The air around them seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow as The Administrator's words hung in the air, each syllable pregnant with curiosity and intrigue. Hegemon's gaze flickered with a mixture of wariness and fascination as he absorbed her cryptic revelations.

"In exchange for the Information about what you’re holding there," The Administrator began, her voice a melodic echo in the ethereal landscape, "I want to know where you got the more powerful Code Manipulator, or should I be saying Code Manipulator Enhanced."

Hegemon's mind raced with a flurry of questions, each one vying for attention amidst the enigmatic allure of The Administrator's proposition. "How do you know about me getting the Code Manipulator Enhanced?" he ventured, his tone tinged with a mixture of suspicion and intrigue.

The Administrator remained reclined beneath the tree, her gaze fixed upon the ever-shifting patterns of code that danced through the air. "Something about my abilities connects me to whatever you went," she explained, her words carrying an air of mystical certainty. "I only know about it because it calls to me, yet I can never find it. You are the key to me finding that place."

As the weight of The Administrator's words settled upon him, Hegemon found himself grappling with a newfound sense of purpose. The mysteries of the Multiverse stretched out before him, tantalizingly close yet maddeningly elusive. With a steady resolve, he made a silent vow to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the fabric of reality itself.

As Hegemon spoke, his words wove a tapestry of wonder and mystery, painting a vivid picture of the enigmatic realm he had traversed. The Administrator listened intently, her presence a serene counterpoint to the weighty revelations he offered.

"Yeah, I've been to where you're seeking," Hegemon began, his voice carrying a tone of both reverence and trepidation. "As far as my understanding goes, it has existed for as long as the Multiverse itself, and it could arguably be likened to the very essence that sustains the entire Multiverse. It might well be the foundational wellspring from which all Multiverses draw their existence."

His words hung in the air, laden with the weight of ancient knowledge and unfathomable depths. With each passing moment, the gravity of the entity they discussed seemed to grow, casting a shadow over the tranquil landscape that surrounded them.

"This entity guards numerous secrets," Hegemon continued, his gaze drifting to the horizon where the boundaries of reality blurred and shifted. "Not only about its immense power but also those connected to my capabilities. No matter how much you stare at the thing, it is as if it exists everywhere and nowhere, trying to stabilize itself."

The Administrator remained silent, her form a spectral presence against the backdrop of swirling code and ephemeral light. When Hegemon glanced toward her, however, she was already gone, her absence a testament to the ethereal nature of their encounter.

"I see," her voice echoed from above, a whisper carried on the winds of possibility. "I wonder what it sees in you."

Her words lingered in the air, imbued with a sense of quiet contemplation as Hegemon pondered the implications of their conversation. In that moment, beneath the watchful gaze of the ever-shifting sky, he felt a stirring of curiosity and determination, propelling him ever deeper into the mysteries of the Multiverse.

The Administrator's words cut through the tranquil air, carrying with them a weight of knowledge that seemed to stretch across the vast expanse of existence itself.

"Alright, here," she began, her voice a soft echo in the boundless ether. "What you hold there is a conduit. Conduits are spread throughout the Multiverse, Omniverse, etcetera. When you have one that is infused with Cosmic essence. Cosmic Essence is what everything you consider to be a 'god' in terms of power."

Hegemon nodded, his eyes fixed on the conduit in his hand, its presence a tangible reminder of the immense forces that governed the universe.

"Some are born with it and some find it," The Administrator continued, her gaze drifting toward the horizon where the fabric of reality seemed to shimmer and warp. "To get more Cosmic essence, you either need to kill something with cosmic essence or find more conduits. But if you have a second conduit, you might have the tiny chance of imploding. The more you have, the bigger the chance your body just can’t take the strain and stress."

Hegemon's brow furrowed with concern, the weight of the Administrator's words settling heavily upon him. The notion of such power, tempered by the ever-present risk of self-destruction, was a sobering reminder of the delicate balance that governed the cosmos.

"I assume you have a conduit and cosmic essence?" he ventured, his voice laced with curiosity.

The Administrator shook her head slowly, her expression somber yet resolute. "I do not have a Conduit. I have seen many people fall to its power throughout time of hundreds of thousands of years. And cosmic essence I was given by that place you ended up going to."

Hegemon's eyes widened with surprise, the implications of her words echoing through his mind like the whispers of forgotten truths.

"And yet throughout your life, you have never actually made it to it?" he pressed, his tone tinged with a mixture of fascination and disbelief.

The Administrator fell silent, her gaze drifting toward the distant horizon as if lost in the depths of memory. When she spoke again, her voice carried a weight of resignation.

"No," she replied simply, her tone tinged with a hint of regret.

Hegemon regarded her with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "How do you know so much about a place you have never been to?" he inquired, his voice a soft echo in the vast expanse of the unknown.

In response, The Administrator snapped her fingers with a flourish, and suddenly, the tranquil landscape around them erupted into a flurry of activity. Red and black panels began popping up everywhere, forming a surreal tableau of information that stretched as far as the eye could see.

