The Twelve [antikvár]

PROLOGUEFrom the Writings of the First Recorder ("The Book of Twelves")Presented at the Third Global Conference on theNorth American Quarantine Period Center for the Study of Human Cultures and Conflicts University of New South Wales, Indo-Australian Republic April 16-21, 1003 a.v.[Excerpt begins.]CHAPTER ONE1.For it came to pass that the world had grown wicked, and men had taken war into their hearts, and committed great defilements upon every living thing, so that the world was as a dream of death;2.And God looked upon his creation with a great sadness, for his spirit no longer abided with mankind.3.And the LORD said: As in the days of Noah, a great deluge shall sweep over the earth; and this shall be a deluge of blood. The monsters of men's hearts shall be made flesh, devouring all in their path. And they shall be called Virals.4.The first shall walk among you disguised as a virtuous man, concealing the evil within him; and it shall come to pass that a sickness will befall him, such that he is made into the likeness of a demon, terrible to gaze upon. And he shall be the father of destruction, called the Zero.5.And men shall say: Would not such a being make the mightiest of soldiers? Would not the armies of our enemies lay down their weapons to cover their eyes at the very sight of him?6.And a decree shall go forth from the highest offices that twelve criminals shall be chosen to share of the Zero's blood, becoming demons