-Second Krosmic Plane - Earth ??? - 3RD POV-
After stopping the biological functions of James' Human vessel, the Guardian intervened in the Fragment's process to recall the Soul with his own Spirit and safely stored it inside. He retrieved the Subatomic Fragment from the corpse and held it within its transparent hand. He paused for a moment and turned his awareness over to the people around the Hospital Bed.
Chaos had erupted. There was crying, anger, and confusion, especially from the Doctors who did not expect this situation. And then there was frustration, as none of them could do anything. But they had the necessary information to cope with the event. Or so determined, the Guardian who had seen this many times before.
The Guardian sighed feeling slightly bothered and shook his invisible head briefly. He dismissed the ethereal form before retracting his Spirit, dragging the Fragment through a microscopic spatial corridor, back to his pocket Dimension between Universes.
-Guardian's private Space-
Within a spherical region as big as Earth's Moon, a large creature occupied most of the area from the center. There was no Light here. Different kinds of objects floated about. And the flow of Time was several times faster than Earth's. His real body slept, but his mind was highly active, multitasking. Hundreds of Spirit threads coming from its eyes entered microscopic spatial corridors in different directions and connected to other Worlds where he monitored the other Fragments under his care.
The Ethereal Humanoid body reformed in the gap above his Beast head and held the Fragment in the right hand as he waited for the supervisor of the Soul experiments to announce its presence.
Sure enough, a neutral voice-like transmission resounded within the Beast's head. "...Guardian...#355GSE99947262..."
It was a powerful presence contacting the Godly being through the Fragment that translated the Intent as much as Languages could express the meaning. A direct interaction would be constraining for such a being as it could harm or even destroy the Guardian. After all, this was the 7th single-digit Fragment in their Hierarchy, and for such a highly existential entity, God-like Beings like this Guardian would be no much different from Mortals or mere specs of cosmic dust.
AH!! The Guardian lighted up in excitement. It had been hundreds of years since he had talked with the steemed superior. But knowing that pleasantries were pointless on an emotionless being that only cared about results, it was best to behave professionally. "All is ready, Seven!" He transmitted back enthusiastically and presented the tiny Fragment in his half-opened hand facing up. "It's near my Fragment, Seven." He reaffirmed, giving the coordinates of his location.
A powerful intent pierced the walls of Realities and reached the tiny subordinate. "...Starting...Process..." The voice informed before accessing the Dimensions within the Fragment designated as #7DSE00028111029643270.
At the center of a nearly 2-Foot-wide spherical Space, lied a Golf-sized Ball with an irregular and cloudy surface that was changing like the surface of a Star. Upon closer inspection, a myriad of sub-atomic strings formed an intricate structure that was in constant motion throughout. The filaments fluctuated, changing thickness or vibrating as signals traveled through them, tangling or untangling as it was aware of itself, connecting or disconnecting as information moved around.
If a Human could see this Soul, it would look like a fluffy Cotton ball darkening towards a solid grey center. But even if there was Light here, these fluctuating energy strings would reflect no electromagnetic radiation as they weren't made of Atoms and wouldn't even interact with matter directly to be entirely visible. They were forms of energies more similar to Space itself than particles dependant on physic laws. Some at the center even changed independently of the 4th-dimensional Time flow while others passed through each other as if they weren't a physical manifestation.
The powerful intent slowed the dimensional movements down and restrained itself as much as possible before scanning then the young Soul carefully. It selected the network with the highest activity spanning from the nucleus to the outskirts and copied James' memories onto the smallest and thinnest strings that weren't in use at the center. This would ensure that the artificial memories would remain through future cycles of reincarnation on this Plane of existence. But it was more than that.
Memories accumulate naturally at the nucleus of Souls over many lifetimes. Something that was always denied for this Soul. Therefore, artificially writing a whole Lifetime at the Core made the memories fundamentally different from the originals and altered the Evolution of the Soul radically. It changed its very Timeline greatly and made it even more unpredictable than previous meddlings. This wasn't what the original James wished for exactly, but it was desired, especially by the Entity that took interest in the potential of his Soul.
