Federal Calendar: 22nd July 2145

CRACK...

I heard a cracking sound and looked towards the sky. There was a crack in the sky, and at first, I thought it was a rift. But upon closer inspection, I realized it was a portal, someone attempting to enter this planet directly.

I was with Sam, so now I had more problems to worry about. If I were to fight whatever was inside the portal, I wasn't sure if I could handle the monster with my current power. I had to be careful and assess the situation.

"Sam, get behind me and don't do anything stupid," I said to Sam.

He nodded and positioned himself behind me, understanding that the situation wasn't looking good.

Then I witnessed the sky tearing apart fully, revealing a black portal.

"Alice, create a temporary shelter for one person in my infinite realm," I commanded Alice.

[Yes, Master]

Suddenly, the portal closed, and the creature appeared. I was beyond shocked by its appearance, as it was an Elf. But the most important question was, what was he doing here on this planet? The Elf had silver hair, long ears, and an aura of royalty, indicating that he was from the royal Elf lineage.

Then I noticed the creature smiling at me, looking at me as if I were an ant in his eyes, just like humans look at ants as if they don't exist. It made sense, as they had created this universe for their experiment. That's why he was looking at me like that.

"Brother, I can't breathe," Sam said.

He couldn't breathe due to the pressure emanating from the Elf. I placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Get some sleep. I'll handle this situation," I assured him.

I transferred Sam into a temporary shelter within my infinite realm, far away from this place. My clone was heading towards the people who were trying to destroy the planet's core. I focused on my clone, and it retrieved Sam from the temporary space. This way, Sam was directly teleported to a distant location, ensuring his safety.

"@£#££#££##$¢¥$¥¥$$$€$$¥¥¢$¥€¥¥€$¢," the Elf said.

What the fuck was he saying? I couldn't understand this language.

"Alice, translate this for me," I requested from Alice.

"[Master, I'll translate his language after decoding it directly into your brain. You can also speak, and I'll adjust the voice frequency so that he hears it in his own language.]"

"Interesting technique. I never thought that a creature like you could pull off such a move," the Elf said.

Now I understand his language. Wow, Alice, you're the best.

"What is the Elf doing on this barren planet?" I asked the monster in his language, while Alice translated it for him.

After hearing my response, he was shocked because he believed that the Elvian language was one of the most difficult languages to speak. Yet, in front of him, a creature he considered to be like an ant was speaking his language.

"Impossible! How can a filthy creature like you speak the Elvian language?" he asked.

I was contemplating whether I could gather some information by talking to him, but I didn't want to engage in chitchat with enemies when I was strong enough to instantly kill them. However, this Elf in front of me was much stronger, so what should I do? Yes, I was going to bluff.

"You're from the royal family. What are you doing here on this planet?" I asked, trying to buy some time.

"Alice, how much energy do I need to level up my rank to S rank? I can't see his details even with my reality eyes. I have to be careful."

"[Master, you have enough energy to level up your rank, but using force to rank up will eventually destroy your body and may cause permanent injuries in the process.]"

"Alice, I know what I'm doing. Please use all the energy to level up my rank to S rank. Otherwise, I don't think I can even survive a single attack from him."

[Yes, Master]

"You know about the royal families of the Elf race. You're the champion that the royal family chose some time ago," he said.

After hearing his words, I realized he had the wrong idea about my bluff, but I could potentially gather some information.

"I am, but what are you doing here? Where is the protector of this universe?" I asked.

Upon hearing my question, he became furious. I thought I had gone too far, but then I heard his response, which I didn't expect.

"Filthy creature, there is no protection for your universe. Those who tried to protect this universe met a horrible death at the hands of the Primordials," he said.

This was the second time I had heard about the Primordials. The first was from the fucking old alien who called himself Primordial. And now, I was hearing about them from an Elf. It seemed like these Primordials were behind everything.

"So, you're on the side of the Primordials, right?" I asked to confirm.

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"Yes, all the universal races have signed a contract with the Primordials," he said.

That made sense. Those who didn't sign the contract ended up dead at their hands.

"I have one more question. Why are the Primordials attacking this universe? I don't think anything special would be attracting them because Elves and other races know what this universe is," I asked.

"[Master, all the preparations are complete. Just tell me when you want to rank up.]"

