Chapter 58: Return
As Ethan wanted to return to his universe, his form reverted to its familiar blond appearance, signifying his transition back to his original self. In a single step, he traversed millions of infinite multiverses and timelines effortlessly, guided by his newfound power. From his vantage point above, he beheld the vast expanse of existence, realizing that with his current abilities, he could rewrite the very fabric of reality and create a perfect Earth. Yet, he pondered the true purpose of such an endeavor. Where was the fun in perfection?
Descending from the cosmic heights, Ethan's focus shifted to his numerous offspring scattered across the earth. With a mere thought, he teleported from the depths of space to a random road in Argentina. Approaching an elderly woman, he inquired about the current year, his words automatically translated into the local language.
"Sir, it is 2048," the woman replied, her voice carrying a hint of surprise. "Time flies differently in every dimension. To me, it was only months ago, but here, more than 20 years have passed."
Ethan marveled at the temporal disparities that existed between dimensions, contemplating the diverging paths of time. With a sense of curiosity and anticipation, he embarked on a journey to check on his progeny, eager to witness the legacies they had forged.
Wandering through the streets, Ethan stumbled upon an electronics store, its futuristic displays catching his attention. Intrigued, he activated one of the screens, utilizing his powers to fast forward through the last 20 years. News reports flickered across the screen, detailing his sudden disappearance and the ensuing aftermath.
He watched as the world grappled with the repercussions of his absence. The immense damage he had caused, both in terms of financial loss and the impact on people's lives, sent shockwaves through society. Many revered him as a deity, while others vilified him for the chaos he had unleashed.
But what truly captured Ethan's attention was the revelation that emerged in 2036. Superhumans, bearing his genes, began to manifest across the globe. Their distinctive traits, blond hair, and blue eyes, linked them directly to Ethan himself. These superhumans grew in strength, ultimately leading to a conflict between humanity and their superpowered counterparts.
The war that ensued left an indelible mark on the world. The superhumans emerged victorious, dividing the Earth into eight distinct empires, each under the control of one of Ethan's sons or daughters. It was a world shaped by the legacy of their progenitor, a testament to their extraordinary abilities and the indomitable spirit that ran in their blood.
Ethan's face contorted with a mixture of surprise and pride as he absorbed the magnitude of what had transpired. His absence had birthed a new era, one in which his descendants had become the guardians of a transformed world. He knew he needed to reconnect with them, to understand their triumphs, their struggles, and the world they had built in his wake.