บท 4: Chamber of Stars
I woke up in a place full of wonder. The sheer magnificence of the surroundings took my breath away. "No, this is not a mere place; this is a whole new world itself," I mused to myself, struggling to comprehend the extraordinary sight before me.
The place had an infinite orientation. The endless background was warped, blurry, multicolored, and dotted with rows of sparkling and mesmerizing stars, creating a majestic image that seemed to stretch into eternity. It was as if the universe itself had been condensed into a single, awe-inspiring vision. Between the stars darted glowing, unsettling creatures that resembled wisps of light rather than actual living beings. They were more akin to objects from the deepest depths of the cosmos, adding to the surreal beauty of the scene.
At the very top of this ethereal realm stood a majestic and ethereal chamber, a grandiose hall made of crystalline structures that reflected the myriad colors of the cosmos. The walls shimmered with an ever-changing palette of hues, creating an atmosphere that was both surreal and awe-inspiring. Without mistake, this place served only the greatest of beings, those that were at the top of the food chain, even among the present gods.
Columns of pure light, interspersed with floating orbs of stardust, lined the path to a magnificent throne. The throne was not just a seat but a testament to divine authority and cosmic power. It was carved from a single, enormous piece of what seemed to be dark obsidian, yet it shimmered with an inner light, making it appear almost translucent. The armrests were adorned with constellations that moved and changed, mapping the heavens in real time. The backrest rose high, tapering into points that resembled the rays of a starburst, each tip glowing with its own intensity. The seat itself was cushioned with a fabric that mirrored the starry sky, soft and inviting, yet exuding a sense of immense power.
As I approached the throne, I could feel an overwhelming sense of reverence and awe. This was no ordinary throne; it was a seat of power, authority, and knowledge. As I neared it, my hand instinctively reached out to swipe the armrest, and at the end of it, I found four cards hanging in the air as if they had a soul of their own. Despite being in a foreign territory, I felt at ease and safer here than in my own home. I could truly feel that this whole place was welcoming me.
Feeling safe, I decided to walk toward the cards and grab them to see the content. "Changing Star Pathway; Flaming Star Pathway; Star-Shearer Pathway; Nebula Pathway; System Pathway," read the card titles. Below the titles, I saw all the corresponding sequences and the ingredients needed for them. My brow furrowed upon seeing the different pathways from the usual 22 Standard Pathways in the novel.
"Am I supposed to be an ancient god awakening from slumber or an outer deity that came to earth before the cataclysm?" I mused to myself. Regardless of the outcome, this situation could be beneficial for me, as this secret could be my biggest advantage. In this world full of mysteries, an unknown power such as myself would surely become a fearsome figure even among the Seven Deities.
As I figured out the situation I was in, a figure hanging in the sky suddenly came crashing down toward the chamber. An ethereal being of unparalleled beauty, possessing a thin, transparent body that appeared to be composed entirely of light. Her surroundings were illuminated by the warm, golden light that emanated from her gaze. Her enormous, magnificent wings, which like a butterfly's, were composed entirely of luminescent energy and gave off a reassuringly gentle glow. Her hair shimmered and changed color as it moved, resembling a waterfall of sunbeams.
Thud, thud. Her steps were as calm and graceful as her appearance. Despite the first time I saw her, I did not feel any malicious intent from her. Her gaze was serene yet peaceful, like the stars hanging in the sky. Her figure arrived in front of me. Despite being a 'female,' her height loomed above me, standing at around 2 meters. Her beautiful gaze met mine.
I was spellbound by her presence, unable to look away. "Who are you?" I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible. She smiled softly, and the light around her seemed to intensify.
"I am a guardian of this realm," she said, her voice melodic and soothing. "You have been chosen to wield a power unlike any other, to uncover the truths hidden within and to rise above the chaos of this world. The pathways you see before you are unique to you, designed to help you reach your true potential."
