The concept of time is utterly meaningless to entities like Rachel. She exists beyond the constraints of time and space, transcending the very fabric of temporal and spatial dimensions. However, when placed in comparison to Luther—another Quasi Rank 15 being—time acquires a peculiar calculability.
Both Rachel and Luther are sources of infinities. They are limitless, unrestrained by ordinary metrics, and exist simultaneously across all times and all places. Yet, their infinities differ in scope. Theoretically, Luther's infinity is far more expansive. In practice, however, the strength and power of their respective infinities cannot be quantified or compared in any meaningful way. If these two entities were to engage in battle, the confrontation would stretch on forever, devoid of resolution. Their boundlessness ensures an eternal stalemate.
In theoretical terms, Luther's domain encompasses the majority of the infinite landscape. Simplified for comprehension, his control extends over all numerical values except those containing the digit "0." For instance, he governs numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, -1, -2, -3, and so forth. The absence of "0" within his realm means his domain includes an overwhelming majority of numbers. Conversely, Rachel's domain is restricted to values that include "0" either explicitly or implicitly. Examples include numbers like 0, 10, 20, -10, -20, and so on. At a glance, Luther's domain might seem vastly superior in scope. However, the nature of infinities defies such straightforward comparison.
Despite the apparent disparity in their respective realms, Luther cannot wield his broader domain to suppress Rachel's "Gray Realm." Infinities are not reducible to finite logic; they are neither sealable nor suppressible. Regardless of their perceived size or scope, all infinities are immeasurable, uncontainable, and boundlessly potent. As a result, Luther's broader infinite domain, along with his superior knowledge base, fails to grant him any significant advantage over Rachel. Thus, conflict between the two is futile, leaving negotiation as the only viable path forward.
Regarding negotiations, neither side holds a definitive advantage from a purely logical standpoint. The Infinity Seed is divided between them. Rachel possesses a smaller piece, while Luther holds the larger chunk. However, the Seed must be whole to function; even the smallest missing fragment renders it useless. Without completeness, the Infinity Seed would naturally deteriorate and ultimately be destroyed. Paradoxically, Rachel appears to have the upper hand in these discussions. She has demonstrated a greater willingness to take risks and has feigned indifference to the potential destruction of the Seed. Of course, this indifference is a calculated facade, as Rachel, like Luther, has no desire to see the Infinity Seed destroyed.
Luther, possessing extraordinary computational prowess, likely suspects that Rachel's feigned apathy is just that—a pretense. Yet, as long as Rachel maintains this illusion of nonchalance, her negotiating position remains comparatively stronger. The power dynamic hinges not on the actual circumstances but on the perceptions each can project.
The negotiations between Rachel and Luther are layered and intricate. Ideally, Rachel's ultimate goal would be to compel Luther to relinquish his larger fragment of the Infinity Seed. Such an outcome would allow her to achieve the complete Seed, granting her the ability to ascend to True Rank 15. However, this outcome is virtually impossible. Were Rachel to attain True Rank 15, she would gain dominion over all domains and transcend any constraints or agreements previously made. At that level, no contract, promise, or binding force could limit her power.
As such, the stakes are clear. While Rachel's ascent to True Rank 15 would grant her absolute supremacy, it would also spell the end of any balance or cooperation between the two. This understanding colors every aspect of their negotiations, forcing both sides to tread carefully in the face of infinite possibilities and the ultimate risk of obliteration.
Another potential deal involves Rachel and Luther merging into a single unified consciousness, effectively forming a singular entity to ascend to Rank 15 together. While this approach could theoretically resolve their conflict and allow them to achieve ultimate power, Rachel is unwilling to pursue it. The primary reason lies in the nature of their contributions to this unified consciousness. Because her piece of the Infinity Seed is smaller, the resulting merged consciousness would predominantly reflect Luther's personality and will. Rachel, fiercely protective of her individuality, finds this prospect unacceptable.
An alternative proposal would involve the creation of a completely new entity—a 50/50 split of their wills. In this scenario, both Rachel and Luther would contribute equally to the formation of an infinite body, which would serve as the vessel for their combined wills. They would then transfer their respective pieces of the Infinity Seed to this new entity, which would merge the fragments and ascend to Rank 15. However, the resultant being would neither be Rachel nor Luther. Instead, it would become a wholly separate consciousness, akin to a child born of both their essences. This "offspring" would wield the power of Rank 15, but Rachel remains hesitant about such a solution, suspecting that Luther would also reject it. The idea of creating something entirely distinct from themselves feels too distant from their goals, and Rachel, in particular, is unwilling to relinquish her personal stake in the process.
Another conceivable option is to persuade Luther to share enough of his Infinity Seed fragment to make their portions equal. With both parties holding roughly the same amount, they could then merge on more balanced terms. Unfortunately, this approach is highly unlikely to gain Luther's approval, as it would involve conceding a significant portion of his advantage.
