Warning: Unedited Chapter
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Third Person PoV:
Location: Planet Uncharted Celestia, Constellation Astral Nexus, Galactic Region- Luminous Crossroads, Dimensional Coordinates- Theta-9, Sector 7, Universal Realm- Celestial Harmonium
In the heart of the Celestial Hub, where the very fabric of the OmniVerse intertwined, stood the 'Stellar Spirits & Spirals' Tavern, a cosmic haven cloaked in a tapestry of astral wonders.
Normally, such a location would definitely be a contested spot for major multiversal powers, but the tavern had stood withstanding the currents of time for eons thanks to the Elder Brewmaster.
The tavern manifested itself as a convergence of ethereal spirals that gracefully spiraled upward, reflecting the celestial currents that flowed through the constellation 'Astral Nexus'. As one approached, the exterior of the tavern seemed to shift between states of translucence and opaqueness, as if it existed in a state between dimensions.
The astral spirals, bathed in the radiance of distant stars, created an otherworldly glow that beckoned travelers from across the OmniVerse. These travelers might come in the form of human cultivators, wizards, spirits, spirit beasts, demons, mythical beings like dragons among many others.
The premise of these visitors was having a vast influential outreach and great power. Of course, violence and disruptions beyond a certain scale were prohibited according to the tavern's rules.
Upon crossing the threshold, visitors found themselves in a realm that defied the conventional laws of space and time. The interior of the 'Stellar Spirits & Spirals' was a mesmerizing dance of cosmic hues and shimmering lights.
Celestial constellations adorned the walls, alive with pulsating energy that mirrored the ebb and flow of the OmniVerse itself. At the heart of the tavern, a spiral staircase ascended into infinity, each step leading to different planes of existence. It was rumored to be a creation related to 'Them'.
The bar, crafted from crystalline stardust, emitted a soft, soothing hum as it served as a conduit for the cosmic energies that permeated the Celestial Hub. Patrons, drawn from the myriad corners of reality, sat in ethereal booths that seemed to float weightlessly.
Conversations in languages unknown to mortal ears echoed through the space, and the air was filled with the harmonious melodies of interdimensional travelers.
The 'Stellar Spirits & Spirals' was not merely a place for drinks but a nexus for cosmic discourse and exchange. Ethereal beings, from star-bound entities to astral wanderers, convened in this celestial sanctuary to share tales of their journeys through the vastness of the OmniVerse.
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Lysandra Starweaver PoV:
Lysandra Starweaver, the ever-graceful hostess, gracefully moved between tables, her ethereal presence adding to the cosmic charm of the establishment. Her radiant figure with silver hair that seemed to capture the essence of starlight.
Her eyes shimmered with an inner luminescence, reflecting her innate connection to the cosmic energies. Clad in celestial attire, she moved with grace and purpose. A determination to follow the Elder Brewmaster's footsteps was the source of her ambition.
Lysandra's affable exterior masked a determination to honor Kaldrek's legacy. Each ethereal cocktail she crafted held a whisper of cosmic stories, a testament to her skill as a stellar mixologist.
A skilled mixologist like Lysandra could craft ethereal cocktails that resonate with the astral frequencies. Each drink tells a cosmic story and may bestow minor insights or sensations related to the drinker's own journey.
Lysandra was the Elder Brewmaster- Kaldrek the Cosmic Alchemist's only protégé currently working as the celestial steward at the 'Stellar Spirits & Spirals' tavern. Being able to continue Kaldrek's legacy was the only way that Lysandra could repay him. Her origins were mysterious.
Lysandra's earliest memories were entwined with the ethereal glow of astral gardens and the harmonious hum of cosmic energies. Born under the auspices of a celestial alignment, she was discovered by Kaldrek the Cosmic Alchemist during one of his interstellar travels.
Kaldrek sensed a unique resonance within Lysandra—an innate connection to the stars that surpassed the ordinary. As a celestial wanderer himself, he recognized the potential for greatness in this radiant soul. Taking her under his wing, Kaldrek became both mentor and guardian to the budding Starweaver.
Under Kaldrek's tutelage, Lysandra's celestial gifts blossomed. She learned to attune the energies of the cosmos, creating an ambiance that transcended the mundane.
While Lysandra had achieved considerable mastery as a stellar mixologist, she remained distant from Kaldrek's level. This, however, was only a temporary state. Her untapped potential far exceeded Kaldrek's, and the inevitability of surpassing him loomed on the horizon, granted she avoided an untimely demise.
The 'Stellar Spirits & Spirals' tavern became a testament to her mastery—a haven where beings from diverse realms could find solace and camaraderie. Of course, that is not to say that the tavern's fame is entirely due to Lysandra.
Most customers came to the tavern in order to have a taste of Kaldrek's brews. Unfortunately, such opportunities were rare. Kaldrek was not interested in managing the tavern at all. His pursuit was one of mastering his craft to higher levels. As such he traveled the infinite multiverse extensively in search of exotic ingredients and unique tastes to further his skill.
Due to this, the tavern was left in Lysandra's capable hands for most periods of time, especially during Kaldrek's absence.
Even so, Lysandra's role in spreading the tavern's fame could not be denied. Her latent potential, connection to Kaldrek and innate beauty were all factors contributing to the long list of suitors wagging their tails behind her. Not that she cared about that at all.
Anyway, as far as she was concerned, today was a day like any other. A day to give her all to her work and improve her skills, she thought as she gracefully moved between tables. At a nearby table, a group of interdimensional fast-food enthusiasts unwrapped their orders.
The Quantum Quasar Burgers emitted dazzling lights, and the Temporal Tacos crackled with the energy of fluctuating timelines. Each bite induced strange side effects, from momentary glimpses into parallel dimensions to fleeting encounters with alternate selves.