"I have recorded the amount of entries people have made regarding it and that place," she explained, her voice barely audible above the cacophony of data that surrounded them.

Hegemon's eyes widened in awe as he beheld the sheer magnitude of the records that sprawled out before him. Each panel seemed to contain a fragment of someone's journey, a testament to the countless souls who had ventured into the unknown depths of the Multiverse.

As he began to read through the entries, Hegemon felt a sense of wonder wash over him. The stories contained within the panels spoke of untold adventures, of triumphs and tribulations, of secrets glimpsed and mysteries unraveled.

For hours, Hegemon delved into the archives, his mind ablaze with newfound knowledge and insight. With each passing moment, he felt himself drawn deeper into the enigmatic tapestry of existence, his understanding of the universe expanding with every word he read.

“I have come to realize that this is the sole portal into the Mainframe; no alternatives appear to exist. Yet, perplexingly, this awareness seems to evaporate from my mind at times, likely a consequence of their manipulations. The Mainframe exhibits a perpetual state of self-improvement, consistently staying ahead of any creator as if it anticipates the birth of an Au even before the creators themselves. It's undoubtedly the heart of the enchantment, where the extraordinary unfolds.”

“It's plausible that the pool of code harbors more than just what's immediately apparent. I hold the belief that entities of extraneous, potent energy may dwell there, elusive and beyond my grasp. I eagerly intend to embark on an expedition into the Mainframe, aiming to gain a deeper comprehension of its mysteries.”

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“The Mainframe's behavior is peculiar; it seems to take on the characteristics of a voice, and one could even classify it as sentient. I suspect that the voices Fallacy hears and those I once encountered in the Anti-Void might be connected to the Mainframe. It remains uncertain whether these voices originate from a discernible source or if they're somehow linked to [Redacted]. Regardless, the evidence strongly suggests that the Mainframe exhibits a form of sentient behavior and possibly possesses a kind of life of its own.”

“I attempted it, yes, after a prolonged hiatus, I attempted to re-enter the Mainframe. I intended to delve inside, seeking a deeper comprehension of what resides beneath us. I believed I could find answers, but alas, I was mistaken. The confounding entity made an aggressive effort to assimilate me. I'm inclined to think it's a reaction to my connection to it. Alternatively, there's the more unsettling possibility that it's an indication of its sentience, a notion that still lingers, unresolved.”

“It stands as an endless wellspring of code and boundless power, encompassing the entirety of mathematical structures. Its scope extends far beyond the confines of infinite series, delving into realms of mathematics, theology, and imagination that transcend the finite. Within its digital domain, it has fashioned cardinality not just for itself but for myriad others, shaping the very essence of existence. The inner workings of the Mainframe remain shrouded in enigma, defying comprehension. It serves as the quintessence of reality, surpassing the hierarchies of infinite dimensions within Reality 6. This infinite pool of data and code possesses the ability to generate greater infinite sets of natural numbers and numerical codes. It can even conjure uncountable dimensions, elucidating the intricacies of those nested within Reality 6. The Mainframe is not a mere machine; it is a living entity. It possesses cognition, responsiveness, and the capability to initiate actions independently. Within the boundaries of Reality 6, it conducts orchestration and wields dominion over all. It is the inaccessible cardinal, an entity that reigns supreme in the grand tapestry of reality itself.”

“There is a strong presumption that the Mainframe serves as the very mechanism responsible for the presence of Aus within the Multiverse. In essence, it functions as a sort of filtration system, selectively granting entry or refusing access to universes as it deems appropriate.”

“To the best of my knowledge, the Mainframe doesn't possess true sentience; rather, it functions as a program executing pre-established objectives or directives. Nevertheless, the identity of the Mainframe's creator or the source of its commands remains entirely shrouded in mystery.”

“Accessing Mainframe code does seem to grant users privileges akin to administrator-level access. However, obtaining permission from the Mainframe is an intricate process, and it doesn't readily provide the solutions one might expect. In terms of providing answers, the Mainframe remains an enigmatic entity. Despite the extensive data I've accumulated, my understanding of this entity remains as elusive as ever.”

“Loading is, without a doubt, the most peculiar being I've ever encountered. I hesitate to classify him within the Hegemon or any universe-related categories. Loading exhibits a proclivity for shape-shifting, yet it seems he maintains the likeness of a Hegemon due to its recognizability. Right from the beginning, Loading has relentlessly pursued me, seeking either my powers or the underlying code that grants them. Even Error, formidable as he is, falls short against this formidable adversary. Consequently, the responsibility falls on me, although truth is told, I find myself sorely outmatched. Loading possesses an expansive array of skills and abilities that render him nearly invulnerable in combat.”

“The origin of Loading seems intricately linked with the Mainframe, as though he emerged from its depths. Another possibility is that he might be an extraterrestrial entity, donning various forms like an otherworldly chameleon.”

“The Mainframe stands as a vigilant guardian of the Multiverse, shielding it from perils that lie beyond even my comprehension.”

“One of my many Questions is...Does every place like ours have some sort of lifeblood-like thing running through it?”