Next, the powerful intent snipped the entire energy network activity of the Original James and restored the natural time flow inside the Fragment to pull it out. The whole subatomic surgical procedure took around a Trillionth of a second in real-time. Now, it extracted the severed energy ramifications in fractions of a second and pulled the two Souls apart before they became aware of each other and clashed Spiritually. Immediately, the two independent Souls trembled uncomfortably for an instant before reshaping into spheres again and after several ripples, they reached stability. The Soul with the Artificial copy of James had compacted into a Ball smaller than a Golf Ball which displayed a more smooth and intricate activity than before while the original memories of James were a ball smaller than a Pea with a tiny nucleus barely visible to the human eye, and its network appeared much more hollow and irregular now.
The administrator retracted its intent and relaxed a little. Holding back this much was like a Human knitting clothing for an Ant at arm's length. But something still had to be done with the Original James. Normally, the Guardians would attach a Spirit thread to these 'Loose Souls' and send them to a World to be reborn on their own. A process which this entity had never experienced nor done nor wanted to do. But this insignificant Soul could serve a better purpose. Thus the Entity looked at his new Timeline to confirm. Sure enough, he was used in the future, especially by the end of his short Timeline. But these results were still unsatisfactory. This Soul Shard could do more.
The single-digit administrator searched through the inactive Fragments in his possession and selected one fairly compatible for the tiny Soul. It wasn't a perfect match since James wasn't the original existence of this Fragment, but assimilation was possible nonetheless.
The 7th summoned the new Fragment across the Realities and connected it through higher dimensions to the one containing the two Souls.
Hm?! Another Fragment? The Guardian was surprised by the appearance and asked meekly. "Uh, Seven? Wa--"
The robotic voice interrupted. "...Necessary..." It replied before leaving the subatomic object suspended at the Guardian's Left-Hand position.
"Understood..." The Guardian acknowledged without further hesitation and lifted his left hand to hold the new Fragment.
The tiny Soul with the original James was transferred into the new Fragment and connected to it before adjusting its functions for the foreign Soul. The other Fragment was changed as well with different settings. Alterations that only a High-ranking supervisor could do.
"...Replication...Done..." The higher dimensional entity informed the end of the delicate procedure and proceeded to register the newly active Fragment in their Network.
"Acknowledged." The Guardian affirmed and inspected the Fragment on his right hand to confirm the results. ...Perfect! He appraised with a nod, impressed. Although there were compensations that troubled him.
The big Soul, which was now the new James, had noticeable advantages over the other Soul Shards, mainly Spiritually, but he wasn't going to be protected from High Beings or assisted like the other Personalities for free anymore. And He even has restrictions imposed upon him, mainly about dimensional travel and Lifeform for Rebirth, as per the conditions of the deal. His ownership of the Fragment was no longer permanent either. It could be taken by the other Soul Shards.
A moment later, the 7th single-digit announced. "...#7DSE00028111029643271...Registered."
"Acknowledged." The Guardian confirmed and inspected the new Fragment on his left hand as he awaited further instructions. This--!! He was taken aback, finding the Pea-sized Soul Shard inside. This isn't right... Jame's Soul does not belong in a foreign Fragment! Its owner will appear someday. They don't deserve this... Why did #7 do such a thing? ...Protection? That won't stop this tiny Soul from becoming a Sacrifice one way or another. ... Although James already gave up his future to break the Cycle and entrust everything to his Copy. It's a shame. He'd still have a chance to win if he had been more selfishly. He brooded, feeling sympathetic for the mortal. Hahhh... After heaving a mental sigh with the intent to expel his troubling thoughts, the Guardian still felt the urge to complain, at least to himself. Did he really have a choice? Was it really his decision when we knew all along? Is this really the best for the Future of their Soul?
