Chapter 29: Unexpected turn of Events
Three months had passed since Elysia unleashed her incarnation into the tumultuous realm of Chaos. What began as a casual experiment to alleviate her boredom had grown into something far greater than she ever anticipated. The incarnation, born from a mere fraction of Elysia's essence, had proven herself not just capable but extraordinary. She wove through the intricate web of nobility and politics, outmaneuvering rivals with a precision that defied even Elysia's expectations.
From the comfort of her floating island, Elysia marveled at the spectacle unfolding on her artifact screen. Her mortal counterpart had toppled the old ruling structure of the chaotic kingdom with cunning efficiency. Nobles who dared oppose her were eliminated, while the family of the former Lord of chaos now served as her vassals. Unlike in Midgard, where revolution or civil unrest would inevitably follow such a coup, this realm embraced the rule of strength above all else. The people, chaotic beings as they were, cared little who governed them so long as they projected power.
This kingdom was but one of many across the infinite expanse of the Chaos Realm. Empires of unimaginable antiquity dotted its ever-changing landscapes, some predating the civilizations of Midgard by eons. Yet despite their vast histories, their societies valued strength and raw magical might over technological progress. Chaos itself seemed to frown upon technological advancement, its higher powers prohibiting it in favor of preserving the mystical balance of the realm.
Elysia watched as her incarnation introduced an efficient new system of governance. Bureaucratic positions were delegated with precision, ensuring minimal interference in her own affairs. Resources were managed meticulously, with trade flourishing through dimensional markets. The kingdom became a hub for coveted exports, rare monster parts, exotic alchemical ingredients, and herbs found only in the Chaos Realm. Neighboring kingdoms, sensing an opportunity, flocked to establish mutually beneficial trade agreements.
The real Elysia reclined on her couch, absently chewing on a sandwich while admiring her counterpart's achievements. "Is this my hidden potential?" she mused, staring at her hand. "I never knew I was this great!"
But as quickly as the thought arose, she dismissed it with a laugh. "Nah, that's bullcrap. It's like that's not even me anymore. What does she have that I don't? Hmm…" After this, she held her head for a moment, pretending to contemplate deeply, before shrugging. "Nah, my genius is terrifying. Haha!"
Her gaze wandered to a nearby shelf filled with what she proudly referred to as her "trophies." Among them were intricately crafted figurines of knights and warriors, magicians and some monsters from the primordial chaos realm, and some locked in dynamic poses. One particular figure caught her eye, a knight clad in ornate armor, sword raised triumphantly, she is a fan of fantasy then and now she's living in it.
"Ah, I know!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet. "I'm going to make a knight! A real one, like this one here." She grabbed the figurine, examining it closely. "A servant of my own, like the ones in those stories… But better, obviously."
The idea filled her with excitement, and she quickly set to work.
In her lounge, near the artifact display, Elysia stood motionless, imagining the form her knight would take. This wouldn't be some chaotic monster like the Chaos Knights that roamed the realm, those amalgamations of fallen souls and raw concepts. No, her creation would be different: a being of purpose, intelligence, and loyalty.
"I need a soul," she muttered to herself, tapping her chin. "A compatible one… Hmm, but where do I find one worthy enough?"
She frowned, realizing the limitations of her incarnation's current power. The fragment of her essence could only manipulate matter on a molecular level using simpler primordial chaos energy, reshaping it into different forms. True creation, the ability to bring something entirely new into existence, was a feat only her original body could accomplish.
Elysia's eyes shifted toward the temple visible through the window, a towering structure in the middle of her floating sanctuary. "Well," she said with a shrug, "guess it's time to wake up the big guns."
The temple's towering doors parted as Elysia approached, their ancient mechanisms moving with a soft hum. The air inside was thick with magic, and the ceilings glittered like the night sky, stars forming constellations that seemed to shift and evolve.
Elysia strode down the grand hall, her footsteps echoing softly. At the center of the temple lay an altar of luminous stone, and atop it rested her true body, bathed in ethereal light. The original Elysia remained in a deep, unbroken slumber, her presence radiating an overwhelming sense of power.
Standing before her own sleeping form, the incarnation hesitated. "You know," she said aloud, "this feels a little weird. Like waking yourself up from a nap just to handle errands and yeah I totally understand it now."
She reached out and touched the altar, and in an instant, her true body stirred. Elysia's eyes opened, glowing with an intensity that distorted the space around her. She stretched, her movements fluid yet almost inhuman, as if the very fabric of reality bent to her will.
"Ah," the true Elysia murmured, her voice echoing faintly. "It's been a while."
Without wasting time, she extended a hand, drawing in a wandering soul that floated aimlessly through the Chaos Realm. The soul, untethered from its former life, shimmered like a mote of light as it hovered in her palm.
"This one will do," she said, her tone decisive. With a wave of her hand, she refined the soul, severing all traces of karma and fate.
The next step was crafting a vessel. Elysia spent hours shaping it, pouring her power into every detail. The result was a blank canvas, a featureless humanoid form floating serenely in the air.
Satisfied, Elysia handed the vessel and soul to her incarnation. "Here," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "This is your project now. Have fun."
The true Elysia returned to her slumber, the temple falling silent once more.
Back in her house, the incarnation dragged the floating vessel into the lounge like a child carrying a balloon. She placed it in the center of the room and began the delicate process of fusing the soul with the vessel.
"This is going to take a while," she muttered, watching as the two materials began to merge. She left the lounge to prepare some food, confident the process would unfold without her direct involvement, after a while.
When she returned, however, the vessel was gone. The door to the house stood wide open, and her carefully prepared plate of food clattered to the floor as panic set in.
"Where the hell—?"
She sprinted outside, her eyes scanning the surrounding meadow. There, standing in the sunlight, was the vessel. It had transformed, taking on a human-like appearance. Its features were strikingly similar to Elysia's own, though younger and more innocent.
The figure stood motionless, gazing toward the temple as if searching for something.
Elysia approached cautiously, still dressed in her house pajamas. The vessel turned, sensing her presence, and their eyes met. A brilliant light flared around the figure, forcing Elysia to shield her eyes.
When the light faded, the being stood before her, fully formed. She was a young girl, her height barely reaching Elysia's shoulders, her features delicate yet eerily familiar. The girl took one hesitant step forward, then another, before suddenly running into Elysia's arms.
"Mother," the girl said, her voice soft but certain.
Elysia froze, her mind racing. 'Mother? What? Me? But I'm still single! How did this happen? And where's my knight?'
She wrapped a hastily conjured blanket around the girl, who clung to her tightly, as if afraid to let go.
Elysia stood in the meadow, the sun warming her back, holding the girl who now called her "mother." Her mind chaotic with confusion, but one thought rose above the rest.
'What happened? Where's my knight? Mom?'
End of chapter 29