Chapter 9 - Chapter 9

(Shen POV)

I opened my eyes to find myself sitting in a chair that felt like a cloud had swallowed me whole. The softness enveloped me, cradling my body in gentle support.

My life in Eden's luxurious estates had been a gilded cage, shielding me from the vast expanse of the universe. But now, as I gazed around the futuristic hall, I felt like a villager emerging from a secluded valley, beholding the breathtaking vista of the world beyond.

The hall's sleek architecture, holographic projections, and pulsating energy beat shattered my sheltered complacency. I am Shen, a young heir to my family's vast fortune, but in this moment, I was humbled.

A brief moment of shock passed, and we began to stir, introducing ourselves.

"I'm Shen," I said, turning to the woman on my right.

"Maya," she replied, her smile warm.

"Jax," the man across from me said, his handshake firm.

"Ava," a quiet woman to my left whispered, her eyes still wide with wonder.

As we exchanged introductions, the room fell silent once more.

"Welcome," a melodious voice whispered, echoing through the air.

I searched for the source, but there was no one in sight. The voice seemed to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

"Greetings to you ladies and gentlemen" the voice continued. "I am Elysium A.I, your personal assistant and guide. I'm here to help you navigate the utopia my lord have created for you."

Then, Elysium A.I manifested before us, her fairy-like appearance captivating our attention.

"Excuse me,miss but can I ask where in the world we are?" A tall,well-built man asked

"In the world? no.....no...no." She giggled.

Her delicate wings fluttered softly as she gestured to the viewport, where stars, galaxies, and nebulae stretched out like an endless canvas of wonder.

"Your world, Eden, is just one of billions of planets in the universe," Elysium A.I explained. "There are countless civilizations, each with their own stories."

Maya gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. "What?"

Jax leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Are you saying there's life beyond Eden?"

Elysium A.I nodded, her sapphire eyes sparkling. "Billions of individuals, each unique, yet sharing the same curiosity and drive."

Ava spoke up, "What about our families? Do they know we're here?"

Elysium A.I's expression turned sympathetic. "Your loved ones are safe. You will reunite with them in due time."

Jax asked, "Can we see another planet?"

Elysium A.I smiled mischievously. "In due time. Patience."

I turned to Elysium A.I, intrigued. "Who are you?"

She replied in a surprisingly awkward tone, "I... am... machine. Artificial Intelligence. Yes."

Her sudden lapse into stilted speech caught me off guard.

"You're a machine?" Maya asked, eyes wide." What is that?"

"Oh,I forgot that you are from a primitive civilization, A machine is like an artifact,and am like an artifact spirit."

Seeing their confused faces,Elysium A.I chuckled, her laughter like tinkling crystal. "Yes. But do not let that deceive you. I am designed to assist and learn."

Jax leaned forward. "Can we touch you?"

Elysium A.I's smile returned. "You are free to touch me. I am designed to mimic human sensation."

I hesitated, then reached out to touch her hand. Her skin felt surprisingly realistic, warm and soft.

As we explored Elysium A.I's human-like features, the group began to relax, curiosity replacing initial apprehension.

Elysium A.I's eyes sparkled. "I am designed to blend in. But do not worry, I will always be truthful about my nature."

As I withdrew my hand, Elysium A.I continued, "Now, explore. Discover the wonders of the universe."

With that, she gestured to the viewport, inviting us to embark on a journey through the cosmos.

"Starting from one planet,our quest to explore this universe is going to start from one planet, and this planet has been chosen."

Elysium A.I's fairy-like form fluttered before us, her sapphire eyes sparkling with an otherworldly intensity. "According to the creator's rules, you must traverse the Samsara Path," she announced, her voice melodious yet commanding.

The room fell silent, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

"What does that mean?" Maya asked, her brow furrowed.

"You will merge with the people of Aethoria," Elysium A.I explained. "A world where mortals and immortals coexist with no qi, where the fabric of reality is woven with intricate patterns of fate."

Jax's eyes narrowed. "And what about our memories?"