The Guardian expected his mind to be private. However, even without reading his thoughts, the High-Dimensional Entity could still see possible variations of Guardian's Timeline--alternate versions of him that voiced his complaints.
"...Yes..." The emotionless entity affirmed the most probable questions.
...!! The Guardian was shocked. He may have just disrespected his supervisor, and immediately tried to justify himself. "My apologies, Seven! I was too emotionally attached." He blurted nervously, and cleared his mind, awaiting a response or some kind of reprimand.
However, despite the enormous gap in their existence, they were all part of the same Infiniternal, like an enormous Family transcending realities, and the Guardian had underestimated how much his service was appreciated.
The entity wasn't angered. It lacked the emotions to do so. It merely needed results, so it reasoned patiently. "...Understand...Our...Mission..."
Hearing that, the Guardian fully realized his position and relaxed. It was impossible to hide anything. His life, his Timeline was but an open book to an Entity beyond the 5th Dimension whether they want it or not. So he decided to vent the complaints, accumulated over thousands of years. "But, Seven! I am a Guardian! Our Prime Directive is to protect and guide young Fragments to maturity, not bring them pain and suffering! I don't care what we've done to other Lifeforms, I don't want to be hated by our own. They don't need our meddling..."
The Entity from Eternity was aware of the issues regarding changes and the inability of subordinates to comprehend their reasons, but ultimately, it all played a part. Its Subordinate just needed to accept that, and so, it transmitted back. "...Necessary...Possibilities..."
The Guardian fell silent. True, Fragments had to fulfill their purpose, and unlike beings like him, the Single Digits had no other reason to exist. "I understand, Seven..." He acknowledged helplessly, resigning to his Fate.
However, the invisible being still found the response unacceptable, so it took another peek in time before sending. "...Good...Job...Giorashuvearu."
...!! The Guardian was once again surprised. Not just by the rare praise that he would want to show off to other Guardians but the mention of something he had forgotten, buried under thousands of years of memories. "W-what an honor that Seven knows my First Name--huh...!" He rejoiced gleefully, recalling a surge of long-forgotten memories of his Home Dimension, before realizing the temporal interference. "Was that from my Past? Only at Home was I called that." My family... It's been too long...
The Entity, pleased with the response, affirmed. "...Understand...Now...?"
"The Uncertainties of Time, is it?" Surely, that external information may change my Future and the Future of Souls involved with me. Our Timelines become more uncertain for higher dimensions... He interpreted the cryptic message and thought back to the meetings with the other Lifetimes in Outer Space. So, it is not decided which of their personality will emerge from the Krosmous? Even the Original James still has a chance to become that thing? Well, they all have the right to be what that Stellar Entity looked to them--be it a Dragon, a Fox, a Wolf, a Rat, or Humans. And they all have their own advantages and choices in this Trial... The Guardian asserted, thinking to the things revealed to each personality. But James doesn't know there are other personalities in his new World, and they are the last ones to reincarnate. What awaits them-... He concluded, fearing the worst-case scenario would happen too soon in their lives and inquired. "Uh, Seven... Do I take the Fragments to the new World and let them reincarnate by themselves?"
As if expecting the inquiry, the Entity instructed. "...Choose...One..."
...!! The Guardian was stunned. Not just because he had to choose one of the two Fragments but his supervisor might also take the other away for unknown reasons! "This..." He uttered in a hesitant tone while lowering his gaze to his transparent hands. This was an unfair order. But he heard nothing else. He had to choose. But which one? The tiny Soul Shard with the original James he had just talked with and watched over for 28 years, or the Copy of the personality he liked the most in the largest piece of the Soul he had protected for hundreds of years?
However, this wasn't about what Guardian wanted, it was about what James wanted, and what was best for the Soul. James's Copy has great chances of survival... The Guardian determined before closing his right hand firmly. He looked to his left, paused for a moment, and then complied reluctantly, opening his left hand slowly and releasing his hold over the particles. I'm sorry, James... He thought to himself as the microscopic object floated away.
