Cycles of Balance, Vol. 2: Price of Equilibrium (A story from the Petals of Timelessness multiverse)

Once a cosmic architect of balance — a will beyond flesh and gender — now bound in a mortal shell with only a fragment of its power.

A philosophical dark fantasy of choices and sacrifice, centered on the slow-burn tension of an impossible metaphysical connection between this cosmic architect and a mortal woman —one bound by logic, the other the anomaly who may be its undoing.

The story begins at the Academy of Duality — ground zero for the reality-breaking anomaly OD must fix: an impossible love born when one soul was wished into this world from another. Here, as in all of Valtheim, rivalries, hidden cults, and fragile alliances test the limits of logic and control. Yet the Academy is only the beginning.

In Price of Equilibrium, Arta Nox turns her focus from the external anomaly to her internal one: her "Unique Variable," Catherine Holu. Impartial analysis grows ever more difficult as the web of events tightens—threatening not only Illumora, but the Architect’s own perfect structure.

A dark, reflective fantasy about the cost of order, the fragility of perfection, and the dangerous question of whether balance can ever truly exist.

Genres in order of importance:
Philosophical Fantasy
Dark Fantasy
Yuri (slow burn)

Release schedule: ~2-3 chapters/parts per week

Author’s note:
English is not my native language, but I work hard to deliver polished chapters. Feedback is always welcome!

Disclaimer:
This story is entirely my own creation. For translation and polishing, I sometimes used digital tools to check phrasing, pacing, and readability—since I don’t have alpha readers. All creative decisions, worldbuilding, and style remain my own.

Cover art by Vorkiss

vol. 1: Echoes of the Past - [Completed]
vol. 2: Price of Equilibrium - [Currently publishing]

First of all, I want to thank you for spending your time reading my story — and, secondly, for showing interest in it.


This is my first publicly released story, and writing and sharing it has been a really interesting experience.


Now, let's talk a bit about OD/Arta — I hope you've enjoyed this character so far!


Writing from a non-human gaze can sometimes be tricky and unusual, but I truly hope it feels engaging to read.


The second volume is already written, and I'm currently polishing it — especially the English side of things.


Please note that Volume 2 will be a bit more sensitive in terms of certain content, as the story firmly belongs to dark fantasy.


Those elements will appear gradually — partly in the second volume and more prominently in the ones to follow.


As for the release schedule: I plan to publish 1–3 chapters/parts per week.


The pace will mostly depend on the writing progress for Volume 3.


And finally, if you ever have feedback or suggestions regarding the story — feel free to reach out directly.


I really appreciate every bit of support and engagement!


Once again, thank you so much for reading (and for making it all the way to the end of my ramblings %).


As a small thank-you gift, here's a little bonus for you ↓


Chapter 30 - Author’s Note: After Vol.1