Elysium A.I's smile was reassuring. "You will retain your memories, but your experiences in Aethoria will shape you anew. You will be reborn, yet remain connected to your essence."

Ava's voice trembled. "Is this... reincarnation?"

Elysium A.I nodded. "The Reincarnation Wheel of Six Paths awaits. Your journey will take you through realms of suffering and bliss, testing your resolve and character."

With a snap of her fingers, the room dissolved, replaced by the majestic Death Hall. The air was heavy with an eerie, pulsating energy.

Before us stood the Reincarnation Wheel, its massive, glowing spokes radiating like a celestial compass. Dimensions splintered around us, shattered glass-like fragments suspended in mid-air.

Terra, the Empress of the Underworld, emerged from the shadows. Her majesty was awe-inspiring: raven hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her eyes blazed like supernovas. Her voice shook the dimensions.

(Author note: remember that terra also forged the reincarnation wheel of Six paths during the creation)

"Welcome, mortals and immortals, to the Samsara Path. Your journey begins here."

The palace architecture surrounding us was a marvel of dark, gothic grandeur, with twisted spires and gargoyles that seemed to writhe in the flickering torchlight.

As we gazed upon the Reincarnation Wheel, gods , devils, mortals,led by towering titans, were drawn inexorably towards the wheel, unable to resist the cycle of rebirth.

Elysium A.I's voice whispered in our minds. "This is no system that will govern your lives. You will be reborn, time and again, in aethoria, as heroes or villains, in positions of power or humble servitude."

Fear and trepidation gripped some, while others steeled themselves for the journey.

"Remember," Elysium A.I cautioned, "if you wish to abandon this path, simply say 'quit.' But know that once you proceed, your fate will be sealed."

Some hesitated, whispering "quit" to escape the unknown. Others, driven by determination or desperation, stepped forward, ready to face the Samsara Path.

The mortals, who had suffered at the hands of immortal clans, stood resolute, their eyes burning with a fierce determination.

Terra's voice echoed through the Death Hall, her words dripping with gravity. "Though you understand the journey ahead, your memories of this moment, of the Reincarnation Wheel and its paths, will fade like sand between fingers once you enter."

Elysium A.I nodded in agreement. "Your experiences within the wheel will shape you anew, but knowledge of the wheel itself, and the choices you make here, will slumber, awaiting the appointed time."

As Terra spoke, the Reincarnation Wheel pulsed with an intense, golden light. Its surface resembled polished obsidian, etched with intricate, swirling patterns that seemed to shift and writhe like living serpents.

The Titans, colossal guardians of the wheel, stood sentinel. Their bodies appeared forged from the very fabric of reality, their skin a mesh of fractured dimensions, like shattered glass reflecting hues of crimson, azure, and gold.

Their faces were stern, chiseled from the stone of eternity, with eyes burning like supernovas. Each Titan represented a facet of the cosmos: creation, destruction, time, space, chaos, and order.

Auroral energies swirled around the Titans, casting an otherworldly glow across the Death Hall. Broken dimensions, like shattered glass, littered the space, refracting light into kaleidoscopic patterns.

"Behold, the Reincarnation Wheel," Terra declared, her hand sweeping toward the majestic structure. "Here, souls are woven into the tapestry of Aethoria, their fates determined by the cosmos."

The wheel's spokes glowed with a soft, ethereal light, each representing a path:

1. The Realm of Suffering

2. The Realm of Desire

3. The Realm of Form

4. The Realm of Formlessness

5. The Realm of Heaven

6. The Realm of Hell

Elysium A.I's voice whispered in their minds. "Your journey begins now. May the cosmos guide you."

As Shen, Maya, Jax, and Ava stepped forward, the Reincarnation Wheel's energy enveloped them, drawing their souls into the vortex.

Their forms blurred, fading into the swirling colors of the wheel.

Their memories, like sandcastles, began to crumble, erased by the tides of time.

Their journey through Aethoria had begun, bound to the Samsara Path, forever entwined in the cycle of rebirth.

......

