This chapter exists purely for clarity, and maybe a bit for me to pretend that I planned everything from the start.
Normally, the story would reveal all these details slowly and dramatically. But if you'd rather not spend several chapters squinting at the worldbuilding and wondering what on earth is going on, this little section is here to help.
You can skip it and discover everything naturally, like a patient, well-adjusted reader. Or you can read ahead and get a head start on how the world works. No judgment either way. I'm not your librarian.
Now, the world exists and is ruled by a single Angel. Yeah, I know the title literally says "Blasphemy of the Angels." But I can assure you that there is only one Angel ruling this world.
►The Hekas and Angel's Decree
Hekas are magicians who wield abilities unique to each person. These abilities are always provided by the Angel as a gift to help mankind and carry out the Angel's decree.
A decree from the Angel is rare to get and even harder to complete, but completing one would enable the person to ascend to a high order, extending their lives and increasing their powers. So most people are crazy to receive a decree.
►The Khepers
A Kheper is someone who has awakened as a Heka but has not yet completed their first decree.
Most awakenings occur through the Angel's blessing.
A very small number awaken on their own.
Those individuals are usually viewed with suspicion, discomfort, or quiet fear. Society prefers its miracles to arrive with proper authorization.
►The orders
Hekas advance through a hierarchy known as Orders, beginning with the First and ending with the Ninth.
A Kheper becomes First Order only after completing their first decree.
Each completed decree moves them further upward. The tenth and final decree leads to a transformation beyond the Orders themselves.
The structure is as follows:
•First Order
•Second order
•Third order — The Order of Sah
•Fourth Order
•Fifth Order — The Order of Ren
•Sixth Order
•Seventh Order — The order of Akh
•Eighth Order
•Ninth Order — The Order of Sekhem
Four of these stages represent fundamental changes rather than simple increases in power.
Sah — The Body ChangesThe Heka's physical form begins to transform. Their body adapts to the power they carry.
Ren — The True NameAt this stage, a Heka discovers their essential identity. Their "true name," the core of what they are.
Akh — Half SpiritThe Heka becomes something between human and spirit. They still possess a body, but their existence is no longer entirely physical.
Sekhem — Union with the WorldAt this level, the Heka no longer requires a physical body. What appears to others is simply a form they choose to manifest.
►Apostles
Those who complete the tenth decree transcend the Order system entirely.
They become Apostles.
Apostles are regarded as the Angel's soldiers. They are the most powerful Hekas humanity has produced, and their authority is immense.
In many places, they are revered to the point of worship. Entire churches exist in their honor.
Whether that level of admiration is wise is… debatable.
►Enactor
Above even the Apostles stands a single figure.
The Enactor.
The Enactor is the sole messenger of the Angel. There could only be one Enactor unless the Angel wishes otherwise. An Enactor is chosen from the apostles by the Angel. Once chosen, they are given a simple but absolute authority.
They can create and give Angel's decree. They also act as the captain of all Apostles.
►Mana
Does this really need a dramatic explanation?
Probably not.
Mana is the fundamental energy used by all Hekas and Khepers. Every ability, every technique, every miracle politely described as "divine intervention" ultimately runs on it.
Think of it as the fuel of the system.
Rank does not change this. A newly awakened Kheper and a high-order Heka both rely on mana. The difference lies in how much they possess, how efficiently they use it, and how badly things go when they run out.
Because running out of mana during the wrong moment tends to produce very short careers.
►Ka or Rune stones
Somewhere along the way, repeatedly asking for "rune stones" in every magic shop started sounding a little inelegant. So scholars introduced the word Ka.
Everyone else followed because it sounded smarter.
Rune stones are colored stones inscribed with magical patterns. Their size, composition, and inscription determine their function.
Their uses range from small conveniences to catastrophically bad ideas.
A minor stone might illuminate a room, heat water, or power simple mechanisms. Larger and more complex stones can drive entire machines, fuel transportation, or produce destructive force on a scale that makes people very nervous.
In other words, rune stones are tools.
Very useful tools.
Occasionally explosive ones.
►Something important!!
Gherm is actually read as Ghurm.