jeffrey m. jones, church attendance has declined in most u.s. religious groups, *gallup news* (2023). [read more here]   /church-attendance-declined-religio us-groups.aspx ``` april 4, 2028 > an aging cathedral in chicago, illinois ``` father marcus stood at the pulpit, staring at the dwindling congregation. the once-vibrant pews now held only a handful of worshippers, their faces weary with apathy. he cleared his throat, forcing himself to read the gospel passage, but his words felt hollow even to himself.  as the service ended, a young man approached him, dressed not in sunday best but in the sleek, minimalist fashion that had become popular among nabian followers. the man handed him a small card embossed with the phrase:  > din nexilar, allexisban bala nexis. (through light, alexis becomes all.) what is this? father marcus asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and caution.  its the future, father, the man replied. youve felt it, havent you? the church is dying, but theres another way. alexis offers something... real.  father marcus looked around the crumbling cathedral, his faith faltering under the weight of irrelevance. by the end of the week, he had resigned from the priesthood, taking his first steps into the nexilar grid.  ```
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