I looked at the cards again, feeling the weight of the decision. Each pathway seemed to call out to me, promising different abilities and responsibilities. The Changing Star Pathway hinted at adaptability and transformation. The Flaming Star Pathway suggested immense power and intensity. The Star-Shearer Pathway spoke of precision and clarity. The Nebula Pathway offered mystery and vast knowledge, while the System Pathway implied control and order.
"How do I choose?" I asked, my voice filled with both awe and uncertainty.
"Listen to your heart," the guardian said softly. "Trust in your instincts. The right choice will resonate with your very soul."
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and tried to calm my racing thoughts. I let my mind wander over my experiences, my strengths, and my desires. Slowly, a sense of clarity began to emerge. I felt a pull towards one of the cards, a gentle yet insistent tug that seemed to align with my deepest aspirations.
But as my fingers reached out to take the Nebula Pathway card, a sudden realization struck me. Why limit myself to just one pathway? If this place truly welcomed me and if the guardian's words were sincere, then perhaps there was a way to harness the power of all the pathways.
Opening my eyes, I turned to the guardian. "Is it possible to combine the powers of all these pathways?" I asked, my voice steady with newfound determination.
The guardian's eyes widened slightly, and then she smiled. "You are indeed unique," she said softly. "The System Pathway holds the key to such a possibility. It can integrate and harmonize different powers, creating a synergy that transcends individual limitations."
With her words, a new sense of purpose filled me. I reached out and took hold of all the cards simultaneously. As my fingers closed around them, a surge of energy coursed through me, more intense than anything I had felt before. The cards glowed brightly, and their titles seemed to come alive, merging into a single, radiant light.
The chamber around us began to transform once more, taking on an even more defined and structured form. The stars pulsed with energy, and the colors of the infinite space grew even more vivid. The pathways before me were no longer separate entities; they were intertwined, forming a complex web of power and potential.
"You have chosen to embrace all the pathways," the guardian said, her voice filled with awe. "This choice will grant you the power to become a Great Old One, a being of immense knowledge and strength. You will be known as The King of Nothing, a title that signifies both your dominion over the void and your mastery of the unknown."
As she spoke, the throne behind me transformed into a grandiose seat of power. The obsidian darkened further, absorbing the light around it, and the constellations on the armrests shifted to depict scenes of creation and destruction. The backrest rose even higher, its starburst tips glowing with an almost blinding intensity. The seat itself became even more luxurious, the fabric now resembling a swirling nebula, soft and inviting yet exuding a sense of immense power.
I sat on the throne, feeling the weight of my new title and the responsibilities it carried. The cards in my hands dissolved into pure energy, flowing into me and integrating with my very being. I could feel the power of each pathway merging within me, creating a harmonious blend of abilities and knowledge.
The guardian bowed her head slightly, acknowledging my new status. "The King of Nothing," she said softly, "you are now a being of unparalleled potential. Use your powers wisely and guide this world towards a future of balance and harmony."
I nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but I was ready to face it with the strength of my newfound powers. The mysteries of this world awaited, and I was ready to uncover them, one step at a time.
As I looked around the chamber, I felt a sense of connection with the stars and the cosmos. The title of The King of Nothing resonated within me, signifying my dominion over the void and my mastery of the unknown. I was no longer bound by the limitations of a single pathway; I had transcended them, becoming a being of infinite potential.
The guardian did not disappear. Instead, she remained by my side, her luminous presence a constant source of comfort and guidance. "I will stay with you," she said, her voice a soft echo of the cosmos. "Until you reach your true potential, I will be your guide and protector."
With her assurance, I felt even more resolute. The pathways within me began to stir, their energies intertwining and growing stronger. I could feel the Changing Star Pathway granting me adaptability and the ability to shift my form and abilities as needed. The Flaming Star Pathway filled me with an intense power, like a burning star ready to unleash its fury. The Star-Shearer Pathway provided me with precision and clarity, enabling me to cut through illusions and see the truth. The Nebula Pathway opened my mind to the vast knowledge and the mysteries of the universe, while the System Pathway allowed me to control the combining pathway.
Like an instinct, I opened my mouth and uttered,
"System"
[The King of Nothing, Your humble servant is here with you]
A voice echoed in his head.
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