Before Jack could fully dive into the task of creating life, curiosity got the better of him. He decided to take a look at the other half of his dimension—the one he had left to develop naturally.
"ARI," Jack called out, "show me what's going on in the other half of Genesis."
A shimmering portal-like view opened up in front of him, revealing a vast, blank expanse. For now, there was nothing but a swirl of cosmic dust and energy.
As of now, there's not much to see, ARI informed him. The energy within this section of the dimension is still gathering. Soon, it will reach a critical point, and based on my calculations, the first form of energy-based life will begin to emerge.
Jack nodded thoughtfully. "So, it'll happen naturally without me needing to intervene. Good to know."
Satisfied with the progress on that side, Jack turned his attention to the main universe. He had yet to really observe it since his rebirth. Now was the perfect time to see where things stood in this version of reality.
Activating his new ability, Dimension Sight, Jack extended his vision into the universe beyond Genesis. He could see the early stages of creation, with galaxies swirling into place, stars blazing to life, and at the center of it all, the First Firmament—the original cosmic being who shaped the multiverse.
Jack's eyes narrowed as he focused on the Firmament. "It's already halfway through its life cycle?"
Yes, ARI confirmed. Time in the main universe has passed much more quickly than here in Genesis. That's due to both your altered perception of time as a cosmic being and the fact that Genesis grows at a slower rate than the universe due to the strength difference between you and the One Above All.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "So basically, time flows differently because I'm weaker?"
In a sense, yes, ARI replied. Your dimension will naturally accelerate its growth as you become stronger. For now, you're still building your foundation, which is why there's a noticeable difference.
Jack took mental note of the time discrepancy. The Firmament was already halfway through its existence, which meant the destruction and rebirth of the multiverse would happen sooner than he had initially anticipated. It would be a while before he could descend into the universe, but knowing this gave him a clear timeline to work with.
With that handled, Jack turned his attention back to the task at hand—creating his own life.
"Alright, let's focus. I want my first creation to be something special."
Jack chuckled to himself, remembering the countless hours he had spent binge-watching his favorite show, Game of Thrones, back in his old life. He couldn't help but feel inspired by the world-building and complex history of the fictional universe.
"I'll start with something familiar. Planetos."
With that, Jack selected an empty Canvas within his dimension—a blank sub-dimension waiting to be molded. He figured it was best to warm up first, so he began by creating a small micro-galaxy, containing about fifty solar systems. It was a relatively simple task compared to the vastness of Genesis, but it helped him get a feel for his power. Stars blazed into life, orbiting planets came into view, and gravity began to work its magic.
He focused on one particular planet, large and temperate, orbiting a sun with just the right amount of warmth to sustain life. This would be his Planetos.
Jack concentrated, drawing on the Source's energy, and began shaping the planet. First, he formed the oceans, deep and endless, stretching across the globe. Massive landmasses started to emerge, splitting into continents and islands. He sculpted mountains, valleys, and deserts, ensuring there was a balance of biomes for all forms of life to flourish.
Taking inspiration from Game of Thrones, he added a few twists of his own. For instance, he expanded the northern ice-covered regions, but rather than a looming eternal winter, he created a system of harsh but manageable seasons that would still challenge any civilizations that developed there.
He sculpted the forests, vast and dense, filled with towering trees and rich undergrowth. Jungles and plains spread across the equator, and beyond that, deserts burned under the unforgiving sun. He was careful to ensure there was balance—not just in nature, but in the resources available to any future inhabitants.
"I'm getting the hang of this," Jack muttered, feeling more confident with every passing moment.
As he worked, he couldn't resist diving deeper into the storytelling aspect of world-building. He began weaving the history of Planetos in his mind, thinking of the future civilizations and the lore they would create. It was satisfying to imagine the rise and fall of kingdoms, the development of cultures, and the conflicts that would unfold across the vast continents he had crafted.
After the basic world was completed, Jack decided it was time to fill Planetos with life. Starting simple, he created the basic flora and fauna—animals and plants that would form the backbone of the ecosystem. Rivers teemed with fish, the skies filled with birds, and forests came alive with various creatures. Each species played its part in the grand design, maintaining the delicate balance of life on the planet.
But that wasn't enough. Jack wanted something more—a race of beings that would mirror the humans from his old world, but with their own distinct twist.
"In this world," he mused, "the ancestors of humans should be scattered across the continents, each group evolving and adapting to their environment."
With a deep breath, Jack began shaping what would become the first humanoid species of Planetos. He scattered them across different regions of the planet, ensuring that each group would face unique challenges. Some would be born in the freezing north, adapting to the harsh cold, while others would thrive in the tropical jungles or arid deserts. Over time, they would evolve, grow, and develop into distinct cultures and societies.
Jack stepped back, admiring his work. Planetos wasn't perfect yet, but it was a solid beginning. He could sense the potential within the planet, waiting to unfold as time progressed.
For now, he was satisfied