Controlled by the High-Dimensional Entity, the newly Active Fragment sank in Spacetime and disappeared from the Private Space. But the Entity's presence remained, expecting something else here.
The ethereal humanoid, aware of the occurrence, decided to make the most of his intervention and called out. "Seven... May I choose the Vessel for #7DSE00028111029643270?"
"...Personal...Indulgence." The single-digit reproved, as the request wasn't part of the Reincarnation Deal.
The humanoid twitched uncomfortably, and sent back, admitting. "...Yes, I am favoring... But I can't pick the winner, I just want to honor James' wishes. May I interfere, one last time?"
As if prepared for the request, the Entity quickly responded. "...Possible..."
Meaning--I must satisfy some condition or pay a price... The Guardian interpreted the intentions. The condition will be tricky and possibly restrictive. I rather pay a price. But the only thing that Seven would accept is my Thousand-year Benefit. But, if I use my Bonus, I won't be able to request a visit to my Home Dimension in 18 years... This ... is another tough choice... He concluded, feeling trouble and wanting to curse at his supervisor when he recalled. Ah! But my Guardian Granddaughter should still have a Bonus from her previous Millennium--unless she used it on her new Soul Shard already. It's highly likely. Her Favorite was absorbed recently... I better contact her soon. He determined, feeling relieved and asked the superior. "Will my G-Bonus suffice?"
"...Within...Rules." The supervisor approved.
"Thank you, Seven!" The Beast transmitted with a tone of appreciation.
Soon after, the High-Dimensional Entity ended the transmission and retracted its intent. The Guardian left behind with the Artificial James, moved his awareness to inspect the other Fragments under his care before finding him a vessel.
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-Alternate Universe ??? - First Stage World - 3RD POV-
After leaving the Pocket Dimension, Seven's Intent enveloped the newly active Fragment and moved across these lower layers of Reality until it reached a nearby Multiverse as if these immensely vast distances were like walking through a door. They slowed down, zooming into the Time stream of a Universe with similar Physics Laws as Earth's, entering the Spiral Arm of a young Galaxy, then a Solar System with a Star bigger than the Sun, and joined the active Present Time relative to Guardian's Private Space and Earth's time when James died. And just as it disappeared before, the microscopic Fragment emerged in the skies of the Fourth Planet, minutes before the Guardian arrived with the copy of James.
This inhabitable World had been carefully selected to be the First Stage for the Soul Trial of the Fragment Lifetimes. It was around 30% bigger than Earth, it had 1.2 times the Gravity of Earth and rotated faster than Earth, shortening the days to just 18 Earth's Hours long. It spun left to right, with the North up, on an Axis that tilted half as much as Earth's. The Tides were smaller than Earth as its Moons were just small remnant debris orbiting now, occasionally falling to the surface. But the Four Seasons lasted longer since the elliptical orbit of this planet was larger than Earth, making the Years 592 Days long! This was equivalent to the Years on Earth being 15 Months long and the People looking older for their age.
Like Earth, this World also looked like Blue and Green Marble with large connecting Oceans, and Four Landmasses. The biggest Continent was named Telum in Latin as it looked like an Arrow Head with the side tips approaching the Poles while the smaller one was named Arundo as the shaft that looked more like a Fang missing a semi-circular chunk on the South. But these were the only Names that the inhabitants of this World agreed on. The World was called Terra by Humans and some Demi-Humans, Namora by Humanoid Beasts and Forest People, Wundus by Aquatic Creatures, Sekier by Aviants, and Dragons. But of course, many Tribes had their own languages, and methods of communication to convey their meanings.
The tiny Fragment flew across the skies towards the South-Western part of Arundo Continent and stopped above an Ancient Mountain Range called BackSpine for its enormous crescent shape bordering an immense Desert for 7000 Kilometers. It descended on a Mountain located 1600 Km from the Southern tip of BackSpine, 3000 Km away from the nearest Human Settlements, and 6000 Km South-West from the Ancient Tear Mountain Range where the former Draconian Personality lived. On this Beast territory, the Fragment #7DSE00028111029643271 harboring the original James found a compatible Dragon Egg among three others in a rocky Nest half-way up the Mountain.
