--- ??? ---
The laws of heaven and earth are profound, weaving an intricate tapestry of connections and destinies. Some bonds are inevitable, destined to form no matter the obstacles. Others are obstructed at every turn, as if fate itself conspires to sever them.
To some, this might seem like the heavens are capricious or vindictive.
But the truth is far simpler: it's nature taking its course.
The heavens do not play favorites, and the earth is but a silent witness to it all.
Humanity, in its entirety, is the favored child of creation, and each mortal is allotted the same measure of fate, irrespective of the life they lead.
But as with all rules, exceptions exist.
The System.
To us—those who stand beyond mortal comprehension—it is better known as [Avidya, the Devourer of Balance].
It encroaches on destiny, twists fate, and destabilises the primordial equilibrium that holds the Multiverse together.
Under normal circumstances, such violations would see every high-level being allied against it, united in its eradication. After all, the more the balance is disturbed, the more precarious the existence of our Universe becomes.
But why do we care so much about Universes, you might ask?
It's not like everyone is deeply attached to their Universe, but just like a well is a precious resource to sustain a human settlement, so is the Universe we're born in, giving us a so-called 'Identity' that comes with its own destiny, fate, and more.
Without it, we are rootless, stripped of the protections afforded by our connection to its laws. A being without an Identity is little more than prey—a vagrant.
The moment you become one, you'll be seen as just a pig ready to be slaughtered everywhere you went.
When a being exists without the protection of a Universe, a giant target is placed onto their back—a prize waiting to be claimed. Any Universe that manages to "absorb" such a high-level entity reaps the rewards of every achievement they attained before their death, gaining immeasurable benefits in the process.
To put it simply, it's like presenting a Universe with a gourmet five-star feast.
And really, do you expect a Universe to turn down a meal like that?
Thus, the relationship between high-level beings and their respective Universes is symbiotic. Our achievements bolster our Universes, strengthening them. In return, we gain an Identity, and protection against external threats within the cosmos.
But the Devourer of Balance, Avidya, operates with a vicious ingenuity that circumvents these natural laws.
Bound by the restrictions of the heavens, we cannot act against it without justification. To violate the rules risks severing our connection to our Universe and losing our Identity.
Who would dare sacrifice themselves for the bigger picture?
Those kind of things are mere fairy tales or, in short, bullshit.
Not even the so-called righteous heroes would dare to do so.
Normally, threats like Avidya are manageable, as high-level beings form alliances to counter threats within the framework of mutual benefit and balance.
But the latter is no ordinary threat.
It doesn't openly disrupt balance. Instead, it weaves threads of corruption, connecting itself to countless beings across the Multiverse.
Slowly, it nurtures them, warping their destinies until they become its Pawns. Through this, Avidya creates its own ecosystem of loyalty—beings bound to it through authority rather than fate.
This is where its genius lies.
The laws of the heavens and the rights of individuals are two sides of the same coin. Just as laws protect the Universe, they also shield the rights of those born within it. By using its Authority to nurture these beings, Avidya severs the Universe's claim over them.
Their existence becomes bound to Avidya, their Identity—a cornerstone of a high-level existence—is no longer anchored by their original Universe but instead bestowed by Avidya itself.
For such beings, the Devourer of Balance essentially becomes their surrogate Universe. The only distinction is that unlike a Universe, Avidya has a clear, guiding will.
And that is the scariest part of all this scheme.
When these Pawns ascend to higher echelons of power, they find themselves ensnared. Without a Universe to back them, their entire existence hinges on Avidya to sustain their Identity. Any act of betrayal strips them of that fragile support, leaving them adrift—a vagrant. And for most, such a fate is far worse than death.
And for Universes, there is no reason to expend their own Authority to reclaim these "traitors."
It's a flawless strategy such that even if you knew about it, you couldn't avoid.
As Avidya grows its network of high-level beings, its ultimate goal becomes clearer.
Ascension.
Legends speak of it:
A being rising to rival an entire Universe in power and Authority.
