-Xuanhuan Universe ??? 3RD POV-

For an ordinary earthling, it was supposed to be just another regular day, and reincarnation was supposed to remain an appealing subject, revealed only after death. As a fiction fan, James had explored many eventualities and wasn't entirely unprepared for the fantastic event that he confirmed after falling ill, but not being able to keep his memories was very disappointing.

After passing many stellar structures, the two holographic humanoids entered a dazzling cluster with thousands of average-sized Stars gravitationally bound. They approach a Dark region seemingly at the center of the Cluster while Stars orbit closer and faster within Lightyears around them.

The mortal noticed what force of nature could cause such an effect and spoke up worriedly. "Hey... You do know we are heading for a Black Hole, right?"

"That's no Black Hole. I fear no Stellar phenomena in these lower realities, but that thing is endangering the Spatial stability of every Dimension and Multiverse it's overlapping."

"HUH...!? Seriously!? W-what the heck is it?"

"Patience... I chose this Universe because it has the highest energy levels in this Plane which makes it quite stable, and there are no Sentient beings around. Usually, there are even civilizations gathering around this thing not knowing Spacetime could crumble at any time."

"Woahh..."

The two continued getting closer while slowing down gradually and stopped 20 million kilometers from a Void 2.5 million kilometers in diameter. Hundreds of average Stars orbit at hundreds of kilometers per second around the round void as light and charged particles formed a brilliant accretion disk.

"...Looks like a Black Hole."

"Because only extremely intense radiation escapes that apparent event horizon which you'll be able to interpret... Observe." The Guardian informed and waved a hand before filtering out the light.

The enormous dark smudge gradually cleared until a Star-sized Dragon curled in a fetal position became distinguishable. The Beastly entity had forelegs crossed on the chest holding the tail tip, huge Wings covering the lower body, and the neck bent while looking down showing strands on the head. The fantastic creature appeared dormant with eyes shut, and unmoving as if Time was frozen save for the multicolored Fractal Scales glowing iridescently.

"W-WUT...!!! What the hell is that?!! An optical illusion?" James questioned with round eyes about to pop out and accused the one responsible for his perception.

"It's not a trick."

"Whaaa--!" James uttered baffled and scrutinized the frozen creature once more before pointing with a phantom hand. "Th-that can't be real!! An organic life form of that magnitude defies logic too much. It should be a Black Hole!"

"Actually, that logic doesn't apply everywhere or to Highly evolved beings..."

"Ahh..."

"That Entity transcended this Cosmos already and descended to lower realities using many structures as a foothold. So, no, it can't be made of something as simple as 'Matter.'"

"WoOAH! It doesn't poop then?"

"Really, James? That's too primitive for it..."

"Hehe... But why look like a Dragon then?"

"Is that's what you see?"

"Yes."

"Hmm... Maybe it's a useful form or a prideful shape or was the fated body. Either way, there's no reason to be shapeless."

"Oh, that's true... But why is that relevant to me again?"

"Listen closely, James. Mortals think it's always been here, but ever since the temporal appearance of that Entity, many powerful beings have been searching its Cosmic Timeline for diverse purposes. However, the Higher-ups in our system found it first... We aren't sure which mortal Lifetime it originated from, but we know your Soul is the temporal point of origin of that entity."

"...!! COME AGAIN!!?"

"That Dragon...could be the future you."

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"Whaaaaa...!?! No way, no way... I dreamt of greatness, but this is way--WAAAY outside of my expectations!"

"Technically, it can either be your next life or one after countless rebirths, or something else..."

"Ah, that's true. Becoming such an unbelievable being would take eons also."

"I knew you'd get it!"

"Can I touch myself?" James requested curiously and reached out a hand.

"Impossible! Anything that's not close in existence gets erased instantly. Be it Stars, Black Holes, or even our Souls through the connection to our bodies...gone."

"WHAT!!? Why?? Isn't it me?"

"Call it suicide. Its nature is fundamentally different from the current you."

"Yikes! But what about a Paradox?"

"Time is...complicated with different rules depending on the reality and the being in question. Essentially, your Timeline would crumble like a house of cards and release all the energy borrowed, explosively. There won't be a paradox without Multiverses, right? Not many would even remember we existed..."

"Hoooly shit... Why the hell take such risks then??! Why not interact with me? Why is it just dormant there?"