Food in their esteemed establishment could only be consumed by those powerful enough to consume it, lest they meet horrible ends. Of course, there were exceptions as is the case with most things.
Sometimes, powerful elders or masters would help their promising young masters or disciples in consuming these cosmic delicacies.
As Lysandra approached a peculiar table, she noticed a humanoid figure engrossed in a 'vintage newspaper.' The paper itself seemed to defy the laws of the cosmos, its pages shifting between timelines. Several headlines were visible among which were:
[Lintpocalypse Across Dimensions: Seemingly Harmless Lint Gains Cosmic Attributes, Sparks Multiversal Mayhem!
Existential Dread Plague Sweeps Reality-TV Realm: Inhabitants Question Meaning of Their On-Screen Existence; Form Support Groups Across Dimensions!]
There were multiple headlines which spoke of an interdimensional lint pandemic spreading across pockets and replicating attributes, and a parallel universe dating app connecting beings based on compatibility across timelines.
The humanoid figure, clad in an otherworldly robe, looked up as Lysandra approached. Their eyes gleamed with curiosity as he spoke:
"Ah, Lysandra! Join us, won't you? We were just discussing the recent outbreak of the Existential Crisis Plague in the Reality-TV Realm. Quite a spectacle, I must say!"
"Its a multiversal epidemic that is infecting beings with a sudden and overwhelming sense of existential dread.
Afflicted individuals seem to question the meaning of their existence, leading to unexpected alliances, breakdowns, and even the formation of support groups across dimensions. Cultivators are worried that this epidemic will cause the reality barrier and spread to our reality."
"Of course, they will be worried. They can't even gleam the mysteries of reality due to this epidemic and cultivators might get heart demons due to questioning their own existence." Another being replied.
"I crossed over to the Reality-TV Realm accidentally a few days back. The inhabitants thought my presence was a plot twist. I became an unexpected guest star on their show! Luckily, I did not catch that disease." A spirit beast quipped.
"That aside, there is also a lint epidemic spreading. If it can be called that. The paper says: A seemingly harmless lint becomes a multiversal threat, spreading from pocket to pocket across dimensions.
It's discovered that this lint has the ability to absorb and replicate various attributes, causing unexpected consequences when released in different realms.
We should be fine for now but who knows in the future. Why are so many disasters spreading on multiversal scales all of a sudden?"
"Who knows? I visited the Quantum Probability Carnival last week. Won a prize by sheer chance, or was it fate?..."
"Haa.." Lysandra sighed as she looked at the regular chaos and moved on. This scene was obviously nothing new. Many of these beings might even have been irreconcilable enemies outside the tavern but they had to get along well in here.
The only exception were brainless young masters that showed up from time to time paying no regard for rules and following her around until they got some sense knocked into them. Unfortunately for her, a young master seemed to be scheduled to show up today.
Even more so, it seemed that peace was not meant to be today…
***
Third Person PoV:
In the 'Stellar Spirits & Spirals' tavern, the ethereal ambiance resonated with the harmonious frequencies of cosmic energies, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and camaraderie. Patrons from various realms engaged in animated conversations, their diverse forms and energies blending seamlessly in the cosmic crossroads.
Yet, amidst this cosmic serenity, a disturbance rippled through the fabric of the tavern's ambiance.
At first, it was subtle—a gentle shift in the starlight, a flicker of constellations. Patrons glanced around, their senses honed through years of effort trembling. A shiver spread down everyone's spine as an unknown fear from the depths of their souls sprouted. Then, like a celestial crescendo, the disturbance intensified.
A cosmic hum, low and resonant, reverberated through the tavern. Glasses tinkled, and ethereal cocktails shimmered in response to the unseen cosmic forces. The ambient colors of the astral tapestry swirled in disarray, creating mesmerizing patterns that danced across the patrons' forms.
As Lysandra moved through the chaos, her silver hair seemed to catch the essence of the cosmic tumult. Her eyes, usually reflecting the calm luminescence of the stars, widened with a mixture of awe and fear. The patrons, from wizards to spirits, felt the disruption in their cosmic senses.
Whispers and exclamations filled the air as beings from different realms exchanged puzzled glances. A celestial being pointed to the shifting constellations, while a spirit beast bared its ethereal fangs in a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
It was known fact that one must not cause chaos at the tavern. But even if they wanted to cause a disturbance on such a level, it was no easy feat.
All the beings in the tavern were powerful in their own right but even they could not cause this tavern to undergo such a disturbance. The core of the tavern was something crafted by one of 'Them' after all.
The exitance who could cause this chaos seemed to be much more powerful than all of the beings present here.
The cosmic crossroads, known for its harmonious blend of energies, now crackled with an unpredicted vitality. In the midst of this celestial uproar, Lysandra's intuition guided her to the epicenter of the disturbance.
Her hands, attuned to the cosmic currents, trembled slightly as she approached the source of the cosmic upheaval. The patrons, sensing her connection to the astral forces, turned their attention to the radiant steward.
And there, at the heart of the celestial maelstrom, stood a figure that caused this pandemonium. A cosmic entity whose presence seemed to transcend the boundaries of the tavern and reached into the very fabric of the multiverse.
Curiosity ignited within the patrons, urging them to unveil the identity of the enigmatic figure. However, their heightened senses, attuned to the cosmic energies, sent warnings echoing through their beings, advising against even the slightest attempt to glimpse the mysterious entity ahead.
'Her' figure could not be observed by any of them anyway. If they did try to witness it, all they would glimpse would be the concept of white before being corrupted into something unknown. The entity in question was clueless to what was happening, only looking forward to having a pleasant time.