Chapter 49: City of Enigma
Ethan strolled through the vibrant streets of Sector 83,795,099,172, engaging in captivating conversations with the eclectic mix of inhabitants that populated the city. The cityscape was a fascinating blend of old-world charm and futuristic marvels, with towering skyscrapers coexisting alongside quaint 20th-century-style buildings adorned with lush greenery.
Curiosity burned within Ethan as he sought to unravel the mysteries of this simulated world. He approached children playing in the park, their youthful imaginations running wild with tales of adventures in distant lands. Their innocent minds wove intricate stories of mythical creatures and heroic quests, granting Ethan a glimpse into their vivid imaginations.
Next, Ethan found himself in the company of the homeless, wise souls who carried the weight of their struggles on weathered faces. They spoke of the challenges they had faced and the harsh realities of life. Their stories offered a glimpse into the underbelly of this seemingly perfect world, reminding Ethan that even in a fabricated reality, there were those who struggled to find their place.
In the heart of the city, he encountered a gathering of teenagers, their exuberance palpable as they reveled in the pulsating rhythm of music. Ethan joined their vibrant dance, absorbing the energy and enthusiasm that permeated the air. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, he found snippets of information about the cosmic military and its formidable power.
As the night deepened, Ethan found himself engaged in conversations with captivating women, their charm and intelligence matching their undeniable beauty. Their whispers carried tales of great generals and commanders who led the cosmic military. They spoke of battles fought in distant sectors, where dimension-warping lasers and advanced spaceships were used to conquer entire universes. It was through these discussions that Ethan pieced together the existence of a vast network of clans, each presiding over a different sector of the multiverse.
Through these encounters, Ethan gleaned valuable insights into the world he now traversed. He learned that Sector 83,795,099,172 was but a single fragment of a vast cosmic clan spanning multiple sectors. Each clan had its own distinct culture, traditions, and governance, yet they all recognized the supremacy of the cosmic military.
As the chapter neared its end, Ethan's eyes sparkled with newfound knowledge and excitement. The name that resonated the most in his mind was that of the Leader—a figure shrouded in mystery and awe. Whispers of the Leader's legendary armor, empowered by the energy of entire universes, reached Ethan's ears. It was said that the Leader had conquered countless realms, assimilating them into his ever-expanding clan. The Leader symbolized unmatched power and authority, ruling with an iron fist.
With a mischievous grin on his face, Ethan acknowledged that he had only scratched the surface of this vast interconnected web of power and influence.
Ethan's mind swirled with newfound determination as he demanded answers from the enigmatic woman standing before him. He yearned to know the identity of the Leader, the one who wielded the power of entire universes. With a confident smirk, he asked, "Tell me, what is the name of the Leader?"
The woman hesitated, her eyes flickering with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "The Leader is known as Xerathos," she finally revealed, her voice filled with a hint of reverence.
Ethan's grin widened at the grandiosity of the name. Xerathos—the very embodiment of megalomania and unrivaled power. The mere thought of challenging such a figure ignited a fire within him. He then pressed further, determined to uncover the location of the mission to find the "strongest."
"Where is he? Do you have the universe number?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency.
The woman shook her head, her expression filled with uncertainty. "I'm sorry, but that information is not public. It is highly guarded and known only to a select few."
Ethan's eyes narrowed, frustration mingling with his growing anger. He had come too far to be denied access to the truth he sought. With a sudden burst of energy, he propelled himself out of the spaceship and into the infinite expanse of the cosmos.
"Very well," Ethan declared, his voice carrying the weight of determination. "If they won't willingly reveal the location, then I shall force Xerathos to appear before me. The cosmic military may go around conquering everything, but now it is my turn to conquer all of them."