To transcend one is a monumental feat;
To surpass it entirely would make the Multiverse itself vulnerable.
The day Avidya amasses enough Authority to rival an Universe, nothing will be able to oppose it.
Even if every high-level being across the Multiverse united, we would still be powerless, slaughtered like lambs before its might.
That is the might of an Universe. We might be able to destroy one if we go all out, but that's just because the latter has no will. If it had one, we wouldn't even be able to breathe in its presence.
Such is its dignity and pride.
Either way, I refuse to sit back and watch Avidya grow to that point.
Unlike the others, though, my motivation isn't driven by the fear of death.
No, my reason for opposing it is far more personal.
['How dare someone try to succeed where I failed?']
Unforgivable.
My pride won't allow it.
If the heavens choose to remain indifferent, then I will act. No matter the cost.
---
But of course, though I may have no fear and a lot of motivation, I recognize my limits as I am just a single being. I do not have the power to stop it alone.
Thus, I had no choice but to call for help.
[Seraphiel, It seems you've finally decided to act? Hehe, how can I help?]
The voice was rich, sensual, and carried a composed elegance that belied the chaos she so often reeled in.
Without a sound or warning, she materialized beside me, as if conjured by the sheer weight of my thoughts.
Velrisse.
Her name alone could shatter the sanity of mortal men in an instant, and even among high-level beings, its weight was no less devastating.
She moved with an elegance so mesmerizing it seemed almost otherworldly, every slight motion carrying an allure potent enough to fracture even the steadiest of resolves.
She had long since fused with the [Divinity of Seduction] itself.
Because of that, just a tilt of her head, the slight curve of her lips, or the way her cascading red hair shimmered with faint iridescence—all of it screamed of an otherworldly femininity crafted to perfection.
But to me, this had no effect.
When a being dies, whether they were a radiant beauty or a decrepit old soul, don't they all become the same in the end—mere ashes?
To me, beauty isn't defined by the fleeting layer of skin. It's a hollow measure, an illusion that crumbles with time.
But now wasn't the moment to dwell on such thoughts, nor to let my disdain show. I had asked for her, after all. No matter how much animosity there was between us, I wasn't about to stoop to the level of provoking a fight I wasn't prepared to finish.
Besides, neither of us had anything to gain from a clash—not now.
That, and that alone, was the reason we could stand here, locked in conversation rather than battle.
I sighed, rubbing my temples. [Yes, Velrisse. I've decided to take the offensive]
She leaned closer, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. [Oh? What brought this on? I thought you preferred to sit back, waiting for the right moment to strike. Isn't that your whole modus operandi?]
...It seems my reputation has been somewhat distorted in the centuries I've been idle.
[Not this time,] I replied sharply, shaking my head. [We may be bound by laws that prevent us from acting, but that doesn't mean we're powerless. The Devourer of Balance may think it holds all the cards, but it's underestimated us for far too long.]
Velrisse's crimson eyes sparkled with curiosity as she rested her chin delicately on her hand. [Go on, then. What's your grand plan, oh fearless one?]
I met her gaze, not a hint of emotion leaking. [I'm going to pull every single one of Avidya's Pawns into an alternative dimension. There, I'll show them the absolute truth. Once they understand there is no escape from Avidya without our aid, they will listen to us]
[And if they're not convinced, in the end? Mortals are not able to see through matters as easily as us. They will hold a lot of misconceptions] Velrisse arched a brow as she gave a valid retort.
[Even planting a seed of doubt will suffice,] I said, my voice resolute. [Avidya's strength comes from the belief it inspires and the subsequent leash it holds over them. Damage that, even a little, and the cracks will start to show.]
Her lips parted slightly as she let out a low chuckle, a sultry note curling around her words. [My, my. I always knew you were a tasty morsel, but seeing you like this... ferocious, driven... It's stirring instincts I haven't felt in eons]
'Who are you trying to fool? Hmph!'
Maybe if this had been the distant past, those words might have stirred something within my heart.
