Canticle: Code Caligula

Chapter 33: First Impressions

Ashuradō, Yomi — Outside the Grand Sanctum of Demiurge. Naraka walked along the pale sidewalk, lined with pristine fields of grass that had been freshly mowed. Birds chirped above as his black, feathered cape fluttered behind his waist like water given shadow. Looking up, he smiled at the grandiose building before him.

It was the Grand Sanctum of Demiurge: the first construct created by the legendary architect. The sanctum was massive in scale, impossible to witness in its entirety with a single glance. It exuded majesty and a sense of refinement that could never be replicated within a mortal's lifetime.

The crested, domed spire that proudly displayed Yomi's national flag sat like a crown atop the primary structure. The spire curled around the base to the ground below like a serpent, making it resemble a twisted conch. To even reach the entrance one had to walk up three sets of widened stairs; made from marble so pure it was nearly transparent.

Such a monumental location was fitting for those it housed, as the sanctum was the seat of Yomi's government. Diplomats and magistrates alike convened within its historic chambers, sitting within the same chairs as their ancestors once did.

Naraka casually walked up to translucent steps, his hands tucked away behind his back with fingers interlaced. He wasn't here on Mara's behalf, but by his own accord. Within the past few weeks, tensions between Yomi and Nirvana were steadily coming to a boil. With the emperor hell-bent on the prospect of war, every day that passed brought with it the possibility of waking to news of a coming armageddon.

He strolled past a large fountain within the middle of the plaza leading to the sanctum's doors. Within the fountain was an ornate statue of a small child bearing a face of pure innocence. Statues of the demon god Kagutsuchi were a common sight at prestigious locations; acting as a vigil to ward off evil and misfortune.

Naraka ignored the statue's presence as others prayed and sat by the fountain's edge, focused on his primary objective.

—The need for such things...

Sighing inwardly, Naraka withdrew a hand to open the door leading inside when unexpectedly the door swung towards him. Before anyone witnessing could bat an eyelash, Naraka effortlessly teleported backwards to avoid being hit.

A rush of men and women in a torrent of black and grey suits and dresses flooded from the opened doors. Naraka stood where he was as others passed by him, most bowing out of respect from seeing such a high-ranking member of the empire.

—The house was recently dismissed. Just my luck.

The crowd thinned within seconds as the deluge of people slowed to a dribble. With his path clear, Naraka pressed forward past the brass doors gilded with bronze accentuation and crowning.

His eyes panned over the magnificent display of a foyer, complete with elevators on both sides of the near ceiling-less room. The floor was a mixture of ivory and pristine carpet; practically untouched as if it had just been woven. One single massive chandelier hung from the limitless ceiling, stretching down from above and suspended by ten golden chains intertwined. The masterpiece is priceless, decorated with jewels and crystals worth more than the lives of nearly everyone present in the room itself.

The entrance was created to make every first impression sublime, each time unique. It was commonplace for first-time visitors to stare cow-eyed around the majesty of the building for several minutes, like they had been placed in a trance. After seeing the spectacle countless times however, it had lost its luster on Naraka as he passed through the familiar chamber without any thought or care.

Pressing a button located next to the elevator, Naraka waited patiently until the silver doors eventually parted with a mechanized chime. He stepped inside, alone in the small room of glass and precious metals. Tapping the button that led to the third floor, he began to ascend.