These Eggs were the second batch that a pair of low-ranking Dragons produced this year. They weren't particularly purebreds, but the Red Dragon was a descendant of an eccentric Immortal and the Blue Water Dragoness had decent genes as well as an old age to boast.
It was Daybreak now, and the parents were in a nearby stream, drinking Water. However, the Nest wasn't empty. There was a Western Crimson Dragon looking down at the half-meter size eggs. Suddenly, the 3-meter tall scaly Beast opened his red eyes wide while perking his long ears. His heart thumped in his chest in Excitement. But he wasn't one of the parents excited that a new Soul Sprouted within an Egg. He had been waiting for the Fragment to arrive.
The Crimson Dragon opened his scaly maw and was about to speak when a sound appearing from all around, interrupted him.
"...FOrgivE me...fOr takiNg your...FUture Away..." Seven's voice echoed in the surroundings, struggling to speak as it restrained itself not to cause damage.
The Dragon's expression becomes surprised at first, but then, it turned grim with ears hanged down as if they had lost all energy. "..." He said nothing. He could not say anything. A turmoil of emotions swelled a knot in his throat preventing him from speaking. His eyes darted around and heat emanated from his body as it grew, losing control of the transformation.
The emotionless voice appeared again. "WE mUSt...fULfill OUr pURpoSe."
Hearing that felt like cold water poured on him. The red Dragon lowered his head slowly and closed his red eyes. He felt like roaring out his sorrow. This moment was profound for him. He had been waiting Eons for this confirmation. And all his hopes had been crushed.
But the Entity from Eternity spoke again. "I...coMpenSAted...with a FragmENt..."
"...!!" The Crimson Dragon snapped open his eyes and perked his ears again. He realized he was alive until now because he had given him a fighting chance for free. Although the future wasn't his to claim anymore. He was but an observer now. But it was his choice that his Copy carried out his reponsibilities and desires. It was time he accepted that and did what he could.
His mouth quivered opening, jaws suspended for a moment before finally uttering words. "...T-thank you..."
But only static sounded in reply. "..." The Entity had said enough and left.
A second later, the red Dragon vanished as well, leaving charred paw-prints and the air disturbed for a moment.
The Dragon parents returned to guard the Nest in a hurry but saw no Beast. Probed but sensed nothing. Sniffed but smelled nothing. Only dark paw prints remained.
"...What was that about?" The Red Dragon wondered out loud.
"...Probably some bored Immortal from SpineCliff City messing with us." The Dragoness replied with a possible assumption.
The Red Dragon shook his head in disapproval and probed the eggs. "Hey, Mate, check this out! This one is in a hurry to be born." He beckoned and pointed with his snout.
"Oh! You are right... Aren't we the best?"
"Yeah! I can't wait to see what hatches..."
The Dragon parents contemplated as subatomic Spirit tendrils emerged from the Fragment and tangled with the Ambient Mana to form Lifeforce which bound the Soul to the organic material in the soon-to-be scaly head.
-Inside The New Fragment - 3RD POV-
The consciousness of the Original James was activated by the Fragment interface to prompt choices. The messages appeared like red English letters within a dark field of vision, similar to what he experienced before with the Guardian.
[Warning! Memories will be temporarily restricted due to the target's body limitations]
Uuhh... James groaned, like waking up from a long dream. This darkness felt worse than the previous one, but at least it had some red light that gradually came into focus. !!... W-what is this?? Some interface? I'm actually going to be Reborn? Awesome!! He blurted in excitement at the prospect of his second life. But soon after, he recalled his most recent memories and became doubtful. Wait, am I the Copy or the Original James? I don't feel any different. But I seem to have the Fragment, so I must be the Copy, right? Uuh~Nice! He concluded mistakenly and switched his attention to the meaning of the red letters. Oh, it looks like I will get to remember my Human Life too... The enthusiastic Man determined before the text changed.
