Chereads / Arcane Rift: Balancing the Multiversal Realms / Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: The Infinite Path of Power

Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: The Infinite Path of Power

Seraphi gazed out the massive window of her chambers in the luxury student resting area within the exam dungeon, her thoughts a chaotic swirl of revelations. The omnipotent system's cryptic words lingered in her mind, hinting at a truth far grander and more dangerous than she had imagined. The system's voice cut through the silence like a blade.

Host, it began, its tone grave, there is more you must understand about your role in this world—and the dangers you face.

Seraphi straightened, her fingers curling against the cool surface of the windowsill. Go on, she said, her voice steady despite the growing tension in her chest.

The world you inhabit is not alone in its vastness. There are infinite realms, dimensions, and layers of reality, each governed by their own rules, histories, and powers. In these realms dwell beings of unimaginable strength, many of whom wield nigh-omnipotence. They are gods, titans, entities of primordial chaos, and ancient forces that defy comprehension.

The system's words filled the air like a storm cloud. Seraphi could feel her pulse quicken as the gravity of the situation began to sink in.

These beings, the system continued, exist not just to rule their respective domains but to guard secrets older than time itself. Among these secrets is the existence of true omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience—the ability to transcend all boundaries, to become a god beyond gods, unbound by the limitations of any reality.

Seraphi frowned, her thoughts racing. And these beings... they're looking for something? Someone? Yes, the system replied. They seek the fragments of true power—the rarest and most dangerous force in existence. These fragments can only be channeled through certain individuals—beings chosen by the fabric of reality itself. You, and the main protagonists you will soon meet, are such individuals.

The air in the room grew heavy, and Seraphi's knees threatened to buckle as the weight of the revelation settled over her.

These beings, the system pressed on, would stop at nothing to claim you and the others. If they succeed, they would ascend to a state of infinite supremacy, becoming omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient across all realities. Their dominion would be absolute, and their reign would erase all other existence, bending every reality to their will.

Seraphi took a step back, her hand clutching her chest as her breath hitched. Why us? Why am I involved in this? Because you are more than you know, the system replied. Your transformation was not just a tool to empower you—it was a necessity to unlock the infinite potential within you. Your new form, your divine essence, is a vessel capable of holding the boundless power required to combat these entities.

The system paused for a moment before continuing. But you are not alone. The main protagonists, who will soon join you, are equally vital to this battle. Together, you will stand against these beings. You will fight to protect the fragments of true power within you and to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

Seraphi swallowed hard. And what happens if we fail? The system's voice darkened. Failure is not an option. If you fall, all realities will collapse into a singular, infinite domain ruled by these entities. Life, free will, and individuality will cease to exist. Only their omnipotent tyranny would remain.

Seraphi paced the room, the magnitude of her predicament gnawing at her thoughts. Why are these beings so powerful already? How did they become nigh-omnipotent?

To understand that, the system explained, you must first understand the nature of power itself. Power, as you know it, is not static. It is infinite—boundless. There are no plateaus, no pinnacles, no final levels. Instead, there are infinite levels of power, each more incomprehensible than the last.

Seraphi blinked, trying to wrap her mind around the concept. So... there's no end? No peak to reach? Correct, the system said. The journey of power is eternal. It was first discovered hundreds of billions of years ago by a scientist from an ancient human civilization—a civilization that thrived long before the gods ever revealed themselves to mortals.

The system's tone shifted, growing more reverent as it recounted the story. This scientist, a man whose name has been lost to time, theorized that the universe was not finite but layered infinitely. He believed that every layer held greater power and that the path to transcendence was endless. His discoveries were ridiculed at the time, but his theories were proven true when humanity encountered the gods.

The gods? Seraphi echoed, her curiosity piqued. Yes, the system replied. They were found in the deepest parts of the infinite oceans, ancient beings like Poseidon, who ruled the seas with unmatched authority. Humanity's discovery of these gods changed everything. It was not just Poseidon but gods from every pantheon—Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Hindu, and countless others. They all existed in the same space above Earth, but in separate dimensions.

Seraphi eyes widened. Separate dimensions? To prevent them from... colliding? Exactly, the system confirmed. Each pantheon occupies its own dimension, ensuring their powers do not interfere with one another. It is a delicate balance—one that has existed since the dawn of time. But even among the gods, there is no true omnipotence. Their powers are vast, but they too are bound by the infinite path. Seraphi leaned against the wall, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. So... these beings we're supposed to fight... are they like the gods?

No, the system said. They are beyond gods. They are the remnants of entities who have climbed higher on the infinite path than any mortal or god has ever dared. They are beings of chaos, destruction, and hunger. Their goal is to shatter the barriers between dimensions, to consume all power, and to ascend beyond infinity itself.

Seraphi fists clenched. And we're supposed to stop them?

Yes, the system replied. You and the main protagonists possess the potential to wield infinite power. Together, you must face these enemies, rise through the infinite levels of strength, and protect the fragments of omnipotence within you.

The weight of the task loomed over Seraphi like a storm cloud, but beneath the fear, a spark of determination ignited. She had not chosen this path, but it was hers nonetheless. And she would walk it—not just for herself, but for all existence.

As the system fell silent, Seraphi gazed out the window once more, her eyes fixed on the horizon. Somewhere beyond the walls of the exam dungeon, her allies were waiting. The storm was coming, but she would be ready.