The Journey Beyond The Absolute
The Man Who Broke Through?
Ather, speaking in a calm and measured tone, remarks, "I believe I can take a guess regarding the individual you're alluding to. However, are you absolutely certain she's the correct choice to assist us? The likelihood is that she may turn against us at any moment."
I respond with a composed demeanor, "Normally, that would indeed be a valid concern. Still, I genuinely believe we can negotiate favorable terms, as she appears to be the only one capable of providing the assistance we desperately need in this situation."
Ather nods, his gaze steady as he acknowledges my reasoning. "I understand your perspective now," he replies, his voice calm yet thoughtful.
I continue, my tone relaxed, "Of course you can see it my way after all, you are a part of my future. It's not unusual for two minds to align in thought. So let me ask you, are you prepared to journey backward through the convoluted expanse of our world? Particularly considering your current physical condition, are you convinced that you won't meet a dire fate from the impact?"
Ather, unwavering and confident, responds, "You underestimate my resilience. The state of my body is inconsequentialI can withstand anything. Even if my physical form is gravely wounded and in a poor condition" he rises to his feet with determination, the strength emanating from him undeniable.
I regard him skeptically, saying, "Are you truly sure about that? Your body has already reached its limits after our last encounter, when I bested you."
Ather retorts calmly, "Limits are merely barriers meant to be surpassed."
Realizing he is correct, I nod knowingly. "You're right you are, after all, a part of me. I have faith that your body can endure the impending impact. So, if you feel ready, then I am too. Are you prepared for what lies ahead?" I position my fist beneath me as a symbol of readiness.
With equal calmness, Ather replies, "I am ready when you are. Let's do this." He mirrors my stance, his fist aligned with mine.
Together, we launch ourselves through the throngs of Zeravex, landing fierce strikes against every cosmological barrier that stands in our path. With each punch, we carve a way downward, smashing through layers upon layers until we finally arrive at our destination.
I take a deep breath and state, "We're here now," feeling the weight of our journey lift slightly.
Ather remarks, "About time," his voice still unwavering as he scans our surroundings.
Approaching the door that stands before us, I lift my hand and knock firmly against its surface.
A voice from the other side responds, a blend of surprise and curiosity, "Oh my! I never imagined I would witness the day when there would be two Athers! Is this a dream?"
I offer a calm assurance, "Unfortunately, you are not dreaming, Nyxara."
Nyxara's annoyance is palpable as she retorts, "What do you want?"
To my surprise, Ather exclaims, "We could have sworn we killed you! How are you still alive?"
With a weary sigh, Nyxara responds, "You of all people should be aware that I cannot be fully killed. I have a knack for returning. This time, I crawled out of hell itself to reemerge here."
Ather retains his composure, stating matteroffactly, "Regardless, we believe you possess the abilities required to send me back home and restore my timeline."
Nyxara arches an eyebrow and replies, "And why on Earth would I help you? After all, you are my enemies."
I interject calmly, "Because we know what you truly desire, and we're prepared to offer it to youunder one condition."
A flicker of interest crosses Nyxara's face as she exhales exasperatedly. "I never thought I would reach the point where I'd be aiding you, but know this I'll only lend my assistance because your offer is of benefit to me. The moment it ceases to be advantageous, I won't hesitate to eliminate both of you."
Ather calmly observes, "It's a rather twisted alliance, yet it works for us. We will utilize one another to achieve our mutual goals."
Nyxara's annoyance resurfaces, but she acquiesces. "Fine then, I suppose I'll assist you in restoring your timeline. I can almost anticipate why you chose me for this task. You knew that my absolute adaptation could adjust to even my intellect, which explains why you're so desperate for my assistance. You're quite the manipulator, aren't you? You knew i couldn't resist this offer."
I acknowledge her recognition of our strategy, responding calmly, "You're correct we were betting on your adaptability, and yes, we're undeniably using each other in this endeavor."
Nyxara lets out a resigned sigh. "I can't believe I'm actually extending my help to you two. But don't forget, the instant I discover that your offer no longer serves me, I will personally end both of your lives." Her mind fully adapts, reaching a state of omniscience. "To restore your timeline and send him back home, a portal needs to be constructed that not only regulates his timeline but also facilitates his return. This will necessitate specific artifacts obtainable only through conquering each Absolute Ruler of Hell. Once we have those artifacts, we can utilize absolute creation to build the portal. I believe Aeona Axiom can assist you with mastering absolute creation."
Ather replies thoughtfully, "Hmmm, we had faith you would be of help."
Nyxara's expression softens into a small grin. "Now it is time for you to fulfill your part of our arrangement. That's the deal, isn't it?"
I lean forward, curiosity piqued. "Right, what exactly do you want from us?"
With a serious demeanor, Nyxara states, "I want you to help me bring back my longlost love. He's been trapped in a separate dimension that lies beyond absolute reality itself, and because of that, I cannot access him. My absolute adaptation proved ineffective in forcibly opening that dimension."
Understanding dawns on me. "So that was your true motive all along? But opening a dimension beyond absolute reality seems an arduous task, one that might prove challenging, even with future Ather by our side."
Nyxara's calm confidence shines through as she replies, "I knew you would be able to assist me I wouldn't have forged this deal if I thought you incapable of solving my dilemma."
Ather's fist extends, emanating determination. "Are you ready?"
I respond affirmatively, "You know I am." We share a fist bump, solidifying our alliance once more.
Ather declares, "It's time for my… Absolute Pinnacle True Darkness." As he utters those words, the world around him darkens dramatically an expansive pitchblack light erupts into the sky, casting an allencompassing veil of darkness throughout the area. A deep, black aura envelops him, and his eyes transform into a voidlike obsidian.
I prepare my own power, asserting, "Of course I am it's time for my... Pinnacle Of The Absolute Sun!" Waves of brilliant yellow and white light cascade from within me, enveloping my form in a dazzling aura, my eyes shimmering with newfound vigor and the promise of immense strength.
With synchronized determination, we both punch at the air, revealing an expansive dimension before us.
Ather roars, "Let's do this!" and he strikes the dimension, sending cracks racing across its surface.
"I'm right with you," I declare, unleashing a flurry of rapid punches that send more fissures erupting through the dimensional fabric.
"HAAAA!" Together, we pull our fists back before slamming them forward, our combined strength smashing through the dimension, shattering it into countless pieces.
From the ruins of the broken dimensional barrier, a glowing figure begins to take shape. He has short blonde hair, draped in a sleek black cloak and matching pants. As he gradually opens his blue eyes, a look of confusion adorns his face. "Where am I?" he asks, appearing disoriented.
Ather cheerfully welcomes him, "Welcome back to the real world! But more importantly, who are you?"
The stranger, now visibly regaining composure, replies with a solemn demeanor, "You can call me Vaelor."
Nyxara, filled with emotion, rushes forward and embraces him tightly. "I've missed you!"
Vaelor reciprocates with a small smile, "Me too," as he hugs her back, their reunion brimming with heartfelt warmth.
Nyxara turns toward Ather and me, her expression hardening. "I suppose you two are free to leave now, but consider yourselves fortunate. The next time we meet, I will likely kill you without hesitation."
I respond calmly, "We are well aware of that fact. However, you still haven't told us how to access hell."
With a sigh of annoyance, Nyxara snaps, "You're ruining our moment. Read the room!"
Ather, unfazed, says calmly, "Let's go." He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly and pushes the door open.
With a resigned tone, I agree, "Alright." I follow Ather as we step through the door, departing from the chaos behind us and moving forward into the unknown chapters that await us.
To be continued...