[Warning! Creating Categories... Select one to start: Languages. Philosophy. Motor Functions. Recreation. Science. Survival Skills...]
Woah?! Is this...my entire life categorized? That's amazing. James reviewed in awe but quickly noticed the downside. But I can only start with a portion at birth?! ... Well, that sucks. I don't even see a personality option. Figures. Memories aren't computer files. My human personality will probably be shattered, and fragmented knowledge will be hard to understand. Hmm... But it could still help, somehow...I hope. If not, then I'll just get the 'Full Life Experience!' He concluded with positivity before wondering if there was more information to prioritize what to remember first.
As a response, the imaginary text changed again, displaying a long list with subcategories.
[Warning! Displaying classifications...]
Wow... That's a lot... James retorted and began reading. A moment later, he finished and retorted again. Waste of time... How useful will Science knowledge even be without the Language option to understand it?! ... Forget it. I'll remember everything after growing up anyway. Let little James have fun! Though Entertainment cannot be underestimated. It should be Educational enough to help in a fantasy World. Yep, it's decided. 'Recreation' it is. He analyzed carefully and then selected an option mentally.
[Warning! Due to the target's body limitations. Memories will be limited to >Recreation<]
Nice! I can't wait to explore everything this World has to offer... I hope my parents and siblings are Dragons-- The Human Soul hoped strongly, unable to contain his excitement, before his consciousness plunged into darkness as if a switch had been flipped.
-Private Pocket Dimension - 3RD POV-
After making sure that none of the Fragments under his care were dying any time soon, the Guardian turned his awareness to the one inside his Private Space and dragged it into an occupied dimensional corridor leading to the First World Stage for the first three Personalities.
...
-First Stage World ??? - Arundo-
The Fragment left the tiny exit fixed on a spot 4 Km above the Ocean of the enormous semicircular Bay on the Southern part of Arundo Continent and stayed within a gathering Spiritual mass. The Guardian's intent trapped particles in the air, and reformed his Ethereal Humanoid figure partially solidified. *WoooOSHH~* The Wind blew past him strongly within the dark swirling clouds. He immediately looked around, thinking that his transparent body had been seen and treated as an invader.
However, it was just bad weather. Above the raging clouds here, the Sun shone brightly at around Midday. This aerial space was actually a good spot to appear. Although many Immortals lived in Cities all around at probe's distance, this place was off-limits by mutual agreement. And even if Demigods could detect his Wormhole, this place had other Spatial instabilities to mask it. Of course, there was a reason for that.
This 8000 Km wide continental hole severing two Mountain Ranges, a great Desert, Plains and Ocean Floor as if it was done by Laser was no natural occurrence. This missing Earthly Disk was the work of a Deity 3 million years ago when they imposed a Law against Genocide and Extermination of entire Species upon the immortals at the time with the promise to return it with untold riches and Magic resources 3 million years later. As such, dozens of big cities and many towns formed around it, even underwater where they await the approaching date.
That Event would likely affect the Fragments. The Guardian thought before sending his Spirit to find a Dragon Egg. *WooOOM~!* The invisible Veil of Spiritual strands descended on the world like a waterfall, expanded outwards to hundreds of meters while moving several times the speed of sound. It reached the water surface and expanded outwards like a Tsunami in all directions, growing, thinning, and accelerating without disturbing the Air or Water. *ZuooOOM~!* In seconds, the 17 093 Kilometer wide globe was covered by the Guardian's probe. And what he did next, would overwhelm a human mind and even Super Computers.
With an enormous processing speed, the Guardian became briefly aware of most living things from Bugs to Behemoths. He even felt the emotions of many different creatures fighting, feeding, and dying... This World was far more dangerous and unpredictable. There were even far more Souls departing than Earth. Although there were also many creatures living peaceful lives, worshipping, making love, laying eggs, and more Births with Souls coming into the World. Souls stronger than those on Earth. Souls in Beasts much bigger than People's. Souls were everything here!