"Alice, wait. When the situation becomes dire, I'll let you know. Also, inform the planet core to bestow gifts upon every intelligent living being on this planet and tell them to prepare for the upcoming war."

[Yes, Master]

I don't know how much time we have left, and I'm uncertain how many people will survive this apocalypse. I changed the direction of my clone to Star Island, and Sam is going with my clone, so fighting is not possible.

"That's a good question. Is this your last question because you're going to die? I think you've already guessed my identity, right?"

"The Primordials are searching for something they call 'the irregular.' We Elves have no knowledge of it, which is why our race surrendered to the Primordials along with many others. Those who wanted to protect this universe ended up dead," he said with a smile.

So the Primordials are looking for someone irregular. After reading many novels in my past life, I can easily guess that they are trying to find me. But why? Oh, I forgot. I encountered that fucking old Primordial holographic projection. I regret not killing that motherfucker Young Master with a single hit.

"Alice, do it. I'm ready," I said to Alice.

A large amount of energy surged into my body, and I felt like a balloon about to burst at any moment. The pain was excruciating, and my heart pumped my blood faster and faster.

My entire body felt like every cell was being destroyed. I was on the verge of losing consciousness due to the pain, but this was a dire situation. I had to endure this pain. If I survive this situation, I'll never attempt this method again.

"Interesting creature. You never cease to amaze me," he said.

[Domain expansion]

With this command, I activated my [Cosmic Sanctuary] domain, along with all my supporting skills, making the domain even more powerful. This was a skill I had created some time ago.

My domain spread across a 1 km area, and the Elf was also sucked into the domain. Once again, he was shocked because no creature other than a higher existence could freely use cosmic energy.

"You! How can you use cosmic energy freely? It seems like my trip was not wasted. I'll find out the answer from your dead body," he said.

I had never thought about it or perhaps I had forgotten, but Elves were from outside of the universe. Of course, they were higher lifeforms, capable of controlling cosmic energy. This realization could get me killed someday. However, it was too late to dwell on it as he suddenly attacked me.

BOOM...

The impact of his attack was immense. I was thrown back and hit the wall of my domain, hearing a cracking sound. It felt as if all my bones were broken. I couldn't even lift a finger.

This was my mistake. Why did I blame someone else for it? One mistake in a fight could get someone killed. I had naively thought that this was just a novel and I would be safe.

But I was incredibly wrong. I had a family in this universe, people I cared about. What about the promises I made? I would never make this kind of mistake again. I would learn from it.

"You survived my simple attack. I guess you're special indeed," he thought to himself. "How did he survive my attack? I used only one-third of my power. I have to kill him soon."

"You don't have what it takes to kill me, motherfucker. Underestimating you was my last mistake. Once you see me again, you won't see anything anymore."

The Elf was shocked by my response, but his facial expression changed before he vanished from my sight.

"I too underestimated you. If I find you again, you will die a brutal death," he said, trying to smile but unable to. He was frustrated that his prey had escaped him, something that had never happened before in his life.

He used his power to destroy the entire area where we were fighting, then he also vanished.

====

[IN THE INFINITE REALM]

"Alice, tell me about my condition and how long it will take to recover from my injuries."

[Master, your body cannot fully recover from these injuries. Some of them have caused permanent damage, while others will take four days to heal with advanced healing methods.]

I thought so. If I hadn't underestimated the Elf, I would have been able to escape even if I couldn't defeat him. It's ironic that I, a normal guy just two weeks ago, had become so arrogant.

I don't even know how to fight. How the fuck can I fight? I'm not a fighter. Two weeks ago, I was just a normal fucking programmer. I didn't even realize how arrogant I had become in such a short amount of time.

I promise myself that I will never engage in this kind of shit again. I need to stay low-key until I'm confident enough to instantly kill enemies. That's when I'll fight them.

"Alice, inform the planet core to distribute the gifts to every Intelligent living being now because we don't have much time."

"I'm going to use Plan B. I've changed my mind."

[Master, Plan B is extremely risky. You only have a 10% chance of survival.]

"I know it's an absolutely crazy idea, but I don't have any other choice. If this Elf is forcefully entering this planet, it means that more enemies will soon follow."

After gathering information on how to harness cosmic energy, I created two survival plans.

