章節 5: Awakening in the Void

The world around Alex faded as he sank into a deep sleep.

[Alex,] a familiar voice called softly, waking him.

"Lily?" he murmured. As his consciousness stirred, he felt a pulling force tugging at him through a passage of lights streaking past.

Suddenly, the tugging sensation vanished. When Alex opened his eyes, all he could see was a vast expanse of glowing orbs floating in the void. They varied in size and color, some larger with smaller orbs contained within, while others were smaller and clustered together.

"Is this the multiverse?" Alex asked, his voice trembling slightly.

[This is the nexus of dimensions,] Lily replied calmly. [Here lies the foundation of all realities.]

As she spoke, Alex noticed the larger orbs moving methodically. Some collided gently, creating ripples, while others remained stationary, their surfaces sparkling with auroras of light. Some resembled galaxies encased in glass spheres, while others appeared almost entirely dark, exuding an ominous sense of gloom. Occasionally, smaller orbs splintered away from the larger ones, forming miniature versions of themselves.

"These are universes?" Alex asked, staring at the orbs of light nearest to him.

[Yes,] Lily replied. [Each orb you see is a universe, born from the quantum foam, the primordial chaos from which all realities emerge.]

Alex's eyes widened. "Quantum foam… what happens if they pop?"

[The energy is released, creating a disturbance in the quantum foam,] Lily explained. [This is what your science, physics may term the 'Big Bang.' The disturbance that follows is what they call 'Eternal Inflation,' triggering the constant creation of new universes. Some collapse almost instantly, while others stabilize and grow into fully-fledged universes.]

[The larger orbs you see are older, more established universes. Their laws and energy cycles are stable and well-managed.]

"And the smaller ones?" Alex asked, watching tiny bubbles hover near their larger counterparts.

[They're micro-universes,] Lily said. [Larger universes often spawn these when their energy density or creative potential reaches a tipping point. Some micro-universes exist temporarily, as unique phenomena. Others evolve, merging back with their parent universe or breaking away entirely to become independent.]

Alex's mind reeled as he tried to absorb the enormity of it all. "So… universes are alive? They create smaller universes inside themselves, like cells dividing?"

[Not exactly alive as you understand it,] Lily clarified. [But they are self-contained systems with cycles of creation and destruction. Some larger universes are even sentient, capable of deliberately shaping or nurturing the micro-universes within them. They guide their development, much like a gardener tending crops. Take the Marvel universe, for example. The One Above All controls his universe because the universe is him.]

"Are all universes connected, then?" Alex asked.

[Yes,] Lily said. [They all originate from the quantum foam. This cycle ensures the multiverse remains dynamic and ever-changing.]

Before Alex could process further, he felt his body shift. A golden light enveloped him, and he began moving. As he accelerated to an unknown speed, the energy started sinking into his skin.

The energy surrounding Alex intensified. It didn't hurt, but he could feel his body changing, physically, and on a deeper more profound level. His existence harmonized with the energy enveloping him.

"Lily? Wha… what is happening?" Alex asked, his voice tinged with nervousness and curiosity.

[Binding you to my energy,] Lily explained. [You'll retain your appearance, but this connection will allow you to wield my power.]

Alex continued to move forward, guided by the energy toward a swirling mass of multicolored light, with beams refracting and shifting, pulsating rhythmically as if breathing, casting an ethereal glow.

"Is this you, Lily? The source…" Alex asked lightly in a dazed state.

[Yes, Alex. Am I beautiful?] Lily inquired, acting cute. (´｡• ᵕ •｡`)

"Indeed, very beautiful. I… I don't even know how to describe it," Alex replied with pure admiration.

[Pity you can't come any closer and touch me, though. You would disintegrate into particles.] Lily replied dejectedly.

"Who knows, maybe someday."

[I'll be ready when that day comes, Alex.] (>ω<) Lily replied happily.

As the energy settled, Alex felt a surge of strength coursing through him, sharpening his senses. The vast energy that had created the multiverse now coursed through his body.

[From this moment forward, you can traverse dimensions, manipulate reality, rejuvenate and heal anything. Most importantly, you are now connected to me—the Source. You carry infinite energy.]

Alex remained silent, the weight of her words settling over him. "Why me?" he finally asked.

Lily's voice softened. [Because you're capable, Alex. You're genuinely curious, but you lack the desire for conquest. And because I chose you. Together, we can travel the multiverse.]

As Alex floated among the swirling orbs of light, he clenched his fists, feeling the immense power within him. For the first time, he wasn't just Alex Anderson, the boy who had lost his father. He was something more, something extraordinary.

"Where should we start? Should I travel to alternate realities to learn how the megalithic structures were made? Or… or to the DC universe, Narnia, or Marvel?" he asked excitedly.

A smile carried through Lily's tone. [First, you must return, and then we'll continue our journey. Then we will enter other universes with power systems so you can learn to use your power efficiently and effectively. Besides, you have all the time in the multiverse.]