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Chapter Twelve (The Veil)

As news of the arrival of the new young researchers to this area of Planet Antroto spread, the region became rife with uproar and controversy. Their fiery speeches sparked debates and fear in the area. Initially, the new researchers operated covertly, posing as ordinary readers and believers. By bribing the "guards of illusion," they smuggled their scientific research and logical writings into the library, gradually explaining their ideas and engaging visitors who came to deepen their faith in the sacred spiritual Antar texts stacked in the library—books that glorified Antar and his followers.

Over time, the matter escalated, and these young researchers—whom Antar and his followers regarded as rebels, infidels, and deniers of Antar’s divinity and religion—brought about significant changes. Despite the looming threats, they showed great bravery and chose to reveal the truth and expose Antar’s lies, regardless of the torment they might face.

For those who discover the truth alone, the burden is heavy. For these researchers, the weight was immense. They were the first to uncover the truth, and once someone knows the truth, it is unbearable to see it suppressed. However, for Antar, the story was different. His rage knew no bounds upon hearing about the spread of these researchers' activities. He imprisoned and tortured his guards, whom he once regarded as angels, blaming them for allowing the researchers into his library—a library meant to house only sacred texts glorifying him.

Antar’s fury was ignited when he learned that the researchers’ scientific works were placed alongside his sacred books. Gradually, these works overshadowed the Antaric texts, gaining readers and followers, even in other areas of the vast Planet Antroto. The growing influence of these researchers alarmed Antar and his followers, as many people began questioning and abandoning faith in Antar. Some even renounced faith entirely, refusing to adhere to any of the "heavenly" Antaric religions.

Antar issued strict orders to arrest anyone associated with the researchers or adopting their ideas. Those who abandoned Antar’s religion had to hide their disbelief as if it were a great calamity. They remained silent, fearing the wrath of Antar and his followers. Even families who discovered that a member had left the faith were terrified of reporting it, knowing the severe punishments Antar would inflict. The fear of Antar’s wrath led defectors to pretend they still believed, worshiping Antar day and night, hiding their true selves to protect their loved ones and avoid the inevitable fate of imprisonment, torture, and certain death if exposed.

One day, the sorcerer Samson entered Antar’s palace, finding him in deep distress, his broad face tense, lips pursed, and his anger radiating from his eyes. The guards allowed Samson entry, and with visible concern, he addressed Antar.

Samson, with frustration: "These cursed newcomers spread like wildfire; they must be stopped."

Antar, with irritation: "What are we waiting for? Arrest them and throw them in prison until they perish."

Samson: "We have already captured several, but others have fled and hidden. We are still searching for them."

Antar, angrily: "Why have I not ordered the execution of those captured? Death is the least they deserve."

Samson: "My lord, we need their confessions. If we act hastily and kill them, their secrets will die with them. We must uncover how they obtained their scientific research, who wrote these books, and the entities supporting them. Surely, there is a secret group exploiting them."

Samson’s words carried a hint of sarcasm as he added, "Do you believe, my lord, that they are merely curious researchers who thought critically, doubted, analyzed, and concluded the falsehood of faith and the existence of a creator? That you, as they claim, are nothing more than a fabrication?"

Antar, his head low in contemplation, looked up with fiery eyes: "What do you mean? Am I a fabrication?"

Samson, in a tone laced with mockery: "No, no, my lord. I did not say that. You know better than anyone the truth of your divinity. But it is their liberated minds and logical thinking that led them to such blasphemous conclusions. Logic is the true enemy of faith. These researchers claim that logical reasoning contradicts faith and challenges the unseen. They brazenly dismiss your divine veil as evidence of deceit."

Antar, his voice trembling with fury: "To hell with their logic! How dare they question my divinity? But tell me, Samson, what exactly do they think of me, and why do they not believe in my godhood?"

Samson explained how the researchers challenged Antar’s absence and questioned why they could neither see nor directly communicate with him since he declared his divinity. They viewed his invisibility as intentional and a sign of deception. Antar lamented how his preachers’ explanations, once capable of captivating the masses, now failed to sway those who had abandoned belief in him.

As the chapter unfolds, the tension between Antar’s attempts to maintain control and the researchers’ quest for truth deepens. The narrative sheds light on the growing divide between the ruling doctrines of faith and the emerging wave of critical thought.