"I cannot say for sure... Perhaps you are supposed to see it? Communication is nearly impossible though. That Entity may appear unchanged throughout the entire timeline of this Universe, but it's just an instance from its perspective."

"Ohh..." He sounded, in awe and excitement with his mouth half-open before it transformed into a smirk. "Well, at least I can actually tell people they haven't seen my final form!"

"NO!" The Guardian strongly opposed it.

"Huh?!" James uttered in confusion as his expression turned serious. "...Why? Besides the obvious fact that I will be laugh at?"

"That's naive, James. High Beings could use Clues to find your Timeline and catch your Soul at certain points in Time."

"Yikes! So, don't make enemies of powerful entities, then?"

"That's a given. But it's worse than you think." The Guardian spoke foreboding words, catching the Human's attention. "It is possible to Devour your Soul and acquire your possibilities to evolve and even become 'that'" He announced before pointing at the Cosmic Dragon.

"...Wait, WHAT??!! How's that possible??!!" James shouted in their minds, making a expression of disbelief.

"It's complicated, but Time loopholes certainly exists. Your Future Self could make mistakes or simply lack the perception. There are many possibilities which even I don't know. Though it is risky, there are many Entities that are greedy enough to come after you regardless of consequences. And we can't protect your Timeline forever. You have to start doing that yourself, soon. Your Timeline is...not very defined..."

"Ughh!" The mortal let out with a helpless expression. He remained quiet, processing the information as emotions surged in his mind before finally speaking. "...Godamn it! I'm not supposed to be some Unique Monster that gives high Exp!!!" He grumbled in outrage and then stared into the distance.

"Hmm..." The Guardian was troubled. He wanted to motivate the mortal but didn't know how. It was then he remembered some earthly knowledge. "You know, James... There are certain creatures that lure prey with a Delicacy, right?"

"...Ah!" The mortal turned as his expression brightened, understanding. "I see what you mean!"

"And you know what they say. 'The higher the risk-..."

"The greater the reward!" James finished the proverb and nodded with a smile. "I can turn this situation in my favor!"

"That's the Spirit!"

"Yeah... If my Soul is Divided, then there will be multiple Timelines...and there will be multiple Paths and possibilities to reach the top. And if one of us becomes the Bait, the others will have a better chance to make it."

"...!!" The Guardian was taken aback by the relevance of that idea. There was not much he could say. "That's not-..." He was about to correct but stopped. He then shrugged and approved. "Well, I suppose that works too..."

"Yeah... As long as one of our Personalities Evolve and become that Entity, then our existence will be preserved..." The Human declared with enthusiasm and paused for a moment before saying in a dark, deprecating tone. "But...it won't be me, huh?"

"...James... Are you planning on becoming a sacrifice?" The Guardian questioned with a solemn tone.

"I...I don't know. I don't want to... But this isn't about dying anymore, it's about preserving the existence of my Soul. It's about preserving our memories, however small. All our Personalities deserve to be remembered."

"Then you must all do whatever is necessary to achieve that end. And I mean a n y t h i n g. Things beyond Human morals, things that you find appalling now. Unthinkable things--"

"Ugh! I get it, dude." James stopped the lecture and thought for a moment. "I must find a way to pass my ideas and knowledge to the other Personalities and have us all participate...or something else even better..."

"Oh, my... That's ambitious... But you do have two options to make many things possible."

"Yeah... I really need to make the best out of my Two Wishes, huh?"

"Indeed." The Guardian affirmed with a nod proudly. He then waved a hand, and summoning a table set.

*Zoom!* A simple wooden table with two chairs appeared between the two crystalline humanoids.

"Woah!!"

"Relax, and take your time..."

The mortal reached out his hand to a Chair's back frame and slid a finger across. "Woahhh! I can touch this!" He said, pleasantly surprised, and moved around the chair before sitting down with the Stellar Dragon to the left.

"Hm?" Guardian flinched suddenly and looked to his left.

The mortal noticed the subtle change and inquired. "What is it?"

"We were just probed by immortals..." He informed with a hint of concern.

"WHAT!? Didn't you say there wasn't anyone here?"

"There weren't... Strange..." The Guardian reaffirmed while frowning. "They are coming here at high speed now."

"What?! Should we leave?"

"No need."

"What if they are after me?"

"Then it would be good to know that..." The Guardian declared with a fierce look, gathering his energy.