“What brings you to this place, inferior creature?” a mighty voice sounded in my head. It had to belong to Heimkehr, because it was deep and imperious. He was the king of the three pillars of Gaja. None were stronger or mightier than him. I should watch what I said from now on. “O Heimkehr, God Eden, if you wish to be called so,” I replied in reverence. “I, inferior creature, am here to forever satisfy my desires, my curiosity.” For a moment, it felt as if my heart was skipping a beat, but that wasn’t possible anymore. What was it, then?

“You speak the truth, that is to your benefit. Say, inferior creature, who told you of this place?” I swallowed, or more thought about how I had to swallow now. That hesitation was enough to animate another throne to speak. “He hesitates! He is cowardly! He is...” The voice stopped for a moment and wanton laughter could be heard. “... Exactly how I imagine the feelings of all children before they betray each other, kill and do worse.” “Sister, what do you think is worse than death? Than betrayal?”

another voice sounded in my head. “How am I supposed to know? Ah, I know, let the little human decide what is worse.”

“How wise of you, o sister. Well, human, tell us. What is worse than death or betrayal?”

I swallowed again. I knew what would be worse for me, but what could be worse for all humans, all life? What could it be? Pain went through my right arm. I didn’t see it, but I could feel how it began to disintegrate. Stay calm, I have to find an answer, because what is an arm compared to what is to come?

“It is not pain, sister. We took his arm and he is still thinking. Maybe there is nothing worse than death or even betrayal.”

“Then he is useless,” said the voices of Heimkehr, Freikehr and Inkehr in my head. What should I do?! I despaired! There was only one possibility. I screamed.

“STOP!” Thunder accompanied my scream and all eyes, even if I didn’t see them turned onto me, and they felt dark, bloodthirsty. “What, inferior creature?” Heimkehr’s words whipped through me. “Then tell us what is worse than death or even betrayal.”

I gathered all my courage and formed my words with care. “I cannot speak for others, but I can speak for myself. I was betrayed, hurt and am close to death. But I fear none of that. Because there is nothing worse for me than not satisfying my curiosity or to fail. So, I beg of you, don’t let my deeds be in vain. I killed, I murdered, I tortured and betrayed everyone I loved to be here with you now. Please. Do not let me fail. Because what could be worse than to be kept from seeing what is to come?”

My head throbbed as the laughter, yes, laughter, of the pillars went through my body. “Very well,” echoed Heimkehr’s words. “Then tell me your name and forsake it forever. Then tell us your wish. Should that be world domination, to be the mightiest creature or to gain everything you wish. We will grant it. But if one person says your name, you will lose everything we gave you and return to being the one you once were. Are you aware of this punishment and still do not wish to die?”