutal tournament," Adam saw.

"Where cattle grazed just moments ago, now lay scattered bodies and weapons on the blood-soaked ground."

Other groups besieged a strong city, using battering rams, ladders, and tunnels to attack. Defenders on the walls fought back with darts, javelins, stones, and fiery blasts. Slaughter and unbelievable feats unfolded everywhere.

In another part of the land, heralds called a council at the city gates. Gray-haired elders and warriors gathered, listening to speeches. But soon, bitter arguments broke out.

Finally, a man of middle age, known for his wisdom, spoke about right and wrong, justice, religion, truth, and peace, and the coming judgment from above.

"Everyone - old and young - exploded," Adam gasped. " They lunged to seize him with violent hands. But then, a cloud descended, snatching him away, unseen, from the crowd."

Violence, oppression, and ruthless laws spread across the plain. There was no refuge.

Adam was overwhelmed with tears, turning to his guide in despair.

"Oh! What are these? Not men, surely? How can they deal out death so inhumanely, multiplying the sin of the one who killed his brother? They’re slaughtering their own kind, men like themselves!"

"But who was that righteous man, whom Heaven hadn’t rescued? What would have become of his righteousness?"

Michael replied, "Those are the result of the ill-matched marriages you witnessed - where good and bad were forced together. They naturally despise each other, but their reckless mixing produces extraordinary births, of body or mind."

"These giants were renowned in their time," Michael continued. " Back then, strength was all that mattered. Valor and heroic deeds were praised. Conquering in battle, subduing nations, and bringing home spoils - with endless slaughter - was considered the highest glory."

"They’s be called great conquerors, patrons of mankind, even gods and sons of gods. Destroyers would be a more accurate title," Michael said. " That’s how fame would be achieved, renown on earth, and what truly deserved recognition would remain hidden in silence."

"But that seventh one from you, the one you saw - he was the only righteous one in a corrupted world. That’s why he was so hated, so relentlessly attacked, for daring to be just, for speaking the undeniable truth that God would come to judge them with his Saints."

"The Most High took him in a gentle cloud, carried by winged steeds, as you saw, to walk with God, high in salvation and the realms of bliss, exempt from death. It’s to show you what reward awaits the good, and what punishment awaits the rest."

"Now, look closely, and you’ll see."

He looked around, and everything had changed. The war drums had stopped, totally silent. Now it was all parties, games, and excess. People were hooking up, getting married, or just doing whatever felt right. Some were obsessed with looks, chasing after anyone who seemed hot.

Then they’s get into fights, legit beef.

Finally, a wise old man showed up, and he was not feeling their vibe. He’s constantly showing up to their parties and festivals, preaching about changing their ways - like they were trapped in a bad situation, facing serious consequences. But it was all for nothing.

Seeing that, he just gave up and moved his camp way off.

Then, from the mountains, he started cutting down giant trees. He began building a massive ship - seriously huge. He measured it all out, length, width, height, and coated it in pitch. There was a door, and he loaded it with tons of food for people and animals.

Then, bam, something crazy happened! Pairs and sevens of every animal - birds, bugs, the whole crew - just walked right in, like they knew what to do. Last, the old man and his three sons, with their four wives, hopped on board. God slammed the door shut.

Suddenly, a huge south wind kicked up, and dark clouds started swirling, covering the sky. The hills sent up moisture and fog. The sky turned into a dark ceiling, and then the rain came down - a total downpour. It rained so hard, you couldn’t even see the ground anymore.

The ship floated, safe and sound, with its pointed bow cutting through the waves. Everything else - all the houses, all their fancy stuff - got swallowed by the flood. The sea covered the sea, no shoreline anywhere. Even in their luxurious palaces, sea monsters were chilling and breeding.

Of all the people who had been around, only a few were left, crammed onto that little ship.

Adam, how must you have felt watching it all end like that? The end of your kids? A total wipeout? You were drowned in tears and grief. Gently lifted up by an Angel, you finally stood on your feet, but you were still heartbroken - like a dad seeing all his children destroyed at once.

You barely managed to get out a complaint to the Angel.

"Ugh, I wish I hadn't seen the future!" you moaned.

"I would have been okay just dealing with each day as it came. Now I’m stuck with the weight of so many years, and it's killing me to know it's all coming."

Don’t let anyone try to tell you what's going to happen, ever. Evil is going to happen, no matter what, and knowing it won’t stop it. You’ll feel it even more, just knowing it's coming - it's just awful to bear. But now, there's no one to warn.