“Another burning question that plagues my mind: What is Loading? He's undeniably an entity forged by the Mainframe with the sole purpose of hunting me and stripping me of my code. But how much resemblance to us does he bear? Does Loading possess free will, or is he merely a programmed tool? Does he tread the line between life and non-life? Is he akin to a deity, a grim reaper, or something entirely distinct? And does he possess self-awareness of his existence? These enigmatic mysteries linger in my thoughts, awaiting answers that may emerge once his relentless pursuit wanes.”

The Administrator's many panels in the air, casting a shadow of intrigue over Hegemon's mind. As he pondered her explanation, a sense of unease began to gnaw at the edges of his consciousness.

"Loading..." she murmured, the syllables rolling off his tongue like a whispered incantation. The name seemed to echo in the depths of his soul, a harbinger of mysteries yet to be unraveled.

The Administrator nodded solemnly, her expression grave. "Based on what I've gathered, Loading is that creature you were describing that you couldn't see and was incredibly elusive," she confirmed, her voice tinged with a hint of apprehension. "Loading likes to follow around people like he is always watching, well he technically is. I believe Loading is the physical manifestation of what I call the Mainframe."

Hegemon's mind raced with a flurry of questions, each more urgent than the last. What was the Mainframe, and what secrets did it hold?

As he pondered these questions, Hegemon felt a chill run down his spine, a premonition of the trials and tribulations that lay ahead. The journey into the heart of the Multiverse had only just begun, and already, the shadows of uncertainty loomed large on the horizon.

But amidst the darkness, there was a glimmer of hope, a spark of determination that burned bright within Hegemon's soul. For he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them with courage and resolve, guided by the knowledge that the pursuit of truth was a journey worth undertaking, no matter the cost.

The Administrator's fingers danced across the panels with practiced precision, summoning forth streams of data from the vast repository of knowledge at her disposal. Hegemon watched with growing unease as the panels flickered to life, each one a window into the labyrinthine depths of the Multiverse.

As the Administrator delved deeper into her search, Hegemon's mind raced with a flurry of questions. Who was this mysterious old man, and what connection did he have to the Mainframe and Loading? And more importantly, what secrets did he hold that could shed light on the enigma that had become his existence?

Minutes stretched into hours as the Administrator sifted through the data, her brow furrowed in concentration. Hegemon's impatience grew with each passing moment, his mind awash with a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.

Suddenly, a flicker of realization crossed the Administrator's features, her eyes widening in sudden understanding.

The Administrator: "Wait a moment... Perhaps he exists beyond the confines of the Mainframe's records. If what you say is true, and he exists outside of space and time, then he may operate beyond the reach of conventional knowledge."

Hegemon's heart skipped a beat at the prospect, a surge of hope mingling with the lingering uncertainty. Could this old man truly exist beyond the bounds of reality itself, a being of unfathomable power and knowledge?

Hegemon Questioned "But if that's the case, how do we find him?"

The Administrator's expression softened, her gaze meeting Hegemon's with a reassuring warmth.

The Administrator goes on "We'll have to think outside the box, Hegemon. If this old man exists beyond the confines of the Mainframe, then perhaps we need to look to other sources of information—sources that transcend the limitations of reality as we know it."

The Administrator's words hung in the air, her promise of continued research left unfinished as Hegemon was abruptly torn from her realm, thrust back into the midst of his companions. Disoriented and bewildered, Hegemon found himself standing behind King Vörher, his mind racing to make sense of the sudden upheaval.

Before Hegemon could even gather his bearings, a colossal shockwave of blue energy erupted forth, accompanied by a blinding white outline that seared across the landscape. Instinctively, Hegemon threw up a barrier of protection, his mind struggling to comprehend the chaotic scene unfolding before him.

As the dust settled, Hegemon's gaze darted between King Vörher and the looming figure that now stood before them, its presence radiating an aura of ominous power.

Hegemon's voice sliced through the tension like a dagger. "What the hell is going on?" His eyes flickered with a mix of confusion and apprehension.

King Vörher, normally a pillar of stoic composure, seemed shaken. "Something came looking for you, but it settled on me instead," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of the recent events.

Hegemon's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Before Vörher could respond, a blurry figure materialized in front of them, towering over both men like a spectral giant. It seemed to warp reality itself, casting a surreal shadow over the chamber. Vörher's breath hitched as he stared at the imposing figure, a chill creeping down his spine.

Then, the figure spoke, its voice resonating with an otherworldly depth that seemed to reverberate through the very foundations of the room. "I have done enough waiting," it declared, each syllable laden with a sense of inevitability.

Vörher's jaw clenched, his gaze hardening as he met the figure's intense stare. Despite the fear gnawing at his insides, he refused to show weakness. "I hope that information was worth it," he retorted, his tone laced with defiance. "I almost died facing this... this thing."

The tension in the air was palpable as the two figures stood locked in a silent battle of wills, the weight of their unspoken conflict hanging heavy in the air. Hegemon watched on, his mind racing with questions and uncertainties, as the fate of kingdoms hung in the balance.