Chapter 120 - The Celestial Reckoning

The universe, a celestial masterpiece, unfurled before him. Stardust shimmered like a million scattered diamonds, galaxies swirled in an ethereal ballet, and nebulae pulsed with vibrant colors. It was a symphony of creation and destruction, a dance of light and shadow. Yet, as Vidar gazed upon this cosmic ballet, a discordant note echoed through his being – a sense of dread that choked him with its icy grip."Reya..." he whispered, the name a prayer on his lips.A scene, a memory, a vision, flickered into existence. It was a memory so vivid, so real, it felt like he was reliving it. There was Reya, his little sister, a beacon of innocence and joy, her laughter ringing out across a sun-drenched meadow. But then, the scene warped. A shadowy figure, Xenon, a being of immense power, materialized, his eyes burning with malevolent hunger. Reya's laughter died in her throat, replaced by a shriek of terror. In a flash, she was gone, snatched away by the darkness.A pang of sorrow, raw and agonizing, pierced Vidar's heart. It was a familiar ache, a wound that never truly healed. A tear, a cosmic tear, escaped his eye. It wasn't just a tear of grief, but a tear of regret, of guilt, of helplessness."I was supposed to protect her," he choked out, his voice echoing through the vast emptiness of space. "I was supposed to be the one keeping her safe."He slammed his fist against the invisible barrier that separated him from the scene. It was futile, he knew. Time, in this realm, was a malleable concept. This vision wasn't happening now, but it was a pivotal moment, the fracture point that had shattered his reality."Seren," he muttered, the name leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. Seren, the being he had once believed to be the creator, the omnipotent being who had birthed the universe. Now, he saw Seren for what he truly was – a pawn in a grand cosmic game, a catalyst for a new era.Seren, as Vidar realized with a sickening jolt, was his own creation. A spark of divine power, nurtured by his own potent energy, had grown into a blazing inferno, consuming the old universe and giving birth to a new one."No," he whispered, denial twisting his features. "This can't be real. It can't be my fault."A tremor ran down his spine, a ripple of understanding that chilled him to the core. He had played god, and now, the consequences of his actions and Xenon's were unfolding before him. He watched, paralyzed, as the scene replayed in his mind's eye, knowing that he could not intervene. This was the path they had chosen, the destiny they had set in motion."This is my punishment, isn't it?" he cried out, his voice raw with despair. "For my arrogance, for my hubris."The weight of the universe, a crushing burden of responsibility, pressed down upon him. He was the cause, the effect, the beginning, and the end. And in this moment, he realized the true cost of their power, the price of their arrogance.The once awe-inspiring cosmic canvas now seemed a stark reminder of his fallibility. A universe sculpted by his hand, yet teetering on the brink of destruction. The weight of this realization pressed down upon him, a crushing burden that threatened to consume him entirely.As the vision faded, leaving behind an echo of despair, Vidar turned his gaze inward. He delved into the depths of his being, seeking answers, searching for a way to undo the mistakes of the past. His mind was a tempest of emotions – grief for his sister, anger at Xenon's manipulation, and a gnawing despair that threatened to engulf him.But there was no solace to be found, no escape from the consequences of his actions. He was the architect, the creator, the destroyer. A god among gods, yet bound by the same chains of fate that bound all beings. The universe, a testament to his power, was also a prison, confining him to an eternal cycle of creation and destruction."There has to be another way," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper.Suddenly, a translucent figure materialized beside him. It was a younger version of himself, a spritely, almost ethereal form. This younger Vidar, a manifestation of his past self, spoke with a knowing smile."You've always been the creator, Vidar," the younger self said. "The universe you birthed, the one you thought Seren created, was merely a singularity event. A new beginning, a cosmic reset.The younger Vidar continued, his voice carrying a sense of wisdom beyond his years, "You were the architect of that singularity, the catalyst for the universe we now inhabit."The revelation struck Vidar like a bolt of lightning. He had been the puppet master, the unseen hand guiding the destiny of the universe. The realization filled him with a mix of awe and dread. The weight of his power, the responsibility of his creation, was a heavy burden to bear.Yet, in this moment of clarity, a spark of hope ignited within him. If he was the creator, then he had the power to shape the future. He could guide the universe towards a path of peace and harmony, a future free from the cycle of destruction."But how?" he asked, his voice filled with doubt. "How can I break the cycle? How can I save Reya?"The younger Vidar smiled enigmatically. "The answers lie within yourself, Vidar. You must delve deeper into the fabric of reality, explore the hidden dimensions, and confront your darkest fears."With that, the younger Vidar dissolved into the cosmic ether, leaving Vidar alone with his thoughts. The universe, a vast and indifferent expanse, offered no solace, no redemption. It was a cold, unforgiving place, where hope was a fleeting illusion and despair was an eternal companion.