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== Prologue ==
In the year 2045, humanity stood united under the banner of a global religion called the "Faith of Earth." The world's religions had been merged into a single spiritual framework that exalted the planet, technology, and human progress. Churches, mosques, and temples were no longer places of worship but centers for promoting environmental stewardship and universal harmony.

At the heart of this new world order was the digital identification system—officially called the "Covenant Seal." Embedded in every citizen's hand or forehead, it allowed access to all societal functions: buying, selling, travel, healthcare, and even education. Refusal to take the mark meant exile to the fringes of society, where survival was almost impossible.

This was the world where Ethan Wells, a faithful Christian, lived.

== Chapter 1: A World Reimagined ==
Ethan walked through the bustling streets of New Babel, the shining capital of the United World Alliance. Holographic images of lush forests and serene oceans filled the skyline, accompanied by slogans: "One Planet, One Faith." People lined up at kiosks for their daily ration credits, their foreheads or hands glowing faintly with the Covenant Seal as they scanned to pay.

Ethan kept his head down, his heart heavy. As one of the few who refused the mark, he lived in the shadows. He had lost his job, his apartment, and many friends. Now, he relied on an underground Christian network for food and shelter. Every day was a battle—avoiding death by starvation and execution in a world that labeled him an "enemy of unity."

== Chapter 2: The Global Revival ==
The Faith of Earth had grown into a sprawling, unopposed religious empire. Led by the enigmatic "High Shepherd," a charismatic leader who claimed divine visions, the religion blended the worship of nature with reverence for human ingenuity. The High Shepherd declared that humanity had entered an age of enlightenment and that the Covenant Seal was the ultimate symbol of allegiance to peace and progress.

Ethan remembered the day it was mandated. His family, once devout Christians, had crumbled under the pressure. His wife, Emily, had taken the mark to secure their daughter’s access to school. But Ethan couldn’t compromise. He remembered Revelation’s warning: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark... they will drink the wine of God's wrath.”

Now, he was alone.

== Chapter 3: The Underground Church ==
One night, Ethan slipped through the sewers of New Babel to attend an illegal gathering of Christians. The meeting was held in an abandoned subway tunnel, where flickering candlelight illuminated a small group of believers. They sang hymns softly, their voices trembling with both fear and hope.

A grizzled pastor named Marcus spoke. “We are living in the days foretold by John. The Beast is here, and his system tightens its grip daily. But we must endure. Remember what Jesus said: ‘In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”

The group shared communion, tears streaming down their faces as they clung to the promise of Christ’s return. For Ethan, these moments were a lifeline in the suffocating darkness.

== Chapter 4: The Tribulation Unfolds ==
Weeks turned into months, and the world descended further into chaos. Global leaders implemented the “Harmony Edict,” a law criminalizing any speech or belief that contradicted the Faith of Earth. Churches were demolished, Bibles burned, and dissenters publicly executed.

The Covenant Seal evolved into a complete surveillance system. AI algorithms monitored every citizen’s behavior, flagging “uncooperative elements” for re-education—or worse. Ethan narrowly avoided capture multiple times, his every breath a prayer for strength.

One day, while scavenging for food, Ethan encountered a drone broadcasting a live announcement from the High Shepherd. The leader stood before a massive, golden idol of Gaia, the Earth goddess. “The time of final unity is here,” he proclaimed. “Bow before the divine Mother Earth and receive the Eternal Seal—a gift of life and enlightenment.”

Ethan shuddered. He recognized the idol as the abomination of desolation.

== Chapter 5: Betrayal and Capture ==
Ethan’s underground network was betrayed by an informant. Soldiers stormed their hideout, dragging the believers into the streets. Ethan watched helplessly as Marcus, the faithful pastor, was executed. Ethan himself was taken to a re-education center, where holograms of the High Shepherd filled the walls, preaching messages of compliance.

“You have resisted unity,” a mechanical voice intoned. “Repent and receive the Eternal Seal, or face judgment.”

Ethan’s heart raced, but he stood firm. “Jesus is my Lord,” he whispered.

They brought him to a public square, where the High Shepherd himself presided over executions. “This man clings to outdated myths,” the leader sneered. “Let him be an example.”

Ethan was offered one final chance to take the mark. When he refused, the High Shepherd smiled coldly. “Then die as the old world dies.”

== Chapter 6: The Great Darkness ==
As Ethan was led to the guillotine, he felt a profound peace. He prayed for strength, recalling Revelation’s promise: “Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on.” The crowd jeered, their faces glowing with the light of their seals.

Just as the blade was raised, the sky darkened unnaturally. Thunder roared, and an earthquake shook the ground. A voice, deep and resonant, echoed across the heavens: “Behold, I am coming soon!”

Panic erupted. The crowd scattered, and the High Shepherd fell to his knees, trembling. Ethan smiled through tears. He knew his death was not the end.

== Epilogue ==
Ethan’s sacrifice inspired others in the underground church. Though the Great Tribulation brought unimaginable suffering, the faithful clung to the hope of Christ’s return. The Mark of the Beast system tightened its grip, but the gospel spread in secret, even in the darkest corners.

Ethan Wells’ name had always been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, his story a testament to enduring faith in the face of ultimate darkness.

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