Microcosm

The Microcosm (Fengese: 渺宙, : Miǎozhòu), in Infernalism, is the mundane and physical universe, perceivable to and inhabited by living beings. It is characterized by its materiality, perceivable and interactable by even the ignorant. It too is characterized by its mortality, as all things and beings within it are fated to destruction and recreation, until the Microcosm itself is obliterated. It is contrasted by the vaster Macrocosm it is a part of, which is the totality of all true existence as created by the Cosmic Struggle between Brilliance and Oblivion.

As indicated by its name, the Microcosm is merely a small part of the Macrocosm, yet is instrumental in the essential struggle between Brilliance and Oblivion, as it exists as the intersection between the two essences' realms - the Aether and Nether respectively in Infernalist cosmology. Comprised by the dualistic and opposite essences through this intersection, it embodies the creative aspect of Brilliance and the destructive aspect of Oblivion, bringing about a state of existence within which suffering is plenty and constantly reoccurring. Through this dualistic composition, it also embodies Brilliant intelligence and Oblivious confusion, granting life consciousness yet not the ability to perceive the true reality, the greater Macrocosm. Infernalism poetically portrays the Microcosm as a "prison of mortality", within which countless souls (vitae) are trapped in constant suffering, yet are unable to perceive and pursue salvation in their confusion, distracted by the pointless carnal desires plaguing the illusory Microcosm.

This state of aimless and ignorant existence is said to have lasted for much of microcosmic history, until the prophetess Ynshizu = extraordinarily enlightened to the true nature of reality as the prized daughter of the deific Mother Phoenix - descended to proselytize the "right word" and enlighten the ignorant masses through erudition. Her teachings, later codified into the Infernalist faith, prophesized the inevitable obliteration of the Microcosm as a result of the Cosmic Struggle, when either Brilliance or Oblivion triumphs over the other. The endgoal of Infernalism is thus the maximization of Brilliance through the cultivation and accumulation of erudition via Infernalist belief and practice, such that Brilliance may emerge victorious and obliterate the "stillborn world" that is the Microcosm, recreating it as an idyllic paradise purged of all Oblivion - the Eternal Consummation.