The first plan, Plan A, involved using the cosmic energy to activate the Limitless Evolution Core and create a planet to save myself, my family, and this planet. However, creating the planet would take time, so I planned to gather soul sustenance from the gifts I distributed to all intelligent beings. They could offer a small portion of their soul as payment. This was the safer plan.

But then there was my second plan, Plan B, which was absolutely crazy to even consider. In Plan B, I intended to combine the cosmic vault, the Limitless Evolution Core, my body, and my soul together.

It was an incredibly risky idea because the Limitless Evolution Core had boundless potential for evolution, and the cosmic vault contained something immensely powerful. This was my last resort.

If you think I'm crazy, well, I might be a little. The reason I wanted to pursue this was because I had already partially combined with the cosmic vault. Half of the cube had merged with my soul, but my body couldn't handle the other half.

However, what if I could combine the Limitless Evolution Core with my body? After numerous calculations, Alice determined that it was possible, giving me a 10% chance of success.

Now, as I lay dying, I realized that if I were to survive, I would never be able to defeat my enemies with conventional means. I had no choice but to rely on this crazy method and place my faith in it.

Suddenly, I felt my soul growing stronger. It seemed that the planet core had activated the protocol, and every living being had received their gifts. One of the gifts was an inventory, while the other was an interface for exchanging their needs, selling, and purchasing.

My dying body began to break apart into small pieces as the soul sustenance empowered my soul, while my physical form deteriorated. The pain was unimaginable, and I wished for death, but I had to endure it for the sake of a better future.

Ahhhhhh...

It was a cruel joke. I never anticipated feeling this level of agony. Finally, my body shattered into tiny atomic particles, disintegrating at an atomic level. All that remained was a black fog—an ethereal representation of my body particles.

My soul absorbed so much soul substance from every intelligent living being on this planet.

In the black fog, my soul looks like a yellow sphere of energy, but I still feel my soul and every particle of my body. Then suddenly, I felt agonizing pain in my soul, as if I were about to die. Then, my soul burst like a balloon.

"Ahhhhhhh... I want to die, please."

This was the last pain I felt before my soul broke into atomic-level particles. Then, I felt calm. Everything was done.

My soul fragmented into small pieces and then into atomic particles. It looks like a golden fog. I can feel both my soul and body particles, but this time, there is no pain. I don't know how I'm still alive. This must have something to do with the cosmic vault, since I was combined with it.

"Alice, combine the cosmic vault after fully opening it, the limitless evolution core, the body particles, and my soul particles."

[Master, I have a way to efficiently combine everything.]

[I'll divide this process into three stages:

1. First, I'll open the cosmic vault and combine it with the soul particles.

2. Next, I'll combine the limitless evolution core and the body particles.

3. Finally, I'll combine the results of the two stages.]

"Okay, start the process," I said to Alice.

"Thank you, Alice, for everything. If I survive this process, then I'll break free from this curse. I never wanted to be a hero or anything; all I wanted was to live my life peacefully. But damn, luck had other plans for me, and now I find myself in this situation."

"Who's to blame? My whole life is a mess. I don't know when I'll break free from this curse of being a protagonist. I don't want people to see my situation. I never wanted that. Alice, I'm in a hell where I'm struggling to survive, and people are watching. Hahaha, what a life I've got."

[Don't worry, Master. If this process fails, I'll be there with you. I'll try my hardest to achieve success. I may not have any emotions, but I'll never leave you alone. Rest well, Master. When you wake up, I'll be there for you.]

[Activation of the limitless evolution core in progress]

A large amount of cosmic energy was absorbed into the core, causing it to change in size. It moved towards the black fog, which consisted of my body particles. The limitless evolution core and body particles began to combine.

[Combination of body particles and limitless evolution core in progress...0.1%]

[Opening the cosmic vault, all requirements met]

The cube-like structure within my soul particle fog started absorbing an immense amount of cosmic energy. It was so much energy it could dry up an entire galaxy.

Suddenly, the cube-like structure opened, revealing a beautiful white energy in a spherical shape. It was so large that I couldn't fully grasp its size, but it condensed into a smaller spherical shape and moved towards my soul particle fog.

[Unknown source detected, combination of unknown source and soul particles in progress...1%]

[Estimated time of completion for all three stages: 8 hours]

"Alice, I leave everything to you."

After saying that, I lost consciousness. I felt fear about whether I would survive this or not, but I chose to remain positive. I believed that I would make it through.

=====

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