The Nova Corporation Headquarters was unlike any building known to man. In fact, it wasn't a building at all no one on Earth had ever seen a physical structure belonging to Nova Corporation, nor had they discovered a single branch office. The company's only point of contact was its official website, a sleek portal that offered limited information and a download link for their VR game. It was also where users could order the advanced VR Game Pods required to access the game. These pods, though produced on Earth, were said to be purchased and enhanced by Nova Corporation. Those who had previously bought outdated models were promptly notified to send their pods for an upgrade, with a strict warning: without the update, the game would remain inaccessible.
But as it turned out, Nova Corporation's "headquarters" was a massive spaceship, hidden in stealth mode and hovering just beyond the planet's reach. Even the planetary government, with all its advances in technology, had no inkling of this vessel's existence. It floated silently in the vastness of space, a titan of metal and technology, untouched by the prying eyes of Earth.
The spaceship's design was sleek, embodying an epitome of scientific innovation. Its hull shimmered with an otherworldly glow, adorned with etchings that resembled ancient runes, suggesting a blend of magic and technology that transcended earthly comprehension. This amalgamation of elements was both captivating and intimidating, whispering of untold power and ancient knowledge.
Inside, the spaceship was a marvel. Its expansive interior could house entire cities, yet it felt eerily deserted. The walls were lined with intricate designs, and the air hummed with a quiet energy, as if the ship itself was alive. The few inhabitants who moved through its halls appeared more like phantoms than flesh-and-blood beings. Clad in lab coats that swirled around them as they levitated from one station to another, these scientists moved with an urgency that suggested a looming crisis.
Among them were advanced robotic constructs, gliding silently alongside their human counterparts. These machines were not mere tools; they were sophisticated entities designed to maintain the ship's systems, their movements a fluid dance of efficiency. The sight of them served as a humbling reminder of the wealth and resources dedicated to this monumental project.
In a secluded chamber of the spaceship, a conference room pulsed with tension. Holographic projections flickered to life, revealing eight distinct figures gathered around a central table. One figure, a tall man with piercing eyes, stood physically present in the room. His brow was furrowed, reflecting the weight of the situation.
Silence enveloped them for a moment before the tension broke, the first voice cutting through the stillness. "Master really knows how to give us problems," one projection remarked, frustration seeping into his tone. "People are going to notice soon that the VR Pod is the only technological equipment that wasn't affected. Those idiots on Earth will start asking questions again." He sighed deeply, the sound echoing through the room.
Another projection spoke up, this one a woman with an air of authority. "It took us a long time to convince them to accept and advertise the VR Game. Even with all the concessions we made, and the new technologies we provided to improve their systems, they still won't cooperate fully. They'd rather use us as scapegoats to join the Galactic Alliance Council. There's little we can do about it." She shook her head, her frustration palpable.
The tall man considered her words, his expression hardening. "Well, the Master must have a reason for what he did. There's no way he'd allow his powers to run rampant across the universe without purpose. We just need to minimize the impact and avoid attracting the attention of the other races. We've been working on this project for far too long to bring humans back to their prime. We can't let anything derail our plans now."
A third projection chimed in, this one a smooth, feminine voice that contrasted with the tension in the room. "You're all right to be concerned, but we have options. The Primordials are ready. We just need to create a cover story and allow them to grow into their powers."
The tall man shifted his gaze to the projection, intrigued. "If the planetary government of Earth contacts you," he instructed, addressing the physical presence in the room, "tell them our technology is far superior to anything they'd obtain from the Galactic Alliance. They should consider our proposal. There's no longer a need for us to hide and run. The Master has returned, and we don't need to bide our time anymore. Let them come. I'd like to teach those bastards a lesson one more time."
His confidence resonated through the room, eliciting nods and smiles from the projections. The atmosphere shifted, the tension easing as they rallied around this newfound determination.
One projection grinned, eyes glinting with excitement. "This time around, I won't just be another apprentice or acolyte. I'm going to witness the rise of the All Father firsthand and see him fight!" His enthusiasm was infectious, sparking a wave of anticipation among the others.
Another projection spoke up, nostalgia threading through their words. "I didn't realize I'd miss the Queen of Mysteries' pranks until now," they sighed, a hint of a smile playing on their lips.
"I'm just waiting for the Sage Master to open the Akashic Library," another chimed in. "How long has it been since it went dormant? We could only use the Nexus Fragment for the Tower Project."
Yet another projection, who had remained silent until now, finally voiced a thought. "Finally, we'll have access to the Shadow Realm again." Their tone was heavy with promise, yet they did not elaborate further, leaving the others to ponder the implications.
As they reminisced about the past and the things they missed, the tall man who had assured them earlier spoke up again, commanding attention. "That's enough. We should return to our respective responsibilities. We'll reconvene at a later date." One by one, the projections began to disconnect, the room growing quieter.
Only the man physically present remained, the atmosphere shifting once more as he addressed the last remaining projection. "If we proceed with this, the other races will catch wind of the project and want to be included. We shouldn't allow this," he cautioned, concern creasing his features.
The last projection responded with a confidence that belied the concern in the room. "That's part of the plan, but we've just brought it forward. They'll be allowed to join and play the game, but they won't have a stake in the project. Anyone who doesn't agree can fuck off. If they try to be aggressive, we'll teach them a lesson. It's time for us humans to reclaim our rightful place in the universe. We won't get there if we're not domineering enough. Use any means necessary to ensure they learn that we are not to be trifled with anymore. And if things are about to get bloody, let me know. It's been a while since I've had a good stretch." With that, the projection disconnected, leaving the tall man alone in the dimly lit room.
He sighed, a mixture of relief and anticipation washing over him. "Finally, I don't have to hold back anymore," he mused to himself, a smile spreading across his face. "Just that I have to be the one to deal with all the work, dammit all." With a determined stride, he left the conference room, humming a cheerful tune that echoed through the deserted halls of the spaceship.
As he ventured deeper into the ship, the glow of the runes illuminating the walls cast ethereal shadows that danced around him. He could almost feel the pulse of the ship beneath his feet, a rhythmic heartbeat resonating with the energies within. Thoughts of the Primordials filled his mind their pasts, their powers, and the destinies awaiting them. He could feel the fabric of fate shifting, the very essence of the universe responding to the return of these legendary figures.
The tall man entered a vast chamber, a space designed for observation and control. Large screens flickered to life, displaying various views of Earth and the people inhabiting it. He watched as news reports circulated about strange phenomena: technological failures, magical disruptions, and the whispers of a new reality unfolding. The implications of these events were not lost on him; they would soon become the focal point of attention.
Smirking to himself, he turned to a console, fingers dancing across the controls. "Let's see how they handle this," he murmured. He began to pull up information on the Primordials past lives, powers, and the intricate web of connections that had brought them to this moment. With each detail, his excitement grew.
"Let the games begin," he declared, anticipation thrumming in his veins. The Nova Corporation was no longer a mere company; it was the harbinger of a new era. The Primordials were awakening, and with them, the secrets of the universe would unfold.