The hum of creation vibrates beneath my feet, a low thrum that resonates through the obsidian floor of my observatory. Countless galaxies swirl in the holographic display before me, a breathtaking panorama of swirling nebulas and blazing stars. Each pinprick of light represents a solar system, a teeming hive of life, or perhaps the cold, desolate expanse of a dead world. From this vantage point, high above the celestial tapestry of the Felox Universe, I survey my domain. I am Arinath Alfahiem, and the weight of a universe rests on my shoulders.
For a century, the universe has been adrift, a chaotic sea tossed by the winds of unchecked power and ambition. The transfer of the Origin Being's legacy – a process that shaped me, reshaped me, and ultimately consumed a hundred years of my life – left a vacuum of leadership. The delicate balance between worlds, carefully maintained for eons, shattered. Devourers from the Abyss, beings of pure entropy, began to claw their way into reality, while ambitious rulers on technologically advanced worlds unleashed their newly discovered supernatural powers, vying for dominance.
My twelve Universal Administrators, beings of immense power and wisdom, struggle to contain the escalating conflicts. Yet, even their combined might is insufficient. I, the new Origin Being, must intervene. My role is not merely to rule; it's to nurture, to guide, to maintain the delicate equilibrium of existence. To find those who show potential, and guide them in their journey. I walk amongst mortals, experiencing their lives, selecting champions and apostles who will become the shields and swords of the Felox Universe.
This evening, I find myself on Xylos, a planet of vibrant, emerald forests and shimmering rivers. It's a world teetering on the brink, caught between the encroaching shadow of the Abyss and the avarice of its own inhabitants. The scent of night-blooming jasmine hangs heavy in the air, a deceptive sweetness masking the undercurrent of fear and desperation that permeates the land. My task tonight is simple, yet fraught with potential: to observe, to assess, to choose. Soon I must decide whether to reveal myself to the planet's most promising warrior, an individual blessed with a power both rare and dangerous. The decision hangs heavy; a choice that could either bolster the delicate balance, or send this world spiralling into darkness. A decision that is only one small part of the vast, complex tapestry of the universe's fate, a tapestry that needs weaving, and I am the only weaver. But a larger shadow looms, a darker threat that whispers from the edge of existence, a threat that demands my attention…a threat that will eventually force me to return to the celestial observatory and confront the forces arrayed against me.
A silent command, a ripple in the fabric of reality, and Lyra, my most trusted companion – a being of pure light and shadow – appears beside me. Her form shimmers, a kaleidoscope of ethereal colours. "The warrior awaits, my lord," she murmurs, her voice a soft whisper that carries the weight of ages. "I will oversee his development. Your presence is required elsewhere." I nod, a silent acknowledgement of her unwavering loyalty. With a final glance at the sleeping city below, I unfold my wings, the iridescent feathers catching the starlight. The air itself seems to part as I ascend, leaving Xylos behind.
The journey back to the Source is a blink of an eye, a transition so seamless it feels like a thought. The obsidian observatory is bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of creation. Before me, the twelve Universal Administrators materialize, their forms as diverse as the worlds they govern. Their faces, though etched with concern, hold an unwavering resolve. I address them, my voice calm despite the urgency pressing on my spirit. "The threat is closer than anticipated. We must initiate Contingency Plan Omega."
A murmur of agreement ripples through the assembled administrators. They are aware of the project, of the clandestine race we have been developing. They do not know, however, of the final, crucial element. The creation of the Lorax, a race specifically engineered to counter the approaching darkness, has taken centuries. A virgin planet, chosen for its untouched essence and imbued with temporal acceleration, serves as their cradle. Their long lifespans, their inherent abilities, their potential... it all fuels the hope that burns in my heart.
"The Lorax are ready," I announce, my gaze sweeping across their faces. "Their development is proceeding as planned. The 400 year mark approaches." A tense silence descends. My words hang in the air, the unspoken part of the plan – the merging of my essence with a priestess of this nascent race– a silent promise kept only in my heart. This act is a gamble, a calculated risk that could either secure victory or lead to irreversible consequences. Yet, it's the only chance I see. My silence, I know, fuels the unspoken questions in their minds, but for now, it's best left unsaid. The universe hangs in the balance, and soon, the final act will begin.Introduction