In this vast and complex world, every planet, star, and galaxy holds its own core. Yet, only a fortunate few are chosen to awaken their consciousness and understand the true nature of their existence. Universes, however, are in a league of their own—each one is alive, conscious in its own right.
But their sentience is not the kind that flows freely. It functions like a programmed system, bound by the unyielding laws and rules that govern them.
Still, among them exist a rare few—universes with the astonishing ability to manifest physically, bending or even disregarding the laws that confine others. These are the "Supreme Universes."
NOX and Lucas' universe is believed to be one such extraordinary anomaly, though only a handful know the truth behind its unparalleled power.
Even for beings as powerful as NOX and Lucas, locating the universe's core within its boundless expanse is an almost impossible feat. The sheer vastness makes the search akin to finding a single grain of sand in an endless desert.
Yet, the value of a Supreme Universe's core transcends words—it is the key to rewriting the impossible.
For the inhabitants of a Supreme Universe, possessing its core means more than just power—it means dominion over all possibilities, the ability to turn even the most unattainable dreams into reality.
For NOX and Lucas, however, the core is not a means of conquest but a desperate hope. Though they are uncertain whether it can break the seals of their prison, at the very least, it could grant them the ability to halt or delay the universe's [Nirvana]—its inevitable end—for a few thousand years.
Thus, they are willing to pursue it, even if it means hosting a Clown show for unknown entities.
However, this doesn't imply that they are foolish enough to engage in a fight without any assurances.
NOX, ever the bold one, took the first step forward. He marched up to Garuda, who still held the singularity with the grace of someone who thought they were in control. Of course, NOX didn't miss the chance to flash a sneer and completely disregard VRITRA, all in the most "righteous" manner possible.
VRITRA, on the other hand, was not amused. His face turned a shade of red that might've given a tomato a run for its money. The nerve of NOX to blatantly ignore him—it was nothing short of humiliating. His eyes immediately darted toward 'Big Brother' Lucas, who was, as usual, lost in thought, but of course, VRITRA misinterpreted this as indifference.
'Oh, it's on now,' VRITRA fumed inwardly, his anger boiling like a cauldron on the verge of exploding. 'Good, good, good...'
Lucas, meanwhile, felt an icy chill crawl down his spine for no apparent reason. He looked up, only to meet VRITRA's gaze—one so intense, it might've been mistaken for the look someone gives a walking corpse right before they decide to poke it with a stick.
"May I hold onto the core until I finish my battle?" NOX asked, his tone surprisingly respectful as he addressed Garuda. While VRITRA's face looked like it was begging for a good punch, Garuda consistently carried himself with an air of nobility that even the volatile NOX couldn't help but respect.
"Sure." Without a second thought, Garuda flashed a charming smile and passed the core to NOX.
This response caught both NOX and Lucas completely off guard. They had expected Garuda to reject their request outright.
Even VRITRA, who was more accustomed to everything being to his liking, froze in surprise. But then, like a snake spotting its prey, VRITRA's grin slowly spread across his face.
He realized that NOX—an insignificant little ant—would never be able to use the core in the battle. In fact, he probably wouldn't even be able to run away with it.
NOX, meanwhile, held the universe core, turning it over in his hands, scrutinizing it incessantly. You see, NOX, in his current Madness form, was like a storm in a bottle—volatile, unpredictable, and on the verge of losing it at any moment. But even amidst the chaos of his mind, he was doing everything in his power to keep the madness at bay.
After confirming the core's authenticity, his gaze never left Garuda or VRITRA. What puzzled him was their complete nonchalance about something so powerful—something that could turn any possibility into reality. They didn't even bother to impose restrictions on it.
NOX narrowed his eyes. He knew Garuda and VRITRA weren't foolish enough to put themselves at such a disadvantage. He looked at VRITRA and thought, 'At least Garuda should not be that reckless.'
VRITRA: "He just took a jab at me, didn't he?"
That was the only explanation. To them, the Universe Core was little more than a trinket—an inconsequential object, like some shiny bauble that didn't deserve much thought. NOX simply waved his hand, and the core vanished, absorbed back into his soul. No use in using it here. According to his divination, the core played a crucial role in the [Ruination].
And truth be told, he didn't want to overuse it. After all, he still needed to stop this core from triggering [Nirvana].
If Lucas knew that stopping [Nirvana] was just my backup plan, he'd probably rain down [Divine Punishment] on me, huh? NOX mused, grinning inwardly at the thought.
He glanced at Lucas. As much as he would love to see 'Big Brother' Lucas suffer at VRITRA's hands, this wasn't the time for Lucas to act.
"Do not engage him until I'm done. Something feels off about that bastard." NOX's voice echoed telepathically to Lucas, his gaze locked onto Garuda, who was still smiling. And that smile… That damn smile sent an eerie chill creeping down NOX's spine.
Then, in a single bound, NOX vaulted billions of light-years—arriving before VRITRA in an instant.
[Sword of Infinite Emptiness]
With a single call, black mist surged around NOX, coiling toward his palm like living tendrils. In an instant, it condensed, solidifying into a sleek, jet-black sword. Ancient Sanskrit runes glowed faintly along its blade, while crimson threads were intricately woven into its hilt, pulsating with a quiet menace.
VRITRA's eyes narrowed as he examined the weapon. The blade was impossibly thin, its proportions eerily perfect—balanced in every dimension. Even the hilt, though slightly longer than usual, carried an air of precision that unsettled him.
"Heaven Burial Sword? … No, just a fragment of it."
His gaze darkened as another thought crossed his mind.
"…Are you his descendant?"
But then, his focus shifted, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"And why the hell are you calling it 'Sword of Infinite Emptiness'? Gods, that's such a cringy name."
VRITRA sighed dramatically, waving a hand in mock disappointment, his tone resembling that of a bored cat lazily toying with its prey.
NOX: "..."
For once, NOX didn't rise to the bait. He didn't mock, sneer, or fire back with one of his usual cutting remarks.
Because right now—at this very moment—he was closer than ever to achieving his goal. Reviving his family. And that meant nothing else mattered.
For the first time, VRITRA truly scrutinized NOX.
His appearance alone was enough to unnerve most—his very presence exuded the essence of a Devil. But it was the stone-like fissures spiderwebbing across his body that made even VRITRA hesitate. There was something deeply, fundamentally wrong about them.
A slow, wicked grin spread across VRITRA's face.
"Oh… I'm going to enjoy this."