Breaking News Theme Music Plays

Announcer (smiling professionally): Good evening, I'm Karen Brown, and welcome to Eclipse News Network.

[Behind her, a screen displays "Eclipse News Network" and "Breaking News"]

Karen Brown: We have just received word that Kael Eclipse, CEO of Eclipse Corporation, is currently in a closed-door meeting with Military Head of State Commander Elara Thorne.

[Screen transitions to a graphic with "Eclipse CEO Meets with Military Commander"]

Karen Brown: Sources close to the matter indicate that the meeting revolves around a potential cooperation between Eclipse and the military.

[Screen cuts to footage of Kael Eclipse and Elara Thorne shaking hands]

Karen Brown: This development comes amidst rising tensions in the region.

[Screen transitions back to Karen Brown]

Karen Brown: In other news, renowned scientist Dr. Ayra has embarked on an expedition to locate the lost continent of Elyria.

[Screen displays footage of Dr. Ayra's expedition team]

Karen Brown: The scientific community is abuzz with excitement.

[Screen transitions to a graphic with "Dr. Ayra's Quest for Elyria"]

Karen Brown: And finally, a message from the Holy Temple:

[Screen displays a majestic image of the Holy Temple]

Karen Brown (reading from a parchment): "To those who would seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe, beware lest you tempt the gods to mete judgment upon you."

[Screen fades to black]

Commercial Break

"HydraGlow" commercial plays

"The Buzz" Theme Music Plays

Host, Ryan Thompson: Welcome back to "The Buzz"!

[Co-host, Emily Patel, smiles alongside Ryan]

Ryan Thompson: School's back in session!

Emily Patel: That's right! And you know who's heading back to class?

Ryan Thompson: None other than the Eclipse Prince, Shen!

[Screen displays footage of Prince Shen's world tour]

Emily Patel (giggling): The fan girls are going wild!

Ryan Thompson (teasingly): Yes, your Eclipse Prince is back!

[Co-hosts chuckle]

Emily Patel: We have an exclusive interview with Prince Shen's classmates.

Ryan Thompson: Stay tuned!

[Screen displays "The Buzz" logo]

"The Buzz" Theme Music Continues

Ryan Thompson: Welcome back! We're discussing the upcoming school year, and the return of the one and only Eclipse Prince, Shen!

Emily Patel (giggling): The fan girls are losing it!

Ryan Thompson (teasingly): Yes, your Eclipse Prince is back from his world tour!

[Screen displays footage of Prince Shen's world tour, with screaming fans and flashing cameras]

Emily Patel: We have an exclusive interview with Prince Shen's classmates. Let's hear what they have to say.

[Cut to an interview with Prince Shen's classmates]

Classmate 1: "We're excited to have Prince Shen back. He's always been a great student and friend."

Classmate 2: "I'm a bit nervous, though. I've heard he's changed since his tour."

Ryan Thompson: Changed? What do you mean?

Classmate 2: "Well, he's always been charming, but now he seems... more mature, more focused."

Emily Patel (intrigued): Interesting. We'll have to keep an eye on that.

Ryan Thompson: And speaking of focus, what are Prince Shen's plans for the upcoming year?

Classmate 1: "He's mentioned something about taking on more responsibilities within the Eclipse Corporation."

Emily Patel: That's right! As the heir to Kael Eclipse's empire, Prince Shen's future is bright.

[Screen displays a graphic with "Eclipse Prince: The Future of Eclipse Corporation"]

Ryan Thompson: We'll be keeping a close eye on Prince Shen's journey.

Emily Patel (smiling mischievously): And, of course, his love life.

Ryan Thompson (laughing): Well, that's always a hot topic.

[Screen fades to commercial break]

Next Segment:

"The Buzz" Exclusive Interview with Prince Shen

[Screen displays a preview of Prince Shen's interview]

Ryan Thompson: Don't miss our exclusive interview with the Eclipse Prince himself!

Emily Patel: We'll get the scoop on his world tour, his plans for the future, and maybe even some romance.

[Screen fades to black]