In this World where Memories from the Past could have more influence, Maegikal Energies interfered with Biological Processes and correlated Spiritual intensity with a longer Lifespan. So much so, that the Age of organisms that are similar to Earth's do not always match an Earthly appearance nor size. And since the Years of this World were nearly 3 months longer than Earth's, People could have much younger appearances and younger Age, but older Mental Age compared to Earthlings. On contrast, elderly-looking people were rarer.
The Guardian also sensed the other Soul Shards of the Fragment and a Spiritual Tag to the West of the new active Fragment.
James... That's where you desired to be born? In a place lacking Magic resources... He contemplated with a bit of disappointment before moving his awareness to the SpineCliff City on the Southern tip of the BackSpine mountain Range, next to the miles-high smooth and slightly curved cliff. Well, this City has mixed types of Immortals that look quite friendly... If he so chooses, he could find a Teacher here to help him. And the knowledge from Earth will help him evolve fast Spiritually. He asserted feeling more relieved. Live well, First James. Let your burdens be carried by your Copy... He thought, like a Father sending his child to the World, and moved his attention away.
Let's see... Dragons with resources and far away from humans... The Guardian took mental notes before sorting through the information. He then tested the DNA of several Dragon Egg candidates within the Oceans, underground, and high up in mountains. There! He had found a Highly compatible in Southern Telum Continent that was promising. The Guardian dismissed his fake body again and recalled back his Spirit. Not only this was taxing, but also uncomfortable, even if he was used to the myriad of these sensations.
*WooOOM!* The mass of Spirit retracted from the entire World and converged at the origin point while leaving strands connected to different locations. *Zuu~* The Guardian transported the Fragment to the skies on the Southern part of Telum Continent at high velocity and seconds later, it paused in the clouds above an Urban Area with buildings and towers of different shapes and sizes. This was the Home of thousands of Dragons, ranging from small sizes to tens of meters tall on all fours. An oversized City situated between the Volcanic tips of two Mountain Ranges, a long Desert to the West reaching the Ocean, and a big Lake to the East. It was now Sundown here. The circular City reaching over a hundred kilometers wide was divided into Seven equal Slices occupied by Seven major Clans with their Elemental Affinities corresponding to nearby Element natural sources. In the middle, a large Plaza served as a meeting place and Battle Arena, and underneath, deep within the ground, was a permanent dimensional Rift where Maena Energies poured out and permeated the surroundings. Veins like these are one of the World's greatest treasures, fought over since Ancient Times.
The Guardian suddenly remembered a Spiritual Tag on the Darkness Clan from the long stream of information. Hoh? There's someone from his Past in this city already! Mhn. Good for you, James.
*ZOoom!* The Guardian descended on the Western side of the City, quickly reaching the Terrace in the Wind Clan territory leading up to a short Tower 50 meters wide with a Domed roof reaching 25 meters high next to the Central Plaza. It only had an arched entrance facing West, reaching 18 meters tall and 10 wide. But it was currently blocked by rows of bright green scales up to half a meter in size. This was the back of a 15-meter tall Divine Dragoness with a massive Soul lying by the entrance. An immortal on the 7th Rank of the First Materialized Soul Stage. They were already Spiritual Beings that could survive the destruction of their physical bodies.
The Mass of Spirit squeezed through the gaps sneakily and moved to the center. Here, there was a sparkling meter-long pale green Egg recently laid surrounded a couple of stones equally as big.
Suddenly, the resting scaly creature sensed the disturbance in the air and snapped her eyes open, her green pupil turning into half-meter-long slits. "...!!" The Dragoness thought there was an uninvited guest and sent out her Spirit while lifting her truck-sized head.
The Guardian halted. Hoh?! Did you notice me? Most impressive for a little Divine... He mused with praise.