But now?
An old soul with a withered consciousness like mine doesn't waver over cheap tricks or hollow flattery.
[Don't start, Velrisse,] I warned, narrowing my eyes as I took a step back.
I may be immune to her natural charm, but if she is serious about this, it would be troublesome.
Divinities dealing with planting suggestions, enslavement, and other related paths are the most troublesome to deal with.
I may be stronger than her, but even I am wary of her capabilities.
She moved closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. [Why not? Something steamy to commemorate this momentous decision of yours? I promise, I'll even be gentle.]
I met her with a wary glance, keeping my tone measured. [I'm sorry—I still have no interest in playing your games]
Her laughter rang out, light yet filled with mischief. [You wound me! I'm not as wicked as you think. But fine, it's your loss, not mine]
[Let's keep it that way] I said dryly.
Her amusement lingered, but she sobered quickly. [Very well. I'll help you, but you do realize there's a limitation? We can't hold them in that dimension for more than 24 Universal Hours. Even that will strain the fabric of plausibility to a critical point. Also, it might be a stretch, considering that viper won't let us do whatever we want with their toys without interfering...]
[That's more than enough, and you do not have to worry about that] I replied, nodding. [I will take care of it]
Her gaze was a bit skeptical, as she didn't believe I was capable of doing that, but I didn't have any obligation to explain my methods, nor would I go out of my way to do so.
Thus, after a few seconds, she sighed in defeat as I continued, unperturbed.
[Now, please go and recruit the others we'll need. I know you're more than capable of doing that. Meanwhile, I'll prepare the materials for the summoning. Everything is almost ready, including the one who will guide them]
Velrisse tilted her head, her smirk returning. [You've thought of everything, haven't you? This is going to be quite entertaining]
[Let's hope it's effective,] I said, prying my gaze away from her.
I could not see her anymore, yet her smile still burned through my mind.
As she faded from view, leaving behind a faint trace of her intoxicating aura, I licked my dry lips
[...What a troublesome woman] I muttered as a trace of Divinity was activated to get rid of her influence.
--- Akira ---
"Why is it always when I go to sleep that shit happens?"
A great question to ponder, especially as I floated in this endless, glowing white void. The faint hum of the space around me filled my ears—not loud, but persistent, like a pulse of something alive.
It felt... familiar, unsettlingly so. But no matter how hard I searched my memories, I couldn't figure out where or when I'd been to this place.
It wasn't the Rest Room, nor that space after death where I met 'God'.
'...Obviously, I can't reach Yui, either. Perfect'
And yet, I still couldn't shake this feeling.
I didn't have long to dwell on it, though.
Out of nowhere, the air in front of me shimmered, and a figure materialized.
My breath caught.
She looked like an angel at first glance—sky-blue hair that flowed like liquid silk, glowing golden eyes that seemed to see through everything in front of them.
But then there were the horns. Polished and obsidian, curved from her head. Behind her stood four pairs of demonic wings, each as black as the void between stars, lazily flexed as though they were nothing important.
'An angel? No. A demon? Maybe,' I thought, instinctively stepping back.
For a moment, my mind jumped to Luna. But no, this girl was different.
It wasn't my Intuition, nor my Sixth Sense speaking.
I just knew for a fact the two were not the same.
Why was I so sure of it, though?
There was something... otherworldly about her, even for a demon. She seemed like an entirely separate existence.
I didn't have time to unravel my confusion further.
The little girl floated mid-air, crossing her arms with the casual arrogance of someone who expected the world to bow before her. Then, she spoke, startling me out of my thoughts.
[What are you staring at, pal?] she lazily asked.
I blinked, my mouth opening and closing like an idiot. "You just—appeared out of thin air. I wasn't expecting that."
[Hah! Is that all? Figures.] She shrugged nonchalantly.
She floated down to stand before me, her golden eyes flickering with disinterest. It was clear she wasn't going to explain anything unless I asked.