Those few who escaped will eventually be consumed by hunger and pain, wandering that watery wasteland.

I thought, when the violence and war ended, everything would be okay. Peace would rule, and people would live long, happy lives. But I was wrong. Peace can be just as bad as war, corrupting people just as much as it wastes them.

"Seriously, what's going on?" you asked the celestial Guide.

"Will the human race end here?"

To Michael, this is for you. Those you last saw, dripping in triumph and living large, are now showing their true colors. They’re all about flexing their power and pulling off epic wins, but seriously lacking in actual goodness.

They’d spilled so much blood, crushed so many nations, and basically hoarded all the best stuff, racking up fame and titles along the way.

But now? They’re ditching it all for easy living - endless pleasure, sloth, and just pure, unadulterated lust. Their pride will turn friends into enemies, even when things are supposedly chill.

And the people they conquered? They’re losing their faith, their morals, everything. They used God as a shield in battle, but He didn’t show up for them. So now, they’re just coasting, living however they want on whatever their rulers leave behind.

The Earth will have more than enough, but nobody’s gonna practice restraint. Everyone’s gonna turn rotten, forget about justice, honesty, and loyalty.

Except for one. Just one son of light in a dark age, going against the grain - defying every bad habit and trend. Fearless of mockery or violence, he’s gonna call them out on their garbage, showing them the path to safety and peace.

He’s gonna warn them about the consequences of their actions, knowing full well they’ll laugh in his face. But God’s watching.

By God’s command, he’s gonna build an incredible ark - like you saw. To save himself and his family from the coming apocalypse.

No sooner is he and his crew, a mix of humans and animals chosen for survival, settled inside the ark, than the heavens unleash a biblical downpour. Rain, day and night. The deepest oceans erupt, swallowing everything in a monstrous flood.

The water rises higher and higher, even over the highest mountains.

Paradise itself - that mount, the place of beauty - is ripped from its spot, pushed along by the raging torrent, down the river to a salty, desolate gulf. It becomes a bare island, home to seals, orcs, and screeching seabirds.

The message is clear: God doesn’t bless a place just because it is a place. It’s about the people who live there and what they bring to it.

Now, let’s see what happens next.

He looked, and the ark was floating on the receding floodwaters. The clouds were gone, chased away by a sharp north wind that dried the surface of the deluge like a forgotten relic.

The sun blazed down on the vast expanse of water, drawing moisture from the waves like someone finally quenching a desperate thirst. The floodwaters began to shrink, pulling back from the land like a reluctant tide. The oceans had closed their gates, and the heavens had shut their windows.

The ark wasn’t floating anymore. It seemed to be firmly planted on top of a high mountain.

The peaks of hills and mountains poked through the water, and the rushing currents slammed against the retreating sea.

A raven soared out of the ark, followed by a dove - the more reliable messenger - sent out again and again to search for green trees or dry land.

The second time, the dove returned, clutching an olive leaf in its beak - a symbol of peace.

Dry ground appeared! The ancient patriarch descended from the ark with his family. He raised his hands to the sky, his eyes filled with devotion, gazing at a dewy cloud, and within that cloud, a vibrant rainbow arced across the sky - a promise of peace from God and a brand new covenant.

Adam’s heart, which had been so heavy, suddenly leaped with joy. And he burst out, "You, who can show me what’s going to happen, heavenly Teacher! I’m alive again! I know that humanity will survive, and all living things will keep going."

He felt far less grief for the wicked world that had been destroyed.

"I’m so happy about one perfect, just man," Adam continued. " God is going to build a whole new world from him, and forget all his anger."

"But what are those streaks of color in the sky?" Adam asked, looking up.

"They look like God’s forehead, calmed down. Or are they just decoration, like a flower border, to hold back that huge, watery cloud? I’m worried it's going to burst and rain down on us again."

The Archangel replied, "You’re asking the right questions. God is willing to forgive, even though he just realized how messed up humanity was. He was heartbroken when he looked down and saw how violent everyone was, how everything was corrupting each other."

But because of this one righteous man, God’s grace is so great that he won’t wipe out humanity again. He’s made a promise: the sea won’t overflow, and there won’t be another flood to drown the world, with people or animals.

Instead, when he brings a cloud over the earth, he’s going to put his rainbow there - a reminder of his promise. Day and night, planting season and harvest, scorching heat and freezing winter - everything will stay on track.

"Until the final fire cleanses everything, both Heaven and Earth, and the righteous will live there."