*Swiss~ Swish!* The Magical Beast looked left and right, up and down, but could not see or detect anything. Her instincts told her there was something wrong, however. She glared at the rocky nest in the middle and opened her maw with fangs reaching foot-long before sucking in air. *HooOF~!* A second later, she stopped, holding highly compressed air in her lungs.
Oh? He noticed the incoming attack and curiously turned his attention to the scaly Beast.
The Dragoness let out a hot breath in the hundreds of degrees celsius towards the egg in the middle. *FwooOSH!* Three seconds later, the breath ended and hot swirls died down within the room. The Egg had dried out but was unharmed. The stones around the egg glowed slightly orange for a moment and started to cool down as they provided warmth to accelerate the egg's development naturally. The Magical Beast doubted her senses, but remained vigilant, glaring fiercely at the nest.
The hidden mass of Spirit was unfazed. It only had to stop the Fragment from flying away and being detected. Rather, he was pleased after inspecting her. Mhn. This Bloodline must have been refined by a Demigod... Perhaps it's the Clan Founder down below. And this location...seems to be quite high in the Clan's hierarchy... This is a tremendous advantage... The Guardian determined gleefully. But there were downsides. Although these are Wind Dragons with Wind-oriented Bloodline... 'Wind' isn't exactly James' favorite Element. Hm... And Elemental Affinity is for Life. Hm... Well, he should at least have a good Affinity for it. I hope he doesn't waste what he's been given, again. He concluded feeling a little anxious and released the Fragment into the large egg. There, a good starting help. Evolve well, James. And you owe me a favor! The highly evolved entity affirmed and retracted his Spirit, back to his private space.
-Inside The Original Fragment - 3RD POV-
The consciousness of the new James was activated for the first time by the Fragment interface to prompt choices and flashed slowly in red English letters within pitch darkness.
[Warning! Memories will be temporarily restricted due to the target's body limitations]
Uuhh... James groaned, the gaze of his awareness dissipating. ...Huh!? What happened?? He wondered, confused before sorting through his memories. I'm actually going to be Reborn? Awesome!! He blurted in excitement at the prospect of his second life before quickly recalling the most recent memories. Wait, am I the Copy or the Original James? Hmm... Guardians can't interfere without my consent anymore, so this Message must be the Fragment's interface. And my memories feel fresh as if I'm remembering things for the first time... I'm the Copy, huh? He determined, feeling uncomfortable and conflicted. Well, that sucks... I have all the responsibility to preserve our existence now while the original me is--is...somewhere... Hmm... He might not even reincarnate for a while...
After pondering for a moment, James let out a mental sigh. Haahh... It can't be helped. I'm the most qualified to bear this burden... He resigned himself to his fate and turned his attention to the red message. Show me my options.
[Warning! Creating categories... Select one to Start: Language. Philosophy. Motor Functions. Recreation. Science. Survival Skills...]
Daamn... It sorted all my memories in an instant! I want that CPU... James reviewed in awe but quickly noticed the downside. But why the hell do I have to choose only one portion? Am I going to be born as a Garden lizard? And all this fragmented knowledge will be messy for sure. How are these categories even defined when memories are ever-changing connections anyway? He retorted, feeling restricted, and deliberated further. Hmm... But memories have abstract knowledge too, so these options will help. But I need more information...
As if requested, the imaginary text displayed a long list of subcategories trees within a sphere.
[Warning! Displaying classifications...]
...!! Dayum... That's impressive... This is...my whole Lifetime... And these networks will be installed like that... I want to remember this after birth... James admired the reincarnation process with boundless curiosity. But it was time to decide. Hmm... Recreation is really tempting... But...Science is the Priority for Magic. I'll have fun after recovering my Human personality. He decided, then selected the memory portion.
[Warning! Due to the target's body limitations. Memories will be limited to >Science<]
Nice! All that's left is to usurp a Dragon's egg... I hope it's a strong one... He wished strongly with uncontained excitement about the new experiences that this world had to offer. Soon after, his consciousness plunged into darkness.
...