Zog wakes up and realizes that everything that just happened was a dream. From Lyra talking about her past to meeting Professor Flapjackery, it was all a figment of his imagination. As he comes to this realization, he finds himself still in the primordial Palace. A few servants approach Zog's room, expressing concern and asking if he's okay. Zog reassures them, saying, "Yes, yes, I'm fine."
The servants inform him that breakfast is ready, and Zog, appreciative, replies with a polite "Thank you. I'll be there in a minute." Reflecting on the contrast between his dream adventure and the seemingly mundane life in the primordial Palace, Zog acknowledges that the latter feels somehow more boring than his former dimension. The narrative weaves a thread between dream and reality, highlighting the subjective nature of perception and experience.In an unexpected turn of events, Zog has somehow become the Vanity Monarch, the ruler of all primordials, making any attempt to harm him an act of treason. As Zog grapples with this newfound role, Subaru, the Primordial of Pain, casually walks to Zog's chamber. Subaru knocks on the door, opens it, and greets Zog with a nonchalant, "Yo, how's my favorite monarch doing?"
Sensing Subaru's facade, Zog questions him, "What do you want, Subaru?" The interaction hints at a complex relationship between Zog and Subaru, raising questions about their past and the dynamics of power within the primordial realm. The narrative takes an intriguing twist as the Vanity Monarch navigates the challenges of his newfound position.The Primordial of Pain, Subaru, attempts to downplay the situation, saying, "Come on, bro, it's just a joke. Are you still angry?" Despite Subaru's attempt to lighten the mood, Zog, still angry, responds with a firm "Yes, yes, I'm still angry. You put me into a whole other dimension. Why do you even want me to rule here?"
Subaru, unfazed, provides a straightforward and somewhat nonchalant answer, "Absolute sheer boredom." The revelation adds a layer of complexity to Subaru's motives, highlighting the capricious and whimsical nature of the primordials. The interaction sets the stage for further exploration of their dynamic and the challenges that come with Zog's unexpected role as the Vanity Monarch.Zog, still processing Subaru's revelation, responds, "Really? You made me a ruler just because you were bored? I have better things to do." Despite Zog's frustration, he lets out a sigh and directs his attention to a more pressing matter, asking about the whereabouts of his friends.
Subaru, in a rare moment of sincerity, truthfully answers Zog's question. With a shared goal, they embark on the task of tracking down Julius and Professor Flapjackery. The narrative unfolds, intertwining the complex relationship between Zog and Subaru with the mission to locate Zog's companions.The timeline diverges for Julius, Professor Flapjackery, and Zog after the incident with the Primordial of Pain. For Julius, two years have passed as he enjoys time with his family. In contrast, Professor Flapjackery experiences a significant time dilation, enduring 38 years. Meanwhile, for Zog, only one day has transpired. The varying timelines set the stage for unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges that each character faces as they navigate the aftermath of the primordial incident.In the timeline where two years have passed for Julius, we find him married to a woman named Stella. They have two children, with the older boy named Aster and the younger girl named Astra. Julius, now living a domestic life, experiences the joys and responsibilities of familyhood after the tumultuous events involving the Primordial of Pain. The introduction of Julius's family adds a personal dimension to his character and raises questions about how this new chapter in his life will intersect with the unfolding narrative.In the timeline where Julius is married to Stella, their children Aster and Astra have unique characteristics. Aster, at the age of two, displays an exceptional level of intelligence, equivalent to that of a 12-year-old. On the other hand, Astra, despite being one year old, exhibits typical developmental milestones for her age. The unusual intellectual advancement in Aster adds an intriguing element to the family dynamic, prompting questions about the origins and implications of his advanced abilities. The narrative hints at potential complexities within the family structure as Julius navigates parenthood with these distinct qualities in his children.As the narrative unfolds, we encounter Jev, also known as the embodiment of melancholy. Sirius Regulo, a buff man present in the scene, inquires about Jev's well-being. Jev responds with a nonchalant "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." Confused about his surroundings, Jev asks, "Where am I?" Sirius provides the answer, saying, "Planet Mila, dimension BW 15 – A." The setting introduces a new location and dimension, setting the stage for exploration and potential revelations in this unfamiliar environment.Sirius expresses relief, saying, "You scared me, Rowan. I thought you were dead." Jev, puzzled by the mention of Rowan, experiences an internal conflict as he contemplates this unfamiliar identity. He gradually realizes that he likely has possessed someone else's body to manifest in this dimension. The revelation strikes him, and he further understands that he's in Dimension BW 15 – A, the dimension he typically escapes to when seeking refuge from his brother, Carlos. The unfolding events hint at complex relationships, dimensions, and the mysterious nature of Jev's existence.Jev laughs and reassures Sirius, "I'm fine, you know. I'll be fine." Sirius, referencing the 18th experiment, advises Jev to give up on the immortality project, stating that only an embodiment can be immortal. In response, Jev, or rather Rowan, challenges Sirius's assertion. Rowan sticks his hand into a fire, effectively burning it, then pulls his hand back, allowing it to melt before regenerating.
Jev realizes that Rowan, the person he currently inhabits, has become the embodiment of perseverance. Sirius, shocked, questions, "What? How is that possible?" Jev, now embodying Rowan's resilience, admits, "I don't know. I guess the experiment worked." The revelation adds a layer of complexity to the characters, introducing the concept of embodied traits and the success of certain experiments. The narrative takes a turn towards the mysterious and intriguing as the dynamics between Jev, Rowan, and Sirius unfold.