'Uhm, that's kind of awkward...'
I stood in silence for a second before clearing my throat.
"Alright, fine. Where am I? And how did I get here?"
Nowadays, those two questions are the usual for me.
The girl snorted, a sly smirk curling on her lips. [This place? You're in the Imaginary Dimension. And as for how you got here? My master summoned you, of course. You should feel honored]
Her tone practically oozed pride when she mentioned her master. The way her chest puffed out and her chin tilted up made it abundantly clear she adored whoever this mysterious figure was.
I took a mental note of that.
A being capable of pulling me into an entirely different dimension was now targeting me.
If they truly intended to kill me, I'd already be dead.
That realization brought a deep stillness to my heart as I assessed the situation.
The way she spoke of her master—with unwavering pride and reverence—caught my attention.
Maybe... just maybe, I could use that.
It was a gamble, sure, but at this point, I didn't have any better options.
Taking a steadying breath, I put on the most sincere expression I could muster, channeling every ounce of earnestness into my voice.
"Your master must be incredible," I said, my voice dripping with admiration. "To summon me here, into a dimension I didn't even know existed? Truly remarkable. Honestly, I'm not even worthy to be seen as an ant in the presence of someone so powerful and wise."
What's pride, and what's self-esteem, when your life is at risk?
As long as you're alive, it's all that matters.
I'd even bark if she wanted me to.
But I doubt that'd be necessary.
The girl's smirk widened, her wings fluttering a little.
Since it was working, might as well go all-out!
"To be able to command someone as capable as you," I added, laying it on thick, as I rubbed my hands together "shows just how extraordinary your master must be. What an unparalleled genius!"
I looked up in the sky, as if only really up there could such a majestic being be found.
...Though everywhere the eye could see was covered in white, but that's not my problem.
Her golden eyes lit up, and for the first time, she actually looked at me with something other than mild disdain. [You… you actually get it, don't you? You understand how amazing my master is!]
'Hehehe, it's working quite well!'
"Of course," I replied, nodding solemnly as though the idea of her master's greatness was a self-evident truth of the universe.
Her sour demeanor melted away, replaced by unrestrained glee. She clapped her hands together, practically beaming. [Finally! Someone with some sense! People usually just don't appreciate my master's value. I almost erased a few ants along the way. I'm glad you recognize Mt. Tai]
'...This master of hers is probably into chinese novels, aight.'
I understand brother, but please tell me you don't like little girls, or that might be a serious problem...
Concealing my doubts, I outwardly continued my praises.
"I wouldn't dare, wouldn't dare!" I shook my head, a crease forming between my eyebrows, as if what she said was sheer blasphemy.
She tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. [You're not bad, pal. Since you're clearly someone with taste, I'll formally introduce myself. Feel honored! I'm Britney. But because we're friends now, you can call me Brix. What's your name?]
Is this how friends work?
A normal person would say it's not, and that this little girl was extremely unbearable.
But me?
"Brix it is, then. A fitting name for someone as impressive as yourself. As for my name, it's Hikari, but you can call me Hikki if you'd like!"
I smiled from the bottom of my heart.
There's no way in hell I'm giving you my real name.
Her wings fluttered again, and she practically glowed with enthusiasm.
[Alright, Hikki! Hehe! Now, it's time for me to actually explain the reason you were summoned here. Listen well...!]
I gave out another sincere smile.
I'm lucky this little girl is so easy to handle, at least.
---
Author's Note:
Merry Christmas to everyone!!
How do y'all like my Multiverse Building? hehe.
Pics will be released at a later time for Seraphiel, Velrissa, and Brix.
For those who read the latest chaps before this one, I'd like to point out how the System's other name, Avidya, just means ignorance in buddhism, and the fact its title is [Devourer of Balance], which is clearly an indication that Akira's path is now extremely similar to the System's.
I'm sorry for not releasing the rest of this chapter, but it's not ready yet, so I'll be editing it and releasing it in the next few days :(.
As always, Quality > Quantity.