The children and their older siblings filed into Café Elysium, their earlier excitement dimming into quiet anticipation. The room was circular, warm, and inviting, with soft lighting and an intricately carved table at the center surrounded by plush chairs. Bryce guided the younger kids to take their seats, ensuring everyone was settled.

Mason plopped into his chair with a satisfied grin, swinging his legs. "This place is fancy," he said, running his fingers over the soft velvet of the chair. Olivia gently tapped his shoulder, signaling him to sit up properly.

Once all the children were seated, the door opened again, and Kellen entered. She was tall and statuesque, with striking silver hair pulled into a sleek bun. Her pale, glowing skin seemed to catch the light, and her suit shimmered faintly, like it was woven from starlight. Her eyes were a deep, endless blue, and when she spoke, her voice carried an unearthly calm that commanded attention.

“Hello, everyone,” Kellen said, stepping to the head of the table. She surveyed the group with a small smile. “I trust you’ve found the journey here enlightening.”

Before she could continue, a chorus of voices erupted from the younger children.

“Why are we here?” Rowan asked, leaning forward on the table.

“Can we go back home?” Mira blurted out, her wide eyes fixed on Kellen.

“What happened to my legs?” Mason demanded, though his tone carried more wonder than complaint.

“Is this place magic? Or science?” Isaac added, his voice trembling with curiosity.

The questions came faster than Kellen could answer, each child firing off their own as soon as the previous one ended. The older siblings and student helpers tried to intervene, but the excitement was infectious.

“Quiet down,” Bryce said, raising his voice just enough to be heard over the din. His calm but firm tone cut through the noise, and the children began to settle. Ava Jacobs, seated next to Bryce, added her own gentle but authoritative encouragement.

“Everyone, let’s give Kellen a chance to talk,” Ava said, her soft voice carrying weight as she addressed the group. The kids finally quieted, their wide eyes now fixed on Kellen.

Kellen nodded in thanks, her serene smile returning. “I know you have many questions, and I promise to answer them. But first, let me explain where you are and why.”

She gestured with her hand, and a holographic projection materialized in the air above the table. It displayed countless glowing spheres, each pulsating with unique colors and patterns.

“This is the multiverse,” Kellen began. “Each sphere represents a world. Some are rich in magic, where spells and enchantments are woven into the fabric of daily life. Others thrive on technology, with towering skyscrapers and spaceships sailing among the stars. There are even worlds where both magic and technology coexist, though such balance is rare.”

The children stared in awe at the floating spheres, their earlier chatter forgotten.

“What kind of world is this one?” Rachel asked, her voice steady but curious.

Kellen smiled. “This place exists outside of the spheres. It is a crossroads, a sorting hall where souls from all walks of life come to rest, reflect, and decide where they will go next.”

“Decide?” Bryce asked, leaning forward. “You mean we get to choose?”

“Precisely,” Kellen replied. “Each of you will have the opportunity to select the world where you will begin your next journey. But with that choice comes responsibility. Different worlds have different rules, and each offers its own benefits and challenges.”

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She waved her hand again, and the projection shifted to show examples of the worlds she described. One sphere displayed a realm filled with dragons, wizards, and enchanted forests. Another showed sleek cities illuminated by neon lights, flying cars zipping between towering buildings. A third depicted a pastoral landscape where magic and science seemed to intertwine, with windmills powered by enchanted crystals and mechanical creatures roaming the fields.

Mason’s eyes lit up as he pointed to the magical realm. “I want to go there! Dragons are so cool!”

“But what if the magic doesn’t work all the time?” Talia countered, her gaze fixed on the high-tech city. “That place looks way more reliable. Plus, imagine the inventions we could make!”

Kellen raised a hand to calm the budding debate. “It’s important to consider more than just appearances. Magic, for instance, can be unpredictable and difficult to master. While it offers incredible potential, it also comes with risks. Technology, on the other hand, can provide stability and progress but may lack the wonder and creativity that magic inspires.”

“What about the mixed world?” Rachel asked. “Couldn’t we have the best of both?”

Kellen nodded. “A balanced world is possible, but achieving harmony between magic and science is no small feat. Such worlds often demand compromise and collaboration. They can be places of great innovation but also great conflict.”

She paused, letting the children absorb her words. Then the projection shifted again, showing numerical scales and flashing icons.

“Another factor to consider is the soul balance of each world,” Kellen explained. “Every world requires a certain range of souls to function properly. If a world has too few souls, it suffers. Its magic may weaken, its technology might stagnate, or its environment could collapse. To attract souls to migrate, such worlds often offer additional benefits or bonuses to those willing to go there.”

“What kinds of bonuses?” Mira asked, her small voice cutting through the quiet.

Kellen smiled. “Bonuses can vary widely. Some low-population worlds offer enhanced abilities. You might find yourself stronger, faster, or even gifted with unique talents, like the ability to communicate with animals or wield a form of magic tied to the world itself. In certain cases, you could even take on forms tied to the world’s culture, such as becoming an elf, a dwarf, or other beings that thrive in those realms.”

“Like superheroes?” Rowan asked eagerly.

“Possibly,” Kellen replied, her tone measured. “But remember, these enhancements come with a purpose—to help the world grow and prosper. They are not without expectations.”

The children exchanged excited glances, their imaginations running wild.

“What about high-population worlds?” Bryce asked, his tone more cautious.

Kellen’s expression grew serious. “High-population worlds often come with inherent disadvantages. You might find your abilities diminished compared to the locals, or you could face greater challenges in achieving your goals. For example, a soul might find themselves born into a less privileged position or with additional obstacles to overcome. The world’s resources could also be stretched thin, creating an environment that demands resilience and adaptability.”

“That doesn’t sound fun,” Mason muttered.

“It can be challenging,” Kellen agreed. “But some souls thrive in such conditions, finding strength in adversity and making significant impacts despite the odds.”

“Can we visit other worlds?” Olivia asked hesitantly.

Kellen’s serene demeanor shifted slightly, a note of caution entering her tone. “Each world is designed to be self-contained, and travel between them is exceedingly rare. While there have been instances where individuals have found ways to cross over, such practices are highly discouraged. They disrupt the natural balance and can have unforeseen consequences for both worlds involved.”

“So it’s not allowed?” Mira asked, her voice small.

“It is strongly advised against,” Kellen clarified. “Your journey should be about embracing the path you choose, not seeking escape or shortcuts.”

The children grew quiet again, absorbing the weight of her words. Bryce exchanged a glance with Ava, both of them clearly weighing the gravity of the decisions ahead.

“What about us staying together?” Olivia asked, her tone protective as she glanced at Mason and the others. “Can we pick the same world?”

“Groups can be reincarnated together, but it requires careful scheduling,” Kellen explained. “We must coordinate births in a way that allows you to be close—whether in the same family or community. While this is not guaranteed, it can usually be arranged if you express your desire to stay together.”