Beyond these scenarios, there are other temporary agreements that could be explored. For instance, Rachel and Luther could jointly invest in research aimed at delaying the deterioration of the Infinity Seed. This would buy them time to devise a permanent solution while allowing both to retain their respective shares. Alternatively, they could collaborate on projects like universe creation, seeking to construct realms capable of surviving even in the event of the Seed's destruction.
It is crucial to note that the Infinity Seed is not the sole determinant of existence. Rachel has come to understand that reality persists even in the absence of the Seed. By this point, she is convinced that no true Rank 15 being has ever existed. Despite this absence, the cosmos endures. This realization has given Rachel a broader perspective: while a Rank 15 entity represents invincibility, it is not an absolute necessity. The existence, and all within it, can continue to exist without infinities.
However, Rachel also acknowledges the monumental implications of a Rank 15 entity's emergence. Such an ascension would irrevocably alter the fabric of existence. A Rank 15 being would wield absolute control over all domains, rendering all other entities irrelevant in the grand scheme. For this reason, Rachel considers it prudent to explore the possibility of a joint ascension with Luther. Cooperation might be the only way to mitigate the risks associated with the Seed's destruction. Furthermore, Rachel cannot entirely dismiss the possibility of other, unknown entities working toward Rank 15 without either her or Luther's awareness.
Initially, Rachel speculated that Creation itself was once a Rank 15 entity, which later fractured into the Gray Realm. If this were true, it would suggest that the combined infinity domains of Creation and the Gray Realm constituted the entirety of all that exists, has ever existed, and will ever exist. However, Rachel has since revised her perspective. She now believes that Creation was never a Rank 15 entity. While it may have broken apart to form the Gray Realm, it did so without ever being Rank 15.
This distinction is profoundly significant. If Creation had once been Rank 15, putting it back together would represent all that exists, encompassing all conceivable realities. In contrast, if Creation never was Rank 15, even putting it all back together would not be all there is.
Now that Rachel knows Creation was never Rank 15, her perspective has fundamentally shifted. She can no longer assert that the Gray Realm and Creation represent the totality of existence—everything that was, is, and will be. For all she knows, other Quasi Rank 15 beings or unknown forces may be operating in regions she cannot perceive or detect. The mere possibility of such entities existing is profoundly unsettling. Previously, Rachel had no clue about these potential threats. However, with her mastery of the Gray Omniscient level, she now comprehends concepts and dangers that were once beyond her understanding.
This newfound awareness fuels her urgency. Rachel is now more determined than ever to ascend to Rank 15. The prospect of another being achieving that ultimate level before her is terrifying, for whoever becomes Rank 15 first will wield absolute, unchallengeable power over all existence. As mentioned before, while time may seem meaningless to beings below Quasi Rank 15, it retains significance among Quasi Rank 15 entities. For Rachel, the race against time has become a critical factor.
At this level, nothing is predetermined. There is no "will of the heavens" or higher authority guiding events from above. It is a pure contest of ambition, determination, and power. The first being to reach Rank 15 will win and become the absolute ruler of all that exists. Once this happens, their control will be unshakable. No force, no scheme, no rebellion will ever dethrone a Rank 15 entity. Rachel knows this all too well. Her own freedom from Creation was only possible because Creation never fully crossed the threshold into Rank 15. Luther has been unable to ascend because of Rachel's resistance. Her unwillingness and grief at being forcibly sealed played a pivotal role in thwarting him. If Creation had managed to achieve Rank 15 in the past, Rachel would never have been able to break free.
If someone were to reach Rank 15, everything would change irrevocably. The Seeds of Infinity would disappear, never to manifest again. From that moment forward, the Rank 15 ruler's will would dictate everything. The universe, existence, and the nature of reality itself would bend entirely to their command. Unless the absolute power permitted it, nothing would ever challenge their reign.
Despite her Gray Omniscient mastery, Rachel remains unable to answer certain profound questions about the nature of Rank 15 existence. For instance, can a Rank 15 being kill itself? Her instincts suggest that such an entity might be incapable of self-destruction, but she cannot be certain. These mysteries will only resolve themselves once she ascends and achieves True Omniscience—a level of mastery encompassing all infinity domains and their truths.
...
Looking ahead, Rachel stood in her humanoid form, her figure bathed in the soft, enigmatic glow of gray light. Her gaze settled on Luther, whose form radiated with a golden brilliance. Though no words were exchanged, the air between them was heavy with the weight of their shared understanding. Finally, Rachel spoke, her voice calm yet resolute.
"Let's find a solution," she said.
Luther, with a slight nod, replied with an expression that mirrored her determination. Without uttering a single word, the two beings began to "talk." Their communication transcended language and speech, consisting instead of a direct exchange of ideas, concepts, and intentions. In what mortals might perceive as a fleeting moment, Rachel and Luther shared the equivalent of countless years' worth of thoughts and deliberations.
Even Rank 12 beings find verbal conversation inefficient, let alone entities as advanced as Rachel and Luther. Their exchange was a seamless blending of intellect, probing every possibility and evaluating countless outcomes in the blink of an eye.
When the moment passed, both Rachel and Luther smiled. They had found a solution—one that was acceptable to both sides.