The Void Chamber was entirely silent, with the exception of a gentle murmur emanating from the ancient Nexus Obelisk that dominated the centre. It appeared alive and observing, like runes flowing over it. Kael's mind was roiled by a tempest, despite his calm and calculating demeanour as he stood before t. This was his initial genuine challenge, as he had awakened the Soul of Nothingness. Failure was rendered unfathomable by the multitude of eyes, including his father's.
As the elders of the Void Family examined the vicinity of the chamber, their expressions were stern. Nevertheless, their placid exteriors concealed a blend of curiosity and uncertainty. The family had already begun to hear rumors about Kael's connection to Nothingness, and this was the first time anyone had seen anything even somewhat similar to Kael's awakening. Lord Varyn Voidbreaker, his father, was as commanding as he had always been, and the shadows were filled with his presence.
The announcement, "Kael," was made by an elderly man, and his voice resonated throughout the room. The summoner directed the individual to place their hand on the Void Nexus. Allow it to determine your worth.
There was no hesitation in Kael's movements, and his steps were methodical. Prior to this, his victory in the sparring match against Zeran had been a deliberate demonstration of his superiority; however, this was a distinct circumstance. This was not a test of his strength; rather, it was a test of his capacity to maintain control over the force that he had reawakened. He extended his hand, and his fingertips gently contacted the obelisk's unyielding, bone-chilling surface.
The moment his hand touched the surface, reality began to disintegrate.
Kael was no longer visible in the chamber. He drifted in a limitless expanse of darkness on the surface of the universe, his senses being overwhelmed by the heavy weight of Nothingness. However, this region was characterised by a turbulent energy, in stark contrast to the tranquillity he had encountered upon awakening. Shadows contorted and folded into themselves after forming peculiar shapes, and they subsequently dissipated back into oblivion. The air was filled with an indistinct, overlapping, and inexplicable murmuring.
An ancient and expansive presence emerged from the chaos. Kael perceived it as an internal sensation rather than a voice. "Despite your attempts to dominate me, you have no idea who you are."
Kael's chest tightened as the voice continued to exert pressure on him, and each phrase became more significant than the previous one. He was suddenly overwhelmed by a profound sense of insignificance, as if he were a mere particle in the vastness of existence. His mind was inundated with images of universes collapsing, civilisations being eradicated, and, at the epicentre of it all, a solitary individual standing in the midst of desolation.
He clenched his hands, his resolve growing stronger. His voice was audible above the quiet conversations. He declared, "I will become proficient in it." "Everything will be under my control."
The entity briefly paused, as if it were amused. As a child, it is imperative that you first develop self-control. Then you can only expect to control your inner state.
The shadows surged and encircled him, as if a tempest were raging around him. Kael, despite the fact that his mind was whirling, bolstered himself. He focused on the portion of nothingness that was within him and desired it to conform. The tempest gradually slowed down, and the chaos began to dissolve until there was only stillness left. A cryptic challenge was left behind by the presence after it departed: "The price of ambition is never paid in full."
Kael's palm was still positioned on the Nexus Obelisk when he returned to the chamber. He gasped in astonishment. The glyphs emitted a brief burst of light, and they subsequently dissipated, leaving behind an unsettling silence. The elders exchanged anxious glances with one another, their features betraying a sense of surprise.
What has just transpired? One of them submitted the request. He was able to receive a response from the Nexus.
The impact of what Kael had just experienced caused his entire body to begin to tremble when he stepped back. He was still able to perceive the fragment of nothingness that was igniting within him, despite his best efforts. The force was untamed and ferocious, and it threatened to consume him if he halted. Subsequently, he maintained his composure. In contrast, he maintained his upright stance, his calculating gaze meeting the scrutiny of each senior without flinching.
In a composed manner, Kael stated, "It accepted me."
A long shadow was cast over the room by the towering form of Lord Varyn, who had just risen from his seat. His irises were ablaze with blazing determination as he approached Kael, and his movements were deliberate. When he announced, "You have successfully completed the Nexus test," his voice was resonant with a sense of finality. Nevertheless, it is crucial to bear in mind, Kael, that the utility of power is contingent upon the individual who wields it. If you can't manage your ambition, it will destroy you.
Nevertheless, Kael extended a slight bow, despite his profound offence at his father's counsel. He refused to let his desire control him. He was deliberate in every aspect of his actions, from the decisions he made to the steps he took. He would have authority over the Void. He would have the ability to manipulate nothingness. And he would do so in accordance with his own terms.
Kael was alone in his apartment that evening, and the moonlight cast long shadows across the floor. His thoughts sought the fragment of nothingness that was contained within him by closing his eyes and reaching deep. The unbridled energy of the part of Nothingness that was contained within him exploded, akin to the energy of a confined beast. Kael was able to sustain his concentration by utilising the knowledge he acquired during the Nexus trial. Beginning with a deliberate approach, he began to shape the energy in accordance with his desires.
He was left wheezing for oxygen as a consequence of the fragment's resistance, which was so intense that it pushed back. However, Kael refrained from bending. Unwavering in his resolve, he persisted. By the time daylight broke, he had made some progress; although it was not substantial, it was evident. The intensity of the composition appeared to be more akin to an extension of himself than chaotic.
The chamber was illuminated by the first beams of sunlight as Kael opened his eyes. As he awoke, his features were engraved with fatigue. Moreover, a sense of triumph ignited his eyes. He was aware that there was no turning back now that he had taken the initial step toward mastery.
In a low-key yet resolute manner, he declared, "This is merely the beginning." "I will not permit the Void to dominate me." I will be responsible for it.
The piece of Nothingness began to move during this period of silence, and its erratic murmur gave